Chapter 12: Aftermath

Today in Loguetown, fierce winds, torrential rain, uproar, and yet another execution where the Marines know how to properly execute pirates!

Those pirates who took advantage of the chaos to plunder recklessly were all mercilessly cut down by Ensign Kuro.

"Ittoryu: Merciless Wind."

Another street and the marauding pirates barely had time to escape before a swift figure appeared before them.

Ignoring the heads soaring behind him, Kuro's blade slashed horizontally, cutting through the door, and a burst of blood followed.

He swung his katana, letting the rain wash away the blood on the blade, and looked at a trembling green-haired figure in an alley.

Cowering behind a trash bin, the green-haired one shivered, hands covering the head, whispering, 'Please don't see me, please don't see me!.'

Faintly, he sensed a presence in front of him, and looking up, he let out a surprised yelp, crawling backward several meters.

"I'm not a pirate, I'm not!"

With a tall green pointed head, eyes with black marks at the corners, a large mouth, and sharp teeth, he made people suspect that he had fish-man blood.

The boss of a gang ruling over as many as 150 streets in its territory, Bartolomeo

Seeing Kuro approaching, Bartolomeo waved his hands desperately, almost on the verge of tears. "I am not a pirate, please don't kill me!"

Bartholomew felt quite despondent; today, he was quite shaken, witnessing scenes he believed would be grand in his life, only to be interrupted by a pirate riot.

Riots happen, and it doesn't concern him much as long as they don't harm his own business, especially considering most of the rioting pirates were under his command before.

But soon, news arrived that many pirates had died on the streets, most of them from the territories he controlled, and all of them uniformly beheaded.

This was unacceptable. They could fight their battles, but how could they destroy his turf? Some of them were even his underlings.

Bartolomeo angrily began patrolling the streets he ruled, determined to find the mastermind behind this.

Finally, he find the culprit of all this.

Then he watched another unforgettable scene in his life.

The figure was barely visible, and the moves were even less discernible. 

All it took was a flash of the Marine in the black coat, a swift slash, and everyone's heads were flying in the sky. It sent shivers down his spine!

This guy was impossible to deal with!

Even when he raised his proud barrier, he felt it was useless.

"Then don't be a pirate. Just focus on your promising career in the underworld."

Kuro glanced at him and continued forward.

Waiting for the footsteps to fade away, Bartolomeo cautiously peeked out, making sure the other person had left before he breathed a sigh of relief, collapsing on the ground.

His body was covered in cold sweat.

After lying down for a while, he propped himself up and looked at the headless bodies scattered across the small street. 

He gritted his teeth, a hint of fear in his eyes. "Monster!"

...

"I'm starving~"

Lida knocked down a fleeing pirate with a punch, swallowed some spit, and her stomach growled, craving food.

But she dared not.

She had never seen Kuro in such a state, and along the way, she had seen quite a few headless pirate bodies. 

If she were to cut corners, it would feel very unpleasant.

Maintaining this form had been almost 6 hours, and even though she wasn't using her full combat power, the consumption was significant.

Although she was a Devil Fruit user, absorbing spirit energy made her fights more fierce, but it didn't mean she wasn't hungry. 

Otherwise, she wouldn't have gone for years without proper meals.

"Hey, Clow, move faster!"

Lida kicked away a pirate running past her and shouted at Kuro in the distance.

"Shave!"

Clow quickly rushed to a pirate, and his claw blade tore open a wound on the pirate's chest, exposing bone.

Many pirates hadn't had the chance to take hostages, and the Marines were dealing with those. 

Originally, they were supposed to be captured alive, but just the thought of their leader's icy face made them hesitant. Killing was more time-efficient.

He glanced upward and happened to see Smoker transforming into smoke, flying past.

"Hmph, being a Devil Fruit user sure is convenient," Clow sneered, continuing to hunt down pirates.

In the air, Smoker was even more astonished. From his aerial view, the scene was more vivid.

He saw at least seven streets, all covered in headless bodies.

"This kid is really angry. Is he someone who cares about civilians?" Smoker wondered.

Spotting a group of pirates, Smoker dove down.

"When it comes to catching pirates, I won't lose to you!" Smoker thought to himself.

.....

In the streets, Kuro left behind a trail of corpses.

He wore a relaxed smile, using his Haki to sense the surroundings. There were no more pirates holding hostages.

The rest was left to the Marines.

Kuro glanced down at the military sword in his hand. 

