Not long after returning to headquarters, Karl once again boarded a warship and set off for Arabasta Kingdom.
That was life in the Navy: always either on the move or preparing to move.
The World Government's Intent
During the voyage, Karl kept thinking about why the World Government had specifically asked him to go.
The answer was actually simple.
In the eyes of the Five Elders, Karl was now one of their people — an obedient Marine Hero who followed orders. If someone had to lead a force comparable to a Buster Call to intimidate a nation, Monkey D. Garp certainly wouldn't do it. Garp never took part in dirty jobs for the World Government.
Karl hadn't technically participated in a Buster Call either, but the things he'd done were close enough.
The World Government's true motive, as Sengoku had already made clear, was to convince the Nefertari Family to move to Mary Geoise and join the World Nobles — filling the gap left after the losses suffered in the recent incident.
But the World Government couldn't send people openly. If they pushed too hard and got rejected, it would be embarrassing — and might even make Nefertari Cobra suspect that the recent unrest was the Government's doing.
So, they sent Karl first to test the waters. If Cobra agreed, great. If not, they'd take the next step.
More importantly, as a Marine, Karl wasn't allowed to interfere in the internal affairs of a member nation. So even if he arrived in Arabasta, he had no official reason to help quell the rebellion.
If Cobra couldn't handle the crisis, he'd have no choice but to ask the World Government for help. And when that happened… the terms would be theirs to dictate.
After thinking it through, Karl shook his head.
Politicians… always playing dirty.
No point dwelling on it. There were still a couple of days before arrival — time to work on his powers.
New Ability Development
"Ding! Devil Fruit awakening progress has reached 75%. Entering Stage Three. Running development simulation…"
"Simulation complete!"
Skill: Saintly Light Externalization
Method: Continuously saturate the body with Saintly Light, increasing the "sanctification" level of the flesh. As the body becomes more attuned, Saintly Light can be projected outward, solidified, and shaped at will.
Expected Result: Light-based constructs such as wings, weapons, and other forms become possible.
Karl froze for a moment.
He'd tried shaping light before, but it was always unstable — more like an aura than a solid object. He never expected there was a proper method.
So… he could actually become a living light-user?
"…I like it."
He immediately began experimenting — and the progress was promising. Years of constant use had already sanctified much of his body. His upper body in particular was nearly fully attuned, though below the waist… progress was slower. (Certain areas, however, were exceptions.)
Karl decided that from now on, he would "bathe" in Saintly Light every day to speed up the process.
By nightfall, his cabin was glowing like a small sun.
Arrival in Arabasta
The next afternoon, at Tamarisk:
"Look! A Marine warship!"
"Wait — that's the Holy Light! That's the Marine Hero's ship! Is he here to help us stop the rebellion?"
"Don't be ridiculous. Marines aren't allowed to interfere in domestic conflicts. He must be here to arrest pirates!"
"But… don't we already have Crocodile protecting us?"
As soon as Karl stepped onto the dock, a crowd surrounded him. His subordinates, including Nelson, had to act as bodyguards to stop the crowd from swarming him.
It was a painful but… not entirely unpleasant job.
"Vice Admiral Karl! I love you!"
"Hero Karl! I'm your biggest fan!"
Karl raised his hand, smiling calmly.
"Everyone, please quiet down and listen!"
His voice wasn't loud — yet every person heard it clearly. An invisible pressure pressed down on the crowd, making breathing harder.
To prevent chaos, Karl had no choice but to release a faint pulse of Haoshoku Haki. He'd learned from experience — overenthusiastic fans were sometimes more dangerous than pirates.
"I'm Vice Admiral Karl. I'm here on official business. Please don't interfere with Marine duties. Thank you."
At the edge of the crowd, a hooded figure watched Karl's arrival, expression grim, then slipped away unnoticed.
Rainbase — Crocodile's Lair
In Rainbase, inside the lavish casino fortress Rain Dinners:
A tall woman entered the office, her heels clicking against the floor.
A large leather chair faced away from her, a faint wisp of smoke rising from behind it.
"Mr. 0, we've just received word — Marine Hero Karl has arrived in Arabasta. He's currently at the Tamarisk harbor, though he's being mobbed by fans."
The chair swiveled around sharply. Crocodile's expression hardened.
"What did you say? Karl is here?"
Nico Robin — known here as Miss All Sunday — shook her head.
"His public reason is official business. But… the Dance Powder incident just broke out last week. And now the Marine Hero suddenly arrives…"
Crocodile waved his hand dismissively.
"Impossible. Marines don't interfere in the affairs of World Government member nations. Even if the country collapses, they won't lift a finger — as long as the tribute is paid."
Robin nodded slowly.
"Perhaps. But Karl's presence might have deeper meaning. He could be targeting you."
Crocodile took a long drag from his cigar. It crumbled into sand before hitting the floor.
"If he has no evidence, there's nothing he can do. I'm still a Warlord. Let him try."
Robin said nothing more and left.
In her mind, however, she was already preparing contingencies. If Karl was truly here for Crocodile… it might be time to disappear again.
She'd done it before, after all.
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