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

Chapter 396 The Justifiable Reason for Sweeping Away Pirates

"If you all become part of the government, can you still maintain your current freedom and flexibility?"

Upon hearing this, Luffy's face showed a look of sudden realization.

"I see!"

"If we become part of the navy, we can no longer take risks freely!"

"We can no longer help those whom the navy is unwilling to help!"

Borsalino looked at Luffy and nodded inwardly.

This young man may seem simple, but he always manages to grasp the essence of a problem at crucial moments.

"but."

Robin offered a different perspective.

"We also cannot deny that government intervention can indeed bring about more fundamental changes."

"Perhaps we should look for a compromise."

"What compromise?"

Sanji asked curiously.

Robin thought for a moment, then said:
"We can report the situation to the Navy Headquarters, but at the same time, we can request that they grant the Red Pirates a special status."

"For example, they could be allowed to engage in charitable activities on the island, but not piracy."

Franky shook his head.

"This plan sounds good, but it will be very difficult to implement in practice."

"The Navy Headquarters will not change its principles for the sake of a pirate crew."

"Furthermore, how to define 'charitable activities' and 'piracy' is also a problem."

Just as everyone was having a heated discussion, Borsalino spoke up again.

"Actually, there's another possibility."

All eyes were once again focused on him.

"What possibilities?"

Nami asked eagerly.

"I can recommend this island for economic reforms to Naval Headquarters in my personal capacity, but I do not request the deployment of a large military force."

Borsalino said slowly.

"Only economic and legal experts, along with a small number of law enforcement personnel, will be dispatched."

"This way, the monopoly problem can be solved without severely cracking down on pirate activities on the island."

"But this approach also carries risks."

He paused and continued.

"If the reforms are not thorough enough, the Chamber of Commerce may make a comeback."

"Furthermore, Navy Headquarters may not accept this compromise."

A hint of gratitude flashed in Red's eyes after hearing Borsalino's words.

Thank you for your consideration.

"However, we are prepared to take the risks."

"If the Navy Headquarters' intervention can truly help the islanders, we are willing to accept the consequences of never being able to return here."

"After all, our ultimate goal is to help those in need, not to prove our own worth."

Upon hearing Red's words, Luffy's eyes were filled with admiration.

"Red, you're a truly remarkable person!"

"To help others, one can even give up one's own freedom!"

Red shook his head.

"Freedom exists precisely for the purpose of doing the right thing."

"If sacrificing freedom can bring happiness to more people, then such a sacrifice is meaningful."

Silence fell over the restaurant once again.

Everyone is thinking about this complex problem.

Finally, Nami broke her silence.

"I think we should let the islanders decide for themselves."

"After all, this concerns their future."

"They have the right to know all the options and then make their own choice."

This suggestion was unanimously agreed upon.

"Then let's call a meeting with the islanders tomorrow."

Luffy made the decision.

"Tell them all the details and let them decide for themselves which solution they want."

"But be careful of Marcus's interference."

Zoro reminded.

"He certainly wouldn't want the islanders to know the truth."

"Then let him give it a try!"

Luffy clenched his fists.

"If he dares to stop me, I'll teach him a lesson!"

Reid also agreed.

"We will fully cooperate."

"So that the islanders can make truly free choices."

Borsalino looked at the group of righteous young people in front of him and felt a sense of relief.

Perhaps this is where the hope of the new era lies.

It's no longer a simple opposition between good and evil, but rather a search for the best solutions in a complex reality.

"Then tomorrow will be the crucial day."

He said calmly.

"Hopefully, the islanders will make a wise choice."

As night deepened, everyone returned to their rooms to rest.

But everyone was thinking about what might happen tomorrow.

This is not only a choice, but also a test of their values.

In the room, Luffy lay on the bed staring at the ceiling.

"Zoro, do you think we did the right thing?"

"What's right or wrong?"

Zoro answered with his eyes closed.

"We're just doing what we believe is right."

