182 The World is Changing

Jayr POV - Blue Star, East Blue, Polestar Island - 20 GAP

I lazily listen as Smoker starts to talk about the members of the Seven Warlords of the Seas (Shichibukai) because I'm sure that not much has changed from what I remember because if you ignore Nami's situation, the main members of the Straw Hat Pirates mostly follow their canon counterparts, "Well, since you already know the basics, I'll just tell you their identities. The members of the Seven Warlords of the Seas (Shichibukai) are, the Greatest Swordsman in the World Dracule Mihawk known as "Hawk-Eyes", he is probably one of the most dangerous people in the world, luckily he is a lone wolf. "Desert King" Sir Crocodile, a powerful and cunning pirate who ate the Suna Suna no Mi (Sand Sand Fruit) a Logia Type Devil Fruit. "Heavenly Yaksha" Donquixote Doflamingo, a pirate with an enormous amount of connection and arrogance, who rules the kingdom of Dressrosa within the New World. "Tyrant" Bartholomew Kuma, an extremely vicious pirate. "Pale Menace" Gecko Moria, an extremely elusive pirate who survived an encounter with one of the Four Emperors (Yonko)..."

As expected, until this point, everything is fine, as the current members of the Seven Warlords of the Seas (Shichibukai) were exactly the same as I remember, meaning that the Champion in this world was quite careful with his actions and tried to change a little as possible.

At the least that's what I believed until I heard Smoker's next words, "...Capone "Gang" Bege, a pirate and one of the most prominent figures in the underworld..." 

This makes me shout out loud in my mind, 'What the fuck!? How the hell did Capone Bege became a member of the Seven Warlords of the Seas (Shichibukai)!? Did something happen to Jimbe or Hancock? Well, thinking about it carefully, maybe Hancock was "saved" by the Champion before her time so that he could earn her love... After all, Hancock was a fan favorite in my previous life...'

But before I could continue to further analyze the situation, Smoker drops another bomb, "... And Simon "The Divine", he is one of the most mysterious members of the Seven Warlords of the Seas."

Making me internally question, 'And now who the fuck is this Simon!!? What kind of shitty epithet is "The Divine"? Could he be the other Champion... maybe, I remember that the Champion living in this world chose to be reborn into a Celestial Dragon (Tenryubito) Family, this means that he is or was a World Noble, it is possible that he chose a route similar to Donquixote Doflamingo, the only reason that Smoker described him as mysterious is that there isn't much information about him, and the only way for such thing to happen is if the World Government itself is protecting those information... But all this is still pure speculation at the moment...'

Then I focus back on the most important subject at the moment, understand what happened to Hancock and Jimbe, and so, to gather more information, I can only ask a question in a roundabout way, "Captain Smoker, where there other pirates that were candidates for the position of Seven Warlords of the Seas (Shichibukai)?"

Smoker quickly replies, "From what I remember there was a young pirate called "Fire Fist" Ace, but he refused the invitation. And a group made only of female pirates called Kuja Pirates, but in the end, they were rejected as they were too weak to hold this kind of position."

Hearing that, I start to further analyze the current situation using everything I have learned until now, 'Okay, both Jimbe and Hancock aren't part of the Seven Warlords of the Seas (Shichibukai), this means that something happened that greatly changed their lives trajectories. In the best scenario, the Champion born in this universe, that may or may not be this Simon guy, saved Hancock and was able to make her fall in love with him, and now they are both happily visiting other universes together and it is probable that while saving Hancock using his identity as World Noble to his advantage, the Champion also saved Fisher Tiger, such act could have caused a change in Fisher Tiger, making so that he doesn't resent the humans as much as his canon counterpart, this change also caused him to not form the Sun Pirates, and this could explain the absence of Arlong in Nami's life, after all, if the Sun Pirates didn't form, the racist Arlong would have more difficulty gathering experience and like-minded Fish-men to form his own pirate crew.'