Without the coverage of Haki, this sword had reached its limit after cutting so many people, showing signs of wear and tear.

"It seems only Meito can withstand my technique. Ordinary ones; they don't feel right when cutting people," Kuro casually threw the sword away and pulled out a cigar from his pocket, lighting it and exhaling smoke.

"Ah... feels good."

With no pirates holding hostages, the Marines could now unleash their full strength. Coupled with a few formidable fighters, catching pirates became quite easy.

Soon, the turmoil was brought under control by the Marines.

In a ruined area, Smoker smoked a cigarette, watching as the Marines escorted the pirates forward.

Tashigi stood on the side, holding a sword, her face somewhat grim.

Clow sat on a large stone, the reflection in his glasses concealing his expression.

Lida maintained her adult appearance, occasionally giving passing pirates a kick.

"It's because of you that I can't enjoy my meals!"

The atmosphere was a bit grim.

"Hey hey hey, what's going on? Why so quiet? Catching pirates should be a joyous occasion. Smoker, you stopped a major riot," Kuro said, walking over with a cigar in his mouth, smiling.

"Kuro!"

Seeing Kuro's expression, Lida's face lit up, and she returned to her child form, running over.

"Hey, feeling better?"

"Hey! A little kid like you can't say anything good. What do you mean by 'feeling better'? I've been fine all along!"

Kuro flicked Lida's forehead.

Lida wasn't angry; instead, she was even happier, casually taking out some chips and starting to eat.

"Kuro."

Smoker looked at Kuro with a complex expression and said, "You've killed so many people. Are you finally announcing your existence to the world?"

"Huh? What? What do you mean I've killed so many people? Who did I kill, where's the evidence? I didn't do anything."

Kuro looked completely unconvinced. "You dealt with the riot, and as a Captain in charge of Loguetown, it's your duty. It's none of my business."

Unless someone could bring the dead back to life and point their finger at him saying he, Kuro, killed them, he wouldn't admit it.

After wandering the world for so many years, he relied on one word: stability.

"The 'Safe' justice, well... forget it. How you define justice is your business. From my perspective, you're an outstanding Marine, and I look forward to working with you."

Smoker shook his head and suddenly asked, "How do you view the Revolutionary Army?"

"The Revolutionary Army?"

Kuro pondered for a moment. "Just watch."

This was the mindset of most Marines, including Kuro.

Smoker squinted. "Dragon has been here and disappeared again. I don't know why he came here, just to release the Straw Hat crew. Doesn't seem like it."

Loguetown doesn't belong to any kingdom, and there haven't been any reports of upheavals in the vicinity.

"Why bother thinking about that? It's the government's business, not ours. Our duty is to fight pirates, and the rest doesn't concern us."

Kuro laughed heartily.

He knew exactly why Dragon came, and he understood but didn't agree with the chaos caused by that man. 

The conflicts in Loguetown existed long before Dragon, and if Smoker left, this town would sooner or later erupt into turmoil.

Kuro understood that but what he couldn't agree with was that, no matter what, no one in this world could truly make him agree.

Kuro looked at Smoker and suddenly asked, "I heard that the Grand Line has the spectacle of sea trains, but it's limited to the vicinity of the Seven Water Capital. Why not spread such a convenient means of transportation throughout the world? Wouldn't that be very convenient?"

Smoker firmly denied, "Sea trains aren't the property of the World Government; it's just cooperation. Besides, it would be too costly to do that. Why are you asking about this?"

"Imagine, suppose the Revolutionary Army overthrows the World Government. Do you think they would spread sea trains all over the world?"

Smoker thought for a moment and shook his head.

"So, we just watch," Kuro said with a smile.

Smoker frowned; he didn't understand the meaning behind Kuro's words. What did the World Government, the Revolutionary Army, and sea trains have to do with each other?

Kuro smiled, looking at the sky.

Smoker didn't understand, and no one in this world would. 

In another world, there was a country that, even for a remote village with only a hundred residents on the border, would build roads, and provide electricity, and water, just to make the locals' lives more convenient.

That was the sentiment and responsibility toward the homeland and people.

People in this world couldn't comprehend it, and how could he agree with it?

In their eyes, having a king who loves the people is already a huge blessing.

For the Revolutionary Army, overthrowing tyrannical countries and replacing them with a 'people-loving' king is their utmost goal.

Can that even be called a revolution?

