The news about the huge explosion on 29GR, which killed hundreds of innocent people, quickly spread throughout the island, leaving those who heard it sighing.
Of course, it's just a sigh.
This kind of thing was done by the Celestial Dragons, so what can they do even if they are angry
And for this incident.
Those illegal businessmen in the illegal areas who were disciplined because of Coles also smelled a chance to vent their anger.
They want to discredit the major general.
The next day, I don't know who started to spread and guide the rumors about the meaning of the garrison major general representative, which gradually turned towards slander.
"Have you heard that Charlotte Coles was at the scene of the explosion yesterday? Facing hundreds of innocent people who died tragically, he showed no sadness at all. He is simply cold-hearted and does not deserve the name of justice at all!"
"That's impossible. Major General Coles wiped out all the pirates on the island as soon as he took office. At the same time, he made it almost impossible for those vicious pirates to enter the island, protecting our peaceful life. How can you say he is unjust?"
“Haha, everyone better not be blinded, Charlotte Coles took over to eliminate pirates, do you think he is protecting us
No, he was just putting on a show for the navy high-ranking officials. He cleared out the pirates just for military merit and to get promoted. Look, the lawless zone is still in chaos now."
"What does this have to do with Major General Coles? I still believe he is just."
"He had no sympathy for innocent civilians like us who died. He was in league with the Celestial Dragons. Do you still dare to say that he was righteous?"
"I agree. I knew that this young major general would be this kind of person. The navy are all dogs raised by the Celestial Dragons. How could they help us civilians to get justice?"
"I used to think it was an honor to have this 19-year-old young major general on the island, but I didn't expect that Charlotte Coles is such a person! Bah!"
…
Public opinion is always the easiest to control.
What's more, Coles had only been in the Chabaotier Archipelago for a short time, and most people did not have a deep understanding of it. So they gradually began to believe it as they followed the crowd.
In just three days, the people of the Chabaoti Archipelago, who had originally praised Coles, began to think negatively of him.
If Coles was a legendary naval figure like Vice Admiral Karp for forty or fifty years, the public would still believe in him and would not be influenced by such public opinion.
But Coles was just a rising star who had been in the Navy for only about two and a half years.
It can be said that he does not have a strong reputation among the people in the navy.
Therefore, with the secret promotion of people with ulterior motives, the direction of public opinion has rapidly developed into what it is today.
Naval station, office of the highest commander.
After listening to Matthew's work report today, Coles let him leave.
Matthew thought about the rumors he heard outside today and hesitated to leave.
As the brigadier general of this naval base, Matthew has to report to Coles, so he knows the major general better than outsiders.
Although they had only been together for three months, Matthew knew that Major General Coles was a very good sailor and most of the rumors outside were slander.
But under the premise of the Celestial Dragons, any explanation they have seems powerless.
Coles asked Matthew, "Why, do you have anything else to report?"
Matthew looked into Coles' clear blue eyes and had something he wanted to say, but in the end he didn't say it.
"Coles, I... I'm leaving first."
"Um."
After Commodore Matthew left.
Coles rested his chin on the chair with his left hand, took out a Bailey's coin with his right hand, and threw it into the air.
The coin fell and was caught again.
Then, it was thrown, caught, and thrown again...
For a moment, only the clear sound of metallic humming echoed in the office.
Inside the base, the sailors were carrying out their respective tasks in a depressing atmosphere.
Outlaw Zone, 13th GR.
In that somewhat old pub.
The bar owner Xia Qi, wearing a black vest, was standing behind the counter, smoking a cigarette in one hand and placing her other hand casually.
Because there were no pirates during this period, and the proprietress was extorting money, there were basically no customers in this tavern.
At this time, in the seats of the tavern.
There was only a white-haired old man leaning against the counter, drinking alone.
The elderly man had long curly hair, a beard on his chin, wore glasses, and had a straight scar across his right eye.
It's Pluto.
Silverbaz Reilly!
Xia Qi put her left hand around her waist, held a thin cigarette in her right hand, and slowly exhaled a puff of white smoke.
"Now that the island has been messed up by the dragon people, it's starting to get a bit chaotic again. That young Major General Coles' reputation is getting worse and worse. Do you think he will do something?"
Rayleigh took a sip of the liquor in his hand, and a smile appeared on his old face.
“I’ve seen that young man from afar at the shipyard before, and he’s really quite good.
