Chapter 102: Rebellion Against the World Government

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Kong was visibly moved. "I knew you were the right person, Sengoku. The Marines are in your hands once more."

Sengoku's voice remained steady. "I'm doing this for the people and the peace of the world."

While signing documents, Sengoku added, "As long as I serve as Marine Marshal, Chiba stays by my side. I need his strength."

Hearing this, Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro's smile vanished, and he spoke sternly, "Chiba is under suspicion for murdering a Marine Admiral. We must take him in for investigation."

"Investigation is acceptable, but taking him away is not," Sengoku replied firmly.

"Sengoku, watch your attitude," Kong said, dissatisfied.

"If you're unhappy with me, feel free to remove me as marshal. I'm used to it," Sengoku retorted, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

In the past, he clung to his position for dear life, often threatened with losing it. Now, the tables had turned, and they were begging him to stay. It was a gratifying reversal.

"You think you've hit our weak spot?" Kong's face was grim. Ethanbaron intervened, "Fine, we'll investigate him at Marineford. If he truly killed Sakazuki, don't cause us further trouble, Sengoku."

"As Marine Marshal, it's my duty to uphold the law. Fairness dictates he stays at Marineford for review."

"Very well, at Marineford," Ethanbaron conceded, leaving the temporary marshal's office.

Outside, a large contingent of Marines and CP organization members surrounded Chiba's research institute.

Sengoku looked out the window at the encircled facility, sighing softly. "Finally, this day has come."

Inside the Chiba Research Institute, Vice Admiral Flying Squirrel presented an arrest warrant. "Chiba is suspected of murdering Marine Admiral Sakazuki. Effective immediately, no one from Chiba's lab may leave. We'll handle your needs."

Peacock, unfazed, remarked, "Sakazuki is missing, and the Flying Squirrel has found new patrons."

Flying Squirrel remained stoic. "I'm acting on orders from the World Government and the Five Elders."

Peacock gripped her Medusa's Kiss, her aura flaring.

"Peacock, what are you doing?" Flying Squirrel recoiled.

"This is an order from the World Government and the Five Elders. Do you plan to oppose the Marines, the World Government, and the Celestial Dragons?"

"Peacock, stand down," Chiba's calm voice echoed.

Peacock protested, "Chiba, let me put this coward in his place."

"If you have time, focus on your Haki training. You're close to a breakthrough. Concentrate on that," Chiba advised.

"Fine," Peacock relented, casting a venomous glance at Flying Squirrel. "Mark my words, your time will come. You'll beg for mercy."

Flying Squirrel shivered under Peacock's glare, then ordered, "Detain them all and keep them in check."

Hina approached Chiba. "Chiba, the World Government's sudden move is meant to punish you."

Peacock added, "They'll likely use harsh interrogation. Many researchers here aren't loyal to us. It's only a matter of time before they convict you."

Chiba reassured them, "Have the pills and materials been sent to Hancock?"

Hina nodded. "Most have been delivered under cover of night."

"Anyone notice?"

"If they did, it's only Aokiji, Kizaru, Sengoku, and Grandpa. They won't betray us."

"Good," Chiba continued. "When you're questioned, blame me. Say I killed Sakazuki and you're willing to testify."

"But why?"

"Once free, transport the remaining materials and instruments to Hancock's ship, then take Koby and Bellumebap to Amazon Lily."

"And you?"

"Heh, if I want to leave, only Grandpa could stop me."

Chiba's confidence was unwavering. His primary concern was preserving the research materials he'd amassed over two and a half years. If conflict erupted, they would be destroyed.

He'd considered leaving earlier out of respect for Sengoku, hesitating just long enough for the World Government to corner him. Now, he resolved to leave something behind for Sengoku.

"Remember, take everything. Don't leave anything behind," Chiba instructed Hina.

"Got it. We'll handle it," Hina promised.

Chiba embraced Hina gently. "That's my good wife."

During the subsequent review, Hina confessed everything. With Admiral-level strength, she was spared harsh treatment, only required to testify.

Hina and Peacock, both restricted but resourceful, used Peacock's abilities to evade surveillance and moved the remaining materials to Hancock's ship. Then they went to retrieve Koby and Bellumebap.

Hina hesitated, wanting to confirm their loyalty. Disguised as Marines, she and Peacock listened outside the holding area.

Flying Squirrel interrogated Koby, "Did you find the Shock Fruit on Chiba's orders?"

