Justice
Chapter 11: Dilemma in the West Blue
The war of the Kalani Islands has now come to end as a new chapter in Joseph's adventure comes forth. The young marine has forged his name in war and has earned the respect of all the remaining marines of the eighty ninth division. Now that the Kalani Islands are free of the clutches of Kai and the pirate in question has now been captured, there are few reasons to remain in these lands. Though even with the great cost of this war, the resistance stands tall in the face of the remaining pirates who's corpses were dumped in a mass grave and burned. Joseph now recovering from his wounds now must move forward in the west and continue to survive. Though with friends and powers like his, how hard can it be?
[Chamberlain's Ship]
(Joseph's point of view)
Days have passed since Joseph's victorious return. The marines who survived had mourned for their fallen brothers and celebrated their victory. The prince has now been chained to the low deck like an animal, while Joseph quietly relaxes next to Landon in his private quarters of Chamberlain's reclaimed frigate.
"So your telling me he just showed up like that?" Joseph asked
"Yeah he showed up pissed off and terrified. I don't blame the old commodore though. We did rush off right quick." said Landon
"Mhmmmm." Joseph hummed.
"Hey look, I don't want to be that guy or nothing. It's just why did you let Kai live? I would have just killed him when given the chance." Landon asked curiously.
"It's wasn't any easy decision. Don't get me wrong I still want to kill the bastard, but what P-Pandora said to me in the end. It kind of got to me. She didn't want us to fight and she certainly did not want either of us to die." Joseph explained
"I still can't believe that she was a spy." Landon commented
"I know mate, I know." said Joseph sadly.
"You know your going to have to explain to Julia and myself about what exactly happened in Kurosai that day." said Landon looking off to wall.
"I will it's just I don't know if Julia is ready to hear it." said Joseph
As Joseph finished speaking the fierce brunette walked into his quarters with a demanding look on her face.
"I want to hear it all. I don't care how bad it got. I just want to know." said Julia honestly.
The two young men were surprised slightly by her immediate appearance, though they in turn realized it was to be expected.
"Then have a seat and I'll tell you what happened when I confronted her little patsy." said Joseph
Julia complied and sat at the foot of Joseph's bed intent on hear out the final moments of her best friend's life.
"Alright listen up you two. I'm going to tell you everything that happened. So listen close and try to understand." said Joseph
The young marine explained to his remaining friends the truth of what had transpired during and after the battle of Triburn Island. From the death of Yusuke, the torturous encounter with the dying lieutenant Gordon and his first encounter with the infamous poisoner.
Joseph went further and explained that when he returned he discovered information of a traitor and a possible assassination plot brewing. He told them that his investigation led him to the traitor Marlin and then to the poisoner. Pandora then revealed herself and the two dueled. Joseph continued by stating that Pandora didn't want to hurt him or Kai and in the end killed herself in front of him as he froze in horror.
"And that's it. I came back with h-her corpse and yeah... " Joseph said quietly.
"Fuck..." said Landon face palming.
Julia just looked at Joseph. The young marine was expecting her to pounce, though instead was surprised as she pulled him into a hug.
"I'm sorry." said Julia
"What?" Joseph said confused.
"I'm sorry you had to endure that." said Julia holding Joseph tighter.
"Thanks..." said Joseph
"So where do we go from here?" Landon asked plainly.
"Chamberlain is meeting with the officer that came by earlier yesterday. He's waiting for Joseph to come an meet them." Julia said letting go of Joseph.
"Eh? When did this all happen?" Joseph said in confusion.
"Well you have been out of commission for a couple of days. More than you were last time that's for sure. The commodore called in some back up after you passed out. The connection went through and they arrived only yesterday. If your able, you should get dressed. I left you a suit next to the dresser." Julia explained
"Oh okay cool. I'll get ready." said Joseph sitting up.
"Whoa are you sure your all good." said Landon slightly worried.
