Changing Course, the Qualifications for Negotiation!

Onigumo's words left Law somewhat bewildered. For a moment, he simply could not understand why Onigumo had suddenly dragged the topic back to Heavenly Gold.

"Someone is helping prepare the Heavenly Gold?"

Law had no idea what logic lay behind Onigumo's words, nor did he understand why Onigumo found the hatred and loathing in that young man's eyes so familiar.

Sensing that Law's mind was likely full of questions, Onigumo did not beat around the bush. Though he truly did not want to explain something so "basic" to Law, faced with such a gifted young man with connections to the upper ranks of the Marines, he still felt like offering a few words of guidance.

"Our Marine Headquarters forces should be setting foot on this island for the first time in recent years, correct?"

"Generally speaking, we Marines have very little contact with the local people, right?"

"So here is the question: what made that young man show such hatred and disgust toward us Marines?!"

"I don't think anyone here has offended him."

At that, Onigumo paused briefly, giving Law time to think. Then a trace of reminiscence appeared on his face as he continued.

"I have not been a Marine Vice Admiral for merely a year or two. Unlike Vice Admiral Garp, who is beloved by ordinary people, my image is probably more detestable than pirates in the eyes of most common folk."

"After becoming a vice admiral, I have escorted Heavenly Gold several times."

"Do you know? Whenever I led my troops onto those islands, the way ordinary people gathered at the harbor looked at us was no different from how that young man looked at us just now."

"Hatred. Loathing. And deep in their eyes, fear and wariness."

"The image of the Marines in ordinary people's hearts