This is the 60th chapter. I don't own the series of One Piece.
Farewell to Arms! Different Ideas of Justice!
Alabasta, Alubarna
After the intense battle between Crocodile and the rebellion, the rain falls down to Alabasta and the rebellion between the rebels and the royal army quells down. They even heard Vivi's voice, who's at the clock tower when she told them the rain has returned and will fall again as it used to because the nightmare is finally over. However, the rebels and the royal army aren't convinced at all because they still believe the fight isn't over.
"Our nightmares aren't over, princess! Not yet!"
"The man's right!"
"Yeah!"
"I wish what happen is a nightmare, but it was real!"
"We want justice! We saw King Cobra attacked Nanohana with our own eyes!"
"That's right! And those damn royals shot Koza, too!"
"You expect us all just to forgive them after what they did?!"
Vivi can only respond in silent while panting, watching the rebels and the royal army argued, about to take up arms again.
"Our nightmares will all be over one we've killed every royal in this country!"
Vivi widen her eyes in dread and disbelief, hoping they're quelled and to stop the fight, but it wasn't enough as both the rebels and the royal army are arguing against each other and about to fight once more since they're about to cause a rebellion.
"Royal Army! Drop your weapons now!" The voice of Chaka shouts when he's leaning against the stone wall, earned their attention when they noticed him.
"Up there!"
"Chaka..." Vivi muttered while the soldiers were confused, wondering why he ordered them to stand down.
"Is he serious?"
"Yes! Ahem...Ma~Ma~Maaaa~!" The voice of Igaram said, earned their attention when they noticed him carrying the boy which it got the group of soldiers, Vivi, the Straw Hat pirates, and Chaka shocked that he somehow managed to get to Alubarna alive. "That goes for you too, rebel army!"
"Igaram!"
"The Squad Captain?!"
Vivi gasp when she saw Igaram, couldn't believe he survived from the explosion as Whiskey Peak and came all the way to Alabasta.
"Igaram..." Vivi muttered with a smile on her face as she rushes down the stairs of the clock tower, remembered of Igaram telling her he'll meet again.
Igaram walked a few steps while looking at Vivi with a smile on his face, watching her coming down.
"He made it back..." Chaka muttered.
"Hey! It's that crossdressing guy from Whiskey Peak!" Zoro exclaims.
"He's still alive!" Nami adds with a smile.
"Hey, who is that guy?" Chopper asked curiously, turned his head between Zoro and Nami.
Igaram then turns his head to the boy while the group of soldiers were looking at him, wondering where he's been all this time after the rebellion.
"Boy, can you talk to me?" Igaram inquires when the boy groans in pain, trying to set himself up which it got the group of soldiers noticed.
"That's the boy from Nanohana."
"The kid who was harmed by those royal army goons."
"No! That's not true! It wasn't them! The people who did this look like members of the royal army, but it really wasn't them! Everyone, please listen! This is what I saw!"
He then explains of what he saw, telling that Cobra was actually Mr. 2 when he uses the Devil Fruit power to shapeshift into an Alabasta King while deceiving the people to make the conflict worse. It got the group of rebels and the royal guards stunned and failed to realize that they're being played right into the Baroque Works hands.
"That's right!" Koza adds with an agreement, earned their attention. "We were all manipulated, this battle was a plot to begin with."
"Koza..."
"Leader..."
"Royal army, I'll explain it to you all." Igaram told them, earned their attention. "Everything that has befallen our fair country, but only if you drop your weapons."
Both the rebels and the royal army were confused, but realizing why Igaram is telling them as they dropped their weapons. Vivi continued to head down the stairs and made it to the first floor as she opens the door, earned their attention while she was looking for the Straw Hat pirates.
"My friends...where are they?" Vivi questions, wondering where are the Straw Hat pirates have gone to.
Apparently, the Straw Hat pirates have left the scene after the group of soldiers were distracted by Koza, Igaram, Chaka, and the boy. Usopp complains a lot while trying to catch up with his crew, much to their annoyance.
