One Piece: Mandala Swordsman

Chapter 282 Are They Pawns?

"The Sengoku Admiral? Are the Red-Haired Pirates pawns placed in the ocean by the World Government? Why can't we touch them?"

After eating the Forest Fruit, Roman recovered quickly from his injuries and regained his mental strength.

Sunny weather makes her even more energetic.

The plant's own healing abilities are also promoting the healing of the knife scars on her face.

As time went by, the scars on her face faded more and more.

After confirming that he could leave the hospital, Roman did something logical.

She went to the Warring States' office and brought up the question she had already begun to understand.

Of course, this is a very bold question.

To put it more bluntly: Does the World Government have any dealings with pirates?

As for whether there was a transaction, of course there was!

Roman felt that there was no need to even look at Shanks about this undeniable fact.

The other things are enough to prove it.

Seastone is a product of Wano Country.

The Naval Science Department is now using seastone to research new types of warships.

Wano Country is now Kaido's territory.

It's impossible to say that there's nothing unsavory about either of them.

Of course, I wouldn't believe you if you said no.

"Roman, I understand your doubts, but these are orders from above, and we must obey them." These are Sengoku's original words.

Did Sengoku know that the World Government and pirates were making deals?

Of course he knows that.

He was also a member of the navy who had witnessed the dark side of the World Government.

However, it cannot be denied that even a corrupt order is far better than chaos.

Moreover, the Navy and the World Government need to share a common stance.

Of course, this cannot be said openly.

Roman himself put in a lot of effort into capturing the Red-Haired Pirates, so he should make compensation.

"I can't say too much about this matter. You've done well this time, and your appointment document will be given to you tomorrow. Starting tomorrow, you'll be a major general."

It's truly unbelievable that in just three years, Roman climbed to a position that many naval officers never reach in their entire lives.

Roman was prepared for this outcome.

After all, she had been lying down for so many days.

"General of the Warring States Period, I still don't understand, was this decision really the right one?"

"A soldier's first priority is to obey orders, as you've said before, Roman." Although it sounded like he was reprimanding Roman, Sengoku's tone was very gentle.

He understood Roman's feelings very well.

As naval personnel, capturing pirates is not only our duty but also our responsibility; it is the naval principle of justice.

As a result, the World Government issued an order to release the pirates, which Roman naturally found unacceptable.

"I understand. Also, this is my transfer application; please review it."

After receiving the "answer," Roman left Sengoku's office.

Normally, it wouldn't be polite to just hand in the application and leave, but Roman felt he had to make it look convincing.

It is precisely because it is unacceptable that it is so rude.

At this critical juncture, the Warring States period naturally wouldn't bother with her.

"Seriously, the World Government is openly protecting pirates. I think those five old guys should retire. I wonder if they've already developed dementia."

As soon as Roman left, Karp, who had been "sound asleep" the whole time, immediately started shouting.

"Garp, keep your voice down. You're a hero of the Navy, you shouldn't be making such remarks."

This time, the Warring States period was not angry.

Rather than blaming Garp, it was more of a reminder that he shouldn't say things like that so casually.

This time, Sengoku was naturally dissatisfied with the World Government's order.

But the order had already been given, and the matter was now settled.

However, the World Government should also give the Navy some compensation.

This time, we need to team up with Air Marshal to give the World Government a good talking-to.

Otherwise, such incidents will only increase.

The Navy should indeed obey the World Government, but they also have their own independent nature.

Sometimes yielding is unavoidable, but that doesn't mean there can't be any counterattack.

Now seems like a good time to vent one's anger.

"Ah, Sengoku, judging from your expression, you're not thinking of any bad ideas again, are you?"

Sengoku was still making plans, but Garp's words immediately shattered his plans.

"Shut up, Garp. Do you know how many things I have to think about every day? Don't bother me."

"He's clearly just angry out of embarrassment." Garp continued to munch on his donut without a care in the world.

"But speaking of which, Roman's reaction seems to be much calmer than I expected."

Sengoku originally thought Roman's attitude would be more aggressive.

In fact, he had already prepared himself to persuade Roman.

But to everyone's surprise, Roman accepted reality very quickly.

“Maybe he’s already given up on those old guys,” Garp immediately interjected.

"Keep your voice down," Sengoku said to Garp rudely.

Although Sengoku didn't know much about Roman's identity, he knew that her identity in the Flower Kingdom was not simple.

Her knowledge and talent must not have come from an ordinary family.

But precisely because of this, she thinks more deeply than her peers.

Moreover, Roman also had a history of wandering around.

These experiences destined her to witness more darkness than others.

This naturally includes world governments.

Is this kind of experience good or bad?

Even during the Warring States period, it was uncertain.

But the Warring States period was very pleased.

Even after learning about the darkness, Roman still chose the Navy, using his actions to contribute to world order.

If that's the case, I can feel a little more at ease.

Overly aggressive justice can hurt people.

Just like Kuzan.

But Roman was different; even after witnessing darkness, she still held onto the light in her heart.

The resilience in such children is something that ordinary people cannot match.

But speaking of this application...

Upon opening it, Sengoku's eyes were filled with surprise.

"What's wrong? Seeing Sengoku's appearance, Garp's curiosity has been piqued as well."

"She said she wanted to stay with Borsalino for a while."

"What, Borsalino? It seems like those two don't get along?"

Garp may be a bit eccentric, but he's not blind.

The relationship between Roman and Borsalino is quite complicated.

"That is indeed a bit strange."

After saying this, Sengoku looked at the reason for the application, but felt even stranger.

"What is the reason?"

"Photosynthesis helps plants grow and create?" Zhan Guo uttered the words he found difficult to understand.

"Huh? What does that mean?"

I feel like I recognize each character individually, but I don't quite understand them when they're put together.

And the reason given for the application is far too casual.

Of all the documents that were approved during the Warring States period, this was the first time I had heard of such a reason.

That said, is that even a reason?

"Although I don't quite understand, do you agree?"

Garp looked at Sengoku.

Is there any other option besides agreeing?

Although the application was not very proper, given what had just happened, Sengoku couldn't very well reject it.

So a large red stamp with "agree" was stamped on the application form.