Tashigi was in total shock.
For the first time, she truly grasped the complexity and darkness of the sea.
She had always believed in the justice of the Marines, but now she found herself deeply questioning the Shichibukai system.
Vicious pirates had not only seized control of entire nations but were still officially recognized by the World Government and the Marines.
How could this be considered justice?
In the end, wasn't granting pirates the legal right to plunder completely against the very principles of the Marines?
Tashigi felt a deep conflict within herself, caught between her ideals and the reality before her.
Carl placed a hand on her shoulder and spoke earnestly, "Tashigi, we Straw Hats are pirates, so we're not exactly good people. But tell me—do the World Government and Marines really represent justice? You need to think for yourself, find your own sense of justice, and act according to it."
Tashigi stared at Carl, dumbfounded.
Was it really okay for a pirate to be teaching a Marine something like this?
Carl then turned to Luffy. "Luffy, what's the plan? You're the captain."
Luffy pressed down on his straw hat and grinned.
"Hee hee hee! I'm not interested in saving a country. That's something the people should do for themselves. But since the enemy is a Shichibukai, how can we not go? Escorting the princess—we'll take the job!"
Zoro smirked. The thought of fighting a Warlord of the Sea sent a thrill of excitement through him.
Jango adjusted his glasses with a smile. Ever since joining the Straw Hats, he had yet to feel bored.
Nami sighed, but she didn't object.
The captain had spoken. As the navigator, her job was to get them where they needed to go.
And the Straw Hats weren't the type to be scared of a mere Shichibukai.
She checked the Log Pose and said, "The Log Pose is set—we can leave anytime."
"Yosh! Then let's set sail to fight a Shichibukai!" Luffy declared. "Jango, go get Usopp and Sanji on the ship! Carl, Zoro, Nami, let's get ready to sail!"
"Understood, Captain!"
Their stay in Whiskey Peak had lasted less than a day, but there was nothing worth lingering for. It was better to set off early.
Usopp and Sanji were dragged onto the ship and forcibly woken up. When they heard they were leaving so soon, they protested, insisting they should stay for at least two more days.
Nami quickly settled the matter—with her fists.
Vivi was still anxiously looking over the side of the ship, as if searching for something.
"What are you looking for? Get on the boat already!" Nami shouted.
"I'm looking for Karoo! The duck I was riding before!" Vivi's face was filled with worry, fearing that her companion had been left behind.
"You mean that duck?" Zoro pointed to Karoo, who was already standing on the deck beside him.
Vivi nearly fell over in shock. She had been panicking for nothing.
Igaram hesitated as he watched the Going Merry prepare to set sail.
He had planned to disguise himself as the princess to divert their pursuers' attention, but Carl had told him it wasn't necessary. Still, he couldn't help but worry.
However, when he thought about the Straw Hats' strength, he realized there was probably nothing to be concerned about.
With the preparations complete, the Merry soon set off.
Meanwhile, Sanji finally awoke from his dream filled with beautiful women—only to lay eyes on Vivi, now dressed in her usual outfit.
His eyes instantly turned to hearts.
Before, Vivi's disguise had been too gaudy to catch his attention. But now that she had returned to her natural look, Sanji's heart fluttered.
And when he learned she was not just a princess, but a princess who had bravely infiltrated the enemy's ranks, his admiration soared.
Slamming his fist against his chest, he vowed to defeat Crocodile for her.
The rest of the crew merely rolled their eyes. They were used to this by now.
Carl casually scanned the deck but didn't see Robin—or the giant turtle.
He wasn't disappointed, though. He had already laid the groundwork. Now, it was just a matter of whether Robin would take the bait.
And if not... well, he wasn't above tying her to the ship himself.
Once the Merry had sailed far from Whiskey Peak, Robin finally emerged atop the old turtle.
She pondered Carl's words as she absentmindedly contacted Crocodile.
"How did it go, Miss All Sunday?"
"Boss, Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine have been defeated. The princess has hired a pirate crew to escort her to Alabasta. Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine were also taken away."
"They actually lost? Useless fools! So, which pirate crew has dared to go against me?"
"Just an unknown one."
The night passed.
By early morning, everyone was already awake and had started their usual morning training.
Tashigi felt a bit pleased with herself after defeating two Devil Fruit users yesterday.
However, that feeling didn't last long. After being put through basic physical training, she was left completely exhausted and speechless.
Meanwhile, Nami and Jango were only slightly out of breath, looking nowhere near as drained as she was.
Seeing this, Tashigi suddenly felt frustrated again.
Compared to the strength of the Straw Hats, she was still far behind.
Just then, Vivi suddenly spoke up.
"Um, Mr. Carl, can I join the morning training too?"
She quickly added, "If I sit around doing nothing, my mind starts to wander.
I want to train and try to become stronger.
I've been thinking carefully, and I've realized something—our kingdom doesn't have anyone truly powerful to protect it.
If we had warriors as strong as the Straw Hats, Crocodile wouldn't dare act so recklessly!"
Carl was slightly taken aback but then smiled.
"Oh? So you've finally figured it out! The law of the sea is simple—only the strong survive. If you want to protect something, you need the strength to match."
Vivi nodded firmly.
The Straw Hats may not be a huge crew, but even if a Marine Admiral came after them, they wouldn't cower.
Because they were strong enough.
Meanwhile, Alabasta did have warriors like Pell, but even he wasn't strong enough—at least not enough to defeat Crocodile. That's why Crocodile could do whatever he wanted in Alabasta without fear.
If Alabasta didn't become stronger, then even if they drove away the sand crocodile today, a water crocodile would come tomorrow. The kingdom wouldn't survive like this forever.
Vivi had always been independent.
She didn't want to rely on outsiders to protect her kingdom. Instead, she wanted to grow stronger herself.
She might have realized it a bit late, but better late than never!
Igaram opened his mouth as if to protest but ultimately said nothing.
"Mr. Carl, please teach me!" Vivi bowed deeply, her sincerity evident.
Carl chuckled.
"Since you're this determined, go ahead and train with us. But don't expect to get stronger overnight.
Let me give you a suggestion—if you have the chance, find a good Devil Fruit and eat it. That'll speed up the process."
"Yes! I'll think about it!" Vivi answered without hesitation.
She wasn't surprised by Carl's advice.
After all, aside from Devil Fruits, there was no quick way to become powerful in this world.
For the sake of her kingdom, so what if she had to eat a Devil Fruit?
So what if she became a landlubber?
Even Whitebeard was a landlubber!