"Come on, Usopp. I know you're hurt, but keep up." Sanji told him.
"I wish I could, but I'm coming down with 'If-I-walk-anymore-I'll-Die' disease." Usopp grunts while complaining.
"There's no such thing, Usopp." Anna told him in annoyance.
"I'll drag you then." Zoro suggested with a sigh, grabbed Usopp and dragging him.
"Wait! Gah! Let me go! Or I could come down 'If-I-get-anymore-dragged-I'll-die' disease." Usopp whines.
"There's no such thing, idiot." Ivan, Shanise, and Anna told him in annoyance with a tick hard on their heads.
But they noticed the Ace, Ventus, and Cobra, who's carrying Luffy on his back which the rubber captain passed out after the intense fight against Crocodile and losing too much blood as they approached them.
"Who are you?" Cobra asked.
"Uh...Just travelers passing through, the guy on your back is one of us along with those two as well." Sanji answered nervously, pointing at Luffy. "We'll take them now. Thanks, old man."
Anna just elbowed Sanji in the rib while Cobra widen his eyes in shock.
"Hold on, it you're with those three, then you must be those pirates who brought Vivi back to this country." Cobra said.
"Wait, how would know all of that?" Sanji asks.
"Daddy! Everyone!" The voice of Vivi shouts, earned their attention when she ran towards them.
"Hey, Vivi." Chopper said surprisingly.
"'Daddy'?" Sanji repeats, but it caused him to drop his jaw with budged eyes and shark-like teeth as he turns to Cobra. "What?! This guy is Vivi's Dad?!"
"Guess that makes you the King." Zoro adds with his calm demeanor while Nami gasp with her eyes widen.
"Yes, and I'd be a dead King if it weren't for the efforts of your brave young friends here." Cobra replied, placing Luffy next to the wall. "Even though, he lost too much blood after the fight against Crocodile, but he still managed to defeat him in the end, with some help of those two."
"We were able to carry them along with the other one out of the tomb." Ace adds with a smirk.
"Should be worried about that? I mean, is he going to be alright?" Usopp asks curiously, crossed his arms.
"He's just unconscious, his injuries are needed to be treated." Ventus told them. "So do ours after coming here to end the rebellion."
"We'll wait, you need to be somewhere else." Zoro suggested while leaning against the wall and sat on the ground, leaving Vivi confused. "Go back to the square, Vivi."
"They need you more than we do." Anna adds, sat herself down in the ground along with Ventus and Ace. "We'll catch up once we get enough rest."
"They're right." Usopp agrees with a chuckle. "Now that the war is over, it's only fitting for the King and Princess to say a few words, don't you think? You know, tell them what really happen."
"Right, and I can tell them all about you guys too." Vivi adds with a smile, walking next to her father.
"Vivi dear, please don't." Sanji said calmly while lighting his cigarette, leaving Vivi confused. "We're a band of notorious pirates. The last thing we need are faces and names known."
"The reason is the World Government, and the Marines are after us since we've got bounties on our heads." Ventus explains. "Thus with the Marines around, they'll probably after us whenever they got the chance."
"But what we do need is food." Chopper told them with his tongue stick out.
"And rest. We like to crash at the palace if that's okay." Nami adds with a smile.
The Straw Hat pirates agreed to her suggestion since they're really exhausted after a long journey and a fight between the Baroque Works agents and Crocodile. Vivi and Cobra can only respond with a smile as they left and out of sight while the Straw Hat pirates collapses down to the ground in exhaustion.
At the square, Tashigi was informed by Smoker that the ship has been seized along with the new Empire called Garlean Empire from Altivalios was making a name for themselves for the world conquest. The Marines need Anna, Ventus, and Shanise to return to Ishgard to warn the King.
"Yes sir...Understood, Captain Smoker..." Tashigi said as she and the Marines head towards the square while the group of soldiers surrounded the defeat Crocodile.
"Are you serious? Crocodile?"
"He was the one behind all of this?"
"All this time, we thought he was hero."
