Moreover, the institutional principles Ronglin had implemented over the past year had all been humane. After much oppression and corrupt rule had been lifted, the people's livelihoods in those places had begun to prosper. Having gained plenty of treasure through burning, killing, and plundering, the Pirate Alliance became even more brazen.
On a deserted island in the waters near Kerris Island.
"My lord! They're killing people on sight without asking questions!"
"What? The Pirate Alliance is still killing and setting fires?" Fujitora gripped the Den Den Mushi in his hand and loudly rebuked, "Why is no one stopping them?"
The person on the other end of the Den Den Mushi said timidly, "The Pirate Alliance is plundering civilians. Shouldn't it be us Marines who stop them? My lord, you've brought troops but haven't come. I don't know who else to ask to stop them!"
Fujitora froze, and those words immediately plunged him into silence.
According to the previous tactical arrangements, the Pirate Alliance would serve as bait to lure out the Star Alliance's main force. Then they would be surrounded from the front and rear, strangling this rapidly rising force—whose growth had become worrying—in its cradle.
Although the Pirate Alliance stood opposed to the World Government, the World Government had already accepted its surrender application. As long as they could severely damage the Star Alliance's main fleet this time, the Pirate Alliance would be able to shed its identity as pirates and be granted a new legal status by the World Government.
Yet the Pirate Alliance's opportunistic plundering deeply affected Fujitora. Could their crimes—their actions—really allow them to slaughter innocent civilians at will simply because they had rendered "meritorious service"?
Fujitora hung up on the informant on Kerris Island, turned to his companions, and asked, "We cannot let the Pirate