Clearing Out the Pirates

Jin An stood on the deck of the Neo Marines' flagship, studying the message that had just arrived from Marine Headquarters.

He ran his fingertips over the paper, feeling its texture.

The message was brief and clear, but it was enough to fill him with anticipation for the strategy ahead.

He looked down again. After a few seconds of thought, the words and figures that had seemed so tangled began to make sense.

The Marines had finally decided to form an alliance with the Neo Marines. It was a major breakthrough.

Fleet Admiral Sengoku's resolve, Tsuru's caution, and Garp's boldness all showed that the Marines were leaving their former indecision behind and coming together as a new force.

Even Sakazuki's cold pragmatism had lent the alliance the support it needed.

Jin An smiled faintly, folded the message neatly, and slipped it into his sleeve.

His gaze drifted to the vast sea in the distance. Sunlight turned the blue waves silver, as though answering the longing that still burned within him—his determination to change the world.

"The Marines are on our side. Now the only question is how to eradicate the pirates for good."

Jin An turned the problem over in his mind.

He had long known that pirates were the most stubborn blight on this world. Only by wiping them out could he change its order at the root.

"But the Marines alone won't be nearly enough."

Jin An already had a series of moves planned.

After a moment's thought, he raised his head and looked toward the Rebel Army fighters working at the edge of the deck.

Most were repairing the ships or sorting supplies. Now and then, one looked up and met his eyes, seeming to sense the fierce resolve and anticipation within him.

They had once fought