Koby replied calmly, "Vice Admiral Flying Squirrel, you were once a low-ranking Vice Admiral. Your strength improved thanks to Master Chiba's elixirs. Beru Mebo and I helped you refine your Qi training..."

Flying Squirrel slapped Koby, "Enough irrelevant talk. Answer yes or no."

Koby stared coldly, "Peacock called you a coward. You're worse."

Flying Squirrel stabbed Koby's thigh, twisting the blade. Koby screamed.

Peacock, outside, fumed at Koby's screams, ready to intervene, but Hina stopped her. "Wait. They won't kill him."

Flying Squirrel taunted, "Resist if you can, Koby. Add another charge to Chiba."

Koby gritted his teeth, "You want me to resist so you can blame Master Chiba, right? Not happening."

"Bring the blade," Flying Squirrel ordered, ready to sever Koby's arm.

Just then, a whip shot through the door, snagging the blade.

"Medusa's Kiss?" Flying Squirrel gasped, turning.

Boom!

The door flew towards Flying Squirrel, who sliced it in half.

A black fist smashed down, but Flying Squirrel blocked it with his arms.

Suddenly, black railings emerged, binding Flying Squirrel tightly.

He struggled, but couldn't break free.

Peacock dashed to Koby, using her whip to free him from chains and seastone. Koby shattered the seastone with his Qi.

Koby took the famous sword Luobai from Flying Squirrel, eyes fierce, and thrust at Flying Squirrel's eye.

Flying Squirrel panicked, "Koby, I'm just following orders... ah..."

Koby pierced his eye without mercy, his voice cold, "You don't deserve to see."

He jabbed the other eye, venting his anger.

Koby turned to Hina and Peacock, "Shall we wait for Chiba?"

"Hina, Peacock, you're breaking the law?" Ghost Spider and other Vice Admirals arrived, strengthened by Chiba's training.

"Leave them to me," Hina said. "Peacock, rescue Beru Mebo and Apu."

"Got it." Peacock whipped a wall, revealing a door. She and Koby entered, and the wall restored itself.

"Chase them," Ghost Spider ordered, but Hina blocked the way with a web-like barrier.

Ghost Spider drew his sword, striking the barrier, but it repelled him.

"Hina, you're defying the Marines, the World Government, the Celestial Dragons. Stop now," Ghost Spider warned.

Hina clenched her fists, buying time. "You've all benefited from Chiba."

"Without him, you'd be ordinary Vice Admirals. Now, you're almost Admirals. Ghost Spider, you're at Admiral level now, and you, Smoker."

"Smoker was a mere captain, now a near-Admiral, thanks to Chiba."

Smoker sighed, "A soldier's duty is to obey."

Hina scoffed, "Try if you can."

"Let's split up," Ghost Spider commanded, but Hina's black railings trapped them.

Hina smirked, "You think I enjoy talking?"

Her fruit power had already trapped them.

Ghost Spider fumed, "Hina, release us."

"If you can, break free," Hina taunted, turning to leave. Smoker sighed, turning into smoke, and attacked Hina.

Hina dodged, countering with a punch that sent Smoker flying. He lay still, eyes closed, letting Hina pass.

Hina broke through the wall, pursuing Peacock and Koby.

They reached Beru Mebo's cell, hearing him curse, "Using torture... I said... I said..."

Peacock cursed, "That traitor! I'll kill him."

Koby knew Beru Mebo well, "Wait, he's not like that."

"Come closer," a CP agent said, "Why suffer?"

"Come closer, I can't let others hear."

"There's no one else. Speak."

"You don't understand. Chiba's people are everywhere. If they hear, I'm dead."

"Troublesome," the CP agent grumbled, leaning close. Beru Mebo bit his ear off, laughing, "Fool, you believed me!"

The agent cursed, "Beat him to death."

The door burst open, and CP agents turned.

Peacock's whip lashed out, dropping them all.

White light flashed as Koby sheathed his sword, freeing Beru Mebo.

Beru Mebo took two swords, severing the CP agent's arms.

The agent threatened, "Rebel against the World Government, you'll..."

Beru Mebo silenced him, "Wanted to spare you, but you chose death."

"Thanks for saving me," Beru Mebo said to Peacock and Koby. "Apu and two others are held nearby. Let's free them."

"Let's do it!"

Meanwhile, Kong and Ethanbaron interrogated Chiba.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.