Chapter 142: The True Rot of the World
by xennovel“The real source of this world’s corruption is the Celestial Dragons.”
Karl didn’t waste time. He went straight to the point.
At the same time, he handed over the documents he had at hand.
Issho, who was sitting closest, quickly stood up and took the documents.
There were three copies—just enough for each of them to have one.
Karl gestured for them to take a look. Only after seeing the Celestial Dragons’ crimes firsthand would they truly follow him with unwavering loyalty.
Otherwise, they’d just play both sides.
He’d heard a rumor from fans that Borsalino was actually a Revolutionary Army spy, famous for his so-called lazy brand of justice.
No one really knew how strong he was, but at Marineford, he was definitely the king of slacking off.
It was always “how scary” this or “supernova” that with him.
Karl wasn’t sure how much of it was true, but it was best to be cautious.
The three of them opened the files, eyes scanning the records inside.
There weren’t just photos—there were times, events, even details about the Navy’s follow-up actions.
All this information came straight from the intelligence network in the Four Seas. Absolutely reliable.
And since the Celestial Dragons always acted this way, gathering dirt on them was as easy as picking it up off the street.
Sakazuki slammed his fist on the arm of his chair in frustration.
“Damn it!”
He’d never considered that the Celestial Dragons were a cancer at the heart of the world. Maybe that was just his inexperience—what could a twelve-year-old really know after all?
But now, he’d remember this for the rest of his life.
Though he was still skeptical, with such clear times and places, they could easily confirm everything on their own later.
Besides, Karl was a powerful pirate. There was no need to lie to them about this.
He just never imagined there could be people in the world so rotten.
Borsalino’s face turned grim.
“How scary!”
He was the oldest of the group—already fifteen by now.
He’d heard stories about the Celestial Dragons stirring up the Four Seas.
But seeing photo after photo of nations wiped out brought it all home.
So these so-called activities of the Celestial Dragons were nothing but games of genocide.
And just because of them, slave trading was actually legal.
Page after page showed people of all races locked in iron cages.
Even these photos had been captured at great risk by reporters on the Sabaody Archipelago, sneaking them from slavers.
Issho hadn’t destroyed his eyes yet at this point.
His gaze was icy cold. This was the first time he’d ever seen such horrors.
He could barely believe the just Navy he’d always admired had become the Celestial Dragons’ shield.
“I…”
His jaw was clenched tight.
After seeing this, there was no way he’d ever consider blinding himself again.
Once they’d all vented their outrage, Karl let out a heavy sigh and spoke quietly.
“The Celestial Dragons are the very reason this world is rotting away.”
“My goal is simple—it’s the same as my greatest wish.”
All eyes shifted to Karl.
He looked back at them, noting that their eyes had all turned red with anger.
It was clear the Celestial Dragons’ actions had shattered any dreams they had of joining the Navy.
“All I want is for everyone to have enough to eat—no more oppression. Fairness. Justice. Transparency.”
“The last part of the file includes this island’s laws. Feel free to take a look.”
They flipped to the end and found a thin page covered in legal codes.
Issho was first to read aloud: “No killing allowed on the island. No robbery. No sexual assault…”
Sakazuki read the second line: “No smuggling. No premeditated murder…”
Borsalino’s voice trembled as he recited the last line: “Everything exists to serve the people.”
Karl listened to their voices and knew he’d just gained three invaluable allies.
“As long as you’re within my territory, everyone—myself included—follows these rules.”
“But these rules only apply in my domain. Understand?”
Karl left the question hanging, giving them time to ponder why his ideals could only exist in the land he controlled.
Sakazuki pulled out a photo of the massacred islanders. “What did they do wrong?”
Karl hadn’t expected Sakazuki to ask, but he answered firmly.
“Their only crime was being too weak—unable to protect their home.”
“In this sea, weakness is the original sin.”
“You’ve all heard the stories from the New World. Survival of the fittest is the true law of the pirate world.”
He thought of the current Rocks Pirates and smiled.
“Out in the New World, the Rocks Pirates are the uncrowned kings.”
“But on a global scale, the real rulers without crowns are the Celestial Dragons.”
“And they’re exactly who I’m going to overthrow.”
“I’m in.”
“Count me in, too.”
“I may be powerless right now, but I still want to help build this cause, even if it’s just a little.”
Seeing their resolve, Karl quickly got up and walked over, stretching out his massive right hand.
“Welcome aboard!”
…
Somewhere on an unnamed deserted island in the New World.
Hungover, Newgate, Roger and their crews started to wake up.
They squinted as warm sunlight spilled across their bodies.
“Newgate, until next time.”
“Roger, see you around.”
After bidding each other farewell, both groups left the island behind. Roger continued on his journey.
Newgate led his men back toward Beehive Island.
On the way back, he called Rocks.
“Brrring, brrring!”
“Hello, Captain Rocks?”
Rocks looked quietly at the Den Den Mushi ringing in front of him, his eyes deep and thoughtful.
He’d known all along Roger was one of the D’s inheritors. That’s why he sent his ace Newgate to approach Roger.
He’d hoped to recruit Roger’s crew and shatter the curse that only Celestial Dragons could rule.
“Newgate, any progress?”
Newgate listened to the calm voice on the other end, rubbing his brow.
“Captain Rocks, the Roger Pirates refused to join us.”
“I fought him. He’s as strong as I am, so I couldn’t finish the job.”
Rocks’ eyes turned cold. He didn’t expect Roger to be so stubborn.
“Come back for now.”
“Clack!”
Newgate saw the call cut off abruptly but didn’t say anything. He just put the Den Den Mushi away.
He turned to his crew.
“Full speed to Beehive Island.”
Giving the order, he ignored the noisy commotion outside and went straight back to his cabin.
He wasn’t bothered by any of it.
“Karl, looks like I can’t handle that thing you asked for—at least for now.”
Cake Island.
Inside Vegapunk’s lab.
Karl frowned slightly as he watched Vegapunk approach, test tube in hand.
“Is there a problem?”
Vegapunk gently swirled the liquid in the test tube and took off his research goggles.
“The life force is too active.”
“Cloning it will be exceedingly difficult.”