As Kuma had mentioned, the world only knows that Uranus is some kind of virus weapon, but no one knows its exact form.
After all, for the past 800 years, the government has always suppressed any information regarding the Ancient Weapons, forbidding anyone from searching for them.
It wasn't until the beginning of the original story, with the increasingly uncontrollable pirate era, that the government was forced to change its stance on the Ancient Weapons— from suppressing them to attempting to control them, which led to the events of Water 7 in the original story.
This change highlights the unprecedented crisis the government faced in its 800-year history during the pirate era, and it also reflects the extreme measures they took to keep the Ancient Weapons hidden.
It's no surprise that no one knows about it.
Having experienced the power of the Nether River Virus firsthand, Zero could confidently tell himself that this was something beyond cure.
So, he couldn't help but wonder in his heart, could this terrifying thing be the legendary Uranus?
Otherwise, why would Imu Sama set up test subjects and attempt experiments?
Surely, Imu must have some confidence in finding a solution, right?
And if it really is Uranus, wouldn't that mean...
The more Zero thought about it, the more terrified he became. He lowered his head, not daring to glance around.
Imu definitely wouldn't do something so frivolous, and besides him, the only ones who could possibly control Uranus— an object even Zero had never seen— were the five government leaders in front of him...
The Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars)!!
Whether or not they had Imu's tacit approval, Zero knew... it was time for him to resign!
The Holy Land had become increasingly ominous, like an unseen beast opening its bloody maw, ready to devour anyone.
Sometimes, retreating in the face of danger can be an opportunity.
...
Under the Ark, at the execution ground.
"Tsuru, the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) want us to resume the execution broadcast. What do you think?"
Kong put the Den Den Mushi back in his pocket and turned to ask.
In his mind, the best course of action would be to halt the broadcast and reschedule the public execution for another day.
Due to the broadcast footage that had already been aired, the world had begun to question Jason's identity, and various factions were in a state of uncertainty.
Continuing the broadcast now would only solidify the fact that Jason was not Roger's heir, making the government appear "consistent" in its actions but ultimately proving the suspicions correct.
Only those who are guilty feel the need to prove themselves.
This is a simple logic.
"...There is no right or wrong solution!"
After a long silence, Tsuru sighed and spoke.
"Whether we reschedule or continue the execution, we cannot completely clear the doubts surrounding Jason. As long as the doubts remain, the situation is unsolvable."
"It's only a matter of time before the number of skeptics increases."
The group fell silent at her words.
Indeed!
Whether there's one rat dropping or two in a pot of soup, would it make a difference to those who want to drink it?
They would all choose not to drink it!
It's not like anyone would take a sip just because there was only one rat dropping, right?
If you did, you'd be incredibly brave!
Unless they could find a remnant of Roger's pirate crew to testify, there might be a glimmer of hope.
But the likelihood of that happening... is even less than the soup's taste remaining unchanged!
"Sorry, it's my fault! If I hadn't killed Bon Kurei, things might be different."
Rowen raised his hand and admitted his mistake sincerely.
If Bon Kurei were still alive, perhaps they could have used his Clone-Clone Fruit to put on a convincing show.
The government updates its bounty list for Roger's pirate crew every year, intending to capture them.
"No one can foresee the future, Rowen. This isn't your fault. Given the circumstances at the time, your actions were perfectly justified."
The Marine Headquarters' top brass had a good habit of protecting their own— they never shifted blame onto their subordinates... It was always Sengoku who had to take the fall!
Seeing this, Kong reassured Rowen: "Besides, even if Bon Kurei were still alive, we couldn't be sure he'd follow our orders... I've heard a lot about Vegapunk's brain modification technology. Unless you dismantle the entire brain structure, you can't disable the chip inside."
"The only way to stop the signal from being broadcast was to kill him."
"But... although Jason's situation can't be changed, we can at least minimize the damage to the government's image."
Suddenly, a glint of insight flashed in Tsuru's eyes, and she spoke with determination.
Covering up messes like this was something Tsuru had dealt with numerous times during her tenure. Manipulating public opinion by focusing on the less important aspects was the simplest method, though it sometimes required a bit of sacrifice.
"Do you remember where all of this started?"
At her words, three people's eyes lit up.
They spoke in unison: "Shepherd!"
Watching Sengoku, Tsuru, Rowen, and Kong begin their intense discussion, Kizaru, with his hands in his pockets, looked up at the sky. Then, he turned to Akainu with a serious expression and asked:
"Admiral Akainu, if you become Fleet Admiral, could you handle things... to this extent?"
