I Will Become Hokage