Kyros's investigation into Viscount Wen progressed rapidly.
For someone like Viscount Wen, it was ridiculously easy for Kyros to uncover his "glorious deeds." All he had to do was take off his Marine uniform and approach the witnesses without the weight of military rank, and they were more than willing to talk.
Backed by the Duchess, Wen had run rampant in the Principality of Verdant Crest. Attempting to kill a blind man who got in his way was merely a drop in the bucket among his long list of sins.
In less than half an hour, Kyros returned to the warship, his face dark. He handed Yoriichi Tsugikuni a written report that detailed everything — every person interviewed, every word spoken, every finding.
Not only Wen, but even his older sister had her own list of misdeeds, which Kyros had unearthed as well. Her crimes were no less egregious than her brother's.
Kyros also took the opportunity to look into the ruler of Verdant Crest, Duke Miss. To his surprise, the duke was actually a thoroughly "honest man." In reality, Duke Miss had been a mere figurehead for years.
He had been politically sidelined and practically disappeared from public affairs fifteen years ago.
Upon learning all this, Kyros couldn't help but reflect — having an "honest" ruler wasn't necessarily a good thing.
Yoriichi glanced over the report briefly before tossing it back to Kyros, then turned to Issho with a smile.
"Mr. Issho, you really did a great deed."
"As for the matter of killing Viscount Wen, you're not guilty."
Yoriichi's face radiated warmth as he addressed Issho.
Hearing that, Issho seemed to grasp what had happened. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he nodded and said gratefully, "Thank you for your fairness, Rear Admiral Yoriichi."
"If it had been another Marine officer, things might have turned out for the worse."
"I don't wish to become an enemy of the Marines unless absolutely necessary."
As he spoke, Issho stood up again. Now that the investigation was complete, it was time for him to leave.
"Mr. Issho, would you still not consider joining the Marines?"
"During your years of wandering, I imagine this wasn't the first time you've encountered something like this."
"I can already picture how you must have handled it before."
"If things go on like this, I think you'll end up on a Marine wanted poster soon."
"I believe you need a solid backing, something to support the justice in your heart."
"This world is full of contradictions. The rules that govern it are both simple and complex. At times, relying solely on strength and passion isn't enough to realize your ideals."
"I believe that I, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, can be that backing."
"Mr. Issho, carry the name of the Marines, carry the banner of justice, and walk these seas!"
"I swear, I will never let you down!"
As Issho was about to leave the cabin, Yoriichi tried once more to persuade him. He truly didn't want to let a strong ally like Issho slip through his fingers.
Though in the original timeline, Issho would eventually join the Marines through the World Draft and become an Admiral, Yoriichi's arrival had changed everything. Whether the World Draft would even happen was now uncertain.
And more importantly, why wait ten or twenty years for a man like Issho to join the Marines?
With a man like him, so full of righteous conviction, they could accomplish much more right now. If they had the power to change this twisted world sooner, why not do it?
Faced with Yoriichi's passionate invitation, Issho finally stopped at the doorway of the cabin.
Kyros also turned his focused gaze on Issho. Though his face was calm, deep inside, he too was filled with hope.
After the truth came to light, all of Kyros's earlier bias against Issho had disappeared.
In fact, he had grown deeply respectful of this powerful "blind man." Most normal people wouldn't even have the chance to reach his level of strength. For someone with a disability to attain such terrifying power, the story behind it must be immense.
Back in the Dressrosa colosseum, Kyros had fought countless matches, relying on talent and insight to win. But only after setting out to sea did he truly understand how vast the world was.
Issho's power was far beyond anything Kyros could touch right now.
"Rear Admiral Yoriichi, your repeated invitations have shown me your sincerity."
"I accept."
"I will become a Marine, and take up the banner of justice."
"I don't reject your style, and in fact, I'm curious to see what I can achieve for the world under that banner."
"Please take care of me, Rear Admiral."
Issho turned around slowly, now beaming with a broad smile. As he spoke, he gave Yoriichi a deep and respectful bow.
Seeing this, Yoriichi's eyes lit up with joy. He gently nodded and said, "Issho, you will not regret your decision."
The Marine G-ICE Branch's warship was finally ready to depart from the Principality of Verdant Crest.
After finishing resupply, the Marines didn't linger any longer. Yoriichi had been summoned by Marine Headquarters and was eager to return and officially receive his new rank.
Yoriichi himself was a little excited about the promotion. Only by becoming a Vice Admiral would he have the authority to appoint his own officers and formally establish his own branch.
While Kyros and Issho didn't care much for rank, Yoriichi had no intention of letting them go unrecognized.
Power should come with title — this wasn't the world of shinobi, where you could destroy mountains and still be called a Genin.
Yoriichi intended to assign Kyros and Issho ranks that matched their strength.
Of course, directly promoting Issho to Admiral wasn't something Yoriichi could do yet. And truthfully, he wasn't sure he wanted Issho to become one.
Once an Admiral, Issho would be stationed at Marineford, often assigned to guard the Celestial Dragons. That would make it much harder to do anything meaningful.
As Garp often said, ranks should only be as high as necessary. Anything more would only be a shackle.
When the day came that Yoriichi himself became an Admiral, it would be because he could reshape the entire Navy.
He would never allow the Marines to become a burden to him.
"Boom, boom, boom, boom!!!"
Just as Yoriichi's warship left the island, a meteor pierced through the clouds and came crashing down toward the very center of the Principality of Verdant Crest.
All the island's residents saw it.
Under the stunned gaze of the masses, the meteor crashed directly into the royal palace at the heart of the island.
In an instant, the sky above the palace was lit in a sea of blazing red flames.
The next day, a rumor spread through the royal court — the Duchess had been struck by a falling meteor and died instantly.
The people of the kingdom applauded quietly in private, saying it was divine punishment, a judgment from the heavens.
In the Sea Circle Calendar, year 1499, mid-August—
The warship led by Yoriichi Tsugikuni finally arrived at Marine G-10 Branch.
Rear Admiral Roka, the base commander, personally came out to greet them, showing full respect for Yoriichi and his crew.
Just as Yoriichi and his men stepped off the ship and entered the reception hall—
A dog-headed warship appeared on the horizon behind them.
At the bow, Garp and Zephyr stood side by side, beaming as they gazed at the G-ICE ship docked at the harbor.
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100 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter
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