Then a frown forms on my face as I start to think at the worst-case scenario, 'On the other hand, it is also possible that the Champion is a piece of shit, in this case, he could have kept Hancock as a slave, and even killed Fisher Tiger to make sure that she wasn't freed by him, strangely the end results for both these scenarios can be quite similar if the circumstances allow it... What is sure is that for some reason the Sun Pirate didn't form and Hancock didn't rejoin with the women of Amazon Lily, and so she didn't empower the Kuja Pirates to such a level that the World Government deemed it necessary to ally with them.'

I think back to all the most notorious pirates that I remember both canon and non-canon and come to a conclusion, 'For what I know, Capone Bege could have easily taken the place of any missing Seven Warlords of the Seas (Shichibukai), he is powerful enough for a spot, and his defense is truly staggering for someone in this world, after all, he did tank a few of Big Mom's attack. In the end, the most suspicious person is this Simon "The Divine" guy, I have never heard of him before, but apparently he is powerful enough to join this elitè group of pirates, plus the epithet "The Divine" seems some kind of give away of his World Noble origin if he is truly this world Champion...'

While thinking that, all of a sudden, Tashigi rushes inside with what Smoker asked in her hands, an old wanted poster of Kuro, captain of the Black Cat Pirates, and a photo of him before his execution. 

Tashigi then arrives next to Smoker and offers him the requested material while saying, "Captain Smoker, Sir. I have here everything you have asked for! An old wanted poster of the pirate Kuro, and a photo of the pirate before his execution 1 year ago, I was also able to retrieve the capture report... Sir, I have already taken a brief look while coming here, and I think that while the two are very similar, the one in the wanted photo and the executed pirate are two entirely different people."

Smoker grabs both the poster and the photo and starts to look at them, at the same time, he also looks at the unconscious Kuro on the floor in front of him.

Then after a few minutes, he sighs and declares, "Indeed, the executed Kuro had a square-shaped face with small, round glasses with his black hair combed back neatly, while the Kuro on the wanted poster has a similar hairstyle and glasses, but his face is more angular and with sharper features, there is at most a passing resemblance between them. Meanwhile, the one standing in front of me right now looks exactly like the Kuro in the wanted poster."

Reaching this conclusion, Smoker exclaims out loud, "How could they make such a rookie mistake? They were fooled by a barely passable double and let the true pirate captain escape scot-free!"

At this point, I decide to use my knowledge of the anime and manga to reply to his question, "Well, it isn't entirely the Marine fault that everyone got fooled, from what I know, in the Black Cat Pirates, there is a man called "One-Two" Jango, he is the first mate of Captain Kuro, and current Captain of the Black Cat Pirates, his current bounty is of 9.000.000 Belly." 

While saying that, I pull out another wanted poster, this time one, showing a skinny, sandy blonde-haired man wearing flamboyant clothes, and the most notable of these are his red, heart-shaped glasses, which disguise his heart-shaped eyes and matching eyebrows and show it to Smoker while saying, "But that isn't the most important information, what you have to know is that he is an expert hypnotist."

Then I further explain to everyone, especially to Koby to teach him to always be aware that his opponent could have some other capabilities that make them difficult to fight, "I don't know exactly how but Jango developed the ability to influence and control others through his hypnosis, as long as he makes them watch the swinging of his pendulum, listen to the orders he gives them, and listen to the phrase he uses to make his hypnosis take effect: One, Two, Jango. When successful, he can hypnotize enemies to fall asleep, incapacitating them quickly and easily, as well as aid allies by commanding them to tap into subconscious reserves of strength, which actually does make them physically stronger in addition to boosting their morale."

Seeing that everyone is showing interest, I continue, "However, his hypnosis is largely useless against anyone aware of its dangers, as even a weak civilian can be able to protect himself or herself simply by closing his or her eyes. Conversely, Jango himself often forgets to close his eyes or drop his hat-brim in front of his eyes when issuing commands, resulting in frequent and embarrassing episodes of self-hypnosis." 

