“I know, just as there are corrupt and evil leaders within the ranks of justice in the Marines, there are pirates who set out to sea purely to pursue their dreams,” Rosha nodded gently.
“But, Law, how can the ordinary civilians living at the bottom distinguish between good pirates like you and evil ones like Miguel Jones?”
“When they hear pirates landing, the first reaction of common folk, no matter where they are, is panic and fear. It’s only afterward that they might learn about your true nature.”
“And some kids, without self-awareness, grow up hearing stories of pirate adventures and blindly set out to become pirates.”
“Law, if among those kids there are ones who admire you, can you guarantee they will maintain their principles and be decent pirates like you once they set out to sea?”
“Regardless of intentions, the existence of pirates brings fear to the world.”
Rosha looked earnestly at Law and Hawkins.
“I see that you and Hawkins, by nature, are not bad people. We have fought side by side. Why not join the Marines and change the world together with us?”
The tavern fell into a long, silent stillness.
Seeing Hawkins and Law remaining silent, Rosha’s face showed a hint of disappointment.
Since choosing to become a Marine, he was destined to stand against pirates.
As a transmigrator, he had once viewed this vibrant world from a god-like perspective.
He deeply admired many of the characters in this world.
But now, being part of it, he had to maintain his stance.
Thirteen years of living here had given him a sense of belonging, and his personal experiences made him more eager to change this world.
Therefore, he didn’t want to judge every pirate who was kind-hearted and law-abiding harshly.
Upholding justice is not something one person can accomplish; it requires thousands of like-minded individuals to join in.
If Hawkins and Law refused to join the Marines, Rosha wouldn’t abandon his principles. He would persuade Law to give up piracy and become an adventurer or bounty hunter.
The Kingdom of Rubini had a legitimate adventurer’s guild.
Four hundred years ago, Norland was a great adventurer.
If Law insisted on being a pirate, then Rosha would have no choice but to become his enemy…
Which was something he didn’t want to see.
Hawkins and Law could hear the sincerity in Rosha’s invitation.
They knew he genuinely wanted them to join the Marines.
However…
Law’s slight hesitation dissipated when he thought of Doflamingo’s detestable face.
Moreover, the tragedy of the Flevance Kingdom and how the World Government handled it had left him disheartened.
Though his parents and sister died in an enemy invasion, the World Government, which gained immense profits from the amber lead, did nothing to stop the war.
Instead, they allowed the destruction of Flevance and completely sealed the news.
Hawkins, always expressionless, also had past traumas he didn’t want to discuss.
But after Rosha’s heartfelt words, he was moved.
“Hawkins,” Rosha said, looking at the young boy before him, recalling their shared experiences in the Prince’s Kingdom.
Hawkins thought of the fat tavern owner and his son, Jimmy.
He had seen Jimmy sitting in the bloodshed, watching his father’s head explode, blood splattering on his face.
What kind of despair must that boy have felt?
And Rosha’s words still resonated with him.
“I haven’t decided to join the Marines yet, but I see your determination to uphold justice. Rosha, I believe you’ll become a strong Marine warrior. I don’t want to be your enemy. So, although I won’t join the Marines for now, I also won’t become a pirate.”
Hearing this, Rosha, though somewhat disappointed, smiled.
“Hawkins, that’s great. Let’s exchange contact information. If you ever want to join the Marines, just reach out to me.”
Hawkins nodded, handing Rosha a Tarot card.
Rosha saw it was a Justice card.
Drake took out a pencil and had Rosha write down his Den Den Mushi contact number.
After writing it down, Rosha handed the card back to Hawkins, then raised his glass.
“Here’s to Hawkins and his journey.”
“Cheers.”
Everyone raised their glasses.
Law drank silently, ready to refuse Rosha, when the tavern’s wooden door opened.
A lanky man, yawning, walked in and approached them.
Seeing him, Bepo and his two companions shrank behind Law.
Drake, Peacock, and Rosha stood up quickly.
“Uncle Kuzan.”
“Admiral Aokiji.”
Hawkins remained expressionless, Law silent.
“Relax, mind if I join for a drink?” Kuzan waved, pulling up a chair beside Peacock, who poured him a drink.
“Thank you.”
Kuzan downed the drink, savoring it before sighing, “Good wine.”
He looked at Rosha’s group with interest.
“So, what were you discussing? Mind sharing? I’m quite interested.”
Kuzan glanced at Rosha, who understood and explained his invitation to Law.
Kuzan stroked his chin, looking at Law and his trembling crew.
“The Marines and pirates are mortal enemies. If discovered, we arrest or kill them.”
Law’s cheek twitched, and his crew was pale with fear.
“But…” Kuzan’s tone changed, and Bepo and his friends perked up.
“There’s precedent for pirates joining the Marines.”
He looked at Law, “If someone like you, who hasn’t committed serious crimes, joins the Marines, I can report to Fleet Admiral Sengoku and make an exception.”
His voice turned cold, chilling the air.
“But if you insist on being pirates, I’ll do what any just Marine should…”
His palm opened, emitting white frost that formed small ice figurines.
“Arrest all pirates.”
“Captain, please agree! I don’t want to be frozen! I don’t want to be an ice sculpture!” Bepo whimpered.
“Who says being frozen turns you into a polar bear, idiot!” Pequein slapped Bepo’s head, shivering, “But I don’t want to be an ice sculpture either, Captain~.”
Law remained silent.
Suddenly, Rosha whispered in his ear, “Law, Rosinante was a Marine and the adopted son of the current Fleet Admiral. I know you have doubts, but trust me. If we disappoint you, you can leave anytime.”
Law shuddered, his internal struggle evident.
“I’ll trust you this time, Rosha.”
Rosha sighed in relief, extending his hand with a smile.
“Welcome to the Marines.”
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