Then they heard footsteps when they turned and noticing Tashigi and the Marines are making their way to Crocodile.
"Over there! Look! It's the Marines!"
Soon as the Marines approaches, Tashigi looked down at Crocodile as she spoke while her men saluted her.
"I've just been informed that the Baroque Works ship has been seized, one that makes artificial rain using Dance Powder." Tashigi said. "You being Baroque Works President, I've been ordered to tell you this, Sir Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea..."
Tashigi then remembered back when she's defeated by the hands of Nico Robin, remembered of Ventus' words. Even though, the young Dragoon was able to find Crocodile because of his dragon trait that can follow the scent.
"...By the authority of the World Government, I hereby strip you of your authorization to capture enemies ships, as well as all the titles and rights bestowed upon you by the Government." Tashigi continues. "Additionally, you and all Baroque Works agents are under arrest."
The Marines began arrested the Baroque Works agents and Crocodile while finding the Baroque Works officers since they're still knocked out and defeated by the Straw Hat pirates. All except one Baroque Works agent, Mr. 2, somehow managed to regain his consciousness while trying to get away while not getting captured by the Marines.
"That's my cue to leave." Mr. 2 said with a pant.
However, it doesn't help the people of Alabasta because both the royal army and the rebels are far too guilty after trying to kill each other in the bloodshed while fallen into Crocodile's hands. Both the royal army and the rebels felt regret after what they have done for the past 3 years and recently.
"We rebels...we've done horrible things that can never be undone." Koza muttered as he and the rebels digests Crocodile's treachery.
Vivi was watching Koza and the rebels try to reconcile the actions of the rebellion they've caused.
"Leader..." Vivi said sadly. "...I don't know what to say to him, to any of them."
"We all feel regret for what has happened, but that's natural." Cobra assures his daughter, placing his hand on her shoulder which it got their attention.
"King Cobra..."
"Your majesty..."
"We've lost so much and gained nothing. We've been divided." Cobra told them, leaving the people of Alabasta widen their eyes as he walk towards them. "But now we have a chance to take a step forward. No matter who you fought against, the battle did occur and it's over. We must put this strife behind us and become one again."
"The King's right." Koza agrees.
"Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do about what's happened. We cannot change the past..." Cobra adds, walking towards the stairs as he then stops and turned to the people of Alabasta. "...There's one thing that we can change however, and that's our future!"
The people of Alabasta were stunned along with Chaka, but Igaram smiled at the Kings speech.
"He's so wise..." Chaka said in teary eyes when Cobra raised his arms.
"A future where all of Alabasta is united once more!" Cobra shouts, finished his speech as the people smiled in teary eyes, feeling touched of his speech.
The monumental battle will be engraved upon the annals of history. And even more importantly, that battle will never be told...is finally over.
While back at the ruined alley, the Straw Hat pirates were resting after a long journey and an intense fight against the Baroque Works agents and Crocodile.
Alabasta, Sandora River
Meanwhile at the Sandora River, Smoker was inside of Crocodile's ship after informing Tashigi about the ship being seized while waiting for the Marines to compensate the ship, sitting on a chair, resting his arms while crossed his legs and smoking his cigars. One of the Marines named Hina, who's the Captain of the Marines, arrived inside of the ship with a glare on her face.
Hina is a tall slim woman with dark brown eyes and straight waist-length pink hair worn in a middle part. She wore a burgundy-purple two-piece suit over a white blouse, as well as dark brown shoes and a pair of dark gloves. She also has a Marine jacket draped over her shoulders like a cape, along with purple sunglasses on her forehead.
"Smoker! Where the hell is this rain coming from?!" Hina demands. "Don't tell me you've used a Dance Powder on this ship?"
"Don't be stupid. Believe it or not, I know better than to commit a crime." Smoker remarked. "We haven't seen each other in quite some time and the first you do is blame me for some natural rain. And I was about to you, you look good."
"You're right, is was a lousy welcome. Hina's sorry." Hina apologized in third person, crossed her arms. "As for the compliment, I can't believe the 'White Hunter' would say something so sweet. My, you've actually softened up a little."
