Comment for readers:
Sorry if this chapter feels a bit forced. I've had an earache all week because my wisdom tooth got infected. Writing is a bit exhausting since the pain distracts me, but luckily, it's getting better. I'm not sure if I managed to express myself well, but I hope it's understandable.
Here's the chapter.
Chapter 30 – "The Forbidden Newspaper and the Arrival at Marineford"
While traveling aboard Hina's ship—which would reach Marineford faster—Smoker remained in a bad mood, while Kara enjoyed the momentary peace.
Then, when Smoker picked up today's newspaper, he was greatly surprised by what he saw.
—You knew about this, didn't you? —Smoker asked, staring at Kara, who was sitting while playing a board game with Chopper and Tashigi, who had been caught up in the game with her.
—What are you talking about? —Kara asked without looking at Smoker, as she was focused on her game.
Paam.
Smoker slammed the newspaper onto the table, scattering the board game.
—Aaaah! Damn smokehead, I was about to win! —Kara said angrily.
—That's not true —Chopper quickly denied.
—Of course, it is. But now you won't be able to see it —she said, quickly grabbing the newspaper to check what Smoker was talking about.
"Another Failure of the World Government: A Shichibukai Tries to Take Over a Member Nation"
Another Shichibukai chosen by the World Government is at it again, attempting a coup d'état through deception to take control of a member nation. And not just any nation, but one of the 20 founding countries of the World Government.
It seems the government still hasn't learned after the revelation of the heinous acts committed by the former Celestial Dragon Doflamingo, who later became a Shichibukai only to continue committing atrocities against humanity. Back then, he was captured by Vice Admiral Kara, who demonstrated how a Marine should act, even against the government itself. As it should be, after all—the Marines, one of the great powers maintaining peace for the World Government, are nothing more than lapdogs who can't touch those chosen by them. So, rookie pirates HAD to step in, while the Marines, in order to act, had to gather evidence at the risk of their own careers… blah blah blah.
—Wow, they really laid it all out, huh? —Kara said calmly while reading the newspaper, which detailed every aspect of what had happened in Alabasta, including the role of the Straw Hat Pirates and the obstacles the Marines faced in trying to help the people against the Shichibukai.
—Is that why you told me not to worry too much and just accept the promotion without complaining? Because they'd get what they deserved anyway? —Smoker asked, staring at Kara.
—No idea what you're talking about —Kara said as she handed the newspaper back to Smoker and walked toward the kitchen in search of food.
—Sir Smoker, I don't recognize this newspaper —Tashigi said while looking at its name, realizing it wasn't News Coo but rather another publication called News Pico, delivered by birds different from the usual seagulls.
—No. This newspaper surfaced about 20 years ago, exposing what the government wants to hide, starting with what happened in Ohara. No one knows who created it. It's even harder to find than Morgans' paper —Smoker said, thinking as he watched Kara walk away.
—Why have I never heard of it? —Tashigi asked, puzzled.
—Because the government banned its sale and distribution, especially in places with Marine bases. But at sea, it's still delivered. It seems Marine ships receive it for free on purpose —Smoker quickly explained.
—On purpose? Why? —Chopper asked, now intrigued.
—Because this newspaper encourages Marines to break away from the World Government. It's best not to talk about this near high-ranking officers —Hina said, appearing behind them—. Though some support the idea of separating, there are still many against it.
—Many nations refuse to join the World Government thanks to the news in this paper. For example, the truth about the Celestial Dragons. Instead, they prefer to fund the Marines directly to establish bases near them —Smoker said as he exhaled smoke from his cigar—. Some even considered that, instead of paying tribute to the World Government, it would be better to pay the Marines directly.
—But that would make the government furious with those countries —Tashigi quickly pointed out.
—They tried to make an example out of one island, only for the newspaper to alert it, leading the Revolutionary Army to step in and help. So, the government can't do anything without worsening its image… Let's stop talking about this now —Smoker said before walking away, feeling a bit calmer now. His anger had mostly stemmed from the government's attempt to cover up the damage caused. But now, it was something everyone could see.
