Sicilian, Captain of the Musketeers, effectively relinquished his chance to be chosen as King, leaving Pedro to ascend naturally to the throne of the Mink Tribe.
Wanda and her supporters were simply too few. With the rest of the Mink Tribe remaining silent observers, unwilling to voice dissent, their influence was negligible.
Watching Pedro stand before the crowd, brimming with excitement, while Joy Boy smiled quietly at his side, Wanda let out a subdued, bitter sigh.
She understood that once the Mink Tribe fell under the sway of these two, their darkest hour would inevitably follow.
She had done everything within her power, yet the outcome remained deeply unsatisfying.
To Wanda, the current state of the Mink Tribe resembled a hastily assembled performance, incited by Joy Boy, who had arrived less than a day ago. In their confusion, they had rushed into electing a King, and astonishingly, had succeeded in doing so.
The most absurd part was unmistakable. Anyone could see that Pedro had fully aligned himself with Joy Boy, accepting his words without question.
In that case, what difference was there between crowning Pedro and crowning Joy Boy himself?
Perhaps the Mink Tribe had been isolated for far too long. Their so-called innocence and simplicity had, at this moment, devolved into ignorance and complacency.
Wanda no longer wished to remain even a second longer. Pulling Carrot into her arms, she turned sharply and departed, her steps filled with restrained anger.
Those who stood with her followed without hesitation.
Joy Boy watched them leave, then shook his head lightly.
"No matter the era, disagreements among people are inevitable."
Pedro placed a hand on Joy Boy's shoulder.
"Pay it no mind. In the end, women are often narrow in their thinking. They are not suited for battle."
Joy Boy responded with a faint, unreadable smile.
To some extent, he agreed.
From Nami to Carrot, and now Wanda, every woman he had encountered since regaining consciousness had proven troublesome. He had always been indifferent toward women, and now he found himself increasingly unwilling to include them in his circle.
Even so, he would never voice such thoughts. Statements that could disrupt unity had no place here.
Instead, he sighed softly.
"I do feel some regret. Those who lack courage will never grasp true freedom. Still, perhaps it is for the best. As you said, women are better kept away from combat. One day, the freedom we fight for will shine upon them as well. When that time comes, they will understand how limited their perspective once was."
Pedro's eyes lit with fervor as he listened.
A powerful sense of purpose surged within him.
"That day will come, without question. For freedom!"
His expression hardened, hatred surfacing as he clenched his teeth.
"But before that, the Celestial Dragons must fall. We will avenge Master Nekomamushi!"
Joy Boy's brow furrowed slightly.
He disliked the idea of tainting his ideals with revenge. However, experience had taught him the necessity of compromise.
Pedro's loyalty was absolute. There was no need to press the issue.
Lowering the straw hat over his eyes, Joy Boy spoke quietly.
"Leave that to me. Anyone who stands in the way of freedom will be eliminated."
...
One month later.
Thunderous explosions echoed throughout the once tranquil Whale Forest. Brilliant flashes of electricity illuminated the surroundings as figures darted through the chaos, clashing violently amid the roars of beasts.
Joy Boy, Pedro, and Sicilian stood in an open clearing, observing the relentless combat unfolding before them.
Satisfaction was evident on Joy Boy's face.
"Remarkable strength. The Mink Tribe truly are born warriors."
Pedro nodded proudly.
"Exactly. This is how we should be."
Sicilian, however, frowned deeply, unease etched across his face.
"But isn't this too excessive? We are fighting our own kind..."
Before he could finish, Pedro cut him off sharply.
"General Sicilian, this is no time for hesitation. Do you understand the enemy we are preparing to face? If we hold back now, we will die when we reach the real battlefield!"
Sicilian hesitated, then spoke carefully.
"But... is it truly necessary for us to enter such a battlefield at all?"
Pedro froze, then anger quickly surfaced.
"What are you implying? At a time like this, you would undermine the morale of our Free Army? Do not forget, I am the King!"
The former Musketeers and Guardians had already been merged under Joy Boy's direction, forming what was now known as the Free Army.
Sensing the rising tension, Joy Boy intervened smoothly.
"That is enough, Pedro. Sicilian is only concerned for everyone. That is not unreasonable."
At Joy Boy's words, Pedro immediately calmed, though he let out a dismissive snort and turned away, focusing once more on the ongoing battle.
Sicilian stood awkwardly, caught between duty and doubt.
Joy Boy turned to him, his voice steady.
"Do not take Pedro's anger to heart. Hesitation before battle is a grave weakness. As an Admiral of the Free Army, your resolve in pursuing freedom must not waver."
Sicilian lowered his head slightly, then nodded.
"I understand."
Joy Boy's lips curved faintly.
"Good. Join the others and continue the training. Recently, several recruits have awakened Haki. This is the natural talent of the Mink Tribe. Do not let it go to waste."
Sicilian straightened.
"Yes."
With that, he vanished in a blur, rejoining the battlefield.
After he left, Pedro turned back to Joy Boy.
"What is our next move?"
Joy Boy removed his straw hat, his gaze settling on the worn hole in its crown. Gradually, his eyes lost their warmth, turning pale and distant.
"You will remain here and oversee the training. I have somewhere to go."
Pedro blinked, caught off guard.
"Where? And for how long?"
Joy Boy smiled faintly.
"There is no need for concern. I will not be gone long. I am merely returning to a familiar place."
...
At the far edge of Zou, Wanda stood at the precipice, gazing down at the vast sea concealed beneath layers of dense clouds.
She exhaled softly, then tightened the bundle strapped to her back.
Without hesitation, she turned, preparing to descend.
A sudden rustle broke the silence.
A white figure burst from the nearby bushes.
"Wait, Wanda! I'm coming with you!"
Carrot stood there, eyes filled with determination.
===
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