"As for the outcome, we'll have to wait and see tomorrow."

The Straw Hat Pirates began their operation early the next morning.

After an in-depth discussion last night, everyone decided to temporarily leave Star Island and give Borsalino some time to contact Navy Headquarters.

This also avoids staying on the island too long and revealing their identities, thus giving Marcus an excuse to deal with them.

"Let's go to the nearby uninhabited island and wait for news."

Nami pointed to a small dot on the sea chart and said.

"It's not far from Star Island, so we can get back quickly if anything happens."

Luffy nodded somewhat reluctantly.

"Okay, but come back as soon as you have any news!"

"I cannot let those civilians continue to suffer!"

"Don't worry, Luffy."

Borsalino patted Luffy on the shoulder.

"Naval Headquarters is very efficient; we should get a response soon."

Before leaving, Red came over to say goodbye to everyone.

"Thank you for everything you've done for the islanders."

he said sincerely.

"No matter the final outcome, we will never forget this kindness."

Don't say that!

Luffy waved his hand.

"We're friends, and it's only right for friends to help each other!"

Red looked at Luffy, his eyes filled with emotion.

This young pirate captain has a special charm that makes people want to believe in him.

“Then let’s split up,” Reid said.

"We will continue to monitor the Chamber of Commerce's movements discreetly, and will notify you immediately if anything unusual occurs."

And so, the Straw Hat Pirates' Thousand Sunny slowly sailed away from the port of Starry Island.

Meanwhile, the Black Flag Pirates hid in a secluded bay in another direction, waiting to see how things would unfold.

Borsalino stood on the deck of the Thousand Sunny, watching the Starry Island gradually disappear into the distance, pondering his next move.

Although he had some confidence in the Navy Headquarters, the World Government had only recently collapsed, and naval agencies in various regions might not have fully adapted to the new system yet.

Hopefully nothing unexpected will happen.

The Thousand Sunny quickly arrived at the deserted island that Nami had specified.

This is a small island with only basic vegetation and fresh water, and no trace of human habitation.

"This is indeed a good temporary base."

Zoro looked around and said.

"The location is secluded, but not too far."

They set up a makeshift camp on the island and began waiting for news from Borsalino.

Borsalino, on the other hand, used his light-speed ability to instantly return to Star Island.

He went to a deserted place and took out a special Den Den Mushi.

This is a dedicated line directly to Naval Headquarters that only senior naval officers can use.

"This is former Admiral Borsalino. Please connect to headquarters operations command center."

Soon, a familiar voice came from the other end of the Den Den Mushi.

"Mr. Borsalino! It's a pleasure to hear your voice!"

The other party was clearly aware of Borsalino's identity.

"I am the current operations staff officer, Kuzan's, deputy. How may I help you?"

"I need to report an emergency to headquarters."

Borsalino gets straight to the point.

"Starry Island suffers from serious commercial monopolies, with the local chamber of commerce exploiting ordinary citizens. There is an urgent need for professional economic and legal personnel to intervene and address this issue."

The other party immediately became serious.

"Understood, I will report to General Kuzan immediately."

"Please describe the specific situation in detail."

Borsalino gave a detailed account of the situation on Star Island, including the merchant guild's monopolistic practices, the impoverished lives of the common people, and the true situation of the Black Flag Pirates.

“I have written down the details.”

The other party said.

"Under the new naval charter, this situation does indeed require immediate attention."

"I will immediately arrange for the nearest naval base to send specialists to Starry Island."

"It is expected to arrive within 24 hours."

Borsalino nodded in satisfaction.

“Very good, I will cooperate with the operation locally.”

Borsalino breathed a sigh of relief after ending the call.

It seems that the Navy Headquarters is indeed very efficient and attaches great importance to such issues concerning people's livelihood.

Now we just need to wait for professionals to arrive, and the problem of Star Island can be solved at its root.

However, things took an unexpected turn for Borsalino.

The following morning, a naval fleet did indeed arrive at Starry Island.

