"Is this what you mean when you say there's no such thing as 'civilian massacres,' Spandam, Commander of CP9?"
Rengoku was furious.
Iceburg—the mayor of Water Seven and president of the Galley-La Company—had been shot.
By CP9!
"Whoa, whoa, calm down. We didn't plan to kill him. The bullet avoided any vital spots," Spandam tried to pacify Rengoku.
"Do you call that an excuse?"
Rengoku's anger was so overwhelming that even CP9's high-ranking commander, backed by authority, could not help but feel intimidated.
"Relax. We only wanted to intimidate him for the Pluton blueprints. There was no real intention to kill him. And besides, something like this? The World Government will easily turn a blind eye."
But it was not a matter of "turning a blind eye."
From the start, CP9 was an organization allowed to massacre civilians. Even if Iceburg had died, the World Government would not care.
To them, world citizens were nothing more than "inferior creatures." How could one expect mercy from such people?
The only ones Rengoku could reason with were the Five Elders themselves. And since Iceburg had survived with only minor injuries, even they would find it difficult to protest.
This knowledge of structural injustice only fueled Rengoku's fury. Yet, he couldn't act rashly.
"And besides," Spandam continued with a smug explanation, "this way we keep the pirates chasing Nico Robin tied down in Water Seven. Eventually, she'll follow us to Enies Lobby, face judgment, and be executed. Isn't that good for you as well? Getting rid of a woman who's already stained your career?"
Spandam spoke as though he were delivering some great justification.
"Nico Robin has nothing to do with my career—not yet!"
Yes, not yet.
Not yet.
"I know you've been rehabilitating the Peace Main pirates, either drafting them into the Navy or sending them home. Maybe you even want to protect Nico Robin, who's been hunted since childhood. But we're the World Government's direct intelligence agency. We know more than you ever could. And from our perspective, even if we ignore the Peace Main matter, she is still your liability."
Spandam spoke as if he knew more than he was letting on.
Though Rengoku didn't know the exact details, he had a feeling.
It wasn't just about sinking a few warships. There had to be more for Cipher Pol to move against her.
"Still, that woman has quite the sense of loyalty. She betrayed Crocodile, who she followed for four years, yet for the Straw Hats—whom she's only known for a few months—she's willing to risk her life. Hahahaha!"
Rengoku too wondered.
Why was a woman who betrayed so easily now so devoted to the Straw Hats? He could not understand.
"Anyway, it's nearly 22:00. Get on the Sea Train already. If you're on board, there's no way she'll escape."
The Sea Train, Puffing Tom.
Departure for Enies Lobby scheduled at 23:00.
...
Meanwhile, hours earlier, on the Going Merry—
Usopp had been blown away in a single strike.
He prided himself on knowing Luffy well and had even devised a plan around his captain's personality.
But his mistake had been running his mouth.
To say that he would leave before Luffy…
In that instant, Usopp regretted it.
He knew well.
He knew how much the Going Merry meant to Luffy.
He knew what the word "nakama"—comrade—meant to him.
Right now, all Usopp wanted was to go back. Back to the side of his friends.
But he had left the crew of his own will. He could not return.
Even if Nami or Chopper welcomed him back… even if Sanji turned a blind eye…
Even if… even if Luffy himself accepted him…
Zoro would be the first to block his way.
"Hm! So this is where you were hiding, long-nosed boy!"
As Usopp lingered near the Merry, a figure approached from behind.
It was Marine Vice Admiral Rengoku.
"Marine… Vice Admiral."
"They call me Rengoku!"
"Ah, yes… Mr. Rengoku… you've come to arrest me, haven't you?"
Usopp's voice trembled slightly.
He was a pirate, with a bounty on his head.
And just recently, he had rejected the Marines' goodwill, choosing instead to fight for the Going Merry.
"Arrest you? What crime have you truly committed?"
Rengoku had no intention of capturing Usopp.
Instead, he pulled out an envelope of money and spoke firmly.
"I've been tracking the movements of the Straw Hat crew. From what I see… you've withdrawn from them."
"Th-That's right."
"Good. No matter if the Straw Hats are Peace Main or not—a pirate is still a pirate. Since you've left them, take this money and return to the East Blue."
"What?"
Usopp was dumbfounded.
"You are not suited to be a pirate. Since you've already left, return home. Or… would you consider enlisting in the Navy?"
"You mean… go back to my hometown?"
"Yes. Among the Peace Main Straw Hats, the only record against you is obstructing Navy operations and participating in pirate hunts. You've never harmed civilians, nor gravely injured Marines. Your bounty rose only because you were grouped with the likes of the Straw Hat boy, Roronoa Zoro, and Sanji."
Rengoku continued as he handed over the envelope.
"But if you truly choose to return home, or enlist, I can use my authority as Vice Admiral to have your bounty erased. Or… do you still intend to go back to piracy?"
Usopp was left speechless.
The truth was, he had acted far too rashly. His heart ached to return to his comrades.
When he lowered his head without answering, Rengoku understood his silence.
Finally, he pressed the envelope into Usopp's hands.
"For now, use this money to recover. If you decide to go home or enlist, come find me today at Water Seven's 19th Street, at the 'Sulu Sea Motel.'"
And with that, he left Usopp with 50,000 berries before turning away.
Usopp stared at the money in his hand, sinking into thought.
Joining the Navy was out of the question.
He doubted he could endure their training, and the strict chain of command didn't suit him at all.
Returning home… that was tempting.
But what meaning would it hold?
If he returned to Syrup Village, what look would Kaya give him?
Would the boys of the Usopp Pirates be disappointed in the coward who fled?
Would the villagers even welcome him back?
So many thoughts swirled in his mind.
For thirty minutes, Usopp wrestled with his choice.
At last, he clenched his fists and made his decision.
"…No. I can't end it like this."
Supporting his battered body, Usopp left the Going Merry and set off into Water Seven.
I…
I…
I… must rejoin them.
But I can't return empty-handed.
A gift won't be enough—I must prove my worth.
That means resupplying, and making myself useful.
Mr. Rengoku, I'm grateful for your kindness… but I was born to be a pirate.
I'll put this money to good use!
Wait for me, Luffy!
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