I think he will not remain indifferent, at least he will do something, but I can’t guess what he will do specifically.”
…
bite!
After the coin is caught.
Coles did not throw it up again.
Because he had already repeatedly rehearsed the detailed plan to kill the Celestial Dragons in his mind, there would basically be no problems.
However, although the plan is meticulous, it does not mean that there will be no failure.
In order to prevent unexpected situations, Coles must leave a way out for his family.
Bolulubolulu!
Coles took out the Shadow Den Den Mushi and started dialing.
He only summoned five Shadow Den Den Mushi, one for himself, one for Nico Robin, one at his home in Rogue Town, and one for Major Kahn.
As for the last one...
Marinford.
In a room.
A burly old man with short purple hair and sunglasses on his face was sitting in a chair reading a newspaper.
This old man is naturally the former navy admiral and former chief instructor of the military academy, Zefa.
now.
He has resigned from his position as chief instructor and is now just a sinecure in the navy.
After the Shadow Den Den Mushi's voice sounded, Zefa picked up the phone: "Coles, is there something important?"
When he left the military academy, Coles gave him this Shadow Den Den Mushi, saying that this Den Den Mushi could be used for important communications.
This was the first time Coles called today, so Zefa asked this question first.
Zefa is very satisfied with his student Charlotte Coles.
Because these were the most outstanding students he had taught during his last class.
Coles said in a serious tone: "Teacher Zefa, is it convenient for you to talk? I want to talk to you alone about something very important."
There was no one in the room where Zefa was now, including the surroundings, so he spoke directly.
"I'm the only one here. If you have anything important to say, just tell me directly."
After getting the exact answer from Teacher Zefa.
Coles's Observation Haki also sensed the surroundings of the naval base. After making sure there were no eavesdroppers or other personnel nearby, he asked the Shadow Den Den Mushi to send a fax.
"What do you think about this Celestial Dragon incident in the Sabaody Archipelago, Mr. Zephyr?"
With special parts, Den Den Mushi can be used to send faxes.
Zephyr's Shadow Den Den Mushi has this ability after it is summoned, so sending a fax is also feasible.
Kakaka!
After Shadow Den Den Mushi sent out a fax with a dark background, Zephyr picked it up as well.
On the fax, you can see a photo of the charred ruins after the explosion.
Similarly, Zefa can also see the detailed records above.
Celestial Dragons, violent explosion!
176 people, no one survived!
Zefa looked at the bloody number and his mind was shocked beyond calmness.
Zefa asked solemnly: "When did this happen?"
"Three nights ago."
Hearing Coles' answer, Zefa couldn't help but feel extremely angry. He clenched his only remaining left fist, wanting to vent his anger.
But facing the Celestial Dragons.
Not to mention that he no longer has a position, even if he is a former admiral of the navy, he is powerless to stop the evil deeds of the Celestial Dragons.
After a long time, Zefa put down the fax, and his heartfelt sigh was transmitted to Coles' ears through the Shadow Den Den Mushi.
"I'm very heartbroken and very sorry!"
He was also powerless when it came to dealing with the Celestial Dragons. Even if he reported the matter to the higher authorities, the Celestial Dragons would not be punished.
Coles didn't count on this either. He just asked, "Teacher Zefa, what do you think the purpose of being a marine is? To be loyal to the World Government and protect the Celestial Dragons? But are such Celestial Dragons worth protecting?"
“It’s not worth it.”
The shadow Den Den Mushi on the table imitated Zephyr's expression and tone, lowered his head slightly, and then sighed and shook his head: "But, there is nothing I can do!"
In this world, the "Five Elder Stars", the highest-ranking Celestial Dragons, are the rulers of the World Government.
Under the orders of the other party, the people of the world can only choose to obey.
Coles looked solemn and said in a deep voice.
"The celestial dragon who caused all these tragedies is called 'Carlos'. He is a little different from other celestial dragons. He likes praise, explosions, and playing with the lives of civilians as drama.
He now has a high explosive called 'Dynamic Rock' in his hands. With the power that no one can stop him, his 'drama' will take the lives of countless people.
If you hear him use explosives made of 'power rock' to kill innocent people again, how will you feel in your heart? "
Zefa knew that what Coles said was not a random mistake, it would actually happen.
He closed his eyes, his tall figure leaning back in the chair, seeming to have aged a little.
Zefa felt his own heart and answered sincerely but very slowly.
"My heart is broken!"
…