As someone with a solid background in political science from his previous life since childhood, Kuro truly disdains such revolutions.

If he were to rebel, the whole world would tremble.

So, what does it matter to Kuro about the World Government and the Revolutionary Army? He's a Marine officer who just wants to live a safe life.

Whoever wants to be part of the World Government can go ahead. Regardless of who takes charge, in this world of multiple islands, no one can do without the Marine.

Especially in the chaotic magnetic fields of the Grand Line, where islands are hardly connected.

The Marine is the force that confronts chaos and evil on the front lines, and it's also the safest power.

"The Marine is great, good food, high salary. Nothing to do at work, just read newspapers, trim nails, and steal some cigars. I like it here," Kuro said.

With that, Kuro took another cigar from Smoker.

"You bastard!"

Veins popped on Smoker's forehead. "Just get promoted and buy your own!"

"Buying is nice, but freeloading is even better," Kuro chuckled.

Smoker's eye twitched. He exhaled a puff of smoke and said to Kuro, "Straw Hat kid got away. I'm heading to the Grand Line to catch him. Kuro, come with me."

"Huh? I need to go to Headquarters for training. No time to play with you," Kuro waved his hand, uninterested.

He just wanted to hang around Headquarters for a bit, maybe try to slip back into the East Blue and live a safe and carefree life.

Smoker ignored him, turning to a Marine. "Contact Headquarters, I'm going to the Grand Line. Also, prepare for departure with Ensign Ruxiru Kuro, who is scheduled for training at Headquarters, as well as the Petty Officer Florida and Clow."

"Hey, you're abusing your authority!" Kuro protested angrily.

"If you don't want me to report to Headquarters that you handled the pirate chaos in Loguetown and showcase your strength."

Smoker addressed Kuro, "And, I've been abusing my authority for quite some time. If you don't want to be dispatched by me, then get promoted, you idiot!"

"Do you want to spar with me on the training ground, Smoker?" Kuro clenched his fist.

"No, think about it. If you come with me to the Grand Line, you won't need to intervene when facing pirates. You can continue with your 'Safe' justice. As a Captain from Headquarters, I'll give you some opportunities later, allowing you to get promoted and go to a peaceful place. Then, you can achieve your goals," Smoker quickly explained.

Fight him? Smoker wasn't foolish; that would be seeking trouble.

Listening to Smoker's words, Kuro hesitated for a moment.

This... seems feasible.

"Clow?"

Kuro subconsciously looked at Clow.

"I think it's a good idea," Clow nodded.

He had suggested earlier that Kuro join a faction.

Kuro knew that Smoker had a good relationship with Kuzan. 

With his help, Kuro might fulfill his wish of returning to East Blue for a peaceful life.

"It's hard to say, but it will meet your requirements, very safe."

"Deal, I'll accompany you for a stroll." After thinking for a moment, Kuro confirmed again, "When you say 'very safe place,' it's better if there are no pirates nearby."

"Don't worry, there definitely won't be any pirates around that place!" Smoker said firmly.

.....

"Calm Belt. The Marines can traverse to the Grand Line from here. Truly... cheating."

On the warship, Clow muttered as he gazed at the sea ahead, almost as flat as the horizon.

As a former pirate, the only route he knew to enter the Grand Line was through Reverse Mountain, that perilous place. 

He never expected the Marines could directly pass through the Calm Belt.

"Because the ship is equipped with Sea Stone, which has the same energy as the sea and won't be detected by Sea Kings," Tashigi explained. 

"However, this technology is extremely rare, so there aren't many ships that can navigate like this, limited to Headquarters use."

Smoker, always quick to act, led them straight from Loguetown into the Calm Belt, directly entering the Grand Line.

On the third deck of the warship, on two beach chairs, Kuro and Smoker lay down, smoking cigars. Lida sat nearby, enjoying the food on the table.

This leisurely comfortable safe life was exactly what Kuro hoped for. Lying here, even the slightest resentment towards Smoker disappeared.

"If only it could stay like this forever..." Kuro sighed.

"I don't understand. You're so strong, why settle for this?" Smoker asked. "If you want safety, then catch more pirates."

"Ever heard a saying?" Kuro replied.

"What?"

"A person's dreams never end!"

Kuro sat up, poured a glass of wine, and downed it.

"So, there will never be an end to catching pirates."

(T/N: The next chapter is 12 hours from the time this Chapter is updated. Compensated for chapter that I'm not updated in Sunday)

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