Most of the people surrounding Jerry and his friends on the streets were undoubtedly soldiers from this kingdom's military forces. However, there were also several suspicious characters mixed within their ranks. Jerry's analysis suggested that most of these infiltrators were likely members of the World Government's CP organization.
Listening to the artillery fire and gunshots echoing from the distance, Jerry couldn't determine whether these World Government operatives had come specifically to track his crew, target the Revolutionary Army, or accomplish both objectives simultaneously.
Jerry suspected the current situation had developed when CP organization intelligence gathering had detected their arrival in South Blue, prompting increased surveillance operations. Then, by coincidence, these same agents had discovered evidence of Revolutionary Army activities, leading to today's coordinated assault by the kingdom's royal forces—catching the Revolutionary Army operatives completely off-guard.
The fierce fighting now taking place just a few blocks away seemed to result from the Revolutionary Army's standard strategy of developing power through covert operations. Generally, the Revolutionary Army preferred working behind the scenes, quietly guiding oppressed populations while inspiring and assisting them in overthrowing tyrannical regimes.
Army commanders rarely appeared directly in open combat unless facing final decisive moments or having no alternative options. After all, Revolutionary Army leadership carried substantial bounties and represented primary targets for World Government elimination. If they exposed themselves carelessly, government forces would mobilize to eliminate them before any significant resistance could develop.
Jerry swept the area with his Observation Haki, quickly identifying which individuals were ordinary royal troops versus CP organization members based on their combat abilities and fragments of surface thoughts his power could detect.
"Hey there, Cavendish—come over here," Jerry called to Cavendish with a casual wave. "I'll give you an opportunity to show off your skills."
"Here I come!" Cavendish appeared beside Jerry in a flash of movement.
He felt secretly pleased with himself. As expected from my devoted admirer! No matter what the situation, he never forgets to compliment my beauty! Let me see what my loyal fan requires.
Jerry glanced at Cavendish and thought to himself: Way too easy to manipulate.
"That one, that one, and that one..." Jerry extended his hand and rapidly pointed at roughly a dozen CP members scattered throughout the crowd who were acting convincingly enough that they believed they had perfectly integrated with the regular military forces. "Give each of them a few lightning bolts as a reward for their performance."
"Oh no! Run for it!" Those who had been identified felt their hearts skip beats and cold chills run down their spines. They shouted in panic while attempting to flee.
"Easy enough!" Cavendish nodded slightly, then locked onto each target Jerry had designated. His index fingers pointed skyward like conducting batons as electricity began crackling around them. "This young master shall punish you in the name of thunder and lightning!"
As he shouted dramatically, thunder rumbled and screams rang out across the street. Brilliant lightning bolts struck with devastating precision, and every World Government agent Jerry had identified was knocked unconscious by multiple electrical strikes within seconds.
The deafening thunder hadn't yet faded when many weak-willed members of the surrounding royal army dropped their weapons in terror without realizing it.
"What... what kind of monsters are these?!"
"Are they even human?!"
"Damn it! Who gave the order to arrest them anyway?!"
"It was... it was the captain. But he just got struck by lightning..."
Panicked discussions continued spreading through the crowd, and when someone shouted about retreating, the entire scene descended into chaos.
This country had endured many years of tyrannical rule. While some individuals within the military possessed genuine combat abilities, most soldiers were incompetent personnel who had obtained their positions through connections rather than merit.
Normally, they could easily handle civilians who either couldn't or didn't dare resist their authority. However, when confronted by overwhelmingly powerful opponents, their true cowardly nature was immediately exposed.
If they hadn't achieved several recent victories against newly recruited Revolutionary Army civilians—wins that had only been possible with secret CP assistance—most of these soldiers would have fled long ago.
However, just as the royal army was falling into complete disarray, a civilian armed force appeared in the distance. Unlike the uniforms and standardized weapons of the kingdom's forces, these people wore ordinary clothes and carried whatever they could find—some held guns while others gripped farming tools like shovels and hoes. Despite their improvised equipment, every face displayed expressions of absolute determination.
Seeing that the two opposing forces were about to clash in what would inevitably become a fierce battle, Jerry sighed deeply. He glanced toward where Kid and Killer had disappeared, then whispered to Cavendish: "Time for us to leave."
"Right," Cavendish nodded and turned to follow Jerry's lead.
Jerry felt it was better not to interfere in this type of conflict. He wasn't a revolutionary, nor was he some prophesied liberator. Moreover, he was currently wanted for assaulting Celestial Dragons and under close World Government surveillance. If he rashly involved himself in civil warfare, it might actually harm the country he was trying to help.
Jerry's retreat suddenly stopped, causing Cavendish—who had been lost in his own narcissistic fantasies—to nearly collide with him.
"Excuse me, Leviathan Jerry," Lindbergh called out from a narrow alley, greeting them with a friendly smile.
"Hello there. Are you from the Mink Tribe?" Jerry looked at Lindbergh, who stood roughly the same height as Carrot, and shook his head slightly. "Carrot would probably be delighted to meet a fellow furry person in foreign lands, but unfortunately she's not here right now..."
"Carrot? I know about her—the little rabbit girl on your ship, correct?" Lindbergh obviously possessed detailed intelligence about the Black Star Pirates.
He stood up straighter and continued: "I'm sure you've already guessed my identity. I'm Lindbergh, South Army Commander of the Revolutionary Army. On behalf of our leader, I'd like to extend greetings and ask whether you might be interested in joining our cause."
"If you're willing to join us, we can offer certain compensations and help conceal your whereabouts from government surveillance."
The incident in Alabasta had generated considerable controversy, and the Revolutionary Army had naturally paid close attention. Combined with evidence from the Gran Tesoro incident, they felt confident asserting that Jerry had been responsible for both operations.
The Revolutionary Army wasn't hesitant about showing goodwill toward enemies of the World Government and Celestial Dragons.
"I appreciate your kind offer, and please give my regards to your leader," Jerry replied politely while shaking his head. "However, I must decline. I'm accustomed to a free and easy lifestyle and have no intention of joining any organization."
Jerry could certainly agree with the Revolutionary Army's ideals, but their operational methods were far from compatible with his personal preferences. Moreover, given his fundamentally lazy personality, while he could occasionally handle serious responsibilities, he was absolutely unwilling to commit long-term to the type of daily dedication the Revolutionary Army required.
The Revolutionary Army had apparently anticipated this response. They didn't attempt to pressure him or offer any ultimatums about becoming enemies if he refused cooperation.
"Alright, I understand," Lindbergh nodded respectfully. "Regardless, we consider you a friend rather than an enemy. Thank you for arriving here and drawing the attention of World Government intelligence personnel."
"Although some of our people's locations were exposed because of the increased surveillance, our operation this time could still be considered a blessing in disguise..."
Before he could finish his explanation, Jerry raised his hand dismissively. "Haha, don't thank me for anything. I haven't actually done anything except eat a few large bowls of noodles. Curry udon noodles, to be specific."
Seeing Jerry's casual attitude, Lindbergh smiled knowingly. The two sides exchanged a few more polite words before saying goodbye and parting ways on friendly terms.
As they approached the port area, Jerry noticed numerous unconscious figures scattered along their route and immediately understood what had happened.
"They encountered the fighting too, but judging by the condition of these people, our crew handled the situation successfully," Jerry observed to Cavendish as they surveyed the aftermath.
Jerry and Cavendish exchanged a look of mutual understanding before quickening their pace toward the harbor, eager to reunite with their crewmates and depart this increasingly chaotic island before the civil conflict could escalate further.