Outside the Loguetown Marine Base.
Ark reunited with his little companions and brought back more orphans who had lost their families in the chaos. Under his leadership, the children's emotions stabilized significantly, regaining the innocence and liveliness appropriate for their age. Together, they cleaned up the abandoned house that Yakovich had found for them.
This dilapidated house once belonged to a merchant. Back then, the merchant had invested heavily to build a manor here because he valued its proximity to the Marine base. However, Loguetown held special significance.
The Marine base on the island was directly under the jurisdiction of Marine Headquarters. It was not large in scale, and its main task was to capture pirates who came to the island for supplies before entering the Grand Line.
With the dawn of the Great Pirate Era, more and more pirates flooded into the seas. Even the East Blue, known as the weakest sea, was no exception. Over the course of more than a decade, Loguetown was nearly overrun by pirates several times. This manor was destroyed during a large-scale pirate attack.
Afterward, the wealthy merchant abandoned the place, and over time, it became the ruined structure it was now.
"He will become an excellent leader."
Yakovich withdrew his gaze from Ark and turned to Reddy beside him. "If you don't object, I'd like to train him to become a Marine in the future."
"Don't ask me. Ask him if he wants to become a Marine."
Reddy wore a faint smile, completely indifferent to whether Ark would become a Marine or follow him.
Yakovich studied Reddy's eyes carefully, confirming that he wasn't lying, and shook his head. "He holds a strong prejudice against the Marines. I can't change the fact that the Marines failed to protect his family."
"No one can make choices for others. Let him decide for himself." Reddy waved his hand and walked into the group of children with a smile, joining them in the cleaning.
After much effort, the abandoned house was revitalized. Though it still looked shabby, it was at least livable. With some patching up of the holes, it would become a decent home.
"Tomorrow, we'll find some wooden planks in town to cover the holes. That way, we won't get wet when it rains."
Ark had worked hard all afternoon with his little companions. Though physically exhausted, his spirits were high as he enthusiastically described his plans to Reddy.
"Well done."
Looking at Ark's animated expression, Reddy thought of children the same age in his previous world who were still spoiled by their parents. He sincerely praised him.
"I'll keep my promise to you. Absolutely."
Flattered by Reddy's praise, Ark scratched his head under the wide-brimmed hat and grinned sheepishly, then confidently declared that he would work even harder to take care of everyone.
At that moment, Yakovich walked out of the Marine base carrying a leather suitcase and approached them.
"This is the bounty for those two pirates."
Yakovich handed the suitcase to Reddy, but the latter didn't take it. Instead, he pushed Ark forward to receive it.
"Keep this money safe. Don't let anyone see it."
Entrusting the money to Ark and the other kids was a last resort. Reddy trusted Ark to handle it better than leaving it to Yakovich's care.
Ark took the suitcase with both hands and immediately staggered under its weight, nearly dropping it. He grinned awkwardly. "I've never seen so much money before. I underestimated how heavy it would be."
"Go hide this suitcase. Little Mia and the others are already prepared." Reddy gave Ark a light push.
While the boys had been cleaning, the girls, led by Mia, had prepared dinner. Though clumsy, the little girls had worked hard to cook a large pot of vegetable soup. They also directed the boys to set up a long table and chairs, distributing plates and spoons they had salvaged from the ruins.
"Dr. Reddy, come quickly!"
Mia was as cheerful as a little lark, clutching her rabbit plushie as she stumbled over, pulling Reddy toward the table.
Yakovich awkwardly rubbed his nose. Being ignored felt terrible.
"Dr. Reddy, this is the spoon I washed."
"I washed this one."
"I washed so many."
The little girls crowded around Reddy, eagerly showing off their contributions.
The chaos hadn't spread throughout the entire town. These girls had lost their families in the turmoil and had witnessed Reddy and his five majestic dogs saving them.
So they adored Reddy.
Even the baby in the cradle seemed to sense the girls' excitement, babbling and waving its arms and legs, as if declaring it had also behaved well and not troubled the older girls.
"I wiped the table."
"We cleaned the house."
"Ark took us to buy the bread."
The boys weren't about to be outdone. They swarmed around, boasting about their own efforts, refusing to let the girls steal the spotlight.
The two groups of little sparrows chirped and argued, neither willing to back down.
Reddy's lips curled into a smile.
Yes, this was the kind of atmosphere he loved.
...
Late at night.
Reddy walked through each room, making sure Ark and the others were sound asleep, then stepped outside and headed to the docks.
The pirate crew that had incited the chaos in town during the day had already fled with their plundered goods after achieving their goal. The remaining pirates, who had been misled, posed little threat.
After the Marines arrived, the chaos was quickly suppressed. The most severely damaged area was the docks.
The nearby residents had been relocated to other parts of town.
Under the night sky, the ruins lay in darkness.
"Aren't you going to say goodbye to those kids?"
A figure emerged from the shadows, bathed in the bright moonlight. It was Yakovich.
Reddy shoved his hands into his coat pockets and shrugged. "The fact that you're here at least proves you care about those kids. You're a decent Marine. I trust you'll take good care of them. As for saying goodbye... I tried imagining the scene and decided I just can't handle it. So, let's skip the goodbyes."
Yakovich chuckled. "You're a doctor. And those... pets of yours are strong. Why don't you join the Marines to pursue your ideals?"
"I once wanted to join the Marines too."
Reddy recalled the time when he first arrived in this world, his expression turning melancholic.
As someone who had lived in a peaceful world, his initial reaction to the world of pirates was fear and disgust.
Joining the Marines had seemed like the only logical choice.
But reality wasn't an anime.
The infighting among Marine factions, their tragic stance, and other issues left him thoroughly disillusioned. In the end, he decided to create his own utopia.
Reddy shook his head and said calmly, "Even the worst order is better than chaos and lawlessness... But I will create a peaceful and orderly utopia."
"I don't fully understand your thoughts, but I can promise you this: as long as I live, no one will harm those kids."
Yakovich grasped the first part of Reddy's words, recognizing his disdain for the current world order, but the latter part eluded him.
How could a peaceful and orderly utopia exist in this world?
Pirates, Celestial Dragons, nobles from various kingdoms, even some Marines colluding with criminals... These people constantly undermined the world's order.
Yakovich took off his sword and handed it to Reddy. "Your pets are strong, but you still need a weapon. Don't refuse. This is just my thanks for saving those civilians."
Reddy accepted the sword and drew it halfway.
The gleaming blade reflected the moonlight. Though not a named sword, it was still a fine weapon.
"Thank you."
Reddy sheathed the sword and thanked Yakovich, then walked toward the docks.
Yakovich watched as Reddy boarded a small wooden boat, untied the ropes, and sailed away from the port. He murmured to himself, "I guess I still haven't done enough."