OP: The Flame Pillar Of Justice

"Huff… huff…"

Out of breath from the adrenaline rush, Prinprin slumped into his chair.

Lying before him on the floor was the cold corpse of a fish-man.

One of Arlong's officers—Chew. Bounty: 5.5 million berries.

"Son of a… or is it fish son of a bitch…"

Prinprin set the cutlass down on the desk and wiped the blood from his hands.

"Well done, Brigadier Prinprin."

Rengoku's voice echoed from somewhere—again.

"Thank you, sir!"

Prinprin quickly got up and walked to the corner of the office.

There sat a Den Den Mushi, already connected.

Its mimicked expression confirmed it was linked to none other than Rengoku.

Which meant:

The entire conversation with Chew… had been heard by Rengoku.

Prinprin raised the receiver, ready to report—but before he could speak, Rengoku's voice came again.

Not through the snail.

From just outside the door.

"Brigadier Prinprin! May I come in?"

"Y-Yes, of course!"

Flustered, Prinprin rushed to open the door.

Standing there was none other than the famed Vice Admiral from the New World—

[Flame Pillar] Rengoku.

"I didn't expect you to arrive so soon!"

"The moment I spotted your warship, I Sky-Ran here immediately. Just got in."

Rengoku stepped into the office and glanced down at the body.

"So this is Chew?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Hmm. Defeated in a single strike—well done."

"Thank you, sir!"

...

Chew's body was wrapped in a regulation Marine corpse shroud.

Inside the office, Prinprin and Rengoku continued their discussion.

"It's now clear that Captain Nezumi of Branch 16 has been covering up Arlong's crimes for the past eight years. Judging from the bribe he offered me, it's likely he and his subordinates have been receiving over a million berries a month. That adds up to nearly 100 million berries in pure corruption."

As Prinprin explained both Arlong's atrocities and the Navy's internal rot, Rengoku silently reached into his coat and pulled out another Den Den Mushi.

Brrrrrrrr.

Click—

"Justice! Brigadier Kasack speaking!"

"B-B-Brigadier Kasack…?"

This wasn't just another local officer like Prinprin.

Kasack was a true Marine brigadier—one stationed at Marine Headquarters.

"Brigadier Kasack. You are the regional commander overseeing all of East Blue's branches, correct?"

"Yes, sir. That is correct."

"Then tell me—how did a massive, eight-year-long corruption scandal unfold under your command without you ever noticing?"

Rengoku's voice was low.

It was far from his usual energetic demeanor.

"I-I sincerely apologize!"

"Immediately organize a full-scale military police inspection unit at the battalion level. Launch a surprise investigation on Marine Branch 16. Every individual from the branch commander to the newest recruits must have their identities verified. This is a direct order from a Marine Vice Admiral. You are authorized to detain anyone who resists under charges of military insubordination."

"Conduct a thorough investigation into Captain Nezumi. That includes his close aides, academy classmates, and anyone he had consistent contact with since enlistment. Track and compile every financial transaction they've made over the past 10 years."

Rengoku, in this moment, wasn't the Flame Pillar—

He was cold enough to be mistaken for the Ice Pillar.

Both Prinprin and the East Blue Commander, Kasack, were tense with fear.

"You have two weeks. During that time, delegate East Blue command to your aide, Headquarters Commander Hajik. I expect a full, satisfying report by the time I finish my inspection tour and return to the Grand Line."

"Understood! I will complete the task without fail!"

"And as the regional commander, you carry grave responsibility. Once all investigations are concluded, submit a written statement—no less than 10,000 characters. Clear?"

"Yes, sir! My sincerest apologies!"

Click.

...

"Whew…"

Rengoku let out a sigh, and Prinprin cautiously spoke.

"V-Vice Admiral… shall we head straight for Arlong Park now?"

Rengoku, aware that his job was not yet finished, issued new orders immediately.

"Yes. Set course directly for Arlong Park. However, refrain from all attacks—including bombardment. I'll handle this personally. The rest of you prepare for cleanup and containment."

"Yes, sir!"

...

Meanwhile, at that very moment in Cocoyasi Village—

Another group of Marines had arrived.

Among them: Captain Nezumi and twenty elite soldiers from Marine Branch 16.

"You there—are you the local police chief? Genzo, is it?"

Nezumi asked while twirling his rat-like mustache.

The sudden arrival of the Navy startled Genzo, but he quickly composed himself and responded.

"Yes, I'm Genzo."

"Good, good. I'm Captain Nezumi from Marine Branch 16. We're here on a tip—to catch a thief."

"A… thief, you say?"

If there had truly been a theft in Cocoyasi Village, the police—Genzo himself—would've been the first to hear about it.

But the Navy coming personally to apprehend a thief?

That was highly unusual.

Genzo could only assume the worst.

"Yes, a thief. Someone who steals what isn't theirs.

Squeak, squeak, squeak!"

That disgusting laugh—one that could never belong to a man of justice—made sweat bead on Genzo's brow.

He swallowed hard.

"Might I ask… do you have a description of the suspect?"

"A description? No idea," Nezumi replied flatly.

"All we got was a report saying someone saw the stolen item in a certain tangerine grove."

Genzo swallowed hard again.

At this point, there was no doubt left.

He understood exactly what these men were after.

"This region has an excellent climate, so many villagers grow tangerines. Because of that, the market price is low, haha. In Cocoyasi Village, you'll find tangerine trees in almost every backyard or hillside. Would it be alright if we investigated the groves ourselves before you go searching?"

Despite Genzo's effort to stall, Nezumi plowed ahead.

"No need to worry. The report came with an address.

Right… here."

He handed Genzo a map of Cocoyasi Village.

The marked location was none other than Bell-mère's tangerine grove.

"T-This place is…!"

"What's wrong? Don't tell me it belongs to someone you know. That'd be bad—because it means your friend may have had something valuable stolen.

Go on, lead the way. The Marines of justice will take care of it for you. Squeak-squeak-squeak."

Too late…

They already knew everything.

"…This way, please."

"There we go. Now we're finally speaking the same language, Officer."

...

Meanwhile, elsewhere—Luffy and his crew.

"Hey! Luffy! Stop running off! Now's not the time to act on your own—we need to stay together!"

Sanji hurried after Luffy, scolding him.

"Sanji's right, Luffy," Zoro chimed in from behind.

"Charging in alone won't make Nami come back willingly."

"Ahhh… I've got a disease—if I see a fishman alone, I die! Don't leave me behind!"

That was Usopp.

Despite all their protests, Luffy ignored them, casually strolling around the village.

"Huh? A pinwheel?"

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