He actually wanted to say "this deviously," but considering the power dynamics between himself and the four discussing individuals, his survival instincts made him quickly change his phrasing.
At that moment, Kizaru felt a bit stifled. There was a time when he could say whatever he wanted, confident that no one could catch him.
Say something and run— no one could hit him anyway.
And now, even the facade is starting to crack!!
Akainu: "..."
"Hmph! Boring!"
With that, Akainu turned and walked away, instructing the soldiers to start setting up the execution platform again, preparing to resume the broadcast.
Once he becomes Fleet Admiral, the "if" will be removed from the equation, but whether he could be as cunning as these people... Akainu had a lot to think.
However, it didn't really matter. That's exactly why the position of Great Staff Officer exists, isn't it?
Sengoku's title as the "Resourceful General" made outsiders associate the position of Marine Fleet Admiral with wisdom. But in reality, how many Fleet Admirals throughout Marine history have been like Sengoku?
So Akainu wasn't worried at all about the Marines suffering losses once he became Fleet Admiral.
If there are losses, it would be the Great Staff Officer's fault!
"Tsuru can only serve for a few more years before she retires. Right now, the best candidate for Great Staff Officer is undoubtedly Rowen."
"But Rowen is a candidate for Admiral. He's destined to succeed me as the next Admiral... Could we possibly set another precedent with an Admiral also serving as a Great Staff Officer?"
Akainu found himself caught in a strange state of confusion, unsure whether to feel gain or loss.
...
Several hours later, countless people across the seas were surprised to find that the interrupted broadcast had resumed!
This was unbelievable!
They had all assumed that the government was busy dealing with the consequences of their wicked deeds, especially since Orrick's betrayal was so blatant, and the Nibelung Family pirate background had stirred up intense emotions in countless people.
But to their astonishment, the broadcast was back on after just a few hours.
The first image projected on the screen was Sengoku's stern and solemn expression. After confirming that the signal connection was stable, Sengoku began to speak in a calm tone.
"I know many of you have questions. After this, we will hold a press conference with newspapers from various countries to provide detailed explanations."
"But for now, allow me to continue this execution of justice against Jason!"
Sharp observers noticed that, up until now, the Marines had always declared, "This is the execution of justice against the son of Roger, Gol D. Jason!" or made other impactful statements like "The Doomsday of the Sinful Bloodline."
But now, what were they hearing?
"Execution of justice against Jason"???
"Interesting!"
Back on his ship after receiving the notification, Kid chuckled drunkenly: "So, the government can admit their mistakes when they're pushed hard enough."
"I thought they'd only resort to silencing people and never admit fault!"
"That's because the events in the past were all contained within a small range. Silencing people was undoubtedly the simplest and most effective method."
"Isn't that exactly what many pirates do? Because it's low-cost and yields quick results."
On the [Red Force], Beckman, with a cigar in his mouth, explained: "But this time, things have gotten too big. That Celestial Dragon named Orrick broadcasted the signal to the world, making it public knowledge, with witnesses spread across the globe."
"The government wouldn't dare kill off such a massive number of informed people."
"After all, they have to consider how many of their own would be pushed toward the Revolutionary Army as a result."
"So... what does this have to do with Whitebeard sending Rockstar back?"
Shanks stroked the beard on his chin with one hand.
"Did Whitebeard already foresee something like this happening?"
Is Whitebeard really that powerful?
"No, I think he just doesn't care."
Beckman exhaled a puff of smoke from his cigar: "Whether Jason is Roger's son or not, as long as he's not his son, Whitebeard simply couldn't be bothered."
Beckman hit the nail on the head.
In the original story, during the Marineford War, Whitebeard participated as a "father figure," not for the pirate ideal of saving Roger's bloodline.
And the reason he accepted Ace, aside from some vague suspicion, was that he liked Ace as a son... Because in Ace's eyes, he saw loneliness— just like himself in the past— a child without a family to accept him.
What Whitebeard wanted to protect was his own family... Roger's bloodline? What does that matter?!
"No way, this makes me lose my pride!"
Shanks suddenly stood up with a displeased expression: "They casually beat up one of my crew members. Am I still supposed to have any credibility on the seas?"
"Little ones, set sail! We're going to give Whitebeard some trouble!"
Beckman: "..."
Don't joke about something so dangerous, you bastard!!!
(End of Chapter)
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