Chapter 73: Relocation

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Ohara.

This small island in the West Blue has recently caught the attention of several branches of the World Government and is on the verge of crossing their tolerance threshold.

"He has significant influence within the Marines," one elder said. "That's precisely why we've allowed his actions for now."

"But if it comes to that..." The words trailed off, and silence fell among the five elders again.

"Eventually, he'll have to make a choice," murmured a voice within the grand hall.

Meanwhile, in the South Blue, Arashi's sudden and devastating strike on Baterilla Island had thrown the pursuit of Roger's bloodline into disarray. 

Yet the mission wasn't entirely abandoned, and the Marines were making a last effort to uncover any remaining clues. 

When the Marines finally reached the island, the desolate landscape—charged with flashing arcs of lightning and blackened earth—sent waves of shock through the ranks.

"It's like an act of God!"

"It's impossible to comprehend the sheer power of the scene! The entire island was wiped out. Only the ancient weapons could cause such destruction, or so we thought!"

"Vice Admiral Arashi is furious!" Rumours swept through Marine ranks, some even beginning to refer to Arashi as a "Thunder God." 

When Arashi's squadron returned to their temporary base, it was reported that Sengoku and Arashi had a heated exchange, though tensions quickly settled.

After nearly a month of relentless searching, no new leads surfaced, and eventually, Arashi's words leaked into Marine circles:

"Are we going to waste so much time and manpower chasing a rumour?"

"Are you so terrified of Roger's potential offspring?"

"It's ridiculous!"

"If Roger's legacy truly impacts the future, I'll be the one to deal with it personally."

His declaration reverberated through the Marines, inspiring many officers who felt similarly disillusioned. 

Many even declared, "Vice Admiral Arashi is right! Even if Roger has left behind a descendant, it's just an unborn child. Are we Marines supposed to fear a child?"

This rhetoric spread quickly, fueling debates that made Sengoku uneasy. He could sense the shifting opinions and knew the source well. 

But it was too late to change anything. 

The World Government unexpectedly softened its stance, and after three months, the search for Roger's bloodline was finally called off. 

The Marines sent to the South Blue let out a sigh of relief, as did countless civilians living under constant tension.

Many Marines, especially those seeking true justice, found the mission's methods unsettling. Some muttered, "Is this what we stand for?"

"To issue such orders? No way would Vice Admiral Arashi ever carry out something so cruel. Destroying Baterilla and evacuating the innocents?" 

"That's how he stayed true to his ideals—rebelled against unjust orders without a single word."

"Arashi is truly a remarkable man."

His disregard for orders only elevated his status within the Marine ranks. Young Marines were even rumoured to have shed tears over his actions.

Standing on the deck of his ship, Arashi looked out with a thoughtful expression, well aware of the growing sentiment among the Marines. 

His choice to defy orders was strategic, and the outcome seemed increasingly in his favour, solidifying his reputation. 

Some had even given him the epithet "Thunder God."

Crocodile exhaled a stream of smoke as he remarked, 

"You've gained a reputation in the Marines, no doubt, but I imagine the World Government now sees you as a serious threat." 

"So, what's your next move? Return to headquarters and continue as a Vice Admiral?"

Bullet, arms crossed, smirked as he added, "I wouldn't count on that promotion to admiral anytime soon." 

"How you do things is starting to make sense to me. Wiping out an island to send a message? Bold, even if it's softer than I'd like." 

"Given your current position, it's decent enough."

"He's practically declaring war on the World Government!" Bullet's eyes sparkled with excitement. "This kind of stuff gets the blood pumping."

"What's next?" Arashi asked, a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. He turned to his crew. 

"Would you be interested in carving out our territory and living in peace for once?"

Crocodile, Bullet, and the others looked at him, taken aback.

Not long after, Arashi's squadron returned to headquarters, where they underwent intensive Rokushiki training—a powerful combat technique reserved for the elite within the Marines.

Several days passed. 

Under the bright sun, with the sea breeze rustling the curtains, Fleet Admiral Kong looked at the tall, muscular young man before him, a flicker of complex emotions in his eyes.

"Arashi," he began, "your contributions to the Marines are undeniable. This is something we all acknowledge."

Hearing this, Arashi's heart skipped, but he quickly grasped the meaning behind Kong's words. 

The fleet admiral was careful, almost hesitant, choosing his words with a delicate balance. 

Kong knew he needed to temper this distinguished Marine's frustration and ease any resentment brewing.

As a Marine, Arashi's actions were exemplary; his character, strength, and decisiveness earned respect across the board—even from the Fleet Admiral himself. But…

Kong sighed and prepared to continue, but Arashi interrupted with a gentle smile.

"I request reassignment from headquarters to the seas."

"What?" Kong couldn't help but blurt out a flash of surprise in his eyes. His carefully prepared words were interrupted completely. 

Then, narrowing his eyes, he looked at the young Vice Admiral standing before him.

"Roger has been executed," Arashi said calmly.

"The seas are somewhat stabilized for now, and I don't have much work to do here at Marine Headquarters." 

"Transferring to one of the Four Seas would better use my time." With a relaxed smile, Arashi spoke softly.

"Is that so?" Kong considered for a moment. He understood that the young Vice Admiral recognized his position within the organization. 

