On the way back to Diwen Village, Ash carefully reviewed everything that had just happened.
Although he had already identified the true source of Lieutenant Colonel Siz's hostility, the man still possessed a so-called legitimate excuse.
Suspicion of piracy.
From the Marines' perspective, Ash had incinerated an officer on the spot and crippled more than a dozen soldiers. No matter how justified it felt, that was equivalent to slapping the Marines directly across the face.
Even if they deserved it.
The objective of this trip had failed completely.
Not only was the bounty not revoked, there was a real chance it would be raised.
More importantly, Diwen Village might be dragged into the mess.
Thinking about it now, Ash could not help but sneer at himself. Trying to reason with people in the Pirate World had been foolish from the start.
The constant string of events since his transmigration meant his mindset had not fully adjusted yet.
This was not the modern world.
This was the Pirate World.
If he wanted to talk about reason in the future, then his fists would have to do the talking.
Back in Diwen Village, Sali listened quietly before letting out a breath and nodding, his expression saying that he had expected this outcome.
"It's fine," Sali said calmly. "You're not from Diwen Village to begin with. Even if the Marines hunt you down, they won't target ordinary villagers."
He paused, then added with certainty, "We are civilians of a World Government member nation. We pay the heavenly tribute."
Hearing this, Ash finally felt a weight lift from his chest. The last thing he wanted was to bring disaster upon people who had shown him nothing but kindness.
Still, relocation had become urgent.
"The village needs to move as soon as possible," Ash said firmly.
Sali nodded in agreement. "Before that happens, Pini and Dicken can't openly reveal their identities."
"That's easy," Pini said with a grin. "We'll just wear masks."
Dicken twirled the small knife in his fingers and chuckled. "I'll make three of them right now."
"Make sure they don't stand out," Ash said, laughing lightly before turning serious again. "Don't worry, Big Brother Sali. I'll find a route to Sky Island as soon as possible. Once that happens, no one here will ever have to pay tribute again."
The village chief stepped forward and patted Ash's shoulder, his voice gentle.
"Don't rush yourself too hard. We'll be fine. When you sail out to sea, always remember that safety comes first."
Meanwhile, far away at Marineford, inside Marine Headquarters.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku's office trembled as his fist slammed onto the desk.
The teacup jumped into the air.
"These damn fools," Sengoku roared. "How dare they!"
Ever since taking over as Fleet Admiral, Sengoku felt like he had not known a single day of peace.
First came the aftermath of Fisher Tiger, captain of the Sun Pirates. Gravely wounded by Kizaru, he had refused human blood transfusions and died, pushing relations between the Ryugu Kingdom and the World Government to the brink.
Fish-Man Island had been a World Government member nation for over two centuries. Even if many looked down on it, appearances still had to be maintained.
Before that disaster was fully resolved, the World Government revived the proposal to officially establish the Seven Warlords of the Sea, supposedly to counter the growing power of the New World.
Sengoku knew better.
The Shichibukai were not just a tool against pirates. They were also a leash aimed squarely at the Marines.
The first Warlord had been appointed more than ten years ago, only for the plan to be shelved without explanation. Now that Sengoku had barely settled into his role, the proposal was dragged back out again, with the Gorosei dumping the responsibility squarely onto his shoulders.
And the candidates.
Crocodile, once locked in brutal battles with Douglas Bullet seventeen years ago, now hiding in Alabasta after being crushed by Whitebeard.
Boa Hancock, the Empress of Amazon Lily, who ignored orders whenever she pleased.
Gekko Moriah, who survived Kaido's wrath and lurked in the Florian Triangle.
Donquixote Doflamingo, who hijacked the heavenly tribute and forced his way into the system.
Jinbe, the Knight of the Sea, who joined only after securing the release of imprisoned Sun Pirates.
Monsters.
The World Government wanted these people placed on equal footing with the Marines.
It was an insult.
And then came the tragedy involving Zephyr.
Marine students slaughtered.
Zephyr's right arm severed.
The attackers, remnants of the Rocks Pirates, Miss Bakkin and Edward Weevil.
Utterly lawless.
Sengoku had personally demanded their capture and imprisonment in Impel Down. Even Fleet Admiral Kong had backed him, forcing the Gorosei to temporarily back off.
Before that fire could be extinguished, chaos erupted again in the North Blue.
Sengoku's temple throbbed.
"Crunch crunch."
His veins bulged instantly.
"Garp," Sengoku snarled. "Don't you have your own office? And put down my tea and senbei!"
"Ahahaha," Garp laughed, crumbs flying. "Don't be so stingy."
Then he added casually, "That kid, Ash, actually went to a Marine base to explain himself. That takes guts."
Sengoku pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Regardless of intent, he attacked Marines, killed a lieutenant colonel, and crippled over a dozen soldiers," he said grimly. "Even if we wanted to revoke his bounty, it would be extremely difficult."
Garp shrugged. "That guy was just trash sucking up to the Celestial Dragons."
"He was still wearing a Marine uniform when he died," Sengoku snapped back.
Garp tilted his head. "But he's ash now, isn't he?"
Black Armament Haki crept over Sengoku's arms.
"Sengoku."
Vice Admiral Tsuru finally spoke, her calm voice cutting through the tension.
"According to Ensign Daen's report, Ash is very likely a Devil Fruit user," she said. "There is an over eighty percent chance it is the Logia type Mera Mera no Mi."
Sengoku sighed heavily. "Any Logia user with talent becomes a major figure eventually."
Tsuru nodded. "Lieutenant Colonel Siz created a future enemy for the Marines for nothing."
Sengoku understood her implication. The bounty had been issued directly by the World Government, tied to the interests of the Celestial Dragons.
He had already reduced it to an almost insulting 800 Berries out of protest.
But revoking it outright was not within his authority.
The Marines were still the World Government's Marines.
Tsuru set her teacup down gently.
"Sengoku," she said, "aren't there still vacant seats among the Shichibukai?"
Sengoku's eyes widened.
Of course.
The Seven Warlords of the Sea.
A double-edged sword.
One the World Government used to restrain pirates and Marines alike.
And one that could also be wielded by him.
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