Alabasta, Rainbase.
This had once been Crocodile's headquarters, but now it was the fief personally granted by the King of Alabasta to Count Garen.
The birth of the Lord of Rainbase was no small piece of news locally.
And as the shocking news of Crocodile's death spread, this prosperous port city attracted even more reporters from all over the world.
"That's right. I have always considered myself a law-abiding citizen."
Garen wore a warm smile, his magnificent armor reflecting dazzling light beneath the camera flashes.
"Crocodile was a massive tumor upon a harmonious society. Not only did he bring immense disaster to the lives and property of the people of Alabasta, but he also blatantly challenged the ruling order of the World Government's affiliated nations."
"Doing my humble part to eliminate such a criminal, loathed by the people, is the responsibility and duty of every law-abiding citizen."
The reporters all lowered their heads to record Garen's lengthy speech. After spending most of their lives as reporters on the Grand Line, they had never seen an interview subject who could talk so much.
Soon, someone raised an even sharper question.
"Lord of Rainbase."
The reporter addressed Garen by the honorable title he had just received.
"After all, the one you killed was a Shichibukai recognized by the World Government. Will this place you in opposition to the World Government?"
"How could that be possible?"
Garen waved his hand and replied with a solemn expression.
"I said I am a law-abiding citizen. How could I become enemies with the World Government, which represents justice and order?"
"In that case."
The reporter's tone grew even more aggressive, and the question was filled with traps.
"Why don't you join the Marines directly, Lord?"
"By not joining the Marines, does that mean you still harbor