"Shut your trap, Hina!" Smoker retorted, turns to her.
"Is that what I get for helping you out? And I might add for the umpteenth time too?" Hina questions with a scowl. "My elite found this ship for you! A 'thanks' would be nice! Upset! Hina's upset!"
"Oh, don't give me that speech, we're all Marines." Smoker points out.
"Oh honestly, I don't know how poor Tashigi puts up with you, Smoker." Hina said, disappointed in him.
"She manages somehow." Smoker told her with a scoff. "Anyway, there's something that's been bothering me. Crocodile somehow made a deal with the Garlean Empire and was given the order on taking Alabasta."
"Garlean Empire?" Hina repeats curiously.
"The Garlean Empire isn't affiliated with the World Government and that kingdom isn't from around the Grand Line. Unfortunately, all I know is that the Garlean Empire is the militaristic kingdom for advanced weaponries and magic." Smoker explains. "And as far as the results of the islands, the Garlean Empire is on dead set on world conquest."
"And do you think this Garlean Empire is planning to conquer the entire world?" Hina questions in shock.
"It's possible, and I think I know where they're striking next...They'll be striking Ishgard and Dravania." Smoker told her. "I've ordered Tashigi to bring Anna, Shanise, and Ventus on the Marine ship."
"And why is that? They're pirates." Hina points out seriously.
"True, but they're the resident of Ishgard and they want to hear about their homeland." Smoker agrees. "I've already contacted the Marines few minutes ago since they wanted to hear about it."
Hina can tell that Smoker is being serious about what he just learned about the Garlean Empire since they didn't get any much information, aside from where they're going to strike.
"Anyway, I need you to take this ship into HQ." Smoker ordered her.
"Me?!" Hina exclaims.
"Also, Tashigi is going to bring Crocodile, Anna, Shanise, and Ventus here. Killing two birds with one stone and take him with you." Smoker continued.
"Give me a break! I'm an Officer, not your errand girl!" Hina complains. "I left Ishgard 11 years ago to become a Marine after hearing the incident of his parents. Merida and Starblaze were kind enough to enroll me as a Marine when I was younger and hoping that I could return the favor by paying a visit at Ishgard while taking care of Ventus. And after what happened to them and Ventus left Burmecia, I thought I would search for the boy and have him as part of the Marine."
"Well, he's with Anna and Shanise last time I saw him. He's also with the Straw Hats. Ventus may be a pirate, but he's still a Dragoon of Ishgard and Dravania." Smoker points out as he tosses the coin in the air. The coin then descends as he catches it.
"It's heads." Hina guessed with a glare as Smoker revealed the coin that has tails.
"It's tails. You lose, errand girl." Smoker told her, extends the coin to her.
"You're a real piece of work, you know that, Smoker? I thought a few years of command would change you, but I was wrong." Hina said in a disappointed look on her face, placed her hands on her hips. "Hina's disappointed."
"I'm well-aware of that, and I don't care." Smoker said. "We both better hope that Ventus is well cared for."
"After what he's been through, he's been dealing a lot of hardships after the death of his parents. I just can't imagine how hard it is for him to lose his parents." Hina said, sighed. "I just hope I get to see Ventus again since it's been 11 years."
Alabasta, Alubarna
While at the alley, Tashigi and the Marines were able to find the Straw Hat pirates and Ace lying on the ground getting all drenched in the rain, but Ventus used his heat to warm his body temperature. The Marines asked Tashigi permission to capture them, but she gave her the answer.
"Negative." Tashigi replied, leaving the Marines shocked. "That's an order."
"Sergent Major! With all due respect, why not?!"
"With your permission, we capture all this Straw Hats and Ace in one fell swoop!"
"Denied!" Tashigi replied again. "I will not allow you to lay a hand on any of them! Is that understood?!"
Until, they heard a groan that was coming from Ventus, Anna, and Shanise.
"Hey...keep it down...trying to sleep..." Ventus groaned in a low dragonic growl, not liking to be disturbed.
