Gion and Tokikake were confused, eagerly awaiting an explanation from the female marine.
"This village is Povo Village in the Kingdom of Totteneys. Not long ago, the villagers here were plundered by pirates," Bell-mère explained, her emotions surging as she tightly clenched her fists.
"Because they've suffered so much, they couldn't pay the Heavenly Tribute and the nobles' taxes. Their village chief sent letters to the nobles, requesting tax relief for this year, but those bloodsuckers refused. With no other choice, Povo Village revolted, and then they were suppressed by the Royal Guard."
"If it were pirates, it would be better—we could dispatch troops to eliminate them. But they're the Royal Guard. According to regulations, we have no right to interfere in a kingdom's internal affairs. I just never imagined they would be so ruthless toward their own people... completely exterminating them, no different from those pirates."
"Those bastards!" Gion drew Konpira, while Tokikake clenched his fists in rage, looking ready to march to the royal capital.
Only Raleigh remained expressionless, letting out a faint sigh.
Gion shouted angrily at him, "Raleigh, how can you not be furious at a scene like this? Let's go to their capital and demand justice for the dead villagers."
Raleigh simply shook his head.
Gion pressed again, "If you're afraid this will affect the headquarters' evaluation of you, just put all the blame on me."
Raleigh cast an icy glance at her.
Despite her anger, Gion couldn't help but shiver.
"Pursue what? Those are Kingdom Royal Guards. The Marines have no right to interfere. You're just geniuses who grew up at Headquarters. Scenes like this are daily life for me in the North Blue. Whether it's pirates, the Mafia, or nobles, commoners' lives are nothing but playthings to them."
Perhaps Raleigh's voice had been too loud; the girl who had fallen unconscious woke up.
Clutching his collar tightly, she sobbed.
"Mom said if I waved the flag with all my might, everyone would have the courage and strength to resist..."
"Dad also said if we could make the nobles see our determination, they would reduce the taxes..."
"But I tried so hard, so very hard waving the flag. I never stopped. Why did the Royal Guard still kill everyone? Why? They were all such kind people. Everyone just wanted to survive. Why were they killed? Why?"
Her pained, hoarse voice echoed across the fire-ravaged field, tormenting the hearts of all present.
The only sounds were the girl's weeping and the crackling of flames, silently recording the crimes committed by power.
Raleigh neither wanted nor could answer her questions.
He was an excellent Marine, but also a revolutionary who wanted to change the world.
He couldn't make the all-or-nothing decision like Dragon; perhaps only a man bearing the name of 'D' could so resolutely oppose the World Government.
Raleigh's path was different.
For now, he still needed the Marines' power.
He had also roughly figured out the little girl's background.
If he wasn't mistaken, she was Belo Betty of the Revolutionary Army—a user of the Inspire-Inspire Fruit.
"Raleigh, don't stop me. I'm going to kill those disgusting nobles," Gion finally burst out, unable to contain her rage as the little girl fell unconscious again.
She no longer cared about treaties; her justice couldn't tolerate remaining indifferent.
Tokikake and Bell-mère also clenched their fists, ready to act.
"No. Return to the ship." Raleigh's cold words cut through their indignation.
"Raleigh, is your justice just standing by and doing nothing?!" Gion drew Konpira, pointing it at him.
Raleigh didn't even glance at her, instead turning to the soldiers.
"All soldiers, return to the ship! That's an order!"
His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.
Gion and Tokikake's eyes revealed extreme disappointment.
'Soru.'
Raleigh instantly appeared behind Gion.
Just as she sensed him, a heavy karate chop struck the back of her neck.
Supporting Gion with his right hand and holding Belo Betty with his left, Raleigh said to Tokikake.
"I don't need to explain my actions to you, but as the highest-ranking officer on this ship, you must obey me, Commander Tokikake."
He emphasized the word "Commander."
"Sorry, Raleigh. I have my own convictions. Unless you knock me out, my choice is the same as Gion's."
Raleigh sighed and placed both Gion and Belo Betty on the ground.
"Tokikake, as a classmate, you shouldn't let anger cloud your judgment or recklessly vent your rage without considering the consequences. I know this is infuriating, but I can't let you throw away your bright future. As your superior officer, you've disobeyed orders, and I have the authority to detain you."
Tokikake didn't want to hear it; he just wanted to throw a punch.
'Soru'
Tokikake's figure also disappeared, but moments later, both reappeared.
Tokikake's right fist swung with force, but it only met empty air.
Just like before, Raleigh's karate chop had already landed heavily on the back of his neck.
With a thud, Tokikake's sturdy body hit the ground.
Raleigh rubbed his head.
"One after another, they're really giving me no peace."
Looking at the three people on the ground, Raleigh commanded the soldiers to carry them onto the ship.
Then he turned to Bell-mère.
"Third Class Soldier Bell-mère, you're a righteous Marine. I hope you can honestly answer a few questions for me."
"If a large portion of the Totteneys Kingdom's guard forces and royal family were eliminated, would they still have the capability to resist pirates?"
"Huh?" Bell-mère was confused by the question.