Behind Rear Admiral Kata Kongbo, a young officer stood respectfully, his eyes sharp.
"Yar! Have you finished investigating Colonel Nezumi's case?"
"Yes, Rear Admiral! Everything has been confirmed," Yar replied, handing him a stack of reports.
If Kaito had been present, he would have been surprised. The documents contained a complete account of everything he had done since arriving in this world—every action recorded in detail.
Kata Kongbo scanned through the files. His expression darkened as he read about Nezumi's corruption and Kaito's involvement. Finally, his hand slammed against the desk.
"Disgraceful! That rat was filth in a Marine's uniform. Such scum deserves worse than death!" he roared.
"Is Kaito still in Cocoyasi Village?"
"Yes. He's remained there ever since eliminating Colonel Nezumi."
Kata Kongbo's expression grew stern. "Justice cannot be stained. Kaito knew of Nezumi's crimes, yet killed a Marine officer with his own hands. That cannot be forgiven. He must be brought in."
Though his ideals were strict, Kata Kongbo was not as ruthless as Akainu. He would not harm civilians, but criminals—no matter who they were—had no place in the world he envisioned.
"What are your orders, Rear Admiral?" Yar asked.
"Prepare a warship. Take men with you tomorrow. We will go to Cocoyasi Village and arrest Kaito. He will be sent directly to Impel Down."
"Yes, sir!"
Time passed like flowing water. Ten days slipped by since the fall of both Arlong and Colonel Nezumi.
In Cocoyasi Village, Kaito stirred from his rest inside a makeshift shelter of wood and hay. Though simple, it was enough for him. He stretched, then looked out at the brightening horizon.
"It's been nearly half a month since I arrived here," he murmured. "Another half month, and the system should fully recover."
He had remained in Cocoyasi Village waiting for whoever wants trouble to show themselves. Yet no one had come. The silence puzzled him. Had his actions disrupted the shadowy hand pulling the strings?
While lost in thought, Nalo hurried toward him, adjusting his glasses, his face pale with worry.
"Kaito! Bad news! A Marine warship has been spotted heading straight for the village—it looks like they're after you!"
"Oh?" Kaito's brow lifted in surprise. "Marines, not the ones behind Arlong… interesting."
He patted Nalo's shoulder. "Don't worry about the village. I'll deal with this. Take care of Risa. Don't let her leave the house."
"Understood. Please be careful!" Nalo said firmly.
The village had grown lively again since Arlong's death, with displaced families returning home. As Kaito walked down the dirt path, villagers greeted him warmly. He returned their smiles with a nod, his presence already a source of comfort.
At the edge of the port, the sails of a Marine warship appeared over the horizon, its flag billowing in the wind. Waves surged against its hull as it cut through the sea, drawing steadily closer.
Suddenly, a black figure leapt from the warship. His body blurred through the air, moving faster than the ship itself, and within moments, he landed directly before Kaito.
The cloak of justice draped across his shoulders fluttered in the breeze as he stood tall. His presence carried weight, nothing like the weak corruption of Nezumi.
Kaito's eyes narrowed. A headquarters officer… far stronger than that pathetic colonel.
The man spoke firmly. "I am Kata Kongbo, Rear Admiral and base commander of all Marine branches in East Blue. You must be Kaito, the one who killed Colonel Nezumi."
"That's right," Kaito answered without hesitation.
"Good. Then you will follow me back to Marineford. Killing a Marine officer cannot go unpunished. For justice, you must face the consequences."
He tossed a pair of black seastone shackles at Kaito's feet.
Kaito's gaze chilled. "You sound very confident. Why are you so sure you can take me?"
Kata smirked. "Boy, you're still too young. You've seen little of this world. Do you know how many true monsters sail these seas?"
He stepped forward. "Arlong may have been notorious in East Blue, but compared to the pirates of the other seas, he was nothing. His bounty wasn't even in the top ten."
The Rear Admiral's voice hardened. "And remember this—the power of Marine Headquarters far surpasses anything you've faced. To me, you are the same as Arlong, a mere insect. Grasshoppers may jump, but they cannot shake the storm."
His eyes flashed. "I'll ask you one more time. Will you put on the shackles yourself, or shall I force them onto you?"
Kaito's lips curved into a cold smile. "Try me."
In an instant, he vanished.
Kata's pupils shrank. "That speed—!"
He had underestimated the boy. With no time to think, he bellowed, "Tekkai!"
His muscles hardened like steel just as Kaito's fist slammed into his abdomen.
Boom!
The impact resounded like thunder. Kata's body bent under the force, pain twisting his face as he was hurled backward, crashing through the air before slamming into the ocean with a tremendous splash. The wave sent his warship rocking violently.
The Marines on deck gasped in horror as their commander smashed into the ship's bow, denting the steel.
"Rear Admiral Kata Kongbo!" Yar cried out in disbelief. The Marines were frozen in shock. Their invincible leader—brought low with a single punch?
"Don't just stand there! Save him!" Yar barked desperately.
"Yes, sir!" several Marines shouted, rushing forward.
But before they could leap into the water, Kata's calm voice rose.
"No need."
With a surge of strength, he kicked off the warped hull, propelling himself back onto the deck. Landing heavily, water dripping from his coat, his eyes locked once more on Kaito.
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