"Dammit! One of them regained their consciousness!"
That got Ventus angry as he dilated his eyes into a dragon.
"I SAID KEEP IT DOWN!" Ventus yelled, knocking the Marines out.
Tashigi's face was pale as a sheet of paper, forgetting that dragons didn't like to be disturbed in their sleep which the Marines made one fatal mistake. Anna and Shanise noticed her and the knocked out Marines.
"Weren't you and Smoker supposed to be at Loguetown?" Anna questions with her raised eyebrow.
"Change of plans, we went to go after Luffy and the Straw Hats." Tashigi replied nervously, but noticed Ventus went back to sleep. "But...with my men knocked out, I think I should inform you two instead of Ventus since he's...you know?"
"It's best not to wake up again, don't want you ending up like those idiots." Shanise warned her. "What do you want?"
"I want you and Anna to come with me to the Marine ship. The reason is because we believe that the Garlean Empire is planning liberate Dravania and Ishgard since the both of you are residence of your home." Tashigi explains seriously. "Captain Smoker already tried to get more information, but he didn't get much besides not affiliated with the World Government."
Both Anna and Shanise were shocked of her information about the Garlean Empire. Even though, they never heard of the kingdom before.
"I don't know how long nor when will they strike, but all I know is that the Garlean Empire is gathering their forces as we speak." Tashigi continues. "I need the both of you to come with me."
"But what about Ventus? Shouldn't he know about this?" Shanise inquires.
"No, he's been through enough. He deserves a good rest after long fight against Crocodile and the Baroque Works." Tashigi replied. "As it stands, I would like to ask the both of you to come with me."
Both Anna and Shanise didn't like to leave Ventus without telling him, but knowing the young Dragoon, he overheard the conversation because of his dragon hearing. They replied with a nod as they follow the Marines, while Shanise carries Ivan with her.
At the square, the people of Alabasta were gathering the wounded to the infirmary to treat them, including Koza.
"Just hang on, Leader. We'll get you taking care of." Vivi said with a smile. "And your father too, Leader. There was a sandstorm in Yuba..."
"Still a worrywart as always I see?" Koza interrupted with a smirk. "I don't know how you were there, but take my word for it, the sandstorm is no match for my stubborn old man."
"I hope so." Vivi agrees hopefully.
"Don't worry about me, either. I've got his blood in my veins." Koza assures her. "As soon as I get treated, we'll head to Yuba, I'll keep you updated. So don't worry, all right?"
"All right." Vivi replied as the rebels escorted Koza to the infirmary to treat his wounds.
At Nanohana, the people of Alabasta cheered happily when they saw the rain falls in the sky since 3 years after the drought incident. Now, their sons will come home as they danced in the rain.
At Yuba, Toto was stunned while watching the rain falls down.
'How long are you gonna be stubborn old man?! Father, look around, Yuba is finished! A ghost town! What are you gonna do here all by yourself?! Are you going to dry up and die too?! Old man?!'
Words have echoed on Toto's mind ever since he and Koza got into a heated argument 3 years ago when he tried to reason with his son. Koza won't listen to a reason and started to rebel against Alabasta while fallen into Crocodile's hands.
"See, son? Look there...the rain has come back..." Toto muttered with a smile on his face. "Just like...I told you...I knew that it would come back. My words are right. Yes, right as rain."
The rain that falls in the kingdom is more than just a physical one, but also a symbolic one that washes away the bitter tears of its recent pass.
Later that night, the royal army were able to carry the Straw Hat pirates and Ace at the royal palace inside of the guest room for them to sleep. Apparently, Vivi noticed a note on Ventus' pocket while reading, shocked that Anna, Ivan, and Shanise left Alabasta because the Garlean Empire is planning to strike Ishgard and Dravania which they're going back to warn the King. Vivi was worried about those three and wondering what the Straw Hat pirates would react after learning about them leaving. She was now watching the rain falls down to Alabasta when she heard the doors open.
