103 Chapter 102

Disastrous. To the Five Elders, such a word was an adequate way of summarizing the events that occurred in the span of 4 years.

"4 years ago... the world met a disaster named 'White Hunter' Smoker."

Facing the transparent window with his hands held together behind his back was Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, one of the Five Elders.

"Awakening the devil fruit of an equal standing as Human Human fruit, model: Nika, we were ordered to eradicate the man... and failed to do so."

Reminiscing the horrendous event, Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, the man with bald hair and round glasses, grimaced.

"...It did, and still invokes the emotion of guilt and shame in me. To fail Imu-sama's absolute decree was one thing, but to have him revoke his order to save our lives..."

"..."

Saint Topman Valkyrie turned his head away from Nusjuro, hiding his frustration from the rest. Saturn, after a short period of pause, stated,

"Ultimately, we brought this calamity upon our hands. White Hunter took the loyalties of numerous marines and weakened the control that the World Government has over the sea."

Saint Marcus Mars directed his sharp eyes at the map of the world, one that lied in the middle of a grand table nearby, "In four Blues and Paradise of the Grand Line, the number of criminal cases have been rising at an astounding pace—as if Gol D. Roger was killed for the second time. Coupled with the allocation of force to chase after White Hunter's group, the quality of protection for the civillians decreased even further. Although the problem isn't as imminent..."

"...In harsh environment, creatures tend to decide against breeding. The trick up until now was to have those cattles believe that they were indeed living a peaceful life, however... one by one, they have begun going insane," Said Saint Ju Peter, as he placed his huge hands on the map.

With his teeth gritted, Valkyrie snarled, "'Rebellious Dragon' Monkey D. Dragon...! Expanding his influence throughout the world, as well as contributing in the revolts and the eventual falls of multiple Government-affiliated kingdoms! It is due to him that this storm caused by White Hunter has been bulked up by many folds—to an extent where the balance of the world was brought to the verge of its decimation!"

"..."

Well aware of how detrimental the current circumstance was, Saturn closed his eyes tight. Then, he sighed,

"...And what of the New World? The whereabouts of Douglas Bullet is unknown. Our latest report indicated that Whitebeard appeared abruptly ill, and that his influence over the sea has been reduced—which brought forth the negative impact upon the stability. With Big Mom and Kaidou continuing the self-destructive war against one another for years, their controls over territories too have been weakening. The Three Catastrophes, overall, were notably weakened just as us. Subsequently..."

At the end of his words, Saturn's voice trembled. Pausing for a brief moment, he finally resumed speaking,

"...'Strategist' Ochoku. It was confirmed that Caesar's sudden disappearance in Punk Hazard was his doing—that he managed to coax the scientist to leave the our order to work for him. Slowly, this man... he took over the lands that the Three Catastrophes lost the control of, and when looking at how much he's grown... the title of 'Fourth Catastrophe' may no longer be an exaggeration."

The sea was changing. The old system of 'Marine' and 'World Government' versus 'Three Catastrophes' was slowly collapsing, and in return, the 'Revolutionary Army' and those speculated to be 'Ochoku pirates' were rising at a rapid pace.

"However, even such matters aren't of our primary concern currently."

Saturn, as he opened his eyes back up, he was met with the busily moving scene of Mariejois. Unlike its usually glorious state, the current Holy Land was in process of reparation, with seemingly exhausted slaves carrying over the heavy-looking stones and other objects over their shoulders.

"A year ago... one Fish Man invaded our land. In a span of five minutes, he freed the entire slaves and smoothly escaped—as if he knew the ins and outs of our system." Thinking of said event, Saturn's eyes flashed dangerously, "Afterwards, he formed the accursed Sun Pirates—hiding the brand with that hideous attempt to mimic the appearance of the sun."

Turning and looking at Valkyrie, Saturn asked,

"What does Sakazuki say regarding the whereabouts of the Sun Pirates?"

Shifting his eyes, Valkyrie looked at one silent Den Den Mushi that sat by, "The found evidences indicated that the Sun Pirates have been chasing after the traces of White Hunter. And from the report that Sakazuki gave us... White Hunter was last found in Century island a week ago, in order to attain the Eternal Pose of Foolshout island."

