One Piece: Marine's Justice

North Blue, the Kingdom of Flevance.

A massive warship slowly approached the harbor, eventually coming to a stop against the pier. Its enormous white sails bore the emblem of the Marine seagull of justice, and the flag flying high above left no doubt about the vessel's identity.

After more than half a month of sailing, this warship had traveled undeterred from Marine Headquarters in the first half of the Grand Line all the way to the North Blue.

For Cross, it had been over half a year since he'd returned to his home sea.

Emotionally… he felt absolutely nothing.

"So this is the so-called 'White City' Flevance!"

"It's beautiful, like something straight out of a fairy tale!"

"No kidding. It's all so pure and white, like fresh snow!"

"Look at the people too! Their skin and hair are pale as snow!"

On the deck, a group of Marine Academy cadets, not yet graduated, leaned over the railing, wide-eyed and awestruck by the scene before them.

Cross stood silently nearby, his gaze fixed on the pristine beauty of Flevance, a faint dazed expression on his face.

The Kingdom of Flevance was known as the "White City" because its lands and trees were as white and flawless as a wintry wonderland from a storybook. It was a nation so beautiful it felt like something from a dream.

Even most of its buildings were white or beige, with very few other colors in sight. Coupled with the nation's immense wealth, its castles, villas, and homes were constructed with exquisite elegance, enhancing the dreamlike beauty of its landscape.

"I didn't expect Flevance to be this stunning. This trip's already worth it," came a sudden voice.

Zephyr had walked up beside Cross, breaking his reverie with a tone full of wonder.

Cross blinked, shaking off the daze. His eyes narrowed slightly, and he let out a cold, quiet laugh in his mind.

They didn't know the truth behind this so-called "White City."

But he did, he who had crossed worlds into this one.

This beautiful kingdom… was a city of poison. And its people? Poisoned to the bone. Beyond saving.

"Alright, settle down!"

Zephyr clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention before raising his voice to address the group. "You've got a half-day leave. You can disembark and explore the city, but be back by midnight! Tomorrow, we officially escort the King of Flevance to the Holy Land, Mariejois. No one is to compromise that mission!"

It was already past 3:00 p.m., too late to begin a diplomatic escort. Besides, after sailing nearly nonstop for over half a month, the crew needed rest, supplies had to be replenished, and the ship required maintenance. There was no need to rush.

"Long live Zephyr-sensei!"

"Finally, time to get ashore and have a good drink!"

"I've heard the sweet seasonings in Flevance are amazing, definitely trying some!"

"Don't forget the amber lead goods! Perfect for souvenirs!"

"Zephyr-sensei, care to join us for a drink?"

The deck erupted in cheers. The crew couldn't hide their excitement, some even tried dragging Zephyr along.

"I've got to make a visit to Flevance's royal palace," Zephyr said with a smile, waving them off. "Go on ahead, but take it easy on the booze. If anyone's too hungover to sail tomorrow, I won't go easy on them."

Laughter echoed again. The gang set down the gangplank, securing it to the wooden pier before heading ashore, arms slung over each other's shoulders.

"You coming?"

Tina walked up and asked.

"No. I have no desire to step foot in this country."

Cross shook his head. After a moment's hesitation, he couldn't help but issue a warning: "Oi, if any of you are exploring or eating in Flevance, do not touch anything made from amber lead."

His voice carried, loud enough that not only Hina but everyone on the deck heard him.

"Huh? Why not touch amber lead products?"

"Is something wrong with them?"

"Is Cross joking or what?"

Everyone looked at him oddly, clearly confused by his words.

"If I remember correctly," Zephyr said slowly, "Amber lead is a specialty mineral of Flevance. It's used to make utensils, paint, sweeteners, cosmetics… even weapons. High-grade amber lead is popular worldwide, and that's part of what made this kingdom so prosperous. Are you saying there's a problem with it?"

"Right. Even the World Government is involved in amber lead transport and sales, they've made a fortune off it. There shouldn't be any issue… right?" Hina added, clearly puzzled.

"Do what you want. I've already warned you."

Cross didn't elaborate. He simply turned and walked toward the lower deck.

As his figure disappeared, the once-lively atmosphere on the ship fell into silence. The cheerfulness had turned to unease.

The elite cadets had been with Cross for over six months. The others had sailed with him for the better part of a month. Everyone knew, Cross didn't speak without reason.

Zephyr's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression solemn.

"Cross wouldn't speak without cause. He must know something we don't. When you go ashore, remember what he said, don't touch anything made from amber lead. Understood?"

"Understood!"

They responded in unison.

"Good. Now go."

Zephyr nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand, signaling for them to disembark.

Yet their steps felt heavier now. The joyful tone was gone. Though they still walked side by side, laughter had given way to hushed whispers.

They weren't forbidden from eating or having fun, but avoiding amber lead meant they couldn't experience the signature charm of Flevance. That was a real shame.

Zephyr remained on deck, watching his students depart. Then he turned and headed below to find Cross.

Down in the shadowy lower decks, footsteps echoed off the wooden floorboards. Cross lay on his bunk, but as Zephyr approached, he opened his eyes.

"You're here to ask about amber lead, aren't you?"

"What exactly do you know about it?"

"There's no point anymore, Sensei. It's already too late."

Their eyes met; Cross's full of bitter resignation, Zephyr's sharp with concern.

After a long pause under his instructor's unrelenting gaze, Cross finally let out a helpless sigh and muttered:

"Damn it… I shouldn't have warned you at all. A single encounter with amber lead probably wouldn't have harmed anyone. I was an idiot."

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