"I'm okay for now, really. Give me a minute and I'll be out here. I'm tired of being cooped up in here." Joseph said
"Come on Landon we best see what your uncle is up to." Julia said
"Fine, ugh I hate work." moaned Landon
Julia and Landon left the room, leaving Joseph alone. The young marine moved from his bed and walked over to the dresser at the foot of his bed. Grabbing the identical gray suit to his last one. He got dressed and had his shoes on a minute later. Joseph slid his golden watch on and left his quarters for the top deck.
Joseph came up the wooden staircase to the top deck and saw the commodore talking to a tall unknown marine.
"I'm telling you it's true. I saw it with my own eyes." said Chamberlain
"Then if what your report says is factual then my decision is quite warranted. This will be quite the achievement to the pedigree of the eighty ninth division." said the unknown marine
"Commodore, Sir." said Joseph loudly.
The two officers turned to face the young petty officer.
"And here he is the man behind it all. You must be Joseph I presume?" said the unknown marine holding out his hand.
"Yes I am. I'm afraid we have not yet been acquainted." said Joseph shaking the officer's hand.
"Ah where are my manners. I'm vice admiral Drager." said Drager
"A vice admiral!" Joseph thought shocked.
Joseph was surprised to meet an actual vice admiral, especially one as curious looking as Drager. The vice admiral was very tall. Almost double Joseph's height. Long curly brown hair and a scraggly beard. He donned a typical marine officer coat over his shoulders, though wore a suit covered in a zigzag pattern of blue and yellow. Joseph thought the tall lanky man was quite weird looking.
"So Chamberlain here tells me you stopped the prince of the sea by yourself boy. As well as Victor, John, Gordon and even that poisoner fellow." said Drager lowering his head downwards.
"Yes sir." said Joseph
"And that you currently have the rank of petty officer?" Drager asked
"Yes I do." Joseph responded
"Excellent. I have something for you actually. Give me a moment." said the scraggly marine
Drager snapped his fingers and a marine grunt cam running with a white parcel. Drager took the parcel and dismissed the sailor and walked up to Joseph.
"What is this?" Joseph wondered
"Something I think you might like." Drager said ominously.
Joseph took the parcel and ripped it open. The young man was flabbergasted to see that it was a bright white marine coat with the kanji for justice imprinted on the back.
"But this is..." Joseph said looking at the golden epaulettes.
"Your new uniform. As the commander of the West Blue Headquarters, I vice admiral Drager Smith hereby promote petty officer Joseph to the rank of lieutenant." Drager announced
"I-I haven't even been a marine for that long sir. It is an honor." said Joseph in shock.
"Hahahaha, Your right Chamberlain. This kid tough, but respectful." laughed Drager
"You deserve it son. We wouldn't have made it without everyone involved and you showed enough spirit to see this through." said Chamberlain with soft smile.
"And besides boy. Usually we don't promote anyone to a commissioned rank without a good enough reason." said Drager with a smirk.
"He's right. The reason you were promoted was because of your own strength, the fact that you basically decimated the royalty pirates and their bounties combined added up to over four hundred million beli." Chamberlain explained
"Mhmm, those things could've landed you in the rear admiral slot if it weren't for your experience and time in the organization being so short." said Drager
"Then I accept the position." said Joseph gratefully as he put his long coat on. Deciding to wear it properly as opposed to having it draped over like his colleagues.
"Excellent. Now time for your next assignments." said Drager, now looking more professional.
"Drager I thought..." Chamberlain started
"Yes I will get to it old friend." said Drager cutting Chamberlain off.
"Now as I was saying. Both of you two have a new assignment. There has been reports of mafia activity spiking as of late." said Drager with a serious expression.
"The mafia?" Joseph said scratching his moustache.
"Yes the West Blue crime families have been a blight on this sea for years, but now it's gotten worse then a few beatings or gang skirmishes. A massacre has taken place." said Drager looking down at the two men.
"What!? When! Where?" Chamberlain all but demanded.
"Santa Villa." Drager responded
"How many people?" Chamberlain asked
"Forty seven, executed by way of gunfire. Four of them were confirmed marines." said Drager sadly.
Joseph looked in slight surprise as he saw Chamberlain's eyes widen. First in shock, then horror and finally sadness.