—-------------------
Meanwhile, in Mary Geoise
—Damn journalist! Can someone tell me why, after 20 years, we still don't even know who owns this? —yelled an enraged elder, throwing the newspaper onto the table after receiving it from a messenger.
—He's even more elusive than Morgans. At least he makes public appearances. But the creator of Pico News... no one has ever seen him —said a bald elder, gripping his sword tightly.
—His goal is obvious: to separate the Marines from us. If that happens, we'll lose control of a very important force —said a chubby elder, holding a cane in his hands.
—Have our spies within the Marines discovered if the creator is among them? After all, he has firsthand information.
—The suspected Marines were thoroughly investigated, including Sengoku, Kuzan, and Garp's family. After all, he has a son who became the government's greatest enemy. But they found nothing —explained another elder with frustration.
—It seems we'll have to accelerate the MARP plan —one of them quickly suggested.
—Agreed. The Marines hold too much power; if they turn against us, it would be disastrous.
—I second that.
—Then we are all in agreement.
—-----
—Hello, caracol, how's life behind bars? —Kara said as she entered the warship's dungeon, where Crocodile and several high-ranking members of Baroque Works were being held.
—That's not my name. Did you come to kill me like you did to that guy? —Crocodile asked, staring at Kara while being restrained by seastone chains.
—Like Doffy? Well, technically, I didn't kill him. He lost his arms and legs during our fight, and then I handed him over to some kid who held a grudge against him for killing his father figure. The fact that he was tortured for a month isn't my fault —Kara said calmly as she took a seat.
—It's funny. When the government sent me to extend the invitation for you to join the Shichibukai, and you refused, I gave you a beating, but it took a lot of effort. After all, you were quite strong. But now, a rookie pirate did far less than I did to defeat you, just using water and blood —Kara said mockingly—. That's what happens when you rely on a weapon you don't even understand. What a shame for someone who once faced Whitebeard. Though, to be fair, he also beat you easily.
—Why are you here? —Crocodile asked angrily.
—Ah, right… —Kara said, tossing the newspaper in front of Crocodile—. Now that everyone knows about your supposed plan to take over Alabasta, the World Government will surely pin all the blame on you, meaning you'll be sentenced to death… What a shame. But don't worry, Whitebeard will be joining you soon enough —Kara said as she stood up and began to walk out.
—Whitebeard? Wait. I have important information. I want to make a deal —Crocodile said desperately, but Kara ignored him and left without looking back.
After a few days at sea, the warship finally arrived at Marineford, where Smoker, Tashigi, Zoro, and Chopper would receive their promotions, and another vice admiral would take custody of Crocodile for transport to Impel Down. They especially didn't want Kara anywhere near a prison full of dangerous pirates, fearing that the idiot might destroy something that would set them all free.
—Finally, we're here. I was getting bored —Kara said as she disembarked, accompanied by Tashigi, Zoro, and Chopper.
—So this is Marineford… There are a lot of strong people here —Zoro said, looking at the soldiers standing at attention, saluting Kara.
Meanwhile, Chopper watched with interest and excitement.
—Attention! Vice Admiral Kara Formation! —announced one of the officers in front.
—She has a formation named after her! That's so cool! —Chopper exclaimed excitedly.
—Just wait until you see it —Hina said, standing behind him.
Then, everyone watched as the soldiers spread out, surrounding the nearby buildings. Others climbed onto their shoulders, forming a protective barrier of human bodies around the structures.
—Hahaha, seeing it never gets old —Kara said with a grin as she watched the spectacle.
—What kind of weird salute is that? —Tashigi asked, puzzled by the piled-up soldiers.
—It's the only way to keep that idiot from destroying all of Marineford —Smoker said, walking ahead of them.
—Now it doesn't seem so impressive… —Chopper muttered, realizing how ridiculous it actually was.
—------------
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