At this point, Smoker and Tashigi finally understand where I'm heading with this explanation, and so, Tashigi exclaims, "So that's how he did it! Kuro commanded this Jango person to hypnotize the scapegoat to make him believe that he was Kuro, and when the scapegoat declared that fully believed that he was Captain Kuro, the Marine just believed him, didn't take any further steps to verify that, and just moved on the execution!"

While Tashigi is happy that she was able to understand that, Smoker is now looking at the capture report with a frown, then he suddenly says "That isn't all. It is clearly written here that Morgan, a simple unremarkable chief petty officer at the time, was the only survivor of the attack on the Black Cat Pirates, moreover, he was just barely alive with a broken jaw and a maimed arm when he returned, but despite that, he was able to capture Kuro... Clearly, something strange happened, and now knowing about Jango's capabilities, I finally know what... Morgan was also hypnotized into believing that he had captured Kuro, and sent off with a lookalike pirate. That bastard unknowingly took an undeserved credit for something he didn't do."

Hearing his reasoning, I nod and agree with him, as he has deduced exactly what happened, then, Smoker stands up and clearly annoyed, he clicks his tongue and comments, "More important, the current Captain Morgan in charge of the 153rd Branch is compromised. We don't know how much Jango's hypnosis truly affected him. But from what Jayr told me, he is known as a brutal tyrant obsessed with his personal status and glory above all. I don't know if that is the result of the hypnosis or if he just became corrupted with power after his success, but we can't leave someone like him in a position of power. Damn it!"

After that, Smoker quickly roars his orders, "Tashigi! Take care of Kuro here..." but then he stops as he notices Kuro's strange stillness, and looking at me, he asks, "Wait, is he even alive?"

I nod with a calm smile and reply, "Yes, I put him in a coma-like state as it was easier to drag him around like that, but he will easily wake up if you slap his face once or twice, but be careful as his speed with his Nukiashi is almost comparable with the Soru of the Rokushiki." 

Hearing that, Smoker nods and continues to issue his orders, "Like I was saying, take care of Kuro, handcuff him so that he doesn't escape, and put him in a cell while we wait for the higher-ups' decision."

Tashigi gives Smoker the Marine salute while yelling, "Yes!" showing that she received and comprehended his orders, then she calls two other marines to help her. 

Soon they quickly handcuff Kuro so that he doesn't escape and drag him out of Smoker's office to take him into his new cell.

After they are gone, Smoker looks back at us and says, "In the name of the Marine, I want to thank you for the help you have given us in capturing the pirate Kuro that was able to escape until now, and also for your help in uncovering the situation of the 153rd Branch."

Making both I and Koby reply at the same time, "No problem...\ It's an honor to be of help, Sir."

Smoker nods then he says, "If this is everything, I invite you out of my office as I have to take care of all this..." but I interrupt him and say, "Captain Smoker, before we leave I just have a little request." making Smoker focus his gaze on me for a few seconds before he simply says, "Go on."

I briefly thank him for giving us some time in his busy schedule and then say, "If it isn't too much, I'd like to request you to allow Koby over here to take part in your training tomorrow, and if possible to give him a chance to spar with some of your officers, and in particular with you, Captain Smoker."

At this point, Koby next to me complains in a low tone, "Jayr-san, that's too much..." 

Meanwhile, Smoker narrows his eyes and simply asks, "Why?" to which I reply, "Well, as I have already told you, he wants to join the Marine, it is his dream, and while he is already capable enough to do so, I think it is a little bit too soon for that as his training just started, and he still has a lot to learn. But still, despite that, I want to let him experience at least a bit of what the Marine's training is like. Regarding the request to allow him to spar with your officers and especially with you, is to make him experience fighting with different kinds of opponents, and especially, make him experience firsthand how tricky can be fighting with a Devil Fruit User, especially a Logia Type like yours." 

Smoker looks between me and Koby in silence for a few seconds, before he says, "Very well, I'll allow it. The training starts at 5:00 am sharp. Now go! I have to contact the higher-ups to ask how they wish to deal with this annoying situation you guys dumped on me!"

