The Choice Is Yours

Mary Geoise.

After reviewing all of the information on the Kuma, Saint Saturn's finger finally stopped on the line for "Buccaneer Tribe".

"Lord Saint Saturn, are you really going to agree to Ron's conditions?"

The recruitment officer cautiously asked, "But that's the Buccaneer Tribe..."

"I can see."

Saint Saturn flipped back to the page recording the abilities of the Paw-Paw Fruit, tapping the paper lightly with his fingertips.

The men sent to hunt down the Kuma in the past couldn't even catch a glimpse of him.

Now, Ron has conveniently delivered himself right to their doorstep.

"I can provide identification, and we can also discuss family protection."

The official was taken aback. "What about the science department...?"

What's the rush?

Saint Saturn flipped back his ability records.

"Let him sign his name first."

"Find out how many people are in his family, but don't alert the target."

The intelligence officer received the unsigned order and hurriedly left.

In the temporary office at the Supply Port.

Ron was looking at the nautical chart, choosing his return route, when the Den Den Mushi suddenly rang.

"Ron, Kuma has replied."

"Old man, that's pretty efficient."

"Stop joking! The government has agreed to start recruitment. Before taking office, there will be a competency assessment, and you'll also have to accept the normal call-up of the Shichibukai."

"What are they assessing? Are they going to do some kind of physical research again?"

"A normal ability test!"

"Then let's make it clear first. Whether or not Xiong accepts it is up to him."

"OK!"

"Of the three points you mentioned last time, two have been approved. The exemption from bloodline-based surveillance and the prohibition of forced modification have both been included."

What about the family members?

"I'm willing to sign the protection document, but the protection is only valid during Kuma's term of office."

Ron slammed the pen down on the table.

"That won't do."

"Ron! This wasn't my decision!"

"I know."

Ron leaned back in his chair, his tone unwavering. "Issuing certificates today, dismissing them tomorrow, and then they can just arrest his wife and daughters?"

"What kind of protection is that? That's like using family members as dog leashes."

"You have such a mouth..."

Sengoku sighed heavily.

I'll go negotiate again!

Half a day later, the encrypted Den Den Mushi connected again.

"Rear Admiral Ron."

The government official's tone was somewhat stiff. "The revised text has been approved. Kuma's family protections are now in effect independently, and their revocation is not contingent on the Shichibukai's term of office."

Ron nodded. "Okay. Send the stamped official document; I'll let him read it himself."

"You still won't agree on his behalf now?"

"It's not like I'm becoming Shichibukai, what does it mean if I agree?"

The official hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "... Understood."

The Sorbet Kingdom.

In the church courtyard.

Ginny sat under the eaves, folding small clothes for Bonney.

"The bear is back!"

The bear entered the yard and knelt down on one knee outside the eaves.

"Ron has sent a message."

"How about it?"

"The government is willing to talk and has agreed to include the protection of you and Bonney in a separate document."

Ginny put down the clothes.

"You really agreed?"

Ron said they had to wait for the official documents to arrive.

And what about you?

"Um?"

"Are you really going to work for the World Government from now on?"

The bear looked down at her.

"The main objective is to suppress pirates, but it may also be used in conjunction with naval operations."

"They're asking you to do bad things?"

The bear did not answer immediately.

"I can refuse and then negotiate with Ron..."

"Don't rely on Ron for everything!"

Ginny glared at him. "I'm asking you! Do you want to be one?"

The bear looked at Bonney, who was sleeping soundly in the cradle, then turned back to look at Ginny.

"I want to give it a try. It can provide you with some security and also allow me to continue saving lives."

"Those pirates who prey on civilians need to be dealt with."

What about the Revolutionary Army?

"I will make things clear with Long before he officially takes office."

Ginny stared at him for a while, then suddenly smiled.

"Then let's go."

You don't object?

"What are you objecting to? This is the path you chose."

Ginny reached out and poked the bear's large hand that was hanging down beside her.

"But there are rules! If anyone bullies you, come back and tell me. You can't keep it to yourself!"

Xiong couldn't help but smile, his voice deep and gentle. "Okay."

The two of them dialed Ron's Den Den Mushi together.

"Ron, Ginny and I have discussed it."

How so?

"I'm willing to accept the recruitment."

"That's more like it."

Ron was about to hang up when he suddenly remembered something. "Oh right, where did you say the Revolutionary Army has been active recently?"