"Princess Vivi, what are you still doing up?" Igaram questions surprisingly, noticed Vivi was still up.
"Oh, hey Igaram, it's nothing." Vivi answered with a smile when Igaram approached her after closing the door.
"You can't sleep, huh?" Igaram inquires with a smile.
"It's just like, I noticed Anna, Shanise, and Ivan left because the Garlean Empire is gathering an army to head for Ishgard. I mean, it's Anna, Shanise, and Ventus' home." Vivi explains sadly. "I can understand why they left, but Ventus didn't."
"King Cobra may or may not know about the Garlean Empire, but we'll do what we can to find out more about the kingdom." Igaram assures her. "Whenever the Straw Hats wakes up, we will inform them what happened."
Vivi can only respond with a nod.
"But that's not the only reason why I couldn't sleep. It's just, I don't want to sleep at all." Vivi told him, turned towards the window. "I'd rather watch the rain fall. It's been so long since I've seen it."
Igaram couldn't help but smile while watching the rain falls outside of Alabasta, noticing some of the Straw Hat pirates aren't sleeping properly as he carries Sanji, Usopp, and Chopper to bed and covered them up in sheets.
"Vivi, about Ventus Starwind, he's without a doubt a most loyal, fierce, and courageous young Dragoon. But he carried a very heavy burden around him and a scar on his heart after the incident 11 years ago." Igaram told him with a smile. "And yet, he continued on his journey with the Straw Hats."
"Yes, he was." Vivi agrees with a smile. "I just wish Ann and Shanise stayed with us."
"It's understandable, but they have to return to Ishgard after hearing about the Garlean Empires whereabouts. Ventus may overhear, but they only go with them since they don't want him to carry any more burdens after all the hardships he's been through." Igaram points out. "Perhaps it's best for him to continue his journey with the Straw Hats and without Anna and Shanise. His parents would be very proud for what he has become."
"Yes, they would." Vivi replied. "Ventus already made his choice, to be a pirate, an adventurer, and a Dragoon."
"And Vivi, about Pell. He was without a doubt the strongest, the most loyal and dignified warrior I ever served with." Igaram told her.
"He was." Vivi agrees. "I just wish I could've said 'thank you'."
"He'd be greatly honored by that, princess." Igaram said.
Alabasta, Tamarisk
The next day, Tashigi, Anna, Ivan, Shanise, and the Marines arrived at the shores where Hina, Smoker, and the Marines are waiting.
"Captain Smoker! Ms. Hina! Sergent Major Tashigi has arrived with Anna, Ivan, and Shanise!"
The Marines greeted their fellow Marines by saluting them.
"Welcome back, Sergent Major!"
However, Tashigi is in no mood for greeting as she walk towards the ship which Anna, Ivan, and Shanise can understand.
"It sure has been a while, Tashigi." Hina said with a smile.
"Hina." Tashigi greets bask, walk past her. "Good to see you again. If you'll excuse me, I'm a little tired. So, I'm going to get some rest."
Tashigi then continued her way to the ship, noticed Smoker was waiting for her.
"We're back, Captain Smoker." Tashigi informed him. "Did you get my report?"
"Sure did, thanks for your hard work." Smoker thanked her. "I heard about what happened with the Straw Hats."
"I'm sorry, sir. I help the pirates. We also have an opportunity to capture them and I let it slip away." Tashigi apologized to the Captain. "It's all my fault. My actions were shameful, I'm sorry."
"Why are you apologizing? Stop it. Didn't you follow your justice like I told you to?" Smoker questions with a scowl.
"No, that's not it." Tashigi said which it got Anna, Ivan, and Shanise noticed why she felt like it's her fault.
"Sergent Major..."
"It's just that I...didn't have any other choice." Tashigi finished her sentence, clenching her fist while remembering of Crocodile's words.
'Justice is only for the people who take it. That's the kind of world we live in, girl.'
Those words haunted her mind, even if those words are true. She then remembered what Ventus told her.
'Whatever is going on through your head, standing there and feeling sorry for yourself isn't going to help.'
