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CHAPTER 67

Kreegan rejoined the lively festivities, his curiosity piqued about Nami. He found a spot beside Nojiko, who appeared to be around 14 years old. Like the others, he indulged in the festivities, partaking in the merriment.

As he settled in, he couldn't help but inquire, "I've heard there was a girl who was forced to work as their cartographer. Can you tell me more about her?"

The effects of alcohol were evident on Genzo, and he replied with a tinge of sadness, "Her name is Nami, and she's Nojiko's sister. But we've lost track of her."

Genzo took a deep sip from his mug and let out a heavy sigh, his gaze falling. "She always tried to earn money, just so Arlong would leave us in peace."

Tears welled up in the drunken man's eyes, and he hastily brushed them away with his sleeve. "It's my own incompetence that I couldn't protect a 14-year-old girl."

Listening to Genzo's words, Kreegan remembered the harsh reality that had haunted Nami throughout her childhood and teenage years. She had resorted to stealing to scrape together every last coin she could find, all to appease Arlong's demands.

Kreegan noticed Eagle sitting silently in a corner, contemplative. He fetched an extra mug and approached his friend, offering it without a word. Eagle accepted the gesture with a grateful nod before taking a sip from the offered mug.

Kreegan leaned in and inquired softly, "What's on your mind, Eagle?"

Eagle's gaze appeared distant, as if he were lost in his thoughts. He sighed heavily and confessed, "I'm wrestling with a dilemma. All my life, my singular goal was to become a Marine, but now... I'm not so certain if it's what I truly want."

Kreegan offered some words of reassurance, his tone earnest. "Remember, not every Marine is like Nezumi. There are decent ones, too. In fact, I know one; he may be a bit of a smoking asshole, but he's a good Marine with an unwavering sense of honor."

Eagle pondered Kreegan's words for a moment before responding, "Let's assume you're right and there are Marines like that. But how can I be sure about the rest of the Navy?"

Kreegan leaned in, his expression serious. "Every organization has its flaws and undesirable elements. The crucial question is how many of those elements exist and how influential they are. The problem with the Marines is that they often find themselves following orders from those undesirable elements. Remember, a fish rots from the head down."

He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in, then extended an intriguing offer. "If you're hesitant about joining them, then why not consider joining us?"

Eagle was surprised by the offer and said,

"Did you say I was too weak?"

Kreegan chuckled softly, his tone lighthearted despite the serious topic. "Well, let's be honest, right now, you're so weak that I could probably take you down with just two fingers."

Eagle's frustration flared, and he appeared ready to launch into a tirade, but Kreegan cut him off and continued,

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"But... You can be a force to be reckoned with when you're wielding those guns of yours. You've got incredible marksmanship skills, and that's a quality I'd welcome on our crew."

"I don't know if I want to hunt pirates for money. I don't want to disrespect your profession, but I wanted to serve justice, not chase money."

Kreegan put his hand on his shoulder to show his understanding, trying to ease Eagle's concerns. "I understand where you're coming from. Hunting pirates for money might not align with your ideals. I respect that. I, too, want to serve justice, not just chase after riches. This is just a means to an end."

Kreegan began laying out his strategy, outlining their ambitious goal of infiltrating the upper echelons of the Marines to effect change from within. Eagle, however, responded with a mix of skepticism and uncertainty.

"I just told you I was not sure about joining them, and now you want me to join them with you?" Eagle questioned a hint of hesitation in his voice.

Kreegan leaned in, his gaze steady as he explained his perspective. "You see, change can't be achieved through protests or open rebellion against such colossal entities like the World Government and the Marines. These are organizations so vast and powerful that they can't be dismantled from the outside. They thrive because of individuals like you. If you hadn't glimpsed the darker side of their operations, you might have joined the Marines, following their orders in the name of justice. We can't hope to destroy them, let alone defeat them in combat. So, how do we change them? As I mentioned, it's like a fish rotting from the head; we need to replace that head. By doing so, we can cut out the rot and let new leadership take its place."

Eagle found himself intrigued by Kreegan's proposal. If things went according to plan, they could be instrumental in making the world a better place. The logic in Kreegan's words was hard to ignore; to initiate real change, they needed to be at the helm.

With a thoughtful expression, Eagle responded, "I'll give you my answer before you all leave. Let me take some time to think it over."

...

After a few days of rest, the time had come for Kreegan and his crew to prepare to depart. Villagers from the island had gathered to bid them farewell, adding a bittersweet atmosphere to the scene. Among them, Kreegan noticed Eagle making his way to the dock, a rifle slung across his back.

Kreegan wasted no time and got straight to the point. "So, what's your answer?"

Eagle's gaze was resolute as he responded, "I'll join you, but that 'kill-all' rule has to change."

Kreegan's expression remained steadfast. "That rule won't change for me, but I won't force it upon you or my people. As you saw, Hatchan ran away because Kuina spared him. It's her choice. However, don't expect me to show mercy to those murderers or rapists."

Eagle met Kreegan's gaze with his fierce, yellow eyes, then extended his hand. "Aye, aye, Captain."

Kreegan firmly shook Eagle's hand before he boarded the ship. Their agreement was sealed. However, Lex felt the need to interject, causing a momentary pause.

"Wait a minute, wait a minute! I have no problem with him joining, but he's not the Captain. We don't have a captain," Lex exclaimed, looking rather bewildered.

Eagle, equally puzzled, responded, "He's the one always giving orders, and you two always follow them; that's a captain."

Lex, flustered, tried to make his case. "No, he's the strategist. That's why he comes up with the plans."

Eagle pointed out past actions. "A few days ago, he told you to collect heads, and you did it without questioning."

Lex was about to counter the argument when Kuina intervened, her voice a soft whisper in his ear. "He's the captain; don't fight it."

Lex hesitated for a moment, then begrudgingly muttered, "This is my ship!"

As preparations for departure were in full swing, Kreegan took charge of bringing supplies up to the deck. He addressed Lex with a straightforward declaration, "I paid for most of the upgrades, so it's my ship too. You can be the vice-captain."

Lex, displaying his usual stubbornness, retorted, "Why should I be the vice-captain? You become the vice-captain, and I'll be the Captain."

Kreegan, determined to put an end to this dispute, approached Lex closely and proposed a solution, "Let's settle this matter right now."

Lex, intrigued, inquired, "How?"

"We'll have a spar; the winner becomes the captain."

Lex voiced his concerns, "Is that fair? We all know you're the strongest!"

Kreegan acknowledged his advantage but emphasized the principles of their maritime world, saying, "I'm aware of that. In these waters, the one with the mightiest fist and a solid plan is called Captain. Am I not the one leading?"

Lex countered, "You are, but it's because you know our enemies better and can come up with plans."

Kreegan, trying to make Lex see reason, continued, "Lex, you don't even want to be the Captain. You're just putting up a fuss because you don't want someone above you. Remember, our plan is to infiltrate the Marines. It would be in your best interest to get used to taking orders. Besides, accepting the role of Captain won't change anything; as they say, you're already following my orders."

Lex raised his finger to respond and was about to say something when it hit him. They were right. With their argument settled, they were on the verge of setting sail. However, Kuina spotted a concerning sight on the horizon – six ships approaching.