"Fuck me, of all the places..." Chamberlain whispered placing his hands on his head.
"I know it's hard old friend, but you know the area well and I don't have the resources or any trustworthy marines to handle this." said Drager with a hint of sympathy.
"No, no, no we'll do it. Just can you please give us a minute or two to finish up here?" Chamberlain asked
"Of course. You have one hour until you need to set off for Santa Villa. I will accompany you two as well so speak to me when your ready to leave. For now go do what you must until then." said Drager walking off.
"Shit!" swore Chamberlain
"Hey commodore. You alright?" Joseph asked
"No I'm not. Listen son why don't you find the others and say your goodbyes for now eh." said Chamberlain as he dismissed Joseph.
"I think I better leave him be for now." thought Joseph as Chamberlain paced around in a circle.
"Okay I'll be back soon." said Joseph walking away from the dazed commodore.
Chamberlain only gave a lackluster wave in response as Joseph hopped of the ship and went to find his friends.
[Aiwei Village, Aiwei Island]
(Joseph's point of view)
Joseph made his way into the village and saw that it was now bustling with people. He could see that there were some marines assisting with the reconstruction of the place after his brawl with Victor and John. As he walked through the streets, both marines and civilians noticed him walk pass with his new white coat. The civilians smiled and waved, while marines simply saluted him as he went by. Joseph nodded in acknowledgement, though could not stop thinking about the damage he did to theses people's homes and businesses.
"I do feel really bad though. For destroying their property." thought Joseph sadly.
The young marine felt something wrong and realized he hadn't heard from the voice in a while.
"Hey! Are you awake in there?" Joseph thought
"Oh so now you need me." yawned the voice
"Where have you been?" Joseph asked
"Hmmmmm, I've been here the whole time. Thinking and planning our next move. Survival remember, survival." said the voice
"So what were you thinking about specifically." Joseph asked
"Well for a start I have been trying to piece together at what point in the timeline were in. So far I can narrow it down to possibly before Luffy starts off his journey. Ace is alive I think. So far he has not been mentioned to be dead, but we need more answers." said the voice
"We have a vice admiral with us now and then there is Chamberlain. We could ask them some questions on the sly." Joseph suggested
"Okay then I got it. Ask Drager or Chamberlain who the current fleet admiral is. Then ask what fire fist Ace's bounty is currently and finally ask them about when Kai started as a pirate. If I remember correctly Ace went off to sea just over three years or so before Luffy's journey and that Kai is supposed to be part of Ace's generation." the voice explained
"Got it, but for now I need to find the others." thought Joseph
"Ask one of those marines if they have seen them." said the voice
"Good idea." Joseph thought
The young elemental looked around and saw a large marine lifting a sign for a florist above himself.
"You there, Sailor!" Joseph said loudly.
Catching the big marine's attention. He saw the lieutenant and gave a salute as he held the large sign over his shoulder.
"Petty officer Joseph, Sir!" said the large marine
"It's actually lieutenant now sailor." said Joseph
"Oh my apologies sir! I did not know of your promotion. Congratulations sir." said the large marine
"It's fine sailor. I was wondering if you could tell me where I might find Landon, Julia and Polemon." said Joseph
"Ah yes. Landon and Julia came through here a little while ago. I think they were going to the old camp to clear the place out or something." said the large marine
"Okay thank you sailor and can you make sure to tell any other marines you come across to meet us at the commodore's ship in an hour. When you have completed your duties." Joseph ordered
"Understood lieutenant." said the large marine walking off.
"So their at the old resistance camp." said the voice
"It feels like a lifetime ago." Joseph said looking to the blue sky.
"It sure does. Well we shouldn't let them wait." said the voice
Joseph left through the village gate and walked down the long dirt trail, reflecting on the battles they won and the friends he made since meeting the resistance.
The young marine saw the trail clear of the barricades that once rested along the entrance to the camp. Joseph saw nothing but dirt and rubbish in place of where the camp once stood. Joseph took in a breath and recalled the day he first came to this place.
