Tearing All Pretenses Apart, Seizing Power! (23)

Would Ron hold back because his opponent was Shanks—the Shanks whose relationship with the World Government was shrouded in ambiguity?

Everyone knew the answer.

Shanks himself included.

So the moment the Red Force appeared, Ron understood that Shanks had indeed come for the Pure Gold.

However, unlike the pirates who wanted to seize it, whose motives were purely selfish, he was doing it for the balance of the sea.

This was not... the situation he wanted to see.

That was why Ron had provoked Shanks into making a move. Even if he was outmatched, he could never truly lose.

As long as he stopped Shanks and the others' plan, he would be the victor.

Beckman's instincts had not been wrong. Ron did know what they were planning, but not through intelligence. He had merely inferred the answer from the timing of their arrival.

What Ron had not expected was that the Five Elders had seen through this as well!

Faced with the same choice, Ron's decision was naturally different from the Five Elders' decision.

But...

"Ku dou wa lu!!!"

"Nani?!"

Ron ignored the Five Elders' shock and stared straight ahead, his gaze settling on Shanks's back.

"These pirates—kill them one by one, and slaughter them by the group. Killing one makes you evil; killing ten thousand makes you a hero!"

"This is the oath I, 'Azure Dragon' Ron, once swore!"

"Do you want me to break my word, Lord Five Elders...? Where would that leave my honor?!"

"Bastard!!!"

The Longbeard Five Elder flew into a rage and roared, "Don't forget your identity, Ron."

"What importance does your honor have before the safety of the Government's rule?!"

"You are a marine, part of the Government's military!"

"I order you to obey!!"

"I know I'm a marine, but I still refuse!!!"

Ron