84 What I Gained in This World

Waking up in the morning, I descended from my room to the first floor, washed my face in the restroom, and then headed to the living room, where Pochi had prepared breakfast with impeccable timing.

"Good morning, Captain."

"Yeah, and I'll have coffee too."

"Sure thing!"

Enjoying a breakfast that perfectly suited my taste and sipping coffee, Lillith, who had fully settled into the routine, joined us. She seemed quite sleepy.

"Still looking sleepy as ever."

"Yeah, well, it's a bit inconvenient needing sleep and meals, especially when Havoc is synching. But, I suppose it's a benefit to have delicious food..."

Lillith had become accustomed to living here and had settled into a rhythm where she returned to Egghead once a month for her sync with the others. Well, she had been living here for over a year now, so that was to be expected.

Thanks to her presence, the underground lab had expanded considerably... I couldn't help but be slightly exasperated by Lillith's persistent state of being, but we finished our meal, and Pochi and I headed to the Tower of Justice.

Arriving at the Chief's office in the Tower of Justice, I was greeted by the usual tower of documents. With recent changes like shifts in Fleet Admirals within the Navy, the volume of paperwork seemed to be about one and a half times the usual.

Still, it wouldn't take too much time, so I decided to process them promptly.

Currently, in the original storyline, Luffy and the others were undergoing training, and we were around the halfway point of the two-year time skip. In terms of the global narrative, you could say things were relatively peaceful.

Of course, there were activities of the Worst Generation in the New World, but the Revolutionary Army's actions rarely involved direct intervention by CP9. Well, there were still occasional significant missions, so it's not like we had given up or anything...

As for the Marines, Sengoku had indeed stepped down as Fleet Admiral as planned, and Kuzan was recommended as his successor, while Akainu... Sakazuki, also garnered significant support and stood as a contender.

Both candidates had roughly equal support, so the decision for the new Fleet Admiral was not reached through negotiations alone. Eventually, just like in the original, it escalated into a duel between the two.

And in that duel... Kuzan emerged as the clear victor, making him the new Fleet Admiral.

However, that didn't mean Akainu left the Marines. Instead, he supported Kuzan while berating him, a dynamic reminiscent of Garp and Sengoku. Sakazuki scolded the slacking Kuzan, with Borsalino often stepping in to mediate. This had become something of a regular occurrence.

Regarding this, Kuzan had said, "Well, we have our differences, but if we're aligned in the same direction, we can cooperate," suggesting that despite everything, his relationship with Sakazuki wasn't all that bad.

"Hahaha, well, don't be too down, Jabra."

"H-Hey, Fizz... That smug look on your face...!"

"What's going on?"

"Chapapapa, it's about Jabra confessing to Gazelle and getting turned down."

CP9 members who had gathered in the Chief's office were engaged in a lively conversation. The event was a bit out of sync with the original timeline, but Jabra had confessed to Gazelle and was rejected. Fizz, who had already been rejected before, was comforting Jabra, wearing a delighted expression that seemed to convey "You've found someone, huh?"

Upon seeing this, Blueno wore an exasperated expression, while Fukurou, the one who had spread the story throughout Enies Lobby, was laughing.

"Actually, I'm surprised it took him this long to confess."

"While the odds were practically zero from the start, he did drag it out quite a bit."

"Ah, well, there it is! The result we all anticipated!"

"Shut up, you guys!"

Kaku, Kalifa, and Kumadori having heard Jabra's story from Fukurou, knew what was going on. They looked rather amused.

Well, Gazelle was known for being choosy, and it was common knowledge that Lucci liked her. So, even though many knew that Jabra stood no chance, he still went through with it...

"...Damn it, what's wrong with me?"

"Look in the mirror. All the answers are right there."

"You... Lucci, don't provoke me. You've got some nerve, especially since you awakened your abilities ahead of me. I'll knock you out!"

"Heh, don't talk big about things you won't actually do. It's ridiculous."

"What was that? You awakened your powers just a bit ahead of me, and suddenly you're all high and mighty... Watch, I'll awaken my powers soon enough!"

Lucci had awakened his Devil Fruit abilities a while ago, greatly boosting his combat strength. The other CP9 members had also undergone significant physical enhancements through a collaborative effort with Lillith, albeit with reduced risks. Despite that, Lucci was still a step ahead of the rest.

Nevertheless, it seemed that recently we were gathering more often due to having too much free time. Regular joint training sessions and information exchanges had elevated the overall competence of the Navy and the Government, reducing the need for CP9 members to get involved in active operations.

While peace was a good thing, having too much free time was also something to consider. As I thought about this while processing documents, my attention was caught by a particular mission order.

"...Congratulations, you guys. It's been a while since we had a larger mission."

"That's good. We were getting bored of the routine."

In response to my words, Lucci was the first to react, sporting a smug grin. It was indeed a mission to crush a major rebellion in a large country. The CP9 members who had heard the details appeared pleased as well.

Well, in another year, once the Straw Hat Pirates resumed their activities, I expected there might be more incidents to handle...

"...For now, the mission will be during the night. You'll have a break from 12 PM to 8 PM. Assemble at 9 PM and proceed with the mission. Make sure to rest well."

