In this crossover anime, many ruthless and powerful figures reside in my territory.

"In reality, most of the pirates in this world are trained by the World Government itself, and the source of the chaos is the World Government."

"Roger's declaration was indeed a spark, but many more pirates became pirates because they couldn't survive."

"If the World Government didn't collect the exorbitant Celestial Gold, but instead used that money to develop nations, why would so many people who couldn't make a living go to sea to become pirates?"

"If the World Government didn't endlessly oppress people from non-member states, why would so many people become pirates or revolutionaries to rebel against it?"

"Those who enjoy adventure and plundering treasure are ultimately a minority, not as many as the large number of people who go to sea because they can't survive."

"If you truly want to uphold your absolute justice, then go and eliminate the very source of piracy, instead of arguing with me here. Let me remind you that your stance means you are not entirely on the same page as the people!"

"Either you abandon your idea of ​​protecting the people and obediently change your justice to the justice of maintaining the rule of the world government, or you put your stance on a larger, broader perspective of the world, instead of the world government!"

"The world government does not represent your world."

"You must understand, the world government and the so-called people are not on the same side!"

"The same applies to the Navy! And to your current sense of justice!"

The next second, a heat wave swept over, but it was all blocked by the spiritual pressure that acted like a wall.

Vice Admiral Sakazuki of the Navy Headquarters looked down at the person in front of him, his hands clenched into stone.

How could he possibly refute it? How could he rebuild the navy's prestige?

We must not give up thinking! Otherwise, wouldn't the ideals of justice he has built up over many years of military service be a joke?

Once the navy loses its authority, pirates will become unbridled, and the people will suffer even more harm!

Think quickly! Think fast!

No matter how much he thought about it, Sakazuki couldn't shake the images of the Celestial Dragons that lingered in his mind.

Although he had only encountered Celestial Dragons a few times, their arrogant and foolish demeanor left a very deep impression on him.

In addition, the rumors he had heard since becoming a vice admiral made him realize that there was a dark side to the navy, which had just been deliberately ignored.

The appalling corruption and embezzlement in each branch had persisted for several years, which is simply unbelievable.

No! I can't think about this anymore!

Think of the countless naval personnel who dedicated their lives to justice, and think of the countless people who are grateful to the navy!

Suddenly, an image flashed through his mind of a person wearing a bubble helmet raising a gun and shooting civilians.

hateful!

Sakazuki turned stiffly and uttered a sentence through gritted teeth.

I'll come again!

"You're welcome anytime, but I hope you'll come here and investigate how many pirates become pirates because they can't survive."

The next second, Sakazuki vanished from the spot.

The atmosphere in the reception room returned to calm.

Esdeath swung her legs, looking utterly bored.

"I don't understand what you're saying."

I will explain it to you in detail during the next class.

"Esdeath, there are some viewpoints that you should try to understand even if you don't agree with them."

The girl with long, ice-blue braids thought for a moment.

It was still hard to understand, and I didn't know why Liszt always made her learn some unimportant knowledge.

On the other side, Michiyugen Aura suddenly chuckled softly.

"Lord Lister, you are so wicked."

“That man’s resolve has wavered slightly. I’m afraid it won’t be long before he comes to beg you.”

Lister shook his head.

"How could it be that fast? Given Sakazuki's personality, he would never come begging to me. This was at most a relatively successful attempt at inducement."

"The moment I truly influenced him was when he tried to do something behind the navy's back."

"That's when I can step into their world."

Aura chuckled softly.

"That's why it's so much fun being around you."

"Every now and then I meet new and interesting people and witness your methods."

Why are you talking so nicely today?

Lister stroked his chin as he examined Aura, who was dressed in black maid stockings.

"Is it my favorite Awula's homemade spicy grilled fish, a specialty of Red Maple Territory?"

Aura smiled, lifted the maid's skirt that just covered her hips, and then bowed slightly.

"Then tonight we'll prepare grilled fish for you, sir."

"Hmm, looks like we're in for a treat tonight."

Esdeath, what would you like to eat tonight?

“Grilled fish!”

"Also, Lister, when can I begin formal training?"

"Wait a little longer, you need to lay a solid foundation for a while longer."

As he said this, Lister used telepathy to sense the location of Haytham and the others.

Hopefully, their eastward journey will go smoothly.

Chapter 126 We are the King's fleet

The ocean-going ships that Lister had high hopes for were sailing in the underground river.

With the help of large lights and the guidance of Epsilon's piranha mini-submarine, the Ocean-going ship navigated the underground river very smoothly.

As Haytham stood at the bow of the ship, memories of his voyages across the Americas in search of the remains of pioneers flooded his mind.

Although things are different today, he still chose this path for the sake of his beliefs.

He placed his fist over his heart and glanced at the hidden blade on his wrist.

Father, Connor, I am still a Templar, but I will also unleash the Assassin's Spirit buried within me.

This world needs assassins to first stir up a wind of freedom, and then the Templars to bring everything under order.

For peace, and for progress!

Haytham drew his longsword from his waist and pointed it into the distance.

At that moment, the ship equipped with hidden turbines broke through the wind and waves, rushing towards the cave ahead that was shining with the light of the sun.

"Oh!"

Water splashed everywhere.

The ocean liner burst out of the cave and came to a vast ocean.

Helsen looked back at the mountains behind him; the snow below the mountainside was gradually melting, and the spring breeze had finally reached Red Maple Ridge.

"Head southeast!"

"For Red Maple Territory!"

……

In early June of the second year after the establishment of Red Maple Territory, which was also the twenty-fifth day since the departure of the Ocean Cruiser.

Under the bright, clear sky, many people on the ocean liner were yawning leisurely.

Sailing at sea is very boring, and everyone's actions are confined to a single ship, so many people spend their free time either fishing, reading, or training.

During this time, Haytham received training and guidance from Skalinka, Prie, and Pauline while also working on his own plan.

Because of the closed nature of the United States of Ahmora, even dukes rarely travel to other countries, so people without such needs know almost nothing about other countries.

Haytham searched through the Red Maple Castle library but found only a rudimentary large map marked with the names of kingdoms, empires, and holy sites. The information was too limited to extract any useful intelligence.

Therefore, he changed his approach and began to study the "Code of Laws" and the "Rites".

Although studying the two classic texts gave him a lot of headaches, the strict and tedious rules were simply a waste of his energy.

After completing their productive and religious activities, ordinary people simply had no energy left. No wonder society was so stable and the people were so compliant.

They monopolize cultivation methods to weaken the people.

Exorbitant taxes and levies were used to impoverish the people;

Various useless religious worship and harsh rituals were used to exhaust the people;

Using religion to control thought and thus keep the people ignorant;

People from each social class have specific arrangements for clothing, food, housing, and transportation to reflect their status differences and thus humiliate the people.

The practice of severely punishing the innocent and rewarding the wicked nobles to govern the good people is a form of oppression.

Weak, impoverished, exhausted, ignorant, humiliated, and abused people... This series of measures instilled servility in the people, making them as obedient as sheep.

Haytham suddenly felt a sense of relief, thankfully the Templars hadn't developed to that extent yet.

A society as rigid and numb as the United States of Ahmora is truly difficult to change without external forces.

However... this numbness can also be utilized.

Inside the captain's cabin, Haytham closed his book.

"We can see the port! We can see the port!"

Suddenly, the crew member's voice came through the intercom in the room.

"There's a port and ships five kilometers away! It's a winter port!"

Have we finally arrived?