"You think the kid made it out?" Joseph asked
"Francis?" said the voice, taking a guess at who it could be.
"So you remember." Joseph said
"Of course I do. I'm you remember." said the voice obviously.
"Yeah yeah, I just hope that kid made it out. I'd hate to think he got captured or killed." said Joseph remembering the aspiring cartographer.
"If he did make it out of here without Victor finding out then he might've had a good chance of making it. He was supposed to be a decent scout. Though if he has any brains he'd keep his former status as a pirate to himself. I do hope that Francis is doing better all the same." said the voice sincerely.
"Yeah..." said Joseph
"We should look around for the others.' said the voice
As the voice finished speaking Landon came through the forest and saw Joseph standing in the middle of the former camp.
"Joseph?" said Landon
"Oh Landon! I've been looking for you." said Joseph glad to see the blonde swordsman.
"Actually there is something you should see first." said the blonde surprising serious.
"Ah okay sure. What is it?" Joseph asked
"Follow me." said Landon waving Joseph over.
The young blonde led Joseph through the forest to the sunny clearing that Pandora once showed him.
"Landon, why are we here?" said Joseph raising his eyebrow.
"When that vice admiral guy showed up we hid Pandora's body. I know what she did, but I can't let them dump her body in the sea or a mass grave. So uncle and I made here a proper grave. Julia thought it would be fitting that she should be buried here. I was actually going to get you, but it seems you showed up first." said Landon
"Ah I understand and your probably right. There is only so much tolerance that could be given to a dead pirate, but Pandora was our friend. It still hurts, but I get you." said Joseph
Landon showed Joseph to Pandora's grave. Which had been decorated in an assortment of flowers. Joseph noticed Julia and Polemon praying beside her headstone.
"Polemon, Julia." spoke Joseph, gaining their attention.
"Well now your a sight for sore eyes lad." said Polemon standing up.
"It's good to have you here." said Julia smiling softly.
"Mhmmmm..." the voice hummed
"What's wrong with you?" Joseph thought
"Her headstone." the voice simply said.
Joseph looked upon Pandora's headstone and saw it's message that was chiseled into the gray stone.
"Here lies Pandora of the East. The bright orchid of the Kalani Islands. Loving friend and family member. She will be missed." Joseph read aloud in his mind.
"Polemon, you did this?" Joseph asked
"Aye, that I did. I thought it would be a fitting message." said Polemon solemnly.
"I helped gather the flowers and Landon carried the stone here." said Julia
Landon merely nodded.
"You all have done well. When I showed myself the first time I came here, I thought I would be killed. Instead you all took a chance on a lost kid with nowhere to go. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you." said Joseph with all the sincerity he could muster.
"Lad if it weren't for you I would've died here weeks ago." said Polemon placing his hand on Joseph's shoulder.
"If not for you Victor would've killed me." Landon piped up.
"You promised to help us and eventually I placed my faith in you. As far as I see it you have exceeded all expectations." Julia said with a small smile.
"Besides it seems to me like you've jumped up a rung eh? New uniform?" said Polemon taking a view of Joseph's newish appearance.
"Yeah I'm no longer a petty officer. It's lieutenant now." said Joseph with a hint of pride.
"EH! Lieutenant!?" said Landon hysterically.
"So Chamberlain gave you a promotion eh?" Polemon asked knowingly.
"He and Drager did." Joseph responded
"Not surprising given the two of them." said Polemon
"What's that supposed to mean uncle?" Landon asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing nephew. Just rambling." said Polemon dismissingly.
"Well I came here to initially say my goodbyes. Though I would be honored if my friends could be with me on my next assignment." Joseph said hopefully.
Landon and Julia looked to each other and to then to Joseph.
"I'm afraid Landon, Polemon and I must stay here to help the rebuilding and restructuring of our economy. I wish I could go, but my hands are tied." said Julia sadly.
"But after everything is all said and done here, you best believe I am coming to find you. I wouldn't want to leave my brother to the mercy of the sea." Landon said smirking.
Polemon only nodded his head as a response.
