The natural system started off strong, but the navy finally reached its peak!

Do you know what this means?!

Kidd pointed to the photo, then towards the direction of the Flower City.

"This means that the Fleet Admiral came to Wano Country with such 'spoils of war'!"

His presence here means he can't possibly be alone!

Behind him stood the entire new, independent navy, which had just demonstrated its thunderous power!

"Who knows if he's trying to make an example of someone at this time!"

Kidd grabbed Law by the collar and almost growled as he said:

"So, Law! Please wake up! We just finished fighting two Yonko, and we're already at our last gasp!"

What we are facing now may be an elite fleet that is poised to strike, personally led by the admiral!

Their target is probably not just the Straw Hat Luffy, but the entire Wano Country, or even...

We are the 'evil generation,' fresh from war and scarred!"

After saying that, he released Luo abruptly, turned around and walked towards the Victoria Punk, leaving behind his last words without looking back.

"If we don't leave now..."

"We might really not be able to leave!"

Chapter 622 Hiyori's Choice

After returning to port, the engines of the Victoria Punk roared with a deep rumble, kicking up murky water.

Kidd stood at the bow of the ship, taking one last look at Law, who stood silently on the shore. His red hair flew wildly in the slightly fishy sea breeze, and his eyes were filled with complex emotions.

"Madman." Kidd muttered under his breath, turned around, and didn't look back.

"Let's go!"

He has obtained the Poneglyphs that are essential for the path to the final island, which are held by Kaido and Big Mom.

This is the key to realizing his ambition and challenging the world's top.

At this moment when we are closer than ever to our dreams

He would never risk dragging himself and the entire Kid Pirates into a seemingly hopeless conflict for the sake of a temporary ally.

The opponent is still that "Tianzhen," a situation where certain death is inevitable.

The survival rules of pirates are sometimes this cruel and realistic.

In some ways, the name of Gern is more intimidating than the title of one of the Four Emperors.

The crew of the Heart Pirates looked anxiously at their captain.

Bepo hesitated, while Shaki and Peg looked worried.

Luo silently put away the unsettling photograph.

He didn't look at the departing Kid Pirates, nor did he respond to his companions' questioning glances.

He simply sheathed the Demon Cry sword and then, alone, began his journey towards the Flower Capital.

"Captain!" Bepo couldn't help but call out.

Luo didn't pause at all; he simply turned his back to them and calmly said, "You stay here and provide backup."

"I'll go alone."

Bring your companions? No use.

When facing opponents of that level, numbers become meaningless.

Instead, it will become a burden.

This is a duel between captains, between top experts, or... a negotiation.

All he could do was check the situation and perhaps... in this desperate situation, try to find that almost non-existent chance to use his abilities to save people.

........

The garden of the General's Mansion in the City of Flowers.

After posing that soul-searching question, "Are you willing to plant your flag in this country?", Gern fell silent.

He simply stood there quietly, waiting for Luffy's choice.

An invisible pressure, coupled with his silence, accumulated in the courtyard, almost suffocating the senses.

Luffy gritted his teeth, veins throbbing on his forehead.

Dreams and responsibilities, partners and country, freedom and commitment...

These concepts, which had never been so sharply opposed, clashed violently in his mind.

Time passed second by second, each second feeling incredibly long.

Finally, as if making a difficult decision, Luffy slowly raised his head, his eyes still filled with struggle.

But with an air of almost negotiation, he looked at Gern and asked in a dry voice.

"If...if I choose to leave..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Shanks, who was lying unconscious on the ground, and his father, who was being held against the wall.

"...Shanks and my father...can we leave?"

Even Luffy himself felt somewhat powerless when he asked the question.

But he still clung to his last glimmer of hope.

Upon hearing this, Gern's face broke into an extremely bright smile, but in this context, the smile seemed particularly glaring.

“Of course…” he drawled.

Luffy's eyes lit up slightly.

"No way! Hahahaha!!" Gern's smile remained unchanged as he gave a lighthearted negative answer.

"You!" Luffy's expression froze instantly, then was replaced by anger. "Then what do you want me to choose?! This isn't fair! You bastard!"

“Fair?” Gern shook his head slightly, as if he had heard an amusing joke. “Of course it’s boring, Luffy!”

He took a small step forward, getting closer to Luffy, and looked down at him.

"You're a pirate, Monkey D. Luffy!"

"And I am the Admiral of the Navy."

Gern pointed to himself, then to the land.

