The next morning.
At the port of Hachinosu Island, hundreds of nobles and commoners from the Kingdom of Koya crowded the harbor square, each filled with fear and unease.
Aside from the nobles, the hostages included soldiers, merchants, sailors, servants, and even slaves—all now reduced to mere bait.
Surrounding them were Pirates, watching the spectacle with amusement.
"Will that Koby really show up?"
"No way!"
"Gahaha, this is hilarious."
In the alleyways, Koby watched the Koyan people being used as hostages, his heart filled with frustration, yet powerless to do anything.
"Damn it!"
Alone, even escaping was an immense challenge.
Koby pulled out his Den Den Mushi, contacting headquarters to report the situation and request reinforcements. After waiting a full hour, he finally received a response.
"Major Koby, rescue the King of Koya at all costs!"
"What about the other hostages?"
"Headquarters' warships are already en route. Once they arrive, they will handle the remaining hostages. Your priority is the King's safety!"
"Understood!"
Click!
The Den Den Mushi disconnected.
Unaware of anything amiss, Koby took a deep breath and resolutely strode toward the harbor square. If exchanging himself for the hostages was possible, he was willing to sacrifice himself!
"The Marines are here!"
When Koby appeared in his Marine officer uniform, the Pirates were stunned. They hadn't expected the Marines to actually show up.
At the center of the square, the hostages were divided into two groups. Seeing the Marine officer who had tried to rescue them the day before, the hostages grew emotional.
In the left section, seven or eight Koyan nobles were bound together, one of them wearing a crown—the King of Koya.
"Koby, forget those lowlifes!"
"Our safety comes first!"
"Get us out of here now!"
The nobles, terrified, urged Koby with ugly expressions. As for the lives of the 500 hostages, they couldn't care less.
Koby was torn.
In his heart, he wanted to save the majority—the commoners—but his orders were clear: rescue the King.
Headquarters' reinforcements were on the way!
Koby reassured himself internally, then turned his gaze to Speed.
"I'm surprised you came."
Speed gave a slight nod of approval.
Sacrificing oneself for hostages—such character was indeed worthy of respect.
Her voice turned cold.
"Choose a side."
"..."
Koby hesitated for a few seconds before walking toward the commoners.
Under their hopeful gazes, Koby bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle. "I'm sorry... I can't save you right now. But headquarters' reinforcements will arrive soon. The Marines will get you out!"
After his apology, he turned toward the nobles.
Hope turned to disappointment, then despair.
Watching the nobles escape, the commoners' eyes grew numb. Deep down, they knew—people like them were never meant to be saved.
Speed's expression darkened slightly. She had thought this young Marine might be different, but it seemed she had overestimated him.
"Let him go."
"Yes, ma'am!"
To Koby's confusion, the Pirates didn't restrain him. Instead, they released him along with the nobles.
Koby couldn't understand.
"Why let me go?"
"That was Lord Gurd's order."
Speed shook her head and walked away.
Her mission was complete. The remaining 500 hostages would be sent to the North Sea, to be handled by the Hoenn Government.
Moments later, Fortuna Community.
"Lord Gurd, as per your orders, we have released Koby."
"Well done."
"Lord Gurd, I don't understand why we had to let that guy go?"
"You wouldn't understand."
Gurd waved his hand dismissively with a smile.
As for Koby and those hostages, he couldn't care less. This whole game was mainly to mess with the Marines.
Koby essentially had three choices.
First, don't rescue them.
This would damage the World Government's reputation, and Koby would gain a cowardly, death-fearing image, making it impossible for him to become the Navy's "hero" in the future.
Second, rescue the civilians.
This was the best option, as it would boost Koby's personal reputation. But given the World Government's nature, they would never allow it—they would undoubtedly order Koby to save the nobles instead.
Thus, upon returning, Koby would face punishment for disobeying orders, possibly even a court-martial.
Being punished despite doing the right thing would inevitably demoralize the Marines, especially someone like Garp.
Third, rescue the nobles.
Abandoning the majority of civilians to save a handful of nobles would be indefensible in the court of public opinion, and word getting out would also damage the Navy's morale.
Moreover, making this choice would likely earn Koby commendations upon his return—just like what happened to Smoker in Alabasta.
This was where things got interesting.
To break a person, you don't necessarily have to destroy their body—you can also shatter their beliefs and sense of justice.
Abandoning civilians yet receiving praise—what would other Marines think of such a twisted sense of justice?
No matter what Koby chose, it would negatively impact the Navy. That was precisely why they let him go.
They had to let the Navy witness Koby's efforts!
Hachinosu Island, southwestern waters.
The G-14 branch's warship rendezvoused with Koby's small boat, and the royal nobles were immediately escorted to the warship's cabin.
"Vice Admiral Dore!"
Koby faced Vice Admiral Dore, speaking urgently, "There are still 500 hostages! Senior Kujaku and the others have also been captured! We need to hurry and save them!"
"Koby, your mission is complete. Get some rest now—leave the rest to others."
Dore spoke softly, sighing inwardly.
"I don't need—"
Koby wanted to say he was fine, that he couldn't rest until the hostages were rescued, but then he noticed something.
The warship had changed course—it wasn't heading toward Hachinosu Island!
Koby froze.
"Vice Admiral Dore... aren't you here to rescue the hostages?"
"Koby, my orders were to escort the King of Koya Kingdom back to headquarters. The rest isn't our responsibility."
Dore shook her head. "Give it up, Koby. That's Hachinosu Island. The fact that you managed to save the nobles is already a miracle."
"You mean..."
Koby's face twisted in disbelief.
Did headquarters never intend to rescue the civilians in the first place?
Dore shook her head again, saying no more.
These were things she couldn't change.
Koby fell to his knees, clutching his head in near breakdown.
"I made them a promise! I could hear their voices—I know exactly how helpless and terrified they are!"
"And Senior Kujaku and Grus! And Helmeppo!"
"They're waiting for me too!"
It wasn't just the hostages.
His comrades had also been captured by Pirates. Their fates were unknown—if no one went to save them, how despairing would they feel?
"Pururu pururu~~"
The Den Den Mushi on the mast rang.
A call from headquarters!
"Kacha!"
"Major Koby, your performance in the rescue mission for King Koya was outstanding. The World Government has decided to award you a medal, and your rank will be promoted to Colonel!"
"I don't need any rewards!"
Koby rushed to the mast, snatched the Den Den Mushi and roared: "Send warships immediately! There are still 500 civilians waiting for us on Hachinosu Island, along with my comrades!"
"Colonel Koby, this is beyond your authority!"
"Kacha!"
The Den Den Mushi disconnected.
Clenching his teeth in utter despair, Koby walked alone toward the ship's railing.
"I'm going back!"
"Thud!"
A karate chop struck Koby's neck, knocking him unconscious.
"Take Koby to the infirmary."
Dore gave the order before walking alone to the ship's side. She threw her cigarette butt to the ground and stomped on it fiercely!
Furious!
She pulled out a letter from her chest.
The letter was signed by her direct superior from twenty years ago.
Vice Admiral Saul.
"I quit!"
(End of chapter)