Chapter 107: Chapter 107: Survivors of Ohara
"Tom and Jerry, huh..."
"That brings back some amusing memories."
"Capone Bege, arrange for these two brothers, along with the other pirates and their subordinates, to be sent to G-8 Branch. From there, have the G-8 personnel transfer them to Impel Down.
"If anyone asks, just tell them I sent you. Kuzan will know what to do when he hears my name."
"Yes, Lord Karl. I'll find someone to handle this immediately. But, capturing nearly 90 people at once—will the Navy Headquarters really be okay with this?
"I'm not entirely familiar with the inner workings of the Navy, but it seems a bit disruptive for the West Blue to suddenly lose so many people."
Capone Bege wasn't part of the Navy, but he understood enough about its operations to voice some concerns. However, he underestimated Karl's standing within the Navy Headquarters. While Bege knew Karl was powerful, he had no idea about his true identity.
"You don't need to worry about that. After all, my mission here is to cleanse the Four Seas of criminal elements.
"And whether the West Blue is in chaos or not isn't up to the 'Red Church' to decide, is it?
"With such a major obstacle removed, you should be feeling relieved instead."
At this, Karl gestured, and a few textbooks flew out of his small boat.
"These are the latest books I've compiled. I wasn't planning to give them to you before, but now seems like the right time.
"After I leave the West Blue, I need you to elevate the education level across the region.
"I don't care what methods you use—I need more than 90% of the civilians in the West Blue to receive an education.
"'Knowledge can change the future.' While this isn't an absolute truth, without knowledge, no change is possible.
"On this, I believe the scholars of Ohara understand it better than I ever could."
"I understand. I'll do my best. But those scholars may not necessarily be willing to help me.
"Though they're grateful I saved them, they long for freedom and have grown resentful under my supervision.
"If it weren't for Nico Robin stepping in as acting village chief, they probably would've clashed with my 'Red Church' long ago."
Capone Bege sighed helplessly, while Karl raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.
He knew Robin was highly capable, especially in negotiations, but he hadn't expected her—still in her teens—to become the leader of the Ohara survivors.
It was rather astonishing.
"Well, then. Let's go pay them a visit. Also, inform Kuro. When he arrives in the West Blue, I want him to come here alone to meet me.
"Our connection isn't something that can be made public. Handle it discreetly. I trust you."
"Understood. I'll make the arrangements. But, Lord Karl, are you going to see the Ohara villagers right now?"
"Yes, let's go. I have some matters to discuss with Robin."
Capone Bege nodded and immediately activated his ability, transporting Karl to Ohara Village.
This was the island where they had been hiding—a remote, uninhabited isle deep within the West Blue.
The island wasn't large, but since the population of Ohara survivors was small, it was enough for them to continue living here for generations.
However, they weren't content with a quiet life. Many of them yearned to take to the seas as pirates and confront the Navy.
When Karl arrived, he even saw a few young men preparing to sneak away.
Before they could get far, several giant hands sprouted from their bodies and forced them to the ground.
"I've told you all before: no one is allowed to leave this island without the permission of me or Capone Bege!
"Do you want to repeat Ohara's tragedy? Even if you resent the Navy, you can't act so recklessly!
"We can fight back against those bastards in the Navy—but in a different way!"
Robin's crisp voice rang out from behind the young men.
At this moment, she was around 160 cm tall and looked to be only twelve or thirteen years old. Despite her age, her words carried remarkable weight.
With just a few sharp remarks, she silenced the defiant young men. Even though they were physically stronger, they were powerless against Robin's Devil Fruit abilities.
It was a testament to how a well-developed Devil Fruit power could make even a child a formidable force against grown men.
"Robin, let them go. A simple warning is enough; there's no need to get physical," Capone Bege said with a sigh.
He was clearly used to this kind of scenario and didn't take it to heart.
Robin, hearing Bege's voice, didn't turn around. She merely deactivated her power. "Hurry back before you get yourselves hurt. I don't want to feel guilty for injuring you."
"T-thank you…"
The young men rubbed their arms and shoulders, nodding to Robin in gratitude.
But as they turned to leave, one of them glanced at Capone Bege and froze.
"Navy! The Navy is here!"
"Everyone, run! Capone Bege brought the Navy with him!"
Their shouts were filled with fear. It was clear the shadow of Ohara's destruction still loomed heavily over them, leaving deep scars.
"The Navy?!"
Hearing the commotion, Robin was stunned.
She quickly turned around, ready for battle.
But when she saw who the "Navy" was, her eyes widened in shock.
"Karl-nii?! You're… alive?!"
Tears welled up in her eyes, though she had matured enough to hold back her emotions. She slowly approached Karl, as if to confirm his presence.
"Capone Bege, what exactly did you tell them? I was only under house arrest, but according to Robin, it's as if I died," Karl said, rolling his eyes as he ruffled Robin's hair.
It was as silky smooth as it had been five years ago.
"I didn't—I mean, Lord Karl, I really didn't say anything…" Capone Bege stammered, clearly flustered.
Robin wiped her eyes and said softly, "The Five Elders and the Celestial Dragons… they're not good people. Offending them made us assume you'd been… sacrificed.
"And house arrest? To me, that just sounded like a death sentence…"
"Forget it. As long as I'm alive, that's all that matters. There's no need to dwell on it."
Robin's misunderstanding had spiraled from her own imagination.
But before anyone could say more, a commotion erupted nearby, drawing their attention.
"Attack the Navy! Capture them! Everyone, charge!"
-----------------------------
Join my patreon to access advance chapters: patreon.com / madbot635