"It is perfectly justified for me to take over Wano Country on behalf of the Navy, to expel the influence of pirates, and to establish order."

As for opening the country…” He glanced at Hiyori, “that was a policy choice made after the Navy took over, based on the new order.”

"What does this have to do with you, or with the pirates' 'protection'?"

"Or to put it more bluntly."

"Why would I risk the 'bargaining chips' of Shanks and the Revolutionary Army leader to make a deal with a pirate like you when I'm determined to conquer a country?"

Gern leaned slightly forward, almost touching Luffy's ear, and asked, word by word, in a voice only the two of them could hear.

"Aren't you... overestimating yourself? 'The Fifth Emperor'?"

"You bastard...!!!" Luffy was completely enraged!

He realized that Gern had never intended to give him a real choice from the beginning.

They were just toying with him, watching him struggle, watching him suffer, and finally ruthlessly crushing his naive fantasies!

A surge of humiliation and rage rushed to his head, and the rubber arm began to swell again!

"Luffy!" Jinbe and Zoro stepped forward at the same time and held him down firmly.

They were more aware than Luffy that taking action now would have unimaginable consequences.

Just then, a soft yet firm voice rang out, breaking the tense atmosphere that was on the verge of exploding.

"Marshal."

Hiyori Kozuki broke free from the maid's support.

Although her face was still pale and her body was still trembling slightly, she tried to straighten her spine and took a few steps forward.

She didn't look at the angry Luffy, nor at the two unconscious people on the ground; her gaze went straight to Gern.

"You just said... that Wano Country should 'open its borders'?" Hiyori's tone was cautiously probing, but more so an attempt to understand and communicate.

"Excuse me, what does this mean?"

She is not a political idiot.

Conversely, "Komurasaki," who endured years of hardship under Orochi's rule and navigated the complexities of various factions...

This gave her a sensitivity to the power struggles, interests, and discourse that was beyond her years.

She took one of Gern's remarks to heart and found it very insightful.

The Navy's takeover of Wano Country is completely different from the pirates' forceful occupation, both legally and morally.

Especially from Robin's earlier whispered and rapid explanation

She has learned that Gorn's identity is not only that of a Marine Admiral, but also the leader of a new force that has led the Navy to completely sever ties with the World Government and become independent.

What if his "takeover" is not a simple military occupation, but some form of... "affiliation" or "protectorate" relationship?

This thought made Hiyori's heart race.

Compared to being vaguely influenced by another pirate emperor (even if it was Luffy's crew whom she admired) under the guise of "protection"

Perhaps... with a clear program and an independent governance system.

Furthermore, the naval forces, which had just broken with the World Government (meaning they might be different from the Celestial Dragons' oppressive system), were negotiating.

This would be more secure for the future of Wano Country, and would also make it more likely to achieve true "opening up" and long-term stability.

Besides... her senses wouldn't deceive her.

The Straw Hat crew, including Luffy who just defeated Kaido, faced this Marine Admiral.

The seriousness and tension, as if facing a formidable enemy, were even greater than when facing Kaido!

This is enough to illustrate just how terrifying the oppressive force emanating from Gern was.

Talking might offer a chance for survival and a future.

To fight could lead to utter destruction.

Chapter 623 I can't beat him

The issue of the sun and the moon subtly shifted the focus in the courtyard.

Gern finally shifted his gaze from Luffy to the young female general.

"You are more useful than Kozuki Momonosuke."

The playfulness and coldness on his face lessened slightly, replaced by scrutiny and assessment.

"Of course, what I mean is very simple."

Gern's voice was steady, less mocking towards Luffy and more businesslike.

"The Navy needs Wano Country's geographical advantages, resources (especially Seastone), and its strategic position as a key node in the New World."

In return, the navy will provide military protection to ensure that no force is allowed to interfere.

The other four Emperors, remnants of the World Government, or the Revolutionary Army could no longer threaten the independence and peace of Wano Country.

He paused, then continued, "At the same time, the Navy will assist Wano Country in lifting its isolationist policy."

Establish trade and cultural exchange channels with the outside world (mainly naval control areas and friendly countries).

Introducing necessary technology and management experience will help this country truly integrate into the world and improve people's livelihoods.

“Of course,” Gurn added, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “Wano Country needs to acknowledge the Navy’s supreme jurisdiction, including diplomatic, military, and management rights over some key resources (such as seastone mines). The Navy must take the lead in these areas.”