"It's better than nothing, but we should go now. Drager's orders. Though not before giving my respects." said Joseph
Moving past his friends, Joseph kneelt down and gave a prayer. Giving his last thoughts on the once bubbly Pandora.
"Pandora, you were my first friend here. You approached me not with fear or suspicion, but with kindness. I may never know If it was just a lie or if it was genuine. What I do know is that you died my friend. I can't forgive your crimes against the people, but I will absolve you against anything you may have done to me if your regret is as genuine as I believe it to be. May you find peace in the next world." Joseph thought in prayer.
"Kid. I think it is time we leave this place. She is in nature's hands now." said the voice
"Yes it is." Joseph thought rising to his feet.
Joseph took one last look at Pandora's grave.
"Goodbye Pandora..." Joseph whispered
Polemon placed his hand on Joseph shoulder and gave a look of sympathy.
"You ready to leave lad?" the elder sniper asked
Joseph nodded and walked alongside his friends back to Aiwei village along the dirt path.
The young lieutenant returned alongside his friends to Chamberlain's frigate. Joseph noticed the large gathering of marine grunts lining up to the ship. Drager stood tall, twice as tall as any other marine around him. The vice admiral was barking orders to the line of sailors.
"Alright men we set off in five minutes. You lot get to your stations and get ready to leave port. We sail for Santa Villa!" ordered Drager
"YES SIR!" the marines responded
The group of four looked to the ship with mixed feelings. Joseph himself wasn't too happy with the prospect of leaving his friends behind.
"Have you guys said goodbye to the commodore?" Joseph asked
"I've said what I've needed to say boy." said Polemon
"Julia and I already gave him our thanks and farewell speech." said Landon giving Joseph a thumbs up.
Julia nodded in response.
"I guess this is me then. See you around." said Joseph with a hint of sadness in his voice.
"Don't worry lad. When everything's square here we'll come find you. Now come here." said Polemon pulling Joseph into a hug.
Julia and Landon joined in. Polemon and the others let go of Joseph a moment later and gave him a smile.
"I'm going to miss them..." said the voice sadly.
"Now go on it's time for your next adventure." said Polemon smiling brightly.
With a smile on his face and assurance in his heart, Joseph left for the ship. Following the group of marines on board, he took his position at the helm alongside Chamberlain who was waiting for him next to the helmsman. Drager was the last man aboard and with a final call the ship set sail. Joseph turned to see Polemon, Julia and Landon standing still waving them off. Joseph gave one last wave to his friends and the Kalani Islands.
"You accustomed to your new position lieutenant?" asked Chamberlain cheekily.
"I won't lie, this promotion thing makes me a slight bit nervous." said Joseph
"Haha, I thought the same thing when I became a captain all those years ago. You'll get used to it, besides if you continue the good work you have done so far you might even surpass me." said the commodore smiling.
"It's good to see you in a better mood old friend." said Drager joining the two officers at the helm.
"I might as well try at the very least, given our destination." said Chamberlain
"So what is this assignment anyway?" Joseph asked looking up to the tall man.
"A massacre took place in Santa Villa two days ago. Now we have reason to believe one of the smaller mafia families is behind this." said Drager staring off to the sea.
"The mafia? If memory serves me right then Capone Bege would be in charge of practically all things mafia in the west. Get some information so I can come up with some more ideas will you." said the voice
"And if it's Bege we're going after then what?" Joseph thought
"Then we have a problem. If it is him then we'll be at a disadvantage. He's got more men and a home ground advantage. Oh and lets not forget the fact that if he has his devil fruit at this point then it will be almost impossible to take him in a fight if he goes into his 'big father' form.
"I better ask some more questions." thought Joseph
"I heard a guy by the name of Capone runs the mob in this sea. Do you think he's behind it?" Joseph questioned
"Aye he sticks to the more populated islands of the West Blue. The family we believe is behind the attack is a local crew. The Romano family." said Drager looking to Joseph.
"Romano?" said Joseph unfamiliar with the name.
