I, Kizaru, only came to the chat group after I became invincible

Chapter 395 A Better Outcome

"Thank you, Straw Hat Luffy."

"That's what Red said sincerely."

"You are the kindest pirate I have ever met."

"But now is not the time to express gratitude!"

Luffy pointed to the merchant guild's warship in the distance.

"Let's deal with those guys first!"

But Red shook his head.

"No, let's retreat."

"Why?"

Luffy asked, puzzled.

"We could have won!"

"Because if a large-scale conflict were to break out here with the Chamber of Commerce, it would be innocent civilians who would suffer."

Reid explained.

"Moreover, Marcus definitely has a backup plan; we can't take the risk."

Although Luffy still wanted to continue fighting, he also understood Red's concerns.

"Alright then, let's retreat."

Luffy nodded.

"But this matter can't be left like this!"

"I will make Marcus pay!"

Red looked at Luffy gratefully.

Thank you for your understanding.

Under Red's command, the Black Flag Pirates began their retreat.

Using their familiarity with the terrain, they broke through the encirclement of the merchant guild's warships.

It quickly disappeared below the horizon.

The merchant guild's warships, unfamiliar with the waterways, dared not pursue rashly.

They could only watch helplessly as the Black Flag Pirates left.

Zoro and Usopp witnessed the entire process from the shore.

"That Luffy guy, he's made another decision on his own."

Zoro shook his head, but a smile remained on his face.

"However, it seems things are more complicated than we thought."

"Yeah, those pirates don't look like bad guys."

Usopp also nodded.

"On the contrary, the people from the Chamber of Commerce seem very suspicious."

Shortly after, Luffy swam back to shore.

"Luffy! Are you alright?"

"Zoro asked with concern."

"I'm fine."

Luffy shook his head.

"But we were scammed."

"What's the meaning?"

Usopp asked doubtfully.

“That Red isn’t a bad person; they were helping the poor.”

Luffy briefly explained what had happened.

"The real bad guy is Marcus!"

After listening to Luffy's explanation, Zoro and Usopp both had expressions of sudden realization.

"I see. No wonder I always felt there was something wrong with Marcus."

Zoro nodded.

"So what do we do now?"

Usopp asked.

"Of course, we're going to settle accounts with Marcus!"

Luffy said without hesitation.

"I will absolutely not let that bastard get away with this!"

"Wait, Luffy."

Zoro stopped Luffy.

Why didn't you chase after those pirates?

"You're clearly stronger than that Red, so why did you let them go?"

Upon hearing Zoro's question, Luffy thought for a moment and then said:

"Because my gut feeling tells me he's not a bad person."

"intuition?"

Usopp was confused.

"Yes, although he's a pirate, there's no malice in his eyes."

Luffy said seriously.

"And during the fight, he never tried to kill me."

"On the contrary, Marcus, although he is very polite on the surface, I always feel that he is hypocritical."

Zoro nodded thoughtfully.

"Luffy's intuition is always very accurate."

"Since he said Reid isn't a bad person, then that must be it."

"Let's go back and meet up with the others."

Usopp suggested.

"Tell everyone what's going on, and then we'll work together to figure out a way to deal with Marcus."

"good!"

Luffy nodded heavily.

"I'll make that fat guy know the consequences of deceiving us!"

The three began to walk back, preparing to rejoin the other crew members.

At sea, Red stood at the bow of the ship, gazing into the distance, his heart filled with gratitude.

"Straw Hat Luffy is truly an amazing person."

His first mate walked up to him.

"Captain, what do we do next?"

Reid pondered for a moment, then said:
"Let's find a place to park and observe the situation."

"If the Straw Hat Pirates really want to deal with Marcus, we should also lend a hand."

"After all, they got involved to help us."

The first mate nodded.

"Understood, Captain."

When Luffy, Zoro, and Usopp returned to the Sea Breeze Inn, the rest of the crew had already returned as well.

Everyone gathered in the hotel restaurant, sharing the intelligence they had gathered.

"It seems everyone has noticed the same problem."