"Dragon from the East Blue has been near the Goa Kingdom these past few days."

"The Goa Kingdom?"

Ron raised an eyebrow.

"Are the Celestial Dragons about to leave?"

"Yes. The kingdom is preparing to receive the Celestial Dragons; I heard they're also cleaning up the Gray Terminal outside the city."

"Clean up the Gray Terminal?"

Ron frowned.

"There must be quite a few people living there, right?"

"Yes."

"Let Long check the kerosene in High Town, and the city gate leading to Gray Terminal."

The bear paused for a moment.

"You suspect they're planning arson?"

"Have no idea."

Ron's face darkened.

"What aren't those nobles capable of? Investigate them first! It'll be too late if we wait until the fire starts."

"Okay, I'll tell Long right away."

On the East Blue, the dragon received the message and looked up at the outline of the Goa Kingdom's coastline.

"Inspect the petroleum warehouses and arrange for evacuation ships. Also, send people to keep an eye on the Port."

The subordinates responded and left.

In the High Town of the Goa Kingdom, the streets were so clean that not a single fallen leaf could be seen.

After running back from the warehouse, Sabo went to several noble mansions, hoping to find an official to stop the arson.

Everyone was talking about tonight's celebratory dance; nobody cared about the lives lost on the Gray Terminal.

There are still people in the Gray Terminal!

Sabo stopped a nobleman.

"You knew they were going to set a fire, why didn't you stop them?!"

The nobleman frowned.

"Outlook family child? How did you get out here?"

I'm asking you a question!

"How rude!"

The nobleman dusted off his sleeves in disdain.

"Hurry home. The Celestial Dragons are almost here. Don't embarrass yourself in the streets."

But there are still people there!

That's the kingdom's decision; it's none of your business as a child.

Sabo stood there, feeling a chill run through him.

It turns out it wasn't just the father, and not just the arsonist pirates.

Many people in the city knew about it, but no one wanted to stop it.

He turned and rushed toward the city gate, but the guards had already blocked the exit. Swords and spears were placed in front of him, and he was pushed back as soon as he got close.

As night fell, a muffled boom resounded.

The kerosene at the Gray Terminal was ignited, and flames spread wildly along the garbage heap, illuminating half the sky with red light.

Some people dragged their children to the city wall, banging on the gates desperately, their cries echoing everywhere.

"Open the door! Help!"

The soldiers on the city wall tightened the iron bolts even more.

Sabo lunged at the door, pounding his fists on the wooden door with a loud thud.

"Open the door! There are people inside! Are you crazy?!"

The guard shoved him to the ground.

Sabo fell onto the stone slab, tears welling up instantly, too many to wipe away.

"I hate this country..."

"Why burn them alive when everyone was alive?"

"I am ashamed to have been born into a noble family!"

Well said.

A deep voice suddenly came from behind.

Sabo turned around abruptly.

A man wearing a cloak stood not far away.

"Who are you?"

The man did not answer, but only glanced at the towering flames outside the city.

"Who do you want to save?"

Of course I want to!

As soon as Sabo finished shouting, he was choked by the thick smoke that billowed in his face and coughed violently.

He had been busy all day and hadn't even had a sip of water.

Just as I was about to push myself up, my legs suddenly gave way.

The man reached out and helped him up.

"Take him away first."

Long handed the child to the cadre behind him and turned to look at the firelight.

"Is the east side ready?"

"Ready!"

"Take action, save lives first."

The Revolutionary Army, which had arrived ahead of time, had already found an escape route, and a gap had been torn in the wall of fire.

People cried and stumbled out of the wall of fire; some knelt on the ground coughing, while others carried their children and ran desperately towards the sea.

Calm Belt, Amazon Lily.

"Sister, the government has sent another letter."

Sandersonia entered the Palace carrying the documents.

Boa Hancock leaned back on her throne, not even raising her head. "It's that Shichibukai stuff again? Forget about it."

"But... this time that person's name is on it..."

"Who?"

Ron.

Boa Hancock suddenly looked up.

Sandersonia opened the document, pointed to a line, and read aloud: [Proposed Commander of the Shichibukai Joint Mission Special Operations Commander: Ron]

Boa Hancock stared at the line of text, remaining silent for a long time.

The next second, she suddenly reached out her hand.

"Give it to me!"