37 Justice?

Inside the carriage, Gion sat with Victor as they rode towards the Moriarty mansion. Mr Hugh was guarding the private port with Captain Smith and 200 armed guards. Meanwhile, Tesoro became a guide and took the two vice marines on a tour around the island.

Gion looked at Victor who was dressed in a handsome black suit, his hands intertwined and resting on his lap. The carriage moved smoothly through the scenic route of the BlackRock Islands. Gion, being a seasoned marine, observed his surroundings with a trained eye, gauging the level of security, the layout of the roads, the scenery outside the window a picturesque blend of lush greenery and vibrant flowers.

"Your island is quite a sight, Mr. Moriarty. You've built something impressive here," Gion remarked, breaking the silence.

"Thank you, Rear Admiral Gion.," Victor replied, his gaze fixed on the passing landscape.

"You handle pressure quite well, Victor. Not everyone can stand before a vice admiral and maintain such composure," Gion remarked, her tone casual but observant.

Victor glanced at Gion with a small smile. "I've learned that humour can be more potent than any weapon. In our line of work, appearances matter, don't they, Rear Admiral Gion?"

Gion's expression remained stern, but there was a curiosity in his eyes. "You know, we don't usually have meetings like this. The World Government doesn't look kindly upon those who operate independently, especially when they gain significant influence."

"The World Government doesn't look kindly at anything under the red line Miss Gion. What else did you read about me in your intelligence report?"

"That you have banned slave trade in West Blue causing more violence in other seas. The pirates have become more relentless as the prices have soared. Even if you save some people your actions are indirectly causing suffering to others."

Victor was silent for a moment and said, "That's a consequence of disrupting a deeply ingrained system. Change is often accompanied by turbulence, I believe the Marines will do their duty to clamp down on the slave traders too Rear Admiral Gion."

"..."

In the Moriarty family meeting room:

"It's a nice office you have here," Tsuru said as she looked around the vintage room. Alfred served them some tea and refreshments before leaving the room. Victor, maintaining a composed demeanour, observed the distinguished guest seated across from him. Vice Admiral Tsuru's stern expression indicated a woman of authority and experience. Garp, dressed in a new black suit that he bought in the new business district exuded an air of laid-back confidence that contradicted his legendary status. RA Gion sat in the back as she occasionally looked at Victor.

Vice Admiral Tsuru, taking a sip of her tea, began the discussion. "Victor! I am indeed impressed with the things we saw during our walk. The civilians look happy and energetic under your rule with so many development projects for the people."

"You praise me too much! Let's cut to the chase and speak directly. How can I help you?" Victor asked seriously. He was really confused, why did the Marines come knocking when he had been relatively lowkey?

"I have just one question and I want you to answer that honestly. What's your role in the Syndicate and what are your goals?" Tsuru asked Victor.

"Syndicate is aimed at controlling the chaos that would have ensued if there was a power vacuum after the defeat of the enemy alliance. That's our only goal, prevent more bloodshed." Victor answered. "As for my role, I am just an advisor and investor in the organization."

"So you mean you have no intentions of opposing the World Government? You should know about the activities of the Revolutionary Army recently, from my point of view the Syndicate is following the same path." Garp said as he looked at Victor. He was laid back most of the time but when it was something of his interest he became serious.

Victor maintained a composed demeanour, meeting the gaze of Vice Admiral Tsuru and Garp. "Vice Admiral Tsuru, Garp, I appreciate the opportunity to clarify our position. The Syndicate's primary goal is to fill the void left after the defeat of the enemy alliance. Our aim is to prevent chaos and ensure stability in the regions we operate. The well-being of the people and the prevention of unnecessary conflicts are at the forefront of our objectives."

Garp stroked his beard, his gaze fixed on Victor. "You say you're just an advisor and investor. That sounds like a careful choice of words. Are you telling me you don't have a more hands-on role in the Syndicate's operations?"

Victor leaned forward, his eyes unwavering. "But my hands are not stained in innocent people's blood, I am just doing my duty to protect my family."

Tsuru took another sip of her tea, her gaze unwavering. "Victor, you must understand that we can't simply take your word for it. We'll be monitoring you and the Syndicate closely. As for now, we acknowledge the stability you've brought to the BlackRock Islands."

"On behalf of the Moriarty Family, I pledge my support to stop useless gang violence in West Blue. As for the Syndicate, you'll have to talk with Sofia Sanchez." Victor replied firmly.

"On a personal note, I want a favour." Tsuru looked at Victor and said, "Doflamingo, aka the Joker. What do you know about him?"

***

Inside the Elite HQ:

Robin stood with Zala on the viewing platform as they watched the ongoing duel between Victor and Daz Bones. The atmosphere inside the arena buzzed with a unique combination of tension and anticipation.

The clash between Victor Moriarty's clone and Daz Bones, the formidable bounty hunter with the power to turn his body into sharp blades, echoed through the open-air arena below. The sound of the clash resonated as the two opponents displayed incredible skill and finesse in their martial exchange. 

"So this is Victor's true power?" Zala couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. In the beginning, the fight was seemingly even with Daz Bones being able to fight evenly with Victor. As the battle went on Victor used only haki and his MMA skills to utterly dominate the battle. Using observation haki Victor predicted his opponent's moves and instantly developed its counter. So the same tricks didn't work on him twice.

"No, he's holding back!" Robin said as he looked at Victor who was busy duelling with Daz Bones. With his swift and agile movements, he dodged an incoming blade using observation haki and countered with an armament-infused uppercut. Daz became a little disoriented and Victor used this moment to his full advantage as he did a crouch sweep with his legs causing Daz to lose his balance. Seizing the opportunity, Victor seamlessly transitioned into a series of rapid strikes, his fists infused with armament haki. Each blow landed with precision, exploiting the vulnerabilities exposed during the attack. As the duel progressed, Victor shifted from a defensive stance to an offensive onslaught. His movements became a blur as he executed a flurry of punches, kicks, and grapples. Daz Bones, struggling to regain his footing, found himself on the receiving end of a relentless assault.

Daz Bones, realizing the tide was turning against him, intensified his attacks. His body transformed into razor-sharp blades as he lunged at Victor with renewed ferocity. However, Victor's movements were a dance of controlled aggression, dodging and countering with finesse. At one point Daz ran out of tricks as he slumped to the ground bloody and battered, all his previous confidence was shattered and before he blacked out he felt an old emotion surge again, 'Fear'. 

"We can fight another round if you want Daz," Victor said calmly, he only had bruises and bloodstains on his hands but the blood belonged to his opponent. 

"I...I accept defeat! You won the bet." 

"Welcome to the Moriarty Family Daz Bonez." Victor's clone didn't say anything else and walked towards the two audience.

"Zala, take him to the infirmary and give the trainee an elite unit uniform."

"Yes Boss!" Zala quickly got into action and left with Bonez.

"It was my first time seeing you in a fight, I must say you are very skilled at it Victor," Robin said as she looked at the aftermath of the battle. The ground was torn apart with multiple craters, a testament to the intensity of the clash between Victor and Daz Bones. 

Victor, after wiping his hands with a wet towel turned to Robin with a smile. "Trust me, Robin, you'll also get stronger in no time once our Haki training is over."