"Yeah a local family that Capone Bege hasn't either killed or taken over. They're probably the only functioning crew not under his control." said Drager
"Who's the one leading the family?" Joseph asked now curious.
"Peter Romano, an intelligent and fairly level headed boss. He's been avoiding prosecution for years and is Bege's last rival in the west. Santa Villa and Fortuna are the last islands the Romano's have control over. Now as to the current dilemma regarding the massacre we believe it may have have been on the order of Frankie Romano." Drager explained
"Frankie is Peter's hot headed younger brother. Santa Villa is run by the Romano brothers from their home in Fortuna. There are three Romano brothers. Peter, Frankie and Enzo. Enzo is the middle child and fairly unremarkable in comparison to his brothers. He's their logistics man though, so he is quite important. Frankie on the other hand is wild card. Only his older brothers can talk any sense into him." Chamberlain said speaking up.
"Usually the mob is not our usual concern, but for the last two months marine intelligence has been tracking some suspicious things regarding the Romano family. In the last couple of months pirates have been coming in and out of Santa Villa. The mob usually keep rift raft like pirates out of their turf, but for the last few months it seems to have changed." said Drager
"I get that this event has brought us into it, but why on earth would they welcome pirates into their harbour? Peter Romano has a hatred of pirates, Frankie even more so." Chamberlain wondered
"Smuggling perhaps. I suspect their getting desperate. Capone Bege has been reinforcing his position as the 'Boss of Bosses' for a few years now. Peter Romano is the last real rival he has left, even if he only has two islands left under his influence. Getting outside help from smugglers and mercenaries might help him, but with the massacre that occurred we can't sit out on this." said Drager
"Why hasn't the marines gone after any of the mafia families before?" Joseph asked
"Usually the marines leave those matters to their respective local police forces. We usually deal with pirates and naval affairs or even merchant security, but I understand what your trying to say. Personally I think these mobsters are no better than pirates, but they generally keep pirates out of their turf. The Romano brothers also have a reputation of killing pirates. So despite my reservations of letting them operate, the government deems them as a non threat." said Chamberlain disappointingly.
"He isn't wrong. The world government focuses on the Grand Line and New World as the prime threat to their rule. The four blues are not a concern in their eyes. The west especially, given it's more isolated population and difficulty of of travel considering it borders with the Calm Belt. The mafia overrun the place, but keep pirates out. So they leave them be. At least we both know now that Bege is still running his crew in the west. He hasn't gone off to become a pirate yet, which means that we might have entered this world before Luffy's adventure." said the voice
"I don't like that the mob is free to roam wherever, but we do have some useful information in regards to the timeline. I need to ask about Ace." Joseph thought
"A quick change of subject, but I would like to ask you about fire fist Ace." Joseph said to the two officers.
"Eh? Fire fist? What about him?" Drager asked raising an eyebrow.
"Kai mentioned him a few times and I was curious to their relationship." said Joseph hoping to get a good answer.
"Well son they're both part of the same generation of pirates that have been causing problems on the sea for the last while. Kai and Ace we're rivals until I heard that the spade pirates joined under Whitebeard's banner. I think that was about a few months ago actually. As far as I am aware those two hated each other or maybe had some small respect for each other." Chamberlain explained
"What do you think mister voice in my head?" Joseph asked mentally.
"Ace was seventeen when he joined Whitebeard. He was twenty when he was executed at Marineford and that leaves a little over three years including the time from romance dawn to Impel down. We have been here for about five months so..." said the voice
"That means we have at least two or two and half years until Luffy starts his journey." Joseph thought, frowning at the revelation.
"Our information on the future may not be helpful now, but maybe it might have some use later on. If we make it that long that is." said the voice
"If only..." Joseph thought tiredly.
"Does that answer your question son?" said Chamberlain snapping Joseph back to the conversation.
"Yes it does. I was just slightly curious. Another question I had was to the sate of the prince of the sea. Where is he going if I may ask?" Joseph wondered
"Ah yes I had him transferred to another ship inbound to Impel Down along with any other pirates that we captured on our way here. Don't you worry, Kai will be thrown in either level five or six depending on how Magellan views it." said Drager chuckling.