"I was charge with bringing Crocodile in, but I wasn't strong enough. When Ventus told me feeling sorry for myself isn't going to help, even told me that I don't have time to mope around." Tashigi explains while remembered of being defeated by Nico Robin. "I was also no match for Nico Robin, I was too weak. So, there was...no justice I could follow."
Hina, Anna, Shanise, Ivan, and Smoker now begins to understand why Tashigi is blaming herself for her defeat and not capturing the Straw Hat pirates nor bringing Ventus on the Marine ship.
"I get it, you thought you were strong enough to defeat Crocodile, but you weren't. So, the Straw Hats stepped up and did it instead." Smoker states, putting two and two together.
Tashigi didn't reply as she quietly walks up to the ship.
"The Straw Hats know what you have to do to survive in this sea. You either step up or you die." Smoker continues while Tashigi continues to walk up the stairs. "You did what you could, but it wasn't enough. Luckily, you're still alive. Learn from this experience."
"With your permission, sir, I going to get some rest. If you'll excuse me." Tashigi said, asking his permission and made her way at the ship. She then walk towards the cabin quietly.
Smoker decided to give her something that can get her stronger.
"Tashigi, don't cry about it, do what the Straw Hats did. Step up and become strong." Smoker told her.
Tashigi couldn't help but start to cry in tears after hearing her Captain's words. The Marines were worried about Sergent Major since she's been so hard on herself after the defeat of Nico Robin and not capturing the Straw Hat pirates or Ace.
"SIR YES SIIIIIIIIRRRRR!" Tashigi yelled at the top of her lungs with her head high.
"I just wished the rest of you had the same kind of guts that she does." Smoker muttered, turns to his fellow Marines. "Alright, get those prisoners loaded on this ship! And have Anna, Ivan, and Shanise to the ship, but remember, they are not prisoners! We're only escorting those three to Ishgard! Understood!"
"Yes sir!"
And with that, the Marines started loading up the Baroque Works and Crocodile inside of the ship while escorting Anna, Ivan, and Shanise at the other ship. One of the Marine made his way to Smoker.
"Captain Smoker, HQ for you at the Transponder Snail!"
Smoker couldn't help but groaned, reluctantly head inside of the ship as he grabs the Transponder Snail.
"This is Marine Headquarters calling. Can I speak with Captain Smoker please?"
"Smoker here." Smoker responds.
"Congratulations on subduing Sir Crocodile, Captain. As the result, the top officials of the World Government awarded the both you and Sergent Major Tashigi be giving medals for your efforts."
"Subduing?! No, wait! Hold on a minute! We aren't the ones who took down Crocodile, it was the Straw Hats!" Smoker protests in disbelief. "Did anyone even bother to read the report?"
"Furthermore as for your gallantry, it's also been decided that each of you will be promoted by one rank."
"Hey, I told you, for the umpteenth time, it wasn't us! Me and Tashigi weren't the ones who stopped Crocodile and Baroque Works! It was those damn Straw Hat pirates!" Smoker shouts in pure anger.
"Stop Smoker, it's no use." Hina told him, crossed her arms. "It's obvious at this point that the government's going to cover up this entire incident. Think of this scandal if word what really happen got out, Alabasta was almost hobbled and it wasn't safe by the government, but by a group of wanted pirates."
Despite the warning, Smoker ignored it.
"And of course, we expect both of you to attend the award ceremony where your medals will be-"
"Like hell we will!?" Smoker yelled.
"Smoker, don't be dumb!" Hina warned him. "Accept it! If you disobeyed the brass, you could get 'Court Martialed'!"
"Well, better that than live a lie! We didn't take Crocodile down! My subordinate is in tears because we couldn't!" Smoker retorted. "Hey you! Could you pass on a personal message from me to the old geezers at HQ?"
"Don't do it, Smoker!" Hina warns him again.
"Tell them I said: 'Go To Hell'!" Smoker said, ending the transmission as he hangs up the Transponder Snail.
That's it for the 60th chapter.