"Foolshout..." Mars's eyes narrowed, and Valkyrie said in response,

"Borsalino and Tensei—two of the three Admirals were swiftly dispatched. Although White Hunter once defeated Blaise, he won't be capable of facing two by himself. In the end... both White Hunter and Sun Pirates will meet their end."

Saturn seemed unconvinced, frowning in concern as he said, "...What of Tokikake?"

Valkyrie shook his head, "Away with the case of Revolutionary Army."

"Two..." Saturn's frown deepened, before speaking, "...Immediately dispatch the available CP0 members as reinforcements."

__________

Justice is flawed. Such was the conclusion that I reached years ago.

...But then, what about the righteousness?

"Let's say that one one side, pirates are attacking thousands of strangers. On another, your acquaintances are on a verge of getting dying by the hands of World Government. In this situation, you don't have adequate strength to save both."

Huffing in front of me with her arms crossed was Hina, asking a question with seriousness written on her face.

"This thought has been harvesting in Hina's head for a while. To you who seeks for the righteousness, any choice in this case will equal to going against your ideal. Tell Hina, Smoker, of what choice you will make here."

Righteousness. This word was the term that I strictly adhered to.

Over the years, I was busily sailing here and there, making decisions and doing what I could do to better the daily lives of many people. While doing so, I came to realize... that righteousness was far too perfect for an imperfect human like me to follow.

"This year, I turned 22 while you turned 20. And as time passed on, I learned many things." Relaxing in a comfortable wooden chair, I said thoughtfully, "Though I seek for righteousness, I myself am not really a good man. I am well aware that at some instances, my acts of killing may have been excessive and vile."

Rocking back and forth in the chair, I then broke a chuckle. HIna raised her eyebrow as I continued,

"To an extent, I deduced that 'righteousness' may not be the most accurate word to represent my mindset. So I thought, thought more, and had some chats with old peops up there right now."

Directing my eyes away from Hina, I saw Bastille taking care of the ever-wild Koala. She, seeming very excited to be reunited with her family, laughed as she ran all around the deck—which caused the huge man to sweatdrop.

"Absolute Justice sucks. Thorough Justice is stupid. Unclear Justice... what the hell is that even? Lazy Justice... can that even be considered a justice? And Burning Justice... eh, that's so Kuzan, alright."

Hina squinted her eyes at me, "What's with you listing and dissing them all of a sudden?"

I simply grinned back while spreading my arms out wide, "Nothing is absolute in this world. In other words, if I'm not some saint whose existence alone screams righteousness... I may as well change the 'definition' of justice as I see fit!"

"Uh... what?"

"So I decided on a cooler name. From today on, say hi to the 'Embracing Justice,' one that admits that a human being can never fully be right!"

"...Hina confused." Hina deadpanned, "Hina asked you one question, and all of a sudden you say this stuff. Just tell Hina the answer, Smoker."

"Stoic as always, huh." Standing up and staring at the far horizon—where the distant island has become viewable by sight—I muttered, "Fine, here's my answer to your question. Sorry to the thousands, but I'm going to save my acquaintances first."

"...And what's your reasoning behind that?"

"Because—"

SPLASH!

Just then, the shaking of the ship intensified as one gigantic Sea King revealed itself from the side. With its sharp fangs revealed, it hungrily glared at the ship containing the four of us. With my hands stuffed in my pockets, I casually stared back at the Sea King, slightly irked.

RAWWWR—

"Fuck off."

Boom. One burst of Conqueror's Haki, and the Sea King collapsed back into the water with a magnificent splash while foaming at its mouth.

Rubbing the back of my head lazily right after, I turned back and looked at Hina,

"Because saving those close to me is a more right thing to do."

"...Hina is more confused now, but," Smiling in the end, Hina replied, "Fair enough."

Then,

"Hey, the island's on sight-dara!" Standing on the deck of the shaky ship, Bastille cried with binoculars held in front of his eyes. Hina and I both rolled our eyes,

""Duh.""

It was time to get a feel of Koala's hometown, I suppose.