Chapter 47: The Nature of the Marines

[After Garp and Aokiji left, the same discussion unfolded in the room.]

"Why allow them to stay here?" Fujitora asked with confusion. "Monkey D. Garp is still a Marine. The Marines are aligned with the World Government."

Fujitora, being who he is, not to mention Naguri, who's a pirate, facing Garp is like a mouse facing a cat.

"Dragon, as I mentioned earlier, it's crucial for us to identify who our enemies and friends are within the World Government, as it's a vast organization. The ones we can confirm as enemies for now are the Celestial Dragons, and they wholeheartedly support the power of the Celestial Dragons."

"The Marines are a forceful organization under the World Government, but my investigation over the past six months reveals that the Marines aren't just a straightforward force."

"Especially in today's Marines, many individuals who have suffered at the hands of pirates join the Marines driven by a sense of justice."

"Another crucial point is that, for this cause, they make compromises with the World Government, which provides the necessary military funds."

"Of course, the Marine organization is vast, with people joining for various reasons—some purely seeking status and wealth, while others take it to the extreme by intertwining justice with the World Government."

"But Garp and Kuzan are different; that's why I allowed them to stay," Roja explained.

"They already harbour discontent towards the world's nobles, having witnessed the world's darkness. Most importantly, they share a vision for making the world a more peaceful and beautiful place."

"From a certain perspective, their goals align with ours. If we can secure their approval and gain some support, it would greatly benefit us."

"Is that possible?" Naguri inquired.

"Yes, while we might lack convincing power with others, for Garp, whose hometown is in the Kingdom of Goa, our current transformation of the terminal of uncertain objects serves as the most persuasive force."

"Do you still need to carry on with daily activities? Should we continue the evening classes?" Fujitora asked.

"The evening class serves as the heart of our camp, responsible for imparting the core ideas."

"No need to keep it hidden from them," Roja pondered for a moment and expressed.

He could likely anticipate some of Garp's thoughts; in that case, there's no harm in revealing it to him.

Ideology has consistently been their most potent weapon.

Following this day, Garp didn't return to Windmill Village. Instead, he brought Aokiji to reside in the revolutionary army camp.

During the day, Garp would sporadically oversee the training of Revolutionary Army soldiers. His prowess surpasses that of the current Fujitora, and the skills he imparts are notably practical.

In the afternoon, Garp dedicates time to personal cultivation. Despite the unfamiliarity of the technique, he diligently perseveres, aiming to achieve remarkable results.

Come nighttime, he engages in night classes with Aokiji.

The current focus of the evening classes revolves around political stances, with Roja taking on the role of the main lecturer.

"Each individual should develop their unique political standpoint," Roja emphasized.

"This political stance stems from contemplating one's own class, considering the social system, and a series of factors."

"I can't speak for other regions without proper investigation, but in the Kingdom of Goa, the residents lack a distinct political standpoint."

"The nobles intentionally suppress public awareness about society, emphasizing the nobility and rationale of their own class status."

"As members of the proletariat in our revolutionary army, our political standpoint should consistently align with the masses of the people."

"Perhaps some individuals perceive politics as distant from their lives."

"However, once this political stance becomes predominant, everything must conform to its influence. Exploitation and oppression will no longer be as unabashed as before."

"The eradication of exploitation and oppression is a prolonged and challenging journey, but we must steadfastly adhere to our principles throughout this process."

...

Garp resided in the camp for approximately a week, and on this day, he finally came to bid farewell to Roja.

"Could we find a place to talk privately?" Garp inquired.

Roja nodded, opting not to bring Fujitora and Nagli along, while Garp left his enthusiastic follower, Aokiji, behind. The two strolled aimlessly, conversing as they walked.

"There's a question that has puzzled me for a while. I've gained some clarity on aspects of your political stance that you mentioned earlier, but there's still much I don't understand."

"What's your take on Marine's political stance? Is it aimed at safeguarding the interests of the general public?" Garp questioned.

As one ascends the ranks within the Marines, travelling to different locations exposes them to more darkness. Garp is acutely aware that he has evolved significantly from the fervent sense of justice he initially embraced upon joining the Marines.

"Before I address your question, Mr. Garp, let me ask you: What do you believe is the role of the Marines?"

"Of course, it's to combat pirates and uphold peace," Garp replied without hesitation.

While justice within the Marines may become somewhat ambiguous, their responsibilities remain relatively clear.

"What's the purpose behind combating pirates and maintaining peace? Is it to ensure the comfort of the nobles, Celestial Dragons, and other ruling classes?"

"Of course not," Garp retorted. How could he, as a Marine, be fighting against pirates to improve the lives of those foolish nobles?

"For what purpose then?" Roja inquired.

"In order for the people to lead stable lives without being persecuted by pirates," Garp explained.

"Does this population include people from non-affiliated countries?" Roja pressed on.

Garp fell into a momentary silence.

"Even the people of allied countries, if the Five Elders declare that they have all violated the law and must be completely eliminated, would the Marines act to eliminate them? Or would they question the appropriateness of the order and the correctness of the law?"

Garp remained silent.

"The Kingdom of Goa, the royal family's personal army, what's their political stance? Is it for justice? Or for the people? I'm afraid it's fundamentally for the interests of the royal family."

"So, essentially, the Marines aren't much different from a kingdom's guard army. The initial intent might be noble, but when those in power are corrupt nobles, they gradually compromise and transform into tools of oppression for the nobility."

"The World Government, or rather, the Marines, may not be as sinister as you imagine, Roja," Garp attempted to convey, but the words seemed somewhat feeble when spoken.

"I am the last survivor of the Kingdom of Krojashi, Mr. Garp."

Roja turned to face Garp and spoke calmly, causing an instant dimming in the latter's eyes.

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