Why make life hard for a fellow slacker?
Kizaru, couldn't you learn a thing or two from Aokiji? Just look at him—sleeping, cycling around, raising kids in peace. Unlike you, with that endlessly sharp tongue.
"Hmph! Believe it or not," Karl snorted and turned to leave, unwilling to be roasted any further by Kizaru.
"Hey, hey—wait a second! I've got something to discuss with you."
Karl stopped, turned around, and looked up at him. "What now?"
Kizaru's expression turned serious. "Something big. You know the Red-Haired Pirates, right? They've caught the attention of the Big Mom Pirates."
Red-Hair getting targeted by Big Mom?
That was normal enough. Anyone who made a name for themselves in the New World eventually got noticed by Big Mom. With Shanks's reputation, the options were simple—become her husband, or become her son-in-law.
But what did that have to do with the Marines?
"Go on," Karl said.
Kizaru puckered his lips and started rambling. "That woman loves holding tea parties—you've heard of them, right? Recently, her crew sent an invitation to the Red-Haired Pirates, inviting them to Totto Land."
"And?" Karl raised an eyebrow. "Shanks accepted?"
Kizaru nodded. "Yep. Young people these days are terrifying."
Karl's interest was piqued. "So… you got a mission?"
"Sigh~ I'm just born to suffer," Kizaru said lazily. "I'm only going to observe the situation. One thing's for sure—we can't let Shanks join the Big Mom Pirates."
Now Karl understood.
Not mediation. Provocation.
Everything depended on Shanks's choice.
If he fought Big Mom, the Marines would sit back and watch.
If he tried to slip away, the Marines would give him a little push—right into a clash with Big Mom.
The goal was simple: make the Red-Haired Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates fight, without directly assisting Big Mom.
And honestly? Karl loved this kind of mission.
No fighting. Front-row seats to chaos. What could be better?
"So… what about me?"
Kizaru gave him a sly grin. "You'll come with me. You're a swordsman too, right? If things don't kick off naturally, you can always…"
Frame them? Stir things up?
Karl knew this routine well.
"You've come to the right guy."
"When do we leave?" Karl asked.
"No rush," Kizaru replied. "We'll wait until the public trials are over. There's still time before the tea party."
"That works. Just let me know."
Kizaru nodded, his body dissolving into particles of light before vanishing.
Karl sighed. We're both light-based, so why can't I teleport? Turning into Ultraman would be fine too…
As time passed, news of corrupt Marines spread across the world at an alarming pace. Anywhere newspapers reached, people now knew that something was wrong inside the Marines.
Normally, headlines praised Marine victories or condemned pirate atrocities. But this time, the spotlight was on the Marines themselves—a first.
With certain parties fanning the flames, public dissatisfaction surged.
"Sengoku, what are you doing?!"
The Five Elders' voices roared through the Den Den Mushi.
"The Marines' scandals have reached us! Several kings from allied nations have already lodged complaints! Do you even want to remain Fleet Admiral?!"
In the past, Sengoku would have swallowed the blame in silence.
This time, he didn't.
"Oh? That's exactly what I wanted."
"…What?"
"The scandals were leaked intentionally," Sengoku said calmly. "As for why—give it a few days."
"Sengoku, what are you plotting now?"
"Just cleaning up the Marines' internal issues. Don't worry—I know my limits."
With that, Sengoku decisively hung up.
In Mary Geoise, the Five Elders stared at one another in disbelief.
"That bastard Sengoku… he actually dared hang up on us?"
"Hmph. Since he claims to have a plan, let's watch. If he fails, there are plenty of ways to deal with him."
"Let's hope he knows what he's doing."
The next day, News Coo delivered another bombshell.
Marine Headquarters had dismissed over 200 officers—every single one of them corrupt Marines captured by Karl across the Four Seas.
But to the public, dismissal wasn't enough.
Corrupt Marines were worse than pirates. They betrayed trust from within.
Public opinion exploded.
Punish them.
Put them on trial.
Bring them to justice.
What the people didn't know was that all those corrupt Marines had already been transferred to Marineford, quietly awaiting judgment.
At Marineford Plaza, Karl was just about to head to Amazon Lily—he had a multi-billion-Berry "project" to discuss with Hancock—when he was suddenly surrounded by reporters.
"Rear Admiral Karl! What's your view on the current state of the Marines?"
"Is dismissing corrupt Marines really enough?"
"Shouldn't they be punished more severely?"
"Rear Admiral Karl—!"
The noise was deafening.
After a long pause, Karl finally spoke.
"If the Marines wish to uphold justice," he said calmly, "then we must first ensure justice within our own ranks. I trust Marine Headquarters will make the right choice."
"And what is the right choice?"
"Will those corrupt Marines be sent to Impel Down?"
"How will the Marines prevent corruption from happening again?"
One answer triggered three more questions.
Karl's head started to ache. At this rate, I might actually start thinking.
"Sorry," he said firmly. "I have a mission to attend to. Please step aside."
He grabbed Raven and tossed it skyward, then leapt up, landing squarely on its back and escaping the swarm of reporters.
"Damn it… good thing I ran fast. Reporters are seriously terrifying."
"Gah-gah?" Raven cawed indignantly, clearly displeased with being thrown.
"Sorry. Fly faster," Karl said soothingly. "I'll treat you to barbecue when we reach Amazon Lily."
"GAH!"
Raven instantly perked up, flapping harder and accelerating.
Though nowhere near as fast as Kizaru, it was still far quicker than Aokiji pedaling across the sea.
Just three hours later, Karl arrived at Amazon Lily, though Raven was clearly exhausted.
"Gah—gah—gah!"
Karl patted Raven's back gently. "Relax. You'll eat your fill soon."
"Gah!"
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