"Magellan will show Kai the true meaning of hell. The warden will handle him once he's chained in a sea prism cell." said Chamberlain
"I don't doubt Magellan's capability in the slightest." Joseph thought shivering as he recalled Magellan's powers and his fearsome reputation.
"Kai's tough, but even he couldn't take on the power of the doku doku no mi. He's done for." said the voice
"I suppose your right." said Joseph
"Now Drager, about that other thing." said Chamberlain looking to Drager.
"I hoped you weren't going to say anything about until we got there." Drager sighed
"Am I interrupting something?" Joseph asked like he was intruding.
"It's okay son you have all the right to hear why I am upset at our destination, but also somewhat relieved." said Chamberlain
"Well what is it sir?" Joseph asked wondering what the commodore would be upset about.
"Remember how I told you about Yusuke and how we met." Chamberlain said
"Yeah..." said Joseph following along.
"Santa Villa is Yusuke's former home island and home to his mother." said Chamberlain frowning as he looked to the sea.
"Oh shit..." said the voice awkwardly.
"W-Would you like some company when you see her?" Joseph asked trying his best not to feel awkward.
"I think it's best if I went to her on my own. It's better if you don't get caught in her wrath." Chamberlain said
"Okay." Joseph said looking worried for the commodore.
"This is Chamberlain's thing. We best let him sort it out. We have to focus on the mission." reasoned the voice
"I got it." Joseph responded simply.
"Don't fret boy. While Chamberlain handles his business, You and me will dealing with the mission." said Drager speaking up.
The marine vessel sailed through the relatively calm seas of the west until a spec appeared over the horizon. The marine grunts kept working their stations dutifully as Drager was barking orders.
"Come on! Get your backs into it boys!" Drager barked from the helm.
"YES SIR!" shouted the marine crew.
"WE'RE ALMOST THERE LADS! GET TO IT!" Yelled Chamberlain joining the rest of the men.
"AYE COMMODORE!" Yelled a random marine
Joseph looked on to the horizon as the distant island was growing larger and larger by the passing minutes. Soon the island of Santa Villa could be seen.
[Santa Villa, West Blue]
(Joseph's point of view)
As the marine ship came closer to the surprisingly large port, Joseph could see what appeared to be a large monastery. The young marine could see many robed people. Monks and nuns filled the surrounding port. Some bearing religious items and others who seem to scour through the adjacent market place up ahead.
"This is Santa Villa? I wasn't expecting it to be such a place of holy worship." said Joseph surprised at such a religious environment.
"Yeah it is a bit daunting at first, but these clergymen and nuns won't be an issue. Our first stop is at the central cathedral in the eastern part of town. It's the biggest building on this island, hard to miss." said Drager
"You think the commodore will be alright on his own?" Joseph asked slightly worried.
"He'll be fine. I've known Chamberlain for decades. If there is one thing I know, it's that he is a man with an iron will." said Drager confidently as he walked to the gangplank.
Joseph followed the tall vice admiral off the ship and into the sea people ahead. Thanks to his great height, Joseph was able to follow Drager through the back streets quite easily.
"We're getting close my boy. Though I should warn you. The few marines who remained on this island we're ordered to safe guard the place. So the sight is not exactly pretty." said Drager as the two marines reached their destination.
As they entered the large barren courtyard, Joseph's eyes widened in horror as he saw the dozens of corpses that littered the church front staircase.
"What in heaven's name happened here?" Joseph thought in surprise at the amount of blood that practically covered the area directly in front of the large stone cathedral.
"Christ, look at the one to your right." said the voice sadly.
The young elemental walked over to a very small corpse, too small to be an average adult. He pulled the sheet back slightly and say the pale face of young girl.
"She's so young, why?" said Joseph miserably.
Joseph placed the cover back over the young girl's face and walked over to Drager who held a firm expression, though Joseph could see in his eyes the look of sorrow within.
