Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari
----------
Bidding auction venue.
Crocodile raised his number card.
"Number 8 bids 1.8 billion Berry!"
"Anyone else for a higher price?"
"Sold!"
Just as the atmosphere was at its hottest, a commotion broke out in the castle.
"The slaves escaped!"
The room where the Cozia Kingdom nobles were held was attacked. By the time the guards discovered it, the nobles were long gone.
The entire castle fell into chaos.
"That idiot!"
Law hid in the room, peering through the narrow door and window at the corridor, which was filled with pirates searching for the captives.
Exposed!
After discovering the room where the hostages were held, the Marine Koby quickly knocked out the guards and released the hostages.
But he still hadn't found his companions!
Koby's unauthorized action made his subsequent actions ten times more troublesome. Let alone rescuing people, it would be lucky if he wasn't discovered.
"Room!"
Law's face was tense, and he activated Room to envelop the entire castle. The situation was urgent—even if he was discovered, he had to find his companions as quickly as possible.
"Scan!"
Observation Haki, combined with his ability, scanned every life in the castle, and he quickly found the location of his companions.
"Shambles—"
"The aura has changed!"
Law was about to transfer his companions when he found that the aura at their location was chaotic, preventing him from locking onto their specific position.
Clearly, the enemy had discovered him!
Reception room.
Daichi released Haki, disrupting the aura of the entire room. He could feel something passing through him just now.
It must be the Ope Ope no Mi's spatial ability.
"Quite an interesting ability."
Daichi smiled, temporarily ignoring the Heart Pirates, and walked toward the three Marines, his gaze falling on the woman in the middle.
"Kujaku, we meet again."
"Damn it!"
Kujaku gritted her teeth, involuntarily clenching her legs, and the scene of being interrogated back then flashed through her mind. Her face flushed with humiliation.
"You're so cold. I thought you'd miss me."
Daichi smiled.
He had quite a deep impression of Kujaku. They had spent a wonderful night on the second floor of a certain tavern back then.
Most importantly, this girl was the granddaughter of Marine Staff Officer Tsuru.
"It seems there's some trouble outside. I suppose your companions are trying to rescue you, but unfortunately, you've fallen into my hands."
Daichi snapped his fingers.
"Kikara, put collars on them."
"Yes, sir!"
Kikara took out metal collars and fastened them around the necks of Kujaku and the other two.
"These things have the same effect as slave collars. If you escape too far, the collar will explode."
"By the way, these also contain Seastone, which can suppress abilities, but won't weaken your stamina too much. Quite ingenious, isn't it?"
"Don't worry, I won't kill you, nor will I treat you as slaves."
Daichi chuckled. "To be honest, I quite like you, just like your SWORD leader Drake."
"Drake!"
The faces of the three changed simultaneously.
During the war at Reverse Mountain, they had fiercely fought Drake. Faced with their questions, Drake never responded from beginning to end.
They had a premonition then, and now, hearing Daichi's words, they could confirm that Drake had betrayed the Marines.
Kujaku refused to believe it.
"Why would Captain betray us?!"
"Why?"
Daichi replied playfully. "Because the Hoenn government I established is more just than the hypocritical Marines!"
"The Hoenn government upholds justice and protects the interests of the majority, while your Marines are merely a tool for the Celestial Dragons to maintain their rule. What right do you have to be compared with us?"
"Are you satisfied with this answer?"
The three looked ashen, unable to refute.
They were well aware of the Marines' corruption, and one reason they joined SWORD was to change the Marines.
Kujaku's voice was hoarse.
"The Marines also have justice!"
"Kujaku, you look quite cute when you're deceiving yourself."
Daichi chuckled and reached out to pinch the woman's chin, shaking it left and right, appearing quite frivolous.
Kujaku's face flushed with shame, but her hands and feet were tied, making it impossible to resist. In a fit of anger, she bit down.
"Ow!"
"Hmm?"
Daichi looked at his bitten hand, a black line across his forehead.
Is she a dog? Does she like to bite people?
"I haven't washed my hands yet."
"Ptooey!"
Kujaku quickly let go, spitting repeatedly.
"Jiehahahaha!"
Daichi burst into laughter.
"I believe you are just, and there are many just individuals in the Marines. Unfortunately, the Celestial Dragons are the source of all evil, and your Marines' protection of the Celestial Dragons means you are doomed to aid tyranny and go against justice."
"You are the same. What right does an organization established by pirates have to judge justice!"
Kujaku glared angrily.
"You're right, I am a pirate."
Daichi admitted frankly.
This little girl is really asking for a beating!
"I want to overthrow the Celestial Dragons' rule, I want to change this unjust world, I want the people of non-member nations to also have human rights, not to be reduced to slaves, and I want the poor to no longer starve to death."
And most importantly, make everyone pay him rent and taxes!
Daichi gazed at Kujaku.
"Kujaku, I am doing everything in my power to achieve my ideals, and the Hoenn government is the result of my efforts!"
"Kuzan, Drake, Saul."
"It is precisely because of people like you who pursue justice that Hoenn will become stronger and stronger. Justice is on our side!"
"I can confidently say that no one in this world has done better than me. If you want to deny me, please provide your arguments."
Daichi crossed his legs and made an inviting gesture.
"Speak, what are your insights?"
"As long as you can convince me, I will immediately let you go. Not just you, but your companions and those nobles—I can let them all go."
"By the way, the Cozia Kingdom king and nobles you are trying to rescue—they came to Hachinosu to smuggle weapons, and there are many slaves on their ship."
Debate.
Kujaku's face grew even paler.
The other two also couldn't utter a word.
They wanted to refute, but couldn't.
"Speechless? Tsk tsk, your justice is truly weak. I thought SWORD would have some different insights. It turns out you're just a bunch of hot-headed rabble."
Daichi shook his head and smiled.
"That's right, you're still young—you can't be expected to make correct judgments. Blame those greedy high-ranking officials for sending you young people to the front lines."
"There are other guests arriving, so I won't say too much to you. I'll have someone send you to Drake. You should learn from him."
"Times have changed. I truly hope hot-blooded youngsters like you can open your eyes and see the world!"
"Stay in Hoenn for half a year. If you still want to return to the Marines then, I'll have Drake let you go."
"Kikara, see them out."
"Yes, sir."
Daichi sat on Bepo, sensing the arrival of guests. As expected, it must be Trafalgar Law.
He had been eavesdropping for a long time.