Why did he join the navy? Isn't the navy supposed to represent justice, to punish evil and uphold good?
Everyone has their own standard to measure good and evil, so no one opposed the lieutenant's decision at this moment. Instead, looking at the defeated Monka and his son, Bellumeber, who was cowering on the ground, a hint of satisfaction flashed in their eyes.
...
"Wonderful! Monka and his son have been defeated!"
"Thank you for saving us. You're heroes!"
"Come, let's celebrate and toast the heroes!"
At this moment, news of Monka and his son's defeat spread through the town. Everyone cheered and was excited!
Monka and his son had abused their power and authority in the town, causing great suffering to the people. With their defeat, everyone was elated.
Hearing that Luffy and his crew were the ones responsible, the townspeople were full of gratitude and wanted to hold a celebration banquet for them.
"A banquet! Food! Wow!" Luffy's eyes lit up at the mention of food, and he immediately ran off.
"A banquet, that means there will be alcohol..." Zoro also smiled. After more than a month of hunger, he was eagerly anticipating a drink.
"..."
Seeing the two rushing off, Moonlight couldn't help but feel speechless. Luffy would go crazy at the sight of food, and Zoro would be excited at the mention of alcohol.
"Lord Moonlight, is what Mr. Luffy said true? Not all navy are like Monka and his son?"
At this moment, Koby, looking dejected, asked. Clearly, seeing the navy in such a negative light had deeply impacted his once strong aspirations.
"Ha ha, your perspective is too narrow. The navy represents the face of the World Government. The world is vast, and Monka and his son, as well as the branch stationed here, are not representative of it."
"There are many like Monka in the navy, but they do not represent the navy, nor justice!"
"Of course, if that's your understanding of justice..." Moonlight said with a faint smile.
After saying that, he ignored the stunned Koby and walked toward the town.
At this time, the town was lit up and decorated. All the villagers were in high spirits, giving Luffy and his crew the warmest welcome.
Zili Jia invited Luffy to her restaurant for drinks. Seeing the food, Luffy forgot his own name, and seeing the alcohol, Zoro was equally excited.
The two indulged in food and drink, showing no restraint.
Moonlight, on the other hand, seemed normal, quietly eating his own fried rice.
The banquet lasted over an hour, and the group was thoroughly satisfied.
"Alright, thanks for the hospitality. Moonlight, Zoro, let's go," Luffy said, patting his round belly after eating.
"Okay."
The two nodded in agreement, ready to leave.
Just then, navy soldiers came in from outside, with the lieutenant leading them.
Seeing the group, the lieutenant immediately shouted, "According to reports, pirates have arrived in the town. Is it you?"
"Out of mercy, I'm warning you to leave immediately, or don't blame us for arresting you!"
"It's the navy!"
"Humph!"
"Damn navy!"
Upon hearing this, the crowd reacted with cold disdain.
The pirates had saved them, not the navy. They clearly knew where their loyalties lay!
"Alright, let's go!"
Luffy clapped his hands, seemingly indifferent, and continued to leave.
Moonlight smiled faintly and followed, with the three of them leaving, leaving only Koby behind.
Koby hid in the corner, gritting his teeth, determined not to show himself.
If he wanted to become a navy officer, he had to distance himself from pirates. Otherwise, he wouldn't pass the background check.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Luffy, Lord Moonlight. You saved me, but I couldn't thank you in person. I feel so useless!"
"But Lord Moonlight is right. My vision was too narrow. Becoming a navy officer has been my dream for years. How can Monka represent the world? I must stick to my dream!"
"Let me keep this gratitude in my heart forever."
Koby gritted his teeth and said to himself, then suddenly stood up and faced the lieutenant!
"I want to join the navy and become a seaman. Please allow me!"
Koby declared loudly with a firm expression!
"Huh? He seems to be with those pirates!"
"Pirates and the navy are natural enemies. How could someone who has been a pirate become a navy officer!"
"We can't allow you to join!"
Seeing Koby, the surrounding navy soldiers spoke up.
During the drill, they had seen everything from a higher vantage point.
"I... I..."
Hearing this, Koby trembled, feeling the darkness of his future.
Was he being turned away like this?
"With the pirates? I didn't see that. Did anyone else see?"
However, the lieutenant turned his body, looking around at the crowd.
"I didn't see!"
"Neither did I!"
"We all didn't see!"
Upon hearing this, not only did the surrounding people, but the navy soldiers also said the same.
"You... everyone!"
Hearing this, Koby, who was already in despair, suddenly saw a glimmer of hope. He was smart enough to understand the lieutenant's meaning and looked at him gratefully, tears in his eyes.
"Becoming a navy officer isn't easy. Although I approve your enlistment, whether you pass the assessment is not certain!"
The lieutenant said with authority.
"Yes, I will definitely work hard. No matter what kind of test it is, I will persevere and become a navy officer!"
Koby said firmly, his eyes full of determination.
...
"Hey, hey, hey, Captain, is this our ship?"
Meanwhile, Luffy and his crew arrived at the seaside and saw the small wooden boat that could only fit three people. Zoro was in despair!
What kind of place is the Grand Line? Can they really go with this boat?
Not to mention the Grand Line, even the East Blue's waves might capsize them.
"Yes, so we need to get a proper ship to set sail!"
Luffy said with a bright smile.
"Crew members? Are we just the three of us?"
Zoro was even more dismayed, looking at Moonlight and then at Luffy.
"The crew is still recruiting, but we will have them soon," Luffy said seriously.
"Hey, hey, hey, what's the situation? Did you also get fooled by this guy?"
Zoro looked at Moonlight.
"..."
Moonlight waved his hand in resignation.
"Alright, let's set sail!"
Luffy shouted, dragging the two onto the boat.
Thus, the three of them set off on a boat that seemed ready to fall apart at any moment, swaying toward the sea.
"Are you sure this boat will last until the next island?"
Zoro asked, rowing and looking at Luffy.
"Forward, forward!"
Luffy sat at the bow, pretending to be clueless. Moonlight sighed!
"Trying to reason with Luffy, you're still too young!"