Chapter 45 Delayed Justice

Author: Xiao Yifeng

Translator: PapaSmurf0700

"He must confess." Bai Ye stated firmly. He glanced at the Den Den Mushi near him and added, "If he doesn't, higher authorities might choose to stay silent for the navy's honor."

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In the original story, Captain Nezumi is portrayed as clever. The only slip he made was inadvertently hinting at his knowledge about the 100 million Bellys. He never explicitly confessed to working with Arlong. That's why Bai Ye intended to manipulate Shioyaki and Take, ensuring they were ready to intervene at pivotal moments.

It's possible that Nami's exceptional acting skills played a role. She masterfully displayed emotions like despair, agony, vulnerability, and rage. Maybe Captain Nezumi became overconfident because everything seemed to be going his way. Once his men presented him with the 100 million Bellys, Nezumi couldn't resist flaunting his triumph.

With a smirk, he told Nami, "For a bit of pity, I'll share some news with you at no cost." He crouched to Nami's level, noticing her tears, and boasted, "Before arriving here, I had an enlightening conversation with Arlong. What a generous gift he gave me with those 100 million Bellys."

He anticipated Nami to be shattered by this revelation. But to his surprise, she shot back a defiant smirk. "Caught the whole act, didn't you, Bai Ye?" With her pride evident, Nami gazed up at the second-floor window.

"Indeed, quite the performance," Bai Ye remarked, jumping down effortlessly from the window ledge. He gave Nami an approving look, thinking how surprisingly talented the "Cat Burglar" was at acting.

Turning his attention to Captain Nezumi, he applauded mockingly, "Truly commendable, Captain Nezumi. You're indeed pioneering in building such close ties with pirates as a navy official." He added sarcastically, "In these times of pirate-navy clashes, your knack for joining forces with pirates to torment innocent civilians is quite unique."

Captain Nezumi was momentarily stunned. As he gathered his thoughts to retort, another voice intervened, chilling him to the core. "Enough of your taunts. When will you stop disparaging the navy?" The voice, deep and recognizable, made Captain Nezumi's heart race. He had heard it at the Navy headquarters.

As Nezumi's eyes met Bai Ye's, a fearful realization dawned on him. Bai Ye, with a teasing grin, produced a small Den Den Mushi and said, "Calm down. I'm only stating facts, right? Isn't that so, Admiral of the Navy, Sengoku the Buddha?"

Bai Ye's intent behind orchestrating this scene was clear from the start. When he learned that Ripper was being transferred to headquarters, he began to piece together his plan. While on his way to Cocoyasi Village, Bai Ye briefed Ripper about the Arlong Pirates. He then suggested, "How about putting on a show for the Admiral?" Ripper, though initially confused, thought it over and agreed.

Luffy and his team hadn't yet declared themselves pirates officially, so there was no legal issue in working with them. Additionally, Ripper felt indebted to Bai Ye for his role in saving Shells Town, so he was willing to help, provided it wasn't too overboard. Bai Ye assured him that this would be their last collaboration with the navy.

With Ripper's agreement, Bai Ye felt more confident. When Captain Nezumi showed up, Bai Ye made the call. To ensure maximum impact, he initiated a live video call using a video Den Den Mushi. The call was answered at the Admiral of the Navy's office.

Earlier, after Bai Ye contacted him, Ripper had approached Sengoku's office. After explaining the situation, both he and Sengoku tuned into the unfolding drama. The accusations from Nami and her team affected them deeply. Witnessing Captain Nezumi mock Nami, Ripper felt an intense loathing for his corrupt colleague.

Sengoku's face darkened with anger. He could overlook some naval misconduct but couldn't bear the idea of the navy protecting pirates. This went against the navy's very purpose.

Upon hearing Bai Ye's words, Captain Nezumi finally responded, "Sengoku... The Fleet Admiral?" He was so overwhelmed that he simply sank to the ground, inching towards Bai Ye. Part of him still hoped he was being tricked. But the recognizable face on the Den Den Mushi crushed that hope.

Sengoku's fury was evident as he declared, "You collaborated with pirates as a navy member. Await your military trial!" Nezumi knew his naval career had come to a disastrous end.

In such a situation, where a naval captain would be arrested, it was crucial to reassure the public of the navy's commitment. Sengoku, understanding the importance of public trust, addressed the Den Den Mushi:

"Citizens who suffered under the Arlong Pirates and Captain Nezumi, rest assured, the navy will dispatch forces here immediately."

"With the authority of the Admiral of the Navy, I pledge to protect you all and ensure such harm doesn't befall you again. I promise..."

Before Admiral Sengoku could finish his statement, Bai Ye cut him off, asking, "Admiral, do you really think it's the right time for such grand declarations?"

On the Den Den Mushi screen, Sengoku and Ripper saw Bai Ye's face. Though he looked handsome, his expression was dripping with sarcasm. "The Arlong Pirates have been in power here for eight years!" Bai Ye exclaimed. "Without our intervention, who knows how much longer their reign would've continued? Admiral Sengoku, if justice takes too long, can it still be considered justice?"

Sengoku's face darkened. "Listen here, young man..."

Bai Ye interrupted, "Let's stop talking about this, Admiral." He smiled, adding, "We are the ones facing Arlong, after all. Would you like to keep watching our live feed?" Bai Ye didn't end the call, knowing Sengoku might still want to see more. He then shouted, "Luffy, Zoro, crew, it's showtime!"

The doors swung open as four members of the Straw Hat crew eagerly emerged. Luffy, leading the pack and pointing towards Arlong Park, energetically yelled, "Alright, let's do this!"

Following suit, Bai Ye, Zoro, Usopp, Nami, and Sanji all cheered, "Hell Yeah!" The Straw Hat Pirates were on the move, with their sights set on the Arlong Park.

Meanwhile, Captain Nezumi and his cohorts were held captive by the villagers, left waiting for Sengoku to dispatch a naval ship.

The Straw Hat crew's spirit was unstoppable, like a roaring bulldozer. But it didn't take long for them to face minor setbacks. As they moved forward, Nami found herself shouting directions:

"Luffy, stop sprinting ahead of everyone!" "Zoro, how did you end up over there? Everyone's this way!" "Usopp, there's no disease that'll instantly kill you at Arlong Park, so get a grip!" "Bai Ye, don't ride on a fish-man, it's embarrassing!" "Move away, Sanji"

The villagers of Cocoyasi couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. Observing Nami's leadership and the group's dynamic, they mused, "It looks like Nami has truly found her crew."