But to Borsalino's surprise, the composition of this fleet was quite strange.

Leading the way was a large warship, and the naval officers on board all had ruddy complexions and looked to be living quite well.

Moreover, the fleet did not have the economists and legal advisors Borusalino had expected; instead, it had many soldiers who looked like armed personnel.

“This is not right.”

Borsalino frowned inwardly.

Logically, dealing with commercial monopolies should primarily be handled by civilian personnel, with the armed forces only playing a protective role.

But the current configuration of this fleet makes it seem more like it's there to fight a war.

What made Borsalino even more uneasy was the first action taken by the naval fleet after its arrival.

Instead of first understanding the local people's livelihood or investigating the chamber of commerce's monopolistic practices, they sailed directly to the commercial port.

Then, a scene that shocked Borsalino unfolded.

The naval fleet commander, a colonel who looked to be in his forties, actually went directly to Marcus's Chamber of Commerce building.

Moreover, judging from their expressions when they met, it was clear that this was not their first meeting.

Borsalino used his abilities to sneak into the vicinity of the Chamber of Commerce building, hoping to find out the details.

He found a secluded vantage point from which he could see what was happening in Marcus's office.

Marcus and the naval captain were sitting on either side of the desk, and the atmosphere seemed very harmonious.

"Hahaha, Colonel Jack, you've come at just the right time!"

Marcus said with a big smile.

"Those troublesome pirates have become active again lately, causing endless trouble for us law-abiding merchants!"

The naval captain known as Jack smiled.

"President Marcus, rest assured, I have brought sufficient troops this time."

"I guarantee that the threat of those pirates will be completely eliminated."

"And the Straw Hat Pirates, I heard they're also active in this area. Perfect, we can wipe them all out in one fell swoop."

Upon hearing this, Borsalino's heart sank.

It seems that Colonel Jack did not follow headquarters' instructions at all, but instead treated this mission as a military operation to wipe out pirates.

To make matters worse, judging from their conversation, Colonel Jack and Marcus clearly knew each other long ago and had a close relationship.

"By the way, Colonel Jack."

Marcus lowered his voice.

"As we agreed beforehand, after this operation concludes..."

Jack waved his hand.

"Don't worry, you'll get every penny of what you're owed."

"As long as you continue to provide us with intelligence and financial support, we will protect the interests of your chamber of commerce."

"Those so-called economic reforms are nothing but the fantasies of scholars."

"Those who truly understand how things work are us pragmatists."

Marcus nodded repeatedly.

"Colonel Jack is right!"

"Those bureaucrats at headquarters sit in their offices; how could they possibly know the actual situation in our remote areas?"

"An experienced frontline commander like yourself is better able to understand our difficulties."

Upon hearing this, Borsalino finally understood.

Colonel Jack is Marcus's accomplice!

They had already established a relationship based on mutual benefit: Marcus provided the money, and Jack provided military protection.

They viewed this economic reform directive from the Navy Headquarters as nothing more than a good opportunity to eliminate competitors.

They planned to eliminate the threat posed by the Black Flag Pirates under the guise of "sweeping away pirates," while also dealing with the Straw Hat Pirates at the same time.

In this way, Marcus would be able to completely monopolize the trade on Star Island, and Jack would be able to gain even more benefits from it.

As for the economic reforms required by headquarters, they can simply do some superficial work to get by.

"hateful!"

Borsalino was furious.

He hadn't expected the corruption within the navy to be so severe.

Although the Navy Headquarters did try to reform after the World Government fell, it is clear that many junior officers still use the old methods.

"So when do we begin?"

Marcus asked.

"Not urgent."

Jack waved his hand.

"I need to make a show of it first, by investigating the so-called monopoly issue."

"Then the conclusion will be: the merchant guild's operations are completely legal, and it is the pirates who are disrupting the local economic order."

"This provides a legitimate reason to eradicate the pirates."

Marcus's eyes gleamed with greed.

(End of this chapter)