Nami looked at the various records laid out on the table with a serious expression.

"This Marcus is definitely not a good person."

Robin nodded.

"We consulted some materials at the library and discovered that the Chamber of Commerce began monopolizing trade on the island three years ago."

"Before that, the islanders' standard of living was much better."

"Furthermore, we discovered an interesting phenomenon."

Franky picked up the conversation.

"Every time the Black Flag Pirates appear, the living conditions in the slums improve."

"This shows that they are indeed helping those in need."

Sanji said while smoking:
"I spoke with several vendors in the market, and they all harbor deep resentment towards the Chamber of Commerce."

"But they dared not openly rebel, because the Chamber of Commerce controlled the island's economic lifeline."

Brooke added:
"I heard some rumors near the port that the Chamber of Commerce's defense force frequently bullies civilians."

"But there is never such a thing in the official records."

After hearing everyone's report, Luffy's expression became even angrier.

"That Marcus is absolutely despicable!"

"I'm going to teach him a lesson!"

"Wait, Luffy."

Nami stopped Luffy.

"Now that we know the truth, the question is how to solve it."

"Simply defeating Marcus won't help; the Chamber of Commerce's problems aren't caused by one person."

Zoro nodded as well.

"Nami is right, this is a systemic problem."

"Even if we defeat Marcus, someone else will take his place."

"Unless we can fundamentally change the economic structure here."

Upon hearing Zoro's words, Luffy scratched his head.

"So what should we do?"

"I cannot stand by and watch those civilians suffer."

Just as everyone was in a dilemma, Borsalino slowly put down his teacup.

"The issues you're discussing are indeed very complex."

He said calmly.

"But it's not entirely without a solution."

Upon hearing Borsalino's words, everyone turned to look at him. "Mr. Borsalino, do you have any suggestions?"

Nami asked eagerly.

As the most rational member of the team, she knew very well that brute force alone could not solve complex social problems.

Borsalino, as a former admiral, certainly has a deeper understanding of this situation.

Borsalino pondered for a moment, then said:
"This problem of commercial monopoly cannot be fundamentally solved by force."

"It requires professional economic and legal means to handle."

"What's the meaning?"

Luffy asked confused.

"Simply put, it requires the intervention of government agencies."

Borsalino explained.

"Although the World Government has collapsed, the Navy Headquarters still exists and is rebuilding order."

"If we report the situation here to Navy Headquarters, they will send specialists to handle it."

"This includes economic experts, legal advisors, and the necessary law enforcement personnel."

Everyone's eyes lit up upon hearing this suggestion.

"This method sounds great!"

Usopp said excitedly.

"This will solve the problem at its root!"

But Borsalino shook his head.

"Things aren't as simple as you think."

"If Navy Headquarters intervenes, the island will be brought under new naval jurisdiction."

"By then, all pirates will be considered unwelcome."

"Including the Black Flag Pirates, and also your Straw Hat Pirates."

Upon hearing this, the restaurant suddenly fell silent.

Everyone realized the seriousness of the problem.

"you mean"

Nami asked cautiously.

"If we choose this method to solve the problem, then Red and the others will never be able to return to this island?"

"It's not just Red and his group."

Borsalino nodded.

"Your Straw Hat Pirates are the same."

"While I can offer you some protection, Marine Headquarters will not allow pirates to roam freely within their jurisdiction."

"This is a matter of principle."

Upon hearing this news, Luffy's expression turned extremely grim.

"Doesn't that mean we helped the islanders, but harmed Red and his men?"

"That's one way to understand it."

Borsalino said calmly.

"That's the cruel reality."

"Sometimes, justice and justice can conflict with each other."

Robin said thoughtfully:

"This is indeed a difficult choice."

“If we don’t turn to the Navy Headquarters for help, the islanders will continue to be oppressed by the Chamber of Commerce.”

“But if we ask for help, Reid and his men will lose their ability to help the islanders.”

"And we ourselves can no longer come here."

Zoro frowned as he pondered.