Arashi also helped him avoid a difficult situation by requesting to leave Headquarters. 

The Marine structure may be vast and encompass the world, but the status of Marine Headquarters was inherently higher than any other branch.

Closer to the centres of power, it offered the easiest path to promotion. 

By volunteering to leave, Arashi gave up a chance for further advancement—a challenging decision.

"There are some open Command positions within the Grand Line bases," Kong suggested thoughtfully.

"Transfer me to one of the Four Seas," Arashi smiled. "It's quieter there."

"After all the recent battles and events, I could rest," he added.

Kong's heart skipped a beat as he gazed into the young man's calm eyes, feeling a pang of guilt. 

Such a promising talent, yet… "All right," he said with a sigh. 

"The West Blue branch needs a commanding officer. You'll be stationed there, overseeing all regional Marine operations."

"Yes, sir!" Arashi saluted, then turned and left. Watching his tall figure fade from view, Kong sighed once more.

"What a loss," Kong murmured. "He could have risen to Admiral, maybe even Fleet Admiral!" After a moment, he shook his head again. 

"Hopefully, with time, the world will forget what happened. Perhaps he'll have another chance someday." 

But Kong knew the circumstances were likely fixed; Arashi's future would remain limited, his once high renown slowly fading away.

Three days later, Arashi was set to depart for his new post in West Blue. 

The official orders for his transfer to G-18 Base had been issued, giving him command over all Marine-related affairs within his jurisdiction. 

Once he arrived, he would take his place as the base's Supreme Commander, overseeing every town, nation, and Marine unit in West Blue.

Compared to his status at Headquarters, it was certainly a demotion. Yet Arashi seemed more than content. 

Serving as a regional commander was akin to ruling a fiefdom. Within his territory, he'd be an absolute authority.

On the morning of his departure, Kuzan and Borsalino came to see him off.

"I've been to G-18 Base before," Borsalino remarked with genuine envy. "It's a massive stronghold with three thousand elite troops." 

"You'll have a comfortable time there, Arashi. I'm a bit jealous, honestly."

Arashi laughed, teasing, "Honestly, Borsalino, this position suits you more than me."

"Can't argue with that," Borsalino chuckled, feigning innocence. 

The role of a Supreme Commander was generally relaxed. They handled only the largest deployments or emergencies directly while leaving routine matters to subordinates. 

For someone like Borsalino, it was ideal.

"Take care, Arashi! Don't get discouraged—you're still young and have time," Kuzan said gravely.

"Come on, you make it sound like I'm being exiled," Arashi replied with a wry smile. Kuzan just patted him on the shoulder, his expression speaking volumes.

Typically, the Supreme Commander posts in the Grand Line went to Vice Admirals, while in the Four Seas, it was usually held by Rear Admirals or Commodores. 

To send a Vice Admiral of Arashi's standing, someone who had apprehended powerhouses like Roger and Shiki, out to the Four Seas was as close to exile as it got.

After exchanging farewells, Arashi's golden-crowned warship slowly left port, crossing the Gates of Justice and moving steadily out to sea.

"Who knows when I'll be back to see this world's greatest stronghold again," Arashi mused softly.

"West Blue's Supreme Commander is a real position of power," Crocodile said, eyes gleaming. "If you want to accomplish anything, that's the perfect place."

Arashi smiled slightly, keeping his plans to himself. 

Requesting a transfer from Kong had been a strategic decision driven by motives he chose not to share. 

The situation would evolve, and he would adapt to it accordingly.

"Where's Rouge?" he asked, his gaze turning distant.

"She's at the Sabaody Archipelago," Bullet replied, then added, "By the way, there's something else."

"Oh?" Arashi glanced at him.

"Headquarters contacted us yesterday, seeking our loyalty," Crocodile said with a slight smile. 

"They offered us promotions to stay at Headquarters."

Bullet scoffed, "As if that's what I signed up for."

"Really?" Arashi's gaze shifted forward, his tone contemplative.

"Ha! You think I joined the Marines to be a Marine?" Bullet laughed, fixing his gaze on Arashi. 

"I'm here to surpass you one day and see what ambition you're hiding that even Roger feared!"

Silence fell as Arashi's figure paused before a soft murmur escaped his lips.

"You will see."

Though the words were barely audible, Bullet and Crocodile heard them and smiled.

"We all turned them down," Crocodile said, exhaling a puff of smoke. 

"None of us would follow anyone but you, Arashi. Not me, not Bullet, not the others. It's you or nothing."

"Is that so?" Arashi replied quietly.

"There's one more thing," Crocodile added, pausing.

"Go ahead."

"Rosinante left. Sengoku ordered him to carry out a different mission," Crocodile reported solemnly.

Arashi's expression grew intense, but they remained silent.

"That kid hesitated for a long time. He finally decided only yesterday, and he cried when he asked us to pass along a message." Bullet said, eyes flashing.

"He asked us to tell you…'I'm sorry.'"

For a moment, Arashi simply stared ahead. Then, after a long silence, he sighed softly.

"Set course for Sabaody," he said, his gaze distant. "Apologies like that should be said face-to-face, Rosinante."

<End Chapter>

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