Thirty years ago.
The Kroasia Kingdom had just suffered a raid by pirates.
They had been robbed of their Heavenly Tribute and could no longer afford the exorbitant payment.
After his pleas to the World Government fell on deaf ears, the King of Kroasia began to ruthlessly seize the last of his citizens' sustenance.
Finally, the enraged people formed an army, stormed the royal palace, destroyed the Kroasian royal family, and declared their secession from the World Government.
Ten days later, Navy warships, responding to the call of the Buster Call, bombarded the Kroasia Kingdom.
After the bombardment, the remaining able-bodied men were sent to the Bridge Kingdom as laborers, forced to build the bridge that had already been under construction for seven hundred years.
Afterwards, the World Government announced to the public that it was the ruthless pirates and slavers who had destroyed the Kroasia Kingdom.
Monkey D. Dragon: This is what happened in the Kroasia Kingdom thirty years ago. Even today, there are survivors of the Kroasian event on Bridge Kingdom.
Sabo: Fujitora-san may have thought there were no survivors because he didn’t consider slaves. As for the boy in the fire, that’s where the two worlds differ.
Fujitora: Likely so. When I arrived at the harbor fire, there were no living people.
Nami: Such a truth is quite cruel.
Shiki: My dear navigator, do you really think the World Government is a righteous and benevolent organization?
Unable to pay Heavenly Tribute, do you think it’s just a name for non-affiliated countries?
World Government laws don’t apply to non-affiliated countries. Do you know what that means?
You might see many non-affiliated countries in the New World. Have you seen any non-affiliated countries in the Four Blues? Especially the East Blue.
Even the East Blue, where pirates are the weakest, has no non-affiliated countries. Do you know why?
Kroasia Kingdom is a perfect example.
The World Government has the right to send troops to non-affiliated countries.
Can pure so-called righteousness and kindness make those affiliated countries risk famine to pay exorbitant Heavenly Tribute?
Don't be ridiculous.
桀哈哈哈哈, This world, after all, is a place where strength dictates all rules.
Shiki’s words echoed in everyone’s minds.
But no one could refute him.
Sengoku and Garp still had some moral bottom line. They didn’t make any excuses for what happened to the Kroasia Kingdom.
As for the Five Elders, they could easily throw dirt at each other.
But it was useless.
Former Navy Admiral Zephyr was still there, and with this chat room, there were many things that simply couldn’t be hidden.
Amidst the silence of the crowd, the image continued.
【A young Fujitora carrying the boy away from the inferno】
【Thick, curtain-like clouds are gathering above the raging fire, and moments later, large raindrops fall】
【The downpour extinguishes the raging fire, revealing the gruesome scene underneath, like a living hell】
【Charred bodies litter the area, and huge craters are formed by the impact of the cannonballs】
【Fujitora stands on a slightly higher mound, looking at the scene before him with a mixture of grief and anger】
【Whether it’s rainwater or tears, it slides down his face】
【“The strong protect the weak, the World Government establishes order and protects the people. Why is the world in such a state?”】
【Fujitora mutters under his breath, as something inside his mind seems to shatter】
【After an unknown amount of time, even the heavy rain has stopped. Fujitora takes one last, deep look at the scene before him, then draws his cane-sword】
【The blade flashes, and blood drips directly from his face】
【“Being blind is a blessing in disguise. There are too many sights in this world that are unbearable to look at.”】
“This guy.”
Everyone who witnessed this scene couldn’t help but be startled.
Especially those who were strong.
Because of the special nature of the screen projection.
They could directly feel Fujitora’s immense increase in aura after he blinded himself.
Not to mention, his willpower, his Observation Haki, had undoubtedly reached a qualitative leap.
“This man.”
Even Roger couldn’t help but admire him.
Who would have the courage to blind their own precious eyes?
What’s even more valuable is that Fujitora seems to have blinded himself to escape.
In reality, it was more like a declaration.
By blinding himself, he constantly reminds himself of the darkness in this world.
Therefore, he didn’t become weaker, but stronger.
This is a real man, a real strong one. His willpower is too strong.
Honestly, if the system hadn’t already provided the answer, Roger would have thought this guy named Fujitora was the true leader of the Revolutionary Army.
【“I want to change this world.”】
【The boy saved by Fujitora seems to have recovered from the heavy blow, whispering softly】
【“I want to change this world.”】
【The boy’s voice gradually grows louder. The blood stains on his face have been washed away by the rain, as if he’s reborn】
【His features are resolute and bold, his gaze firm, not at all like a seven or eight-year-old child】
【“How do you plan to change this world?”】
【Fujitora asks in a low voice, two streaks of blood flowing from his eyes like tears】
【He didn’t expect the boy he rescued from the fire to have such a strong sense of purpose】
【“Revolution.”】
【The boy looks determined, frighteningly so: “Only revolution.”】
【“This world has become completely corrupt. We must completely break down the old system and create a new one. We’ll shatter this decaying world and use its pieces to create a new one.”】
【“A new world full of freedom and equality.”】
【Fujitora is a little surprised. He didn’t expect a seven or eight-year-old child to say such things.】
【He asks curiously: “My name is Izo. What’s your name?”】
【“From today on, I’m called Rowa, Acherate Rowa.”】
【Rowa’s voice is low】
【Acherate means a child covered in dust. He will never forget the day the Kroasia Kingdom was destroyed, nor will he ever forget the dust on his body】
【He is a child who has grown from the lowest layer of the earth】