Chapter 63: The World of Hegemony – Clash with Garp

Roy's words left the members of the Whitebeard Pirates present, as well as some Marine officers, somewhat confused. God Valley... The Rocks Pirates! Some high-ranking Marine officers suddenly realized something, their expressions turning grim. After all, only thirty-six years had passed since God Valley. Many present were over forty years old, and quite a few had heard of that pirate crew. At the very least, the three Admirals in the Marines knew about it — they had access to more secrets. The younger generation didn't know, because many of them hadn't even been born yet. Plus, with the World Government's cover-up, many secrets remained unknown. Speaking of them could lead to erasure. Garp hadn't expected Roy to bring up those old matters, and even more surprisingly, that Roy was actually a victim of that event. "Why are you silent, Vice Admiral Garp? Is it too difficult to speak about? You're epithet of 'hero' was earned from protecting the Celestial Dragons, and the whole world believes you earned your reputation by defeating the Pirate King Roger. "Don't make me laugh, Roger surrendered himself back then, and you were just a clown, propped up by the World Government's propaganda." "I might not bother with other Marine officers, but you, I've always looked down on." "Your so-called 'justice' self-righteousness is more like an escape; you never truly followed your heart." The aura around Garp hadn't weakened in the slightest. Clearly, Roy's words didn't affect his resolve. A man of his caliber wouldn't falter so easily. "You're right. I did those things back then, but I was never wrong. I was always targeting pirates," Garp said. "Then, tell me, do you know the origin of pirates? Do you know what created them?" "You helped Roger usher in the Great Pirate Era, you adopted his son, and you fathered Dragon, the Revolutionary Army leader." "As a father, do you truly stand on the side of the World Government?" "You sure know a lot, and you're quite eloquent. I never expected someone like you to be beside Newgate; it's unlike the usual pirate style," Garp said, unfazed, stepping forward. Garp did not deny Roy's words; instead, he seemed to acknowledge these facts. Helping Roger start the Great Pirate Era? Adopting Roger's son? Being the father of the Revolutionary Army leader? Garp's history was more complicated than anyone thought. "Vice Admiral Garp did all these things?" A young Marine officer found it hard to accept. Clearly, this world held many secrets. The Marines and pirates intertwined in complex ways. Ace looked at Garp, who himself had adopted, but he never thought Garp had actually helped Roger. "I never wanted to be a pirate," Roy continued. "To me, pirates are just desperate people. If life were peaceful and secure, who would willingly choose to be a pirate? "The sea is a cruel place that swallows people whole. Every year, far more pirates die at sea than at the hands of the Marines." "If there could be a peaceful world, who would risk the storms, dangers, and horrors of the New World just to become a pirate?" "But there is no peace. All of it is due to the greed of the Celestial Dragons, who continuously feast on the world and exploit ordinary people. And you Marines are their accomplices." "The Marines don't bring peace to the world; they only bring endless suffering." "You are a gang that enables evil, spouting morality and justice, but have you ever truly thought about this world?" "Your so-called justice is just an excuse to commit violence upon the world." "A very blatant excuse." "You have a lot of resentment, and you're right about some things. But pirates' existence constantly causes destruction in the world," Garp said, taking a deep breath. "I just asked, do you know how pirates came to be? "I've read for over thirty years and traveled many places around the world, and I've only seen two words of truth: 'Man Eaters!'" "The Celestial Dragons lie on this planet, feeding on the flesh of the world." "In their eyes, humans are just trash, killed only to be born again later." "And you, their attack dog, burn islands if a single World Noble is scratched." "Tell me, is that justice?" "If you didn't wear the name of 'justice' on your backs, maybe I wouldn't bother talking to you. "But you hide behind the banner of justice, yet the things you do on the seas are far from just." "You pretend to be righteous while drowning the world in blood. Hypocrites—every last one of you." "Full of righteousness but filled with deceit, that's the Marines." Roy had read countless books over thirty-six years and traveled to many parts of the world. He had been greatly shocked by the truth. Before the Great Pirate Era, most who set sail did so just to survive. For example, Whitebeard, because his homeland couldn't pay the Celestial Dragons' tribute. The World Government issued an order. That country became a lawless zone. A lawless zone means no protection by the World Government. Even if attacked, no Marines would come to help. Naturally, this meant rampant crime and chaos, much like the countries south of the Bald Eagle in his past life. Those countries, drained by the Celestial Dragons, with nothing left, couldn't resist criminals. What exactly are pirates? A bunch of robbers without the ability to make a life for themselves and their families, surviving by plunder. The victims became new pirates and oppressed others. This cycle kept repeating, basically raising bandits to protect themselves. The World Government raised the Marines, but also raised pirates. All just to threaten member countries of the World Government to obediently pay tribute. Joy Boy was the first pirate. Roy had researched relevant materials. Pirates didn't arise because of Joy Boy; they were cultivated by the Celestial Dragons. Using pirates to threaten the world, so they could righteously "protect" it, station troops worldwide, spark wars, and sell weapons. Simply put, it's a protection racket, though initially the pretext was even more corrupt, forcing tribute through hegemony. Later, they realized pirates helped their reputation more, and they knew how to cultivate them. Those so-called member countries also raised pirates, the prime example being the Kano Country's Happo Navy. Nominally Marines, but acting as pirates. "You really should join the Revolutionary Army," Garp said. Roy smiled and shrugged, "No need. I just want to guard my own territory. Of course, if there's a chance, I'll join the war and wipe out those lofty Celestial Dragons." "Even if you say that, the war will continue. You've killed so many Marine soldiers. The era of the Whitebeard Pirates is coming to an end," Garp's aura intensified. "Then come and try, Marine 'Hero'... Garp." Roy clenched his fist, and overwhelming energy burst from him, colliding with Garp's aura. Boom! The dark, cloudy sky tore apart. The overwhelming energies instantly vanished, concentrated entirely in their fists. "Bone Fist!" "Galaxy Impact!" Their fists swung toward each other, as if against immense resistance. Their movements slowed, and they first collided with Conqueror's Haki. Boom! The once-frozen sea shattered violently. Luckily, the ground beneath was already ice. The ice around them broke and spread, crushing outward under the impact. This time, the range of their Haki was even greater; the shockwave swept through, and ordinary Marine soldiers on the warships collapsed, unconscious. "Two monsters!!" Doflamingo muttered. ... If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead. [email protected]/DaoistJinzu