Chapter 29: Specters of the Past: When Tradition Haunts Humanity

Kid, the villain, is known for his straightforward speech. He doesn't deny being a scoundrel, but he believes that the world itself breeds individuals like him who end up becoming scoundrels.

In a way, this statement has some truth to it.

Garp expresses his disdain for certain aristocrats, highlighting that the good ones fail to learn from the bad ones. He questions the Celestial Dragons, referring to them as rubbish, and questions why anyone should learn from them.

As a Marine, Garp would rather not hold the rank of Admiral to avoid becoming subservient to the Celestial Dragons. It's clear that Garp harbours strong negative feelings towards them.

He doesn't hide his dislike for Celestial Dragons and makes it evident.

Sengoku: Garp, be more careful with your words.

Dealing with Sengoku can be quite a hassle. Even though he stepped down from the position of marshal two years ago and started cracking jokes, in certain situations, he can't quite match Garp's attitude.

Kaido: Hmph, these nobles are just as irritating as I thought. I genuinely want to drag them all onto the battlefield.

Trafalgar Law: The so-called royal family and nobles are basically close to being scum.

Law has no fondness whatsoever for nobles.

In the peaceful town of Frevans, where everything appeared pristine, the royal family and nobles hid the truth about toxic lead and platinum to safeguard their interests. Tragically, this led to the deaths of numerous citizens.

When the situation reached its direst point, the royal family and nobles abandoned the town, leaving the residents to be mercilessly attacked by neighbouring countries.

This heartbreaking event left Luo with an enduring disdain for the so-called royal family and nobles. King Cobra fell into a heavy silence, absorbing the weight of the narrative.

In his class, any disagreement seems feeble.

Moreover, he intensely disdains the so-called nobles of the Goa Kingdom.

[Roja and Fujitora resided on Center Street for approximately a month]

[Throughout this month, they diligently gathered information in the area]

[Having conducted a comprehensive investigation of the inner city, Roja and Fujitora promptly returned to the hotel]

[Their upcoming inquiry will encompass border towns, indeterminate terminals, and even the small villages in the Kolber Mountains and its vicinity. The scale of the investigation will be substantial.]

[However, we won't be facing this challenge alone in the future]

[As the thug Gomeng contemplated spending the day at the bar, his vision suddenly darkened.]

[An exceptionally tall figure nearly obscured his entire field of view, and upon seeing the approaching person, he couldn't help but shudder.]

[This blind man cast a profound shadow upon him; his strength was truly formidable, akin to a fierce tiger.]

["We cross paths once more, Gomon," Roja stepped forward from behind Fujitora, greeting the gangster with a friendly smile.]

["You're the young lad from earlier," Ge Meng couldn't help but be surprised at the sight of Roja.]

[This inexperienced boy had also made a lasting impression on him. Unlike the imposing presence of Fujitora, the equality and kindness exhibited by this boy had left a favourable mark on Gomon.]

[However, Gomon had always held the belief that Roja was just a nobleman who occasionally visited the border town.]

["We intend to head to the indeterminate objects terminal. Given your upbringing there, we'd appreciate your guidance." After Roja's request, he tossed a purse: "Consider this your reward."]

[Gomon accepted the money bag, instinctively opened it, greedily eyeing the Berries inside. However, he swiftly regained composure, casting a sceptical gaze at Roja before asking suspiciously.]

["Why do you want to visit that rundown place?" Ge Meng was puzzled.]

[Even he, someone unfamiliar with an aimless upbringing, strongly disliked that location. So why would Roja, who appeared aristocratic to him, have an interest in going there?]

[Nobles in the inner city view people like them as disposable and carriers of disease, desiring their direct elimination.]

["This country is ailing and requires remedy. The cure might be found at the indeterminate objects terminal," Roja calmly explained.]

["Hehe." Ge Meng involuntarily snorted, but when he caught Roja's determined gaze, he abruptly swallowed the mocking words.]

[I'm not sure why, but even though Roja is a child, Gomon consistently disregards the other person's age and physique, treating them as an equal adult.]

[Despite being the very noble kid he despises, Gomon always recalls the moment when Roja addressed him with equality, not resorting to derogatory terms like "bastard" or "pariah."]

["Alright, I'll guide you there, but it's a risky place," Ge Meng remarked.]

["You don't need to worry about that; we'll ensure safety," Roja reassured with a smile.]

[Gomon cast a glance at Fujitora behind Roja and couldn't help but feel like he might have said something foolish.]

[Leading Roja and Fujitora through the humble residences of the border town, they eventually reached a towering wall.]

[As they approached the city wall, the pungent odour of decaying garbage grew stronger, permeating the air.]

[Despite the unpleasant smell, Roja and Fujitora displayed no signs of disgust or repulsion on their faces. This left Gomon, who had been closely watching them, with an indescribable feeling in his heart.]

["Once we pass through this gate, brace yourselves for a garbage dump lies beyond," Gomon advised. After speaking, he briskly moved forward, with Roja and Fujitora trailing behind.]

[As they passed through the gate in the city wall, the stench intensified from the pavement. However, the visual impact was even more pronounced.]

[Piles of garbage formed mountains, thick black filth accumulated on the ground, dirty water flowed, flies buzzed around, and mice scurried about.]

[Nevertheless, even within such a grim environment, numerous people still call this place home.]

[Diverging from the vibrant, healthy individuals clad in pristine attire on Zhongxin Street, the residents here appeared dishevelled, donning worn-out garments—resembling the walking dead as they navigated through this squalid and malodorous setting.]

[This, too, was a kind of hell—a hell fashioned by those in authority.]

[Roja stood motionless while Fujitora gripped his sword tightly, his heightened senses picking up on profound negative emotions.]

["Welcome to the garbage dump, a place reserved solely for rotten refuse," Gomeng, once carefree and bold, returned to his roots. His countenance darkened, eyes clouded with resentment and disgust at the place he once called home.]

["They're not trash; they're human beings," Roja's eyes blazed with anger, his voice carrying a subdued intensity.]

["But do they see themselves as such?"]

["The old order turned people into shadows, and the new order transformed shadows into people. Our mission is to dismantle the old order and forge a new one—a society where people are not treated as discardable waste."]

["Save your lofty words," Ge Meng, inherently repulsed by such grand and virtuous sentiments, interjected.]

[However, before he could proceed with his disdain, he witnessed Roja striding forward.]

[Near a mound of refuse, Roja delved into the filth, retrieving some discarded items.]

["What on earth are you doing?" Gomon was taken aback. Was the nobleman actually scavenging through trash?]

["I intend to spend some time here. Care to join me?" Roja held the grimy refuse, extending an invitation to Gomon.]

["I vowed I'd never live in a garbage dump again," Gomon declared.]