"Pirates, gangsters. It shouldn't matter. No child nor parent should have to go through any of this. Whoever is responsible for this will face justice by the law and by my fists." said Drager overseeing the area.
A group of marines came over to hopefully inform Joseph and Drager in the current situation.
"Sir. We have kept the perimeter clear as you said over your last call. The clergymen are becoming restless, I fear they may start a protest. Along with the pirates and other vagabonds here I can't say it's safe for us here." said the marine grunt
"It's okay you can let them retrieve their dead as soon as myself and lieutenant Joseph here finish going through the personal affects of the people here." said Drager calming the marine grunt.
"We've placed the evidence all on the table here sir. Follow me." said the marine grunt walking to the table across the street.
The two officers followed the grunt to a wooden table with evidence laying across it. Items ranging from personal affects to envelopes and letters.
"First things first we need to sort through the evidence to see if there is anything to go on. After that we need to investigate the clergymen who work in this area. Afterwards we'll need to question one of the Romano boys to see what they know." Drager explained picking up a silver pocket watch from the table.
"So who do we ask? I doubt the mob would just be willing to talk to us." said Joseph examining the small stack of papers.
"The Romano crew has a reputation for being anti pirate. Usually they won't talk to marines, but an incident of this size on their turf. They might be willing to speak with us because of it. Now as to who will talk. I know one man that might help. A man named Lance rivers. He's Enzo Romano's right hand and practically runs eastern Santa Villa. His area is not far from here either." Drager said opening a golden locket.
"I see." said Joseph grabbing a bloodstained note.
Joseph opened the half crumpled piece of paper and saw a bunch of gibberish written over coarsely. It was not letters, but strange symbols on the single page. The young lieutenant understood nothing from this peculiar bit of potential information.
"The fuck? This is either covered in blood or illegible." the voice commented.
"Eh? What's this rubbish?" Joseph wondered looking at the strange note.
"You find anything?" Drager asked
"Yeah a bloody note with literal gibberish on it." said Joseph passing the note over to the giant man.
Drager took the note and analyzed it. The older marine looked upon the note with slight familiarity as he lowered his head to Joseph.
"This is a roughly written cipher that the intelligence taskforce uses. As one of the many commanding officers in the West Blue, I am quite knowledgeable on the ciphers they use. Though due to the stains and the poor handwriting, I can only get a potion of what it says." Drager explained
"What does it say?" Joseph asked
"Uh it says, 'We have been discovered. All agents protocol seven, flee. Return this message to western headquarters. Perpetrator is..." Drager recited
"Is that it?" Joseph said
"Unfortunately it is." said Drager placing the bloodied note inside his pocket.
"What now?" the young marine inquired
"I need to help the rest of the boys here deal with the clergymen and the bodies. So I want you to find Lance. He'll be at the Saint Isabella Tavern four streets over. Listen I'm going to give you a map so you don't get lost, this place has a lot of landmarks so you should be okay." said Drager pulling out a map from his breast pocket.
The vice admiral gave Joseph a map for the city.
"And try to play it cool with Lance, I heard of some of the things you did on the Kalani Islands. While I understand the reasons why, the patient method will do wonders here." said Drager walking off, leaving Joseph by himself.
"So it's just us then eh?" said the voice
"Yep, I suppose we better find this Lance guy." Joseph thought, opening the map.
"I think we need to go west up the side street and look for a horse statue atop a fountain. That should be hard." said the voice
"Alright let's get this over with. I don't want to be here anymore." Though Joseph, relieved he won't have to be next to the cathedral for a while.
Joseph left following the map to the local mob hangout in search of Lance Rivers. Though will he lead Joseph to the answer or another long standing question?
Next Chapter: Broken Promises
Hey everyone I hope you are excited for the new arc in West Blue starting from this chapter onwards. Goodbye Kalani Islands and hello Santa Villa. Now knowing his current place in the timeline, Joseph now has a few years until the beginning of Luffy's adventure.
I see there are some of you guys really enjoy this story and it makes me pleased to see it. So I'll try to get some more chapters out when I can.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter of Justice and I'll see you all next time :)