One piece: Establishing a Pirate Family

Chapter 204: Justice Will Prevail

The First Half of the Grand Line

Kraikana Island

Inside a castle, a boy around eight or nine years old sat at a table, reading a newspaper. His slicked-back hair and sharp eyes reflected his intense focus. A wooden sword rested on the table beside him.

The newspaper headline read:

> "Rockefeller Charlotte Kills Bondi Wald! The End of the World Pirates!"

The boy's hawk-like eyes fixated on Charlotte's image.

His room was filled with photos of Rockefeller Charlotte, all carefully collected from newspapers.

In the center, one bounty poster stood out.

> "The World's Greatest Swordsman – Rockefeller Charlotte!"

The boy clenched his fist.

"I will surpass you sooner or later!"

He murmured those words, then carefully folded the newspaper, picked up his wooden sword, and walked outside the castle.

A moment later—

The sound of sword swings echoed through the air.

---

The Navy Headquarters was solemn as the high-ranking naval officers gathered at a funeral service.

Zefa stood motionless in front of two coffins, his red-rimmed eyes devoid of tears.

His sorrow was too deep for tears.

"Lower the coffins!"

A commanding voice rang out.

The naval soldiers solemnly shoveled soil over the coffins, burying them forever.

Zefa stared silently, then collapsed to his knees, grief overwhelming him.

Marshal Kong stepped forward.

"The pirates have been punished. Their souls will rest in peace."

His voice was calm but firm.

Kong placed a hand on Zefa's shoulder, but Zefa didn't respond.

Kong sighed, knowing that Zefa needed time to heal.

---

The next day, a meeting of the Navy's top brass was underway.

All the high-ranking officers were present—except for Zefa.

Kong glanced at Zefa's empty seat and sighed.

Just as he was about to begin, the door opened.

Zefa, wearing his uniform, silently walked in and took his seat.

Kong smiled slightly.

"Alright! Let's start today's meeting!"

A slideshow flickered onto the screen.

A bounty poster appeared.

It was the latest bounty of Rockefeller Charlotte.

"Today's meeting concerns the world's greatest swordsman, Rockefeller Charlotte," Kong announced.

The room fell silent.

"According to recent reports, Charlotte eliminated the World Pirates, personally killing Bondi Wald."

Kong paused, letting the weight of his words settle.

Then he looked at his officers.

"What are your thoughts? How should we handle Rockefeller Charlotte?"

The room erupted into debate.

The radical officers spoke first.

"We should attack immediately!"

"Order the fleet to enter the New World and capture Charlotte before he grows any stronger!"

"If we wait too long, he'll become unstoppable!"

But the experienced veterans pushed back.

"Fools! If we invade the New World now, do you think the other pirates will let us go unchallenged?"

"We'll suffer enormous losses! The Four Seas and the first half of the Grand Line would become vulnerable!"

"This isn't a reckless fight! We need a long-term plan!"

The room divided into two factions, both arguing fiercely.

At the center of it all, Sengoku remained silent.

Garp, on the other hand, reached into a drawer, pulled out a bag of senbei, and casually handed it to Sengoku and Zefa.

Sengoku glared at Garp, but still took a handful of senbei.

Zefa took some without a word, but didn't eat.

Meanwhile, Garp munched away, unconcerned.

Then—

BAM!

"GARP, YOU BASTARD!"

Marshal Kong's fist, covered in Armament Haki, slammed into Garp's head, leaving a massive lump.

The entire meeting room fell silent.

All the generals turned to look at Kong.

Kong rubbed his temples, frustrated.

Then, he took a deep breath and spoke decisively.

"The Navy is NOT ready to invade the New World!"

The veteran officers breathed a sigh of relief.

The radicals, however, lowered their heads in disappointment.

Seeing their frustration, Kong softened his tone.

"But—"

"We are preparing for the future! The World Government has agreed to increase our military funding!"

"We will make the Navy stronger than ever."

"One day, we will crush the New World's pirates. And when that time comes—justice will prevail!"

The radical officers suddenly stood up, reinvigorated.

"Justice will prevail!" they shouted in unison.

The sound shook the entire Marineford.

Only two people remained seated.

Garp—who looked bored.

And Zefa—who looked deeply conflicted.

Kong noticed Zefa's struggle.

Once the meeting ended, Kong approached him.

"Zefa… if you have something to say, just say it. We're all family here."

Zefa hesitated.

Then, at last, he spoke.

---

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