One Piece: Revenge of the Slaves

"This is where he died…" Standing in the bustling square, the crowd faded; only he and the execution platform existed.

The platform, over twenty years old, was weathered; the city maintained it, repainting and reinforcing it; otherwise, it would have rotted. Yet, Ace saw his father kneeling there, smiling, saying, "Want my treasure? You can have it all; find it! I left it there!" This began an era.

People might not have realized it then, but now they understood what Roger had done. This is why they're fascinated by the execution platform. This is the power of symbolism; this is why Robin wanted to see it.

This held immense significance for ordinary people; for Ace, whose father was the Pirate King, its meaning was even greater. He stood speechless, sighing silently.

————

"Who are you?!" The Navy guards, while refusing Tashigi, wouldn't let anyone take a recruit. They couldn't openly steal someone; it was an insult. They pointed swords at Alistair.

Alistair didn't care, smiling. "Who's in charge? Commander Smoker?"

They exchanged glances. In official circles, observation is crucial; the Navy, though not strictly official, was bureaucratic; this made them observant bureaucrats. This was inevitable assimilation. If Alistair created a large Revolutionary Army, this bureaucracy would follow.

Alistair saw bureaucracy and capital as major problems in the new political system; capitalist governments couldn't solve them; they'd be drained by these monsters. The World Government had existed for over eight hundred years; the Navy, its only military force and one of two diplomatic bodies, was naturally bureaucratic. Otherwise, the East Blue base wouldn't be full of incompetents.

Intimidated, they lowered their voices. "Commander Smoker…"

They thought Alistair was a friend of Smoker; a Major could decide their fate; a Captain was someone they couldn't offend.

"Oh, he's a Navy Headquarters Captain; he's probably on his way," Alistair said casually, seeming familiar with Smoker, amusing Robin. "You're a liar," she whispered in his ear.

Alistair ignored her, saying, "Can I take her? Since she can't join, let me."

Hesitant, one guard said, "We can't control that, but if she wants to go…"

"Should we inform Major Michel?" another asked cautiously.

"No, I don't know him; next time," Alistair said, turning to Tashigi. "Shall we talk?"

"Are you…Navy?" Tashigi wasn't stupid; she understood; this seemed like a high-ranking Navy officer, a good opportunity.

Tashigi was close to Smoker; without his promotion, she wouldn't be a Petty Officer; she was a woman from the East Blue; her personality—she was clumsy; if swordsmanship alone made her a Petty Officer, the rank was worthless. Without Smoker, she wouldn't be an officer. Even corrupt Navies needed basic leadership. Tashigi only gained this composure two years after the Straw Hats' departure, proving her rapid advancement was due to Smoker.

"I'm not Navy, but I uphold justice; shall we talk?" Alistair smiled.

Many, like Tashigi and Koby, had a naive understanding of justice; joining the Navy was justice. This led to disappointment; without supportive superiors and comrades, they might defect.

Alistair was taking this promising recruit, teaching her true justice—wasn't this what she wanted?

She hesitated, then nodded. "Let's go to that tavern."

She didn't fully trust Alistair, but under his cloak, he smiled.

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