I nod and say, "Farewell." before leaving Smoker's office and getting out of the Marine Base to regroup with the girls and continue our exploration of Loguetown. 

Smoker POV - Blue Star, East Blue, Polestar Island - 20 GAP

After that Jayr guy and that kid, Koby left my office, I close the door and click my tongue in annoyance while muttering, "Damn, let's get this over..."

I walk back to my desk, grab my personal white Den Den Mushi, and plug the dialing mechanism and receiver into the back of its head, then I start to compose the Marine HQ number and wait for someone to answer.

Soon, my Den Den Mushi starts to speak in a female voice with a lazy expression on its face, "You are calling the Marine HQ. Who am I talking to? And how can I help you?"

I don't run around the issue and quickly speak, "This is Captain Smoker in charge of the Loguetown Marine Base in the East Blue. I have to report a pressing issue I just happened to find out to the Fleet Admiral. A Marine Captain may be compromised."

After a few seconds of silence, the Den Den Mushi speaks once more, "Please wait a moment, I'll immediately redirect your call to the Fleet Admiral." which is quickly followed by the usual "Gatcha" sound.

After waiting a couple of minutes, my Den Den Mushi suddenly changes, it grows a long, braided goatee, a mustache, and a large afro, moreover, some black-rimmed glasses also appear on its face, making me think, 'I, for the love of God, have never understood how these Den Den Mushi are able to mimic such strange details with such precision...'

But I don't have the time to think of that, as the Den Den Mushi starts to speak in Fleet Admiral Sengoku's no-nonsense voice, "This is Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Speak Captain Smoker, what is going on over there? Who is compromised? Is the source trustworthy?"

Hearing his questions, without any hesitation, I start my report, "Fleet Admiral, Sir. This is what happened. A few minutes ago, I received an unusual request from two people who came to Loguetown Marine Base to hand over a captured pirate, they requested a private meeting with me as they had some sensible information connected to the pirate in question, and they have also thrown in Vice Admiral Garp's name as a proof of their identity."

Seeing that the Fleet Admiral still doesn't have anything to say, I continue, "The officer who received them then quickly contacted me and reported everything to me. I admit, I didn't call Vice Admiral Garp to confirm their identities because I didn't feel the need for it, as I trusted my subordinate when she told me that they appeared trustworthy as Chief Petty Officer Tashigi has a quite good instinct for such things. Anyway, I decided to meet with them and see what they wanted..."

And so, I continue to briefly explain everything that happened in my meeting with Jayr and Koby, about Kuro, how he escaped capture with the help of his first officer and a scapegoat, the situation in Syrup Village that Jayr resolved, and more importantly, about Captain Morgan's situation, how he was compromised by Jango's hypnotism and the rumors about him becoming a tyrannical and corrupted person now that he is in charge of the 153rd Branch, and how his current attitude could compromise the Marine's reputation and the people's faith in us, I also told him about Jayr's recent request. 

Silence follows the end of my report, a sign that the Fleet Admiral is currently thinking about how to best deal with this situation, but soon I hear his voice coming out of the Den Den Mushi again as he says, "Very well... You did good in reporting this to me, we can't allow something like this to mine the trust that the people have in the Marines, especially since this period of relative calm won't last much longer. Don't worry anymore about this, I'll order the nearest Branch to detain Morgan so that we can check just how much he was influenced by Jango's hypnosis." 

Then after a brief pause, the Fleet Admiral adds, "Regarding Jayr's requests, as long as they don't bring harm to civilians and do not hinder yours or the Marine's duties, you are free to accommodate all of them to your own discretion."

Hearing that, I can't help but ask, "So he really knows Vice Admiral Garp..." making the Fleet Admiral reply, "They briefly encountered each other recently... and soon after their meeting Garp contacted and warned me. He warned me to never, ever become that man's enemy as there is no hope of victory even if we use all the power of the Marine. Luckily this man seems well disposed toward us, and his pupil does want to become a Marine himself, so he is closer to a really powerful ally than an enemy, moreover, this is a good occasion to see what his pupil is capable of..."