"The problem is, Reid and his group's strength is ultimately limited."

"They can provide relief to some of the poor, but they cannot change the economic structure of the entire island."

"While the involvement of Naval Headquarters will restrict our freedom, it can indeed solve the problem at its root."

Sanji exhaled a smoke ring.

"It's like choosing between treating the symptoms and treating the root cause."

"Reid's methods can temporarily alleviate the problem, but they cannot cure it."

"Naval intervention could solve the problem, but at the cost of freedom."

Frankie also joined the discussion.

"The key question is, what right do we have to make decisions for Red and his group?"

"If they are willing to continue taking risks to help the islanders, what reason do we have to stop them?"

Brooke's voice was somewhat low.

"But if we have the ability to completely solve the problem, yet we refrain from doing so because of selfishness, what will happen to the ordinary people who continue to suffer?"

"We have a responsibility to choose the method that will best help them."

Chopper also shared his opinion.

"As a doctor, I have seen far too many patients who cannot receive treatment because of poverty."

"If naval intervention can improve the situation, then it might be worthwhile."

The atmosphere in the restaurant grew increasingly heavy.

Everyone is contemplating this difficult choice.

Just then, Luffy suddenly stood up.

"I'm going to find Red!"

"We must discuss this with them!"

"We can't make decisions for them!"

Nami immediately stopped Luffy.

"Calm down, Luffy!"

"Red and the others are currently missing, and the Chamber of Commerce is definitely still searching for them."

"Going to them rashly now will only bring them greater danger."

"So what should we do?"

Luffy asked anxiously.

Just then, the hotel door was suddenly pushed open.

A figure wearing a cloak walked in.

"Don't look for us, we're already here."

A familiar voice came from beneath the cloak.

Everyone stared in surprise at the newcomer.

Red removed his cloak, revealing his resolute face.

"Red! What brings you here?"

Luffy jumped up excitedly.

"It's dangerous here! The Chamber of Commerce is looking for you everywhere!"

Red gave a wry smile.

"I know it's dangerous, but some things need to be said face-to-face."

"I overheard your discussion outside."

His gaze swept over everyone present, finally settling on Borsalino.

"Regarding the suggestion of Naval Headquarters' involvement, I would like to express our views."

Borsalino nodded.

"Please say."

Red took a deep breath and then slowly said:
"First of all, I want to thank you for considering the needs of the islanders."

"The fact that you considered seeking help from Naval Headquarters shows that you genuinely want to address the root of the problem."

"However, as the parties involved, we also have our own thoughts."

"We know our power is limited and we cannot completely change the status quo of this island."

"But at least, we can help some people get through the most difficult times."

"If Naval Headquarters intervenes, while it may resolve the issue of economic monopoly, it also means we will no longer be able to help those in need."

Zoro interjected:
"But the involvement of the Navy Headquarters can create a fairer environment, so that the islanders no longer need outside aid."

"Isn't this a better outcome?"

Red nodded.

"Theoretically speaking, that's true."

"But reality is often far more complex than theory."

"While the Naval Headquarters was able to break the Chamber of Commerce's monopoly, can it guarantee that a new monopoly won't emerge?"

"Can we guarantee that all policies will be effectively implemented?"

"Furthermore, government agencies often operate slowly. What happens to those who urgently need help before policies actually take effect?"

Upon hearing Red's words, everyone fell into deep thought.

Indeed, while government agencies can formulate policies, their implementation often takes a long time.

During this period, those who are struggling financially will still need help.

"More importantly..."

Reid continued.

"The purpose of our existence as pirates is to provide assistance where government agencies cannot reach."

"If all problems depend on the government to solve, then what is the point of our existence?"

Nami said thoughtfully:

"You mean, pirates and the government should each do their own thing?"

"The government is responsible for setting rules and maintaining order, while pirates are responsible for providing assistance outside the rules?"

"That's one way to understand it."

Red nodded.

"Just like the Straw Hat Pirates, you've been to many places beyond the jurisdiction of government agencies and helped many people."

(End of this chapter)