One Piece: Marine's Justice

"Originally, my plan was to take you on a tour around the Four Blues and the first half of the Grand Line, hunt some pirates, shed a little

"Originally, my plan was to take you on a tour around the Four Blues and the first half of the Grand Line, hunt some pirates, shed a little blood, and get you some real combat experience."

Standing on deck with a solemn expression, Zephyr faced the 387 Marine Academy students and said gravely, "But this year is different. It's time once again for the World Conference, held every four years. Fifty monarchs from allied nations will gather at the Holy Land, Mariejois, to discuss global security and order. And it's our job to escort them!"

"Sir!"

In the crowd, Cross furrowed his brow and called out, "Zephyr-sensei, are we being drafted too?"

Zephyr nodded. "Correct. All active military operations have been suspended for this period. The Navy's top priority is ensuring the safe passage of those fifty monarchs. We've been assigned to escort the royal family of the Flevance Kingdom in the North Blue."

"Flevance... Sensei, you mean the White City in the North Blue?" Cross asked, surprised.

"I recall you're from the North Blue, Cross. You should know Flevance well," Zephyr said with a smile.

"Of course. Every North Blue native does. It's famous for its beautiful Amber Lead mines, a wealthy, picturesque nation." Cross's gaze glinted, his calm tone tinged with subtle sarcasm.

Zephyr didn't catch the irony and continued smiling. "All the more reason for us to experience it firsthand."

"All right, back to your posts. Set sail!"

...

Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral's Office.

"Commodore Jonathan, what's the status of the royals?"

Kong sat behind his desk, his tone heavy.

"No issues to report," replied Jonathan, a man with light red hair and brown eyebrows, clad in white Marine uniform with a black sash and the "Justice" coat draped over his shoulders.

"And the pirates?" Kong asked, his expression easing slightly.

"More than twenty pirate crews have attempted kidnappings so far. However, our escort fleets have repelled them all before they could even get close," Jonathan replied gravely.

"Good. Tell all patrol units not to let their guard down for even a second. Every route must be secured. Our escort units must perform flawlessly, any disturbance to the royal convoys is unacceptable," Kong ordered firmly.

Then, as if something had occurred to him, he added, "By the way, has the Marine Academy's ship departed from the port?"

"Yes, Fleet Admiral. We just received word that they've set off. But…" Jonathan hesitated, unsure. "Is it really wise to send cadets from the Marine Academy to escort the Flevance royal family?"

Kong chuckled. "Don't worry. That ship has a former Admiral aboard. With Zephyr overseeing the mission, the safety of the Flevance royals is second only to the Alabasta royal family being escorted by Garp himself."

"Ah, right! With Zephyr-sensei there, it should be fine," Jonathan said, realization dawning on his face.

"Report, Fleet Admiral Kong!"

Suddenly, a Marine burst in and saluted, anxiety in his voice. "Intelligence Division just reported abnormal movements from the Roberts Legion, they've appeared in the first half of the Grand Line!"

"What?!" Kong's face darkened. "Why didn't the New World forces stop them? Why hasn't Sengoku been informed? Has the Intelligence Division determined why they left the New World?"

"Apologies, Fleet Admiral. Intelligence hasn't yet uncovered their motive."

"Damn it. At a time like this... Wait." Kong's eyes narrowed as a theory came to him. "If I'm right, Bartholomew Roberts's target is likely the Germa Kingdom. He's after Vinsmoke Judge!"

He turned sharply to Jonathan. "Germa Kingdom is attending the World Conference. Who's in charge of protecting the Vinsmoke royals?"

Jonathan paused a moment, then responded, "Fleet Admiral, the Germa Kingdom refused our escort. They said they'd arrive at Mariejois on their own before the conference. We don't have their current location."

"Judge, that arrogant bastard... If a royal family is taken out before the conference begins, it'll be an international scandal!" Kong muttered, visibly frustrated.

"Fleet Admiral, how are you so sure Bartholomew Roberts is targeting Germa?" Jonathan asked in confusion.

"Have you heard of the Ashibi Kingdom Massacre?" Kong countered.

"I read about it in the papers. Five years ago, Bartholomew Roberts led over ten thousand troops in a rebellion, slaughtered the Ashibi royal family and nobility, with casualties in the thousands," Jonathan recounted.

"Exactly. Five years ago, Roberts was a general of the Ashibi Kingdom. He commanded the entire army and repelled several invasions from hostile nations. That earned him the title 'Sword of Ashibi.'"

Kong's voice grew heavier as he continued, lost in recollection. "But eventually, those hostile nations joined forces and hired Germa 66, infamous as 'Warmongers,' 'War Merchants,' and the 'Army of Evil,' to attack Ashibi."

"The Ashibi military, under Roberts's command, clashed head-on with Vinsmoke Judge's Germa 66 in a massive battle. In the end, Roberts repelled them. That war became one of Germa 66's rare defeats."

"However, the cost was devastating. Even King Rudi VII died in battle."

"After the new king took the throne, he grew wary of Roberts's growing prestige. The entire military obeyed 'the Sword of Ashibi' more than the king himself. So, during a royal banquet, the nobles conspired and poisoned Roberts, attempting to assassinate him."

"But Roberts survived the poisoning and returned to his barracks. When his soldiers learned of the betrayal, their fury ignited a rebellion."

"That night, Roberts led the enraged Ashibi army, crushed the royal guards, stormed the palace, and slaughtered the entire royal family and the nobility. He effectively wiped out Ashibi's ruling class."

"But since Ashibi was a World Government member nation, murdering its monarch was a grave crime. Roberts was declared a criminal and forced to flee with his loyal soldiers. He took to the seas and formed the Roberts Legion, becoming pirates and mercenaries."

"Roberts blames everything on Germa 66 and the nations that hired them. Back in the North Blue, he frequently attacked them both."

"Despite being hunted by the Navy, World Government, Germa 66, and several North Blue kingdoms, Roberts survived. He escaped into the Grand Line and then the New World with his legion."

"And now, with the World Conference convening, Roberts sees the Navy stretched thin, unable to mount a full-scale operation. Add to that Germa's attendance… This is likely his best shot at revenge."

Kong drew a deep breath. "Notify the World Government immediately. CP and the Intelligence Division are to locate the Roberts Legion at all costs. And contact Germa, no, I'll call Vinsmoke Judge myself."

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