While I'm shocked by the revelation that even someone of the level of Vice Admiral Garp and Fleet Admiral Sengoku are wary, and maybe even scared of this Jayr, Fleet Admiral Sengoku adds, "Talking about his pupil, with the authority granted to me by the World Government, I, the Fleet Admiral of the Marine, Sengoku, grant you Captain Smoker of Loguetown Marine Base, the authority to assign to Koby the special rank of Journeyman Recruit."

Then the Fleet Admiral quickly explains, probably because his Den Den Mushi is clearly mimicking the confusion written all over my face as I have never heard of such rank before, "Yes, this is a rank I created just for this special situation, it basically has the same level of power of authority of a Seaman Recruit, which is basically none, but at the same time, it grants the individual with this rank some of the basic benefit granted to all the Marines, and the freedom to continue his training following his mentor/master or instructor until deemed ready and still not be subjected to military discipline, basically he doesn't have to follow the orders of a superior. You can think of it as a half-marine." 

Hearing that, I can't help but be shocked, at the same time, only one question swarms around my mind at the moment, 'Just who is this Jayr? And how powerful he truly is if even the Fleet Admiral is forced to create a brand new rank just to accommodate him!? Not even those shitty World Nobles can receive such treatment for what I know!'

Sengoku POV - Blue Star, Grand Line, Marineford - 20 GAP

"Gatcha." As soon as the call with Smoker ends, I unplug the dialing mechanism and receiver from the back of my Den Den Mushi's head, and quickly grab one of my favorite snacks an okaki, a fried rice cracker and start to eat it while thinking, 'I truly hope that this move will bring that monster closer to us... or at the very least show that we don't intend to be his enemy or give him any problems...'

After eating my okaki, I can't help but complain out loud, "Really I almost had a heart attack when Garp told me with his annoying laugh that for the first time he met someone that he knew had no hope of beating even if we were at our peak and fought together with Tsuru, Sakazuki, Kuzan, Borsalino, Kong, Mihawk, Whitebeard, Big Mom, Kaido, Shiki, Red-Hair, Roger, Dragon, Rayleigh, The Five Elders, St. Figarland Garling, Xebec and all other powerhouse we fought before... I mean what kind of monster is that!? The strongest people of the old and new generations at their peak fighting together and they would still lose? That is a line-up able to easily destroy the whole world twice for the love of god!"

While complaining, I can't help but think once more, 'The really scary thing is that Garp isn't one to joke about such things... if he really felt that, then it is true, his instincts and Haki are still too sharp to make such a mistake. But to think that even joining forces with those individuals at their peak, basically, all the strongest people we have encountered in our entire lives fighting together at the same time, and we still have no hope of winning... just what kind of monster is he? And where the hell did such being hide until now?'

At the same time, I can't forget the description of Jayr's aura that Garp gave me, "As if his aura covered everything in existence... huh... if it is truly like that, then is he even human to being with...?"

But as much as this news brought by Garp distressed me, so much that I created that brand new half-marine rank to clearly show our attitude and intentions, it also brought me a little bit of relief as Garp also described him as a "good guy" which mean that unless provoked he won't do anything that would bring harm to the people.

In fact, the recent event showed that he is willing to lend a hand to those in need of help and that he also knows how to act so as to not cause needless chaos, his handling of Kuro and Morgan's situations was satisfactory, as he made sure to help while also protecting the Marine's honor, but all this is still way too soon to fully judge his character, but at the least there are good signs that he isn't an annoying troublemaker like Garp.

At this point, I sigh out loud and mutter, "First all those strange phenomena happening all around the world, like the Sea Kings strangely migrating, and those people with those strange armors that appeared suddenly and put Fish-men Island under their protection taking it away from Whitebeard, who simply allowed them to do so, and since then no one was able to capture a Fish-man and a mermaid and if someone dares to do so, it is like the very sea goes against them... Something is going on here... I can feel it, the world is changing, the peaceful days are over... Damn it, I'm getting too old for this shit!"