One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

"Nami, can you tell me about the difficulties your village is facing? That way, I can better understand what's happening and figure out how to help you."

Hearing the commotion, Wright turned around and approached Kuina and Nami. Drake's expression grew serious as well. After all, Wright's very first command upon crossing the Calm Belt was to head straight to this young girl's hometown!

It was clear to Drake that Wright knew something significant was happening there. But their encounter with this girl along the way was unplanned. Any additional, detailed information would certainly help.

As Nami recounted her misfortunes through her tears, Kuina, Drake, and the surrounding Marines all learned what kind of tragedy had befallen this ten-year-old girl.

"Mr. Wright, you previously ordered us to head directly for Cocoyasi Village…" Drake hesitated before asking, "Could it be that this group of Fish-Men came to the East Blue from Fish-Man Island?"

Drake had heard how Wright, after returning from Fish-Man Island, wasted no time in taking both him and Kuina back to the East Blue.

If so, then the Fish-Man Pirate crew Nami mentioned—the Arlong Pirates—and their captain, Arlong, must have come from Fish-Man Island!

Kuina's fists trembled with rage. "Senior Brother! These Fish-Men are too cruel! You have to stand up for Nami and her villagers!"

"Vice Admiral! A branch captain actually dared to accept bribes from pirates and cover up their crimes! That captain's days are numbered!"

"Vice Admiral Wright! I'm from the East Blue as well. Ever since you left, the pirates here have only grown bolder!"

"Those Fish-Men… I remember hearing about the Sun Pirates back in the day. They're said to be ten times as strong as humans!"

"Hmph! So what if they're Fish-Men? They're just failures who escaped the Grand Line!"

"That said, if the Fish-Men try to flee, it'll be difficult to catch them in the water."

"With Vice Admiral Wright here, they think they can escape? Dream on!"

The Marines chattered noisily. Wright raised both hands and pressed them downward, signaling for silence.

"The Arlong Pirates—you're all correct. They were formerly part of the Sun Pirates, under the Fish-Man warrior Jinbe, who is now one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

"After Jinbe became a Warlord, he protected all of Fish-Man Island, which led to the slave trade of Fish-Men and Merfolk being outlawed, at least on the surface.

"At that time, Arlong and his crew, who had already been captured and imprisoned in Impel Down, were pardoned by the World Government and released. However, Arlong broke ties with Jinbe and left the Sun Pirates.

"You all know that recently, I was assigned to escort Queen Otohime of Fish-Man Island as she accompanied a stranded Celestial Dragon back to Mary Geoise.

"Queen Otohime is someone who has devoted herself to improving relations between humans, Fish-Men, and Merfolk.

"A few days ago, I went to Fish-Man Island for a… vacation. Ahem! What are those looks you're giving me? You've all ogled the photos of the mermaid ladies yourselves!"

Wright coughed awkwardly, glaring at the Marines who wore knowing smirks, before continuing.

"While I was there on vacation—yes, vacation—I met with Jinbe and learned that after Arlong left the Sun Pirates, he gathered a crew and headed to the East Blue.

"Jinbe warned me that Arlong is cruel, cunning, and obsessed with wealth. I deduced that he would inevitably cause a major disturbance in the East Blue.

"However, Marine Headquarters only received Arlong's bounty poster, with no reports of his activity! Through my connections on Fish-Man Island, I tracked him to the East Blue, where he has already taken control of over twenty villages in a short time, centering on Cocoyasi Village.

"But this level of pirate activity—so severe—was never reported to Headquarters! Is this what Headquarters calls the 'Symbol of Peace'—the East Blue?"

"Could it be…" Drake's eyes widened as Wright's earlier analysis echoed in his mind. "It seems… there's another problem that needs addressing."

"Exactly." Wright glanced at Drake, confirming his suspicion. "In the East Blue Marines, there are those—high-ranking officers, even base commanders—who have betrayed justice.

"This young girl from Cocoyasi Village has confirmed my judgment.

"The Marine Branch 16 Captain—Captain Nezumi—has betrayed the path of justice, colluded with the Arlong Pirates, oppressed the people, hoarded wealth, and deceived his superiors and subordinates, tarnishing the very meaning of justice!"

Wright swept his gaze across the indignant Marines and declared sternly, "Drake!"

"Sir!"

"Your training will now be put to the test.

"When the warship arrives at Cocoyasi Village, take twenty 'Joint Combat Formation' squads—totaling one hundred men—with my written orders, and go to Marine Branch 16 to arrest Captain Nezumi."

After a brief pause, Wright added gravely, "If he resists, you are authorized to execute him on the spot."

"Understood, Vice Admiral!" Drake saluted firmly.

"After completing the mission, take over Branch 16. Investigate the Arlong Pirates' movements, inspect the villages they've occupied, and apprehend the pirate officers.

"Maintain communication. If you encounter an opponent you cannot handle, contact me immediately!"

"Yes, sir!"

As Drake departed to organize the battle groups, the Marines eagerly volunteered to join the operation. After all, while Drake was only a lieutenant, he had undergone the "luxury training package" provided by both Vice Admiral Garp and Vice Admiral Wright. He had even awakened his Observation Haki!

On top of that, Drake was also a rare Ancient Zoan-type Devil Fruit user. In the East Blue, such strength was nearly unstoppable!

Seeing Drake's preparations, Kuina let out a sigh of relief. "Nami, don't worry. With Drake leading the team, there'll be no problem. Senior Brother once said that Drake's combat ability now isn't much weaker than when he himself fought his way through the East Blue."

"Mm!" Nami nodded vigorously, though she still worried. "But… those Fish-Men… do they have even more companions?"

"They came from Fish-Man Island on the Grand Line, but in truth, they are traitors to Fish-Man Island."

Wright said calmly, "I'll capture every last one of them. Those with blood on their hands will pay the price. For those who are innocent, out of respect for Queen Otohime and Jinbe, I'll hand them over to Fish-Man Island for judgment.

"In the past, none of these scum would've survived under my watch… But now, Jinbe is a Warlord of the Sea, and I share a mutual understanding with both him and Queen Otohime. I'll send these traitors to Impel Down—it's a fitting punishment.

"As for Fish-Man Island's response? Don't worry. I already informed them before I came here. They will deal with these traitors fairly."

Hearing this, Nami finally felt relieved. "Thank you, Vice Admiral Wright!"

"Arlong… consumed by his desire for revenge but lacking the strength to see it through. He escaped the Grand Line to act like a big shot in the East Blue.

"Does he really think that just because his name is 'Arlong,' he's a dragon? In the East Blue, even a dragon had better weigh its strength!"

Wright shook his head, then waved his hand decisively. "Relay the order! Increase our speed! We're heading straight for Cocoyasi Village!"

"Yes, sir!"

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