"Understood."

***

Still a bit of time before the assembly, I found myself on the rooftop of the Tower of Justice. I took a stick of candy from my pocket, tossed one to Pochi behind me, and unwrapped another one to suck on.

In Enies Lobby, there is no nighttime, so even past 8 PM, the sky remains bright. The renovations of Enies Lobby were completed without issues, and the Sea Trains now have a significantly higher frequency than before. At least, Enies Lobby is completely different from its portrayal in the original.

Or rather, it's not just the fact that Kuzan became Fleet Admiral, but my knowledge from the original One Piece storyline is becoming increasingly irrelevant in the New World arc.

Well, to begin with, I died before One Piece concluded, so I don't know how it all ends. Even if events were to unfold just like in the original, there would be many aspects I wouldn't understand. But it's not like my purpose has changed, so it's not that crucial.

I've pondered this before, back when I fused with Totomusica. The results that would come to me are two-fold: either I despair in this world or find hope. The future where my wishes come true doesn't exist.

Yes, I understand. Even if I were to return to a different world, a higher world, or even the world I was in before reincarnation, even if I were to return looking like Spandam, I wouldn't obtain what I desire.

So, what if I were to go back to the former world and return to my previous self in appearance? In a state where I've lived for decades in this world, where my values and thoughts have changed significantly, it would be impossible to go back to the life I had before.

Then, let's take it to an extreme: if everything were to rewind, and I were to return to that point in time in my original form, with all memories of this world wiped clean. Even then, would I be able to obtain what I'm seeking? The answer is no.

Because I only realized the value and preciousness of what I lost when it was taken away from me... Even if everything were to return to how it was back then, I wouldn't achieve the happiness that I, the current me, yearn for, having realized how important the lost things were.

Without realizing how fleeting and precious they were, I'd continue living similar days.

Yes... in the end, no matter which scenario, I won't be able to attain what I'm seeking. There's no goal at the end of the path I continue to walk. I've known this for a long time. However, I can't stop even though I'm aware.

Desire drives me. I can't give up... It's quite a predicament.

As I thought about these things and absentmindedly glanced back, I saw Pochi, who was licking the candy with a carefree smile.

Come to think of it, our companionship has become quite lengthy. Initially, it felt like I had acquired a pawn that was easy to handle.

Having someone who devoted themselves to me was convenient. Upon raising Pochi, I realized she was even more capable than I thought, a fortunate discovery.

But at some point... Pochi had entered my territory. Indifferent to anything beyond her own well-being, as long as she was happy, she didn't care about others. I had always thought that way, and I still do.

However, I now recognize Pochi as a necessary presence in my life, and I have no intention of letting her go. If anyone were to harm Pochi, I would consider them an enemy to me.

...I didn't intend to gain this. Anything precious beyond myself... Well, my purpose doesn't exist in this world anyway. To me, obtaining something important other than myself would only become a hindrance... But things don't always go as planned. I accept that without feeling discomfort.

"...It's something I don't understand."

"Huh?"

Muttering those words, Pochi tilted her head with a puzzled look. Observing her unchanged behavior, I inadvertently let out a wry smile... and at the same time, I felt a bit astonished.

Did I just... "look back"?

Not in a physical sense. It's a mental matter. As I looked at Pochi, I reminisced about the past. Feeling a sense of nostalgia... Even though I shouldn't be able to stop, I found myself momentarily pausing, reflecting on the path I had walked until now.

It's likely just a temporary thing. My thirst remains unquenched, and my most fervent wish hasn't changed. However, for a brief moment... I did feel like I, who had been charging forward without stopping, had indeed taken a pause to look back.

"Heh, hehehe... Hahaha."

"Captain?"

"Oh, it's nothing."

"Hu-huh!?"

An unexpected smile broke out, and I ruffled Pochi's head a bit roughly. Despite being surprised by the sudden change, Pochi shook her head, looking pleased.

Nothing has really changed. The two potential outcomes I face, and what I'm seeking, remain the same.

Yet, well... for now, it seems I don't need to worry about despairing in the world. That's how it feels, at least.

"...Now then, it's about time to assemble. Let's go, Pochi."

"Yes!"

Perhaps sensing the change in my emotions, I felt that Totomusica's soul within me was also delighted. It seems my partner, too, is beginning to feel hope rather than despair.

I don't know what's going to happen from here on... but I find myself a bit excited. A change in mindset can alter one's perspective on the world. From now on, it seems like I might be able to enjoy this world a little more than before.

Together with Pochi, as we moved on and arrived at the waiting room where the CP9 members were, they all stood neatly in line before me. While considering the future and what lies ahead is indeed enjoyable, perhaps it's something best done while sipping whiskey.

For now, let's focus on fulfilling our duty as CP9 members...

I start walking again. With desire in my heart, I gaze toward the past I lost and the future ahead... The end of this path I'm walking may be a dead end, but eventually, the goal I'm aiming for will change... I feel convinced of that.

"They've gathered. Well then, let's go—execute justice in the shadows."

"Understood."

---One Piece: Dark Justice Spandam [END]