[80] : Confessions

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Vice Admiral Onigumo's encounter with Arthur wasn't purely coincidental. He was there to ascertain Arthur's route.

Spring Queen City had too many potential escape routes.

The Marines had Vice Admirals stationed along several of those routes, but without knowing Arthur's precise course, they'd be wasting precious time and resources.

Now that Onigumo had confirmed Arthur's trajectory, the Marines could quickly deploy their forces for an ambush.

"Stay put. Reinforcements are on their way!" Kong's voice was grim as he hung up.

Onigumo was a valuable asset, a Powerful Vice Admiral. They wouldn't abandon him. As long as he was alive, the World Government could find a way to heal him. After all, Devil Fruits had all sorts of strange abilities.

Healing wasn't limited to the Op-Op Fruit or Heal-Heal Fruit.

Even seemingly unrelated fruits like the Paw-Paw Fruit, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, and Doflamingo's String-String Fruit could be used for healing or pain relief—though not as effectively as specialized healing fruits.

"You all heard that. Once 'Thunder God' Arthur passes through the Florian Triangle, his next stop is Sabaody Archipelago!" Kong addressed the assembled officers, his voice low and serious.

Present were—Admiral Sengoku, Admiral Zephyr, Vice Admiral Garp, Vice Admiral Tsuru—a lounging Kuzan—and a frustrated Kizaru.

"Bwahahahaha!" Garp picked his nose, seemingly unconcerned about the upcoming operation. He was one of the most easygoing individuals on the Grand Line.

"What if we fail to intercept the kid at Sabaody?"

"There is no—'IF.'—This mission must succeed." Kong's voice was firm. The Five Elders had made their expectations clear. Failure meant losing his position as Fleet Admiral.

"I've contacted the World Government. They're sending the Grand Admiral of the Army. With HIS ability—once Arthur enters the ambush, he won't escape, no matter how fast or strong he is."

(PS: Think of the Army as the World Government's Land Force.)

Kong had absolute faith in the Grand Admiral's Power. Once Arthur set foot on Sabaody—he would be captured.

Garp, Sengoku, and Zephyr would Overpower him. Kuzan would freeze the area to prevent Sabaody from being destroyed, minimizing collateral damage.

Tsuru would use her Wash-Wash Fruit to cleanse Arthur's 'Evil' thoughts. And the Grand Admiral would ensure Arthur couldn't escape.

The plan was flawless.

Failure was practically impossible.

If Arthur escaped this trap—the Marines might as well disband.

——

"So, if you're so sure he'll be captured, why am I here?" Kizaru drawled, bored. He wanted nothing to do with this mission. Arthur's abilities made him practically untouchable. What was the point? He'd be useless—a Glorified spectator.

"You're developing an aversion to facing Arthur. This mission is about overcoming that fear," Zephyr said sternly, adjusting his sunglasses.

Kizaru wanted to retort, but he couldn't be bothered. Confrontation was too much effort. Avoidance was his preferred strategy.

"Yes, yes, Zephyr-sensei," he mumbled, his gaze drifting towards the window.

The officers continued discussing the operation.

"What about Head Chef Olsen's daughter?"

"I've been told she was kidnapped. If we encounter her, have Olsen try to convince her to return."

—

A gentle breeze ruffled Arthur's hair and billowed his greatcoat. The ship sailed swiftly, carrying the faint scent of Jessica's perfume to his nostrils.

Arthur inhaled deeply, leaning against the railing, his gaze lost in the sky, his mind heavy with foreboding.

The closer they got to Sabaody, the stronger his unease grew. It had started after his encounter with Onigumo, a deep, instinctive aversion to their destination.

Yet, he wouldn't turn back.

Danger meant excitement, and excitement was what he craved. The more dangerous the path, the more alluring it became, sending shivers of anticipation through his very being. He was addicted to the thrill.

He might die chasing this life of freedom and excitement—but he wouldn't regret it.

Jessica smiled, her arms outstretched, embracing the sea breeze.

Arthur didn't plan to burden her with his worries. Let her enjoy her carefree life as a chef.

But Jessica wasn't oblivious.

She'd sensed his unease since they set sail. She'd simply been holding back, waiting for the right moment.

"Arthur, if you're worried about something…you can talk to me," she said softly, turning to face him.

Arthur chuckled, rubbing his temples. "Worried? Not at all. I'm just—excited. I have a feeling things are about to get interesting."

"Since I ate the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, I'm practically untouchable. Few can threaten my life. But this feeling of dread—it means something big is about to happen."

Jessica's worry eased.

Arthur supported her dreams. She would support him too.

"Jessica, there are very few people on this sea who can truly threaten my life—Whitebeard, Roger, Shiki, Redfield, Garp—Not counting the World Government's hidden forces or any unknown Powerhouses lurking in the shadows, I can count them on one hand."

"And even they couldn't catch me if I wanted to escape—unless they have some Time-Space Ability or a Power that specifically negates speed."

Arthur's confidence stemmed from the Rumble-Rumble Fruit's speed. While it could be countered—it was rare.

"The next year or two will be chaotic—absolutely thrilling. The New World is my stage. I won't... and I can't fall before I get there." His eyes shone with anticipation.

"Roaming the seas, clashing with the strongest—that's what a real man does. Without that ambition, what's the point?"

Roger's return would usher in a new era, a chaotic but exciting time. The old guard would fall, making way for new Powerhouses.

"I was once stranded on Jaya, lost and uncertain. I questioned the meaning of my existence, why I was brought to this world. But after witnessing the lawlessness of the Pirates and the freedom of the strong, I found my purpose."

"If I don't leave my mark on this era, create a legend that will echo through time, what's the point of living? I might as well just kill myself…"

Perhaps sensing the coming storm, Arthur, for the first time, opened up to Jessica, revealing his deepest thoughts and fears.

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