Because the execution of Roger the Pirate King was broadcast live, major media outlets—including the World News—had reporters in Loguetown providing real-time coverage.
Thus, the uproar sparked by Roger's execution was something the World Government and Marine Headquarters could not possibly suppress.
On the warship returning to Marineford, Ortoren sat inside the cabin, newspaper in hand, carefully reading. This time, the event had truly shaken the world. Everywhere, people were abuzz with heated debates about the Pirate King's treasure and Roger's execution.
Many commentators had already published their analyses and opinions in the papers, predicting that the number of pirates would skyrocket, while calling on the World Government and Marine Headquarters to quickly implement countermeasures and policies.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Truly remarkable," Ortoren muttered, raising an eyebrow.
Beside him, Garp suddenly slammed his own newspaper down on the table, cursing. "Damn Roger! I should never have... Hmph! He completely outmaneuvered me!"
He then turned to glare at Ortoren. "And what's with that look on your face, kid? Acting like you're enjoying the chaos. Do you even realize the waves this is going to cause?"
"I know," Ortoren replied with a shrug. "But since things have already come to this, all we can do is face it, right? Sitting here complaining doesn't sound like your style, Garp-san."
Garp fell silent for a moment before sighing with resignation. "I just can't help regretting the mistake I've made. Roger's words will inevitably change the entire world. Our plan to use his execution to deter the restless scum of the seas has completely fallen apart. Worse, it might even drive the number of pirates to terrifying levels..."
He clenched his fist. "For us Marines, this is immense pressure. For the people across the seas, it will be a true nightmare!"
Hearing this, a flicker of complexity passed through Ortoren's eyes. He had always known what calamity Roger's words would unleash. The World Government's rule was undeniably dark, but it maintained order.
And no matter how corrupt that order was, it was still better than endless chaos.
Now, the most striking feature of this new era was the flood of chaos. Beneath it, countless people would fall into suffering and despair. Countless lives would be swallowed by the raging waves of the sea—each one a tale of blood and tears.
Yet even knowing this, Ortoren had made no move to stop it.
"Indeed... my sense of justice is nothing more than a speck," Ortoren thought to himself.
He needed this chaotic era. The Great Pirate Era wasn't only for pirates—it was also the age long awaited by the ambitious and the heroic. Endless chaos would bring endless blood and tears, but only through complete disorder could a new order emerge.
"A general's triumph comes at the cost of countless lives." The saying applied not only to the battlefield, but to the struggle of an age itself.
Only those who carved their way through the merciless waves of this world would earn the right to reshape its order.
...
Although the tide of the Great Pirate Era had already surged forth, its influence had yet to fully manifest. For now, Ortoren and the Navy fleet returned to Marine Headquarters—Marineford—without incident.
But the moment they arrived, everyone could feel it: the heavy, suffocating atmosphere that filled the base.
At that instant, it was clear the entire Marine system had been set into motion, mobilized in full to prepare for the roaring tide about to crash down upon them.
When Ortoren and the others entered the Fleet Admiral's office to deliver their report, they found Fleet Admiral Kong and Admiral Sengoku locked in a heated debate over urgent matters.
"The recruitment plan must be implemented immediately. Ideally, we should absorb the elite strength before more individuals join the pirate ranks. All naval branches must operate at full capacity to ensure the tranquility of their respective maritime territories. The quota for pirates under their jurisdiction shall also be included as one of the Marine Headquarters' assessment metrics. We must swiftly control the impending surge in pirate strength at its source!" Admiral Sengoku, holding a thick stack of documents, reported to Fleet Admiral Kong.
"Mary Geoise has already communicated with me, demanding that the Marines present an effective plan at the earliest possible time. Next year's military budget is projected to increase by twenty-five percent to address the crisis brought by this wave," Fleet Admiral Kong stated.
"Twenty-five percent... I fear it won't be nearly enough," Admiral Sengoku hesitated before continuing. "Recruitment is one issue, equipment another. Based on projections, we'll also need to establish numerous new Marine bases..."
Fleet Admiral Kong tapped the table, his voice tinged with frustration. "Do you really think Mary Geoise would just hand over massive funding? They won't give us too much leeway. They need to feel the pain first to realize the money isn't enough!"
After finishing, Fleet Admiral Kong turned to Garp and Ortoren, who had just entered, and stated directly: "Garp, Mary Geoise has already designated the Freedom Fighters as an extremely dangerous organization. They will subsequently assign portions of the task to eradicate them to our Marines. In other words, starting today, we can no longer stand idly by regarding this Freedom Fighters matter. We must coordinate with CP Headquarters."
Hearing this, Garp froze for a moment before quickly regaining his composure. He nodded silently, then sighed with regret. "I bear undeniable responsibility for this incident..."
Before Garp could finish, Fleet Admiral Kong interrupted: "Dwelling on this now serves no purpose. The execution was arranged by Mary Geoise. No blame has been placed upon us. Let's not waste words on futility. Focus on fulfilling our duties."
Ortoren had already approached Admiral Sengoku and whispered, "Is the situation critical?"
As for Mary Geoise suddenly launching an 'offensive' against the Freedom Fighters, Ortoren wasn't surprised. Dragon had thought he was merely taking the fall for a minor incident, but in reality, it had escalated into a massive scandal.
Regarding Roger's case, Mary Geoise now strongly suspected he had collaborated with the Freedom Fighters. After all, when they captured him, he had been in a 'secret meeting' with Dragon.
Ortoren had been pondering whether the relatively peaceful resolution of the Ohara incident might slow down Dragon's Freedom Fighters' pace of evolution. After all, who knew when the true Revolutionary Army would emerge?
Now it seemed that worry was unnecessary. Whether he wanted to evolve or not, the World Government wouldn't let him off the hook. He'd be forced to evolve whether he liked it or not.
Considering the original timeline, this was actually quite favorable. Ortoren concluded that as Dragon's good brother, this was the extent of his assistance!
The only question was whether Dragon would appreciate it now.
Would he slash him twice upon their next meeting?
Upon hearing Ortoren's inquiry, Admiral Sengoku sighed and stated: "During your return from Loguetown to headquarters, reports from all four seas branches indicate pirate numbers have surged by forty percent compared to last year's figures... And this data keeps being updated, setting new records. At this rate, by this time next year, pirate numbers will likely increase three to fivefold compared to last year."
"That significant!?" Ortoren was visibly startled.
"While most are reckless souls who rashly set sail seeking Roger's treasure, once one enters the pirate trade and stains their hands with innocent blood, turning back becomes far from simple. Humans are terrifying creatures, Ortoren. In this chaos, the vast majority gradually become immersed in the slaughter of their own kind, seeking the thrill of violence, conquest, and plunder... That's one reason why pirates can never be completely eradicated..." Admiral Sengoku said with a headache.
There's a saying: 'Power is the most intoxicating poison.' Once tainted by it, it's hard to break free.
The very essence of power lies in the word 'domination'. This applies not only to the humans Sengoku spoke of, but to every sentient being in this world.
Once one tastes the thrill of controlling others, this poison becomes nearly impossible to resist.
And within this domination, the simplest, most brutal means of achieving it is often slaughter and violence!
Thus, to a certain extent, the fundamental logic and essence driving this world is violence!