"T-Bone, I'm only thinking about the bigger picture, stop now! This is an act of usurpation against the World Government!"
Seeing the hint of murderous intent emanating from him, the man in the suit coughed up blood and shouted, trying to move his body backward, but almost all the bones in his body were shattered, and his eyes were full of panic.
"Can justice be called justice if it makes ordinary people suffer and my subordinates bleed and weep without knowing why?"
"Such a World Government is unworthy of the name of justice I bear!"
When T-Bone picked up a knife from the ground and slashed at the man in the suit, he was in tears, letting out a cry from the depths of his heart.
He could not bear the thought that the path of justice he had chosen was slowly abandoning him.
"Commodore T-Bone!"
The marines were moved by his emotions and many of them shed tears.
"Such a heavy burden of justice..."
The police captain's eyes widened. He had always thought that the World Government and the Navy were just guys who did nothing but eat and did nothing else.
He couldn't understand why, even though the country was so poor, the king still had to pay Heavenly Gold and Affiliated Nation of the World Government.
But at this moment, justice was brought to life before his eyes.
In order to enable naval forces like T-Bone to do their utmost to protect as many civilians as possible.
Perhaps, even with just a sliver of hope, they might be able to protect the people of this country.
"Crying won't change anything, T-Bone. Come to my hands and carry out your justice, shall we?"
At this point, Cifer finally extended an invitation, hoping that T-Bone could become his subordinate.
The marines were all extremely surprised. They hadn't expected that their opponent had such a plan. No wonder they hadn't killed them all.
They stared nervously at the T-Bone, waiting, wondering what answer their superior would give.
"What will you do?"
T-Bone did not answer. Instead, he stood up, glanced at his subordinates, and then met Cifer's gaze.
For many years, T-Bone's seemingly endless path of justice within the Navy appears to have reached a crossroads.
He was waiting for Cifer's answer. He wanted to know if he should change direction and embark on a difficult but truly righteous path.
"Then please take us to the king of this country."
Seeing his hesitation and concerns, Cifer turned to the captain of the police force and spoke.
"This... this..."
The police captain was a bit confused. He didn't know how the topic had turned to him, and he didn't know what the situation was.
A notorious Great Pirate is inviting a righteous marine to become his subordinate.
And this invitation is actually related to their own king?
After some consideration, the police captain decided to lead them toward the capital.
After all, it makes no difference whether I take them there directly or they go on their own; I can't stop such people from making decisions.
Along the way, Cifer and his companions did not approach the journey with the same traveler's mindset as before.
Because most of the people they saw on the road were poor and destitute, with many looking sallow and emaciated, they hurriedly fled after seeing Cifer and his group.
Even Bonney, who is usually lively and active, stopped wandering around after seeing this scene. Robin and Nolan felt the same way and couldn't help but feel sorry for the country.
The Tyrant's unconscious clenching of his fist also revealed his inner turmoil.
Along the way, Chopper constantly rescued people who were about to faint from hunger or fright, and his face no longer had its usual hippie look.
A day passed in the blink of an eye, and the group finally arrived at the capital of the country, where the people were relatively normal.
Although the people were not wealthy or powerful, they were at least able to live in peace and contentment.
T-Bone finally felt a little better. The journey that day felt like a year to him, and the suffering of those common people was like a knife cutting into his heart.
When I received the Heavenly Gold before, I had already seen the terrible state of this country and was mentally prepared, but seeing it again still broke my heart.
When they arrived at the palace, soldiers were already waiting there, and they led Cifer and the others into the palace.
The police captain, on the other hand, rushed back to the place he was supposed to protect.
"We were unaware that Mr. Ulquiorra and his companions were visiting our country. We apologize for not welcoming you properly. Is there anything we can do to help you?"
Inside the palace, a gaunt old man smiled and extended his hand to Cifer; he was the king of this country.
He was deeply puzzled by the arrival of this group of people.
With the reputation and strength of the other side, how could they possibly choose to launch an attack on such a poor and backward country as ours?
Wouldn't that be a disgrace to their reputation as Great Pirate!
Furthermore, with the message delivered by the police captain yesterday via express messenger, the king believed that they harbored no ill will towards the country.
Therefore, all he needs to do is show his friendliness.
"I came for the Heavenly Gold."
Cifer also extended his hand and shook hands with the thin, short old man, indicating his purpose.
"Commodore T-Bone, haven't we already handed over the Heavenly Gold to you? You've seen the current state of our country; it's impossible to prepare a second Heavenly Gold!"
The king's smile froze instantly. He turned his gaze to T-Bone beside him, his eyes filled with both confusion and determination.
"'Black Winged Great Demon'? What do you mean by that!"
T-Bone was somewhat flustered, not daring to look the king in the eye. He stepped forward and grabbed Cifer's arm, his words filled with disbelief.
"I think I should make it clearer: I intend to return the Heavenly Gold to you."
"Wouldn't it be better to use this money to properly help your people who are starving to death?"
Cifer originally intended to steal the Heavenly Gold to fund his collaboration with Zephyr, but when he saw the countless displaced citizens of the country, he changed his mind.
"The Heavenly Gold is money given to the World Government. If possible, please return it to Commodore T-Bone, Mr. Ulquiorra!"
"Otherwise, without the protection of the World Government, this country will become even more miserable!"
In just a few words, the king understood.
This group has clearly stolen the Heavenly Gold and wants to oppose the World Government, but their own country can't withstand this kind of turmoil!
If the money comes back, the lives of the people will improve somewhat, but the root problems will not be solved.
This is the New World, teeming with pirates. Becoming World Government Member States means that, at the very least, one can seek help from the Navy or the government when faced with danger.
Even if they can't arrive in time most of the time, it would be good if they could come once or twice. Is it worse for people to go hungry than for families to be torn apart and people to die?
"This is the New World, a place where might makes right. Do you really think that the title of World Government Member States has even the slightest effect?"
Cifer then pushed aside T-Bone and the King, slowly walked to the throne, which was so simple it could be described as wooden, and sat down.
The texture was far inferior to the beach chairs that Cifer himself often used to lie on while sunbathing.
"Why not carry my name on your shoulders and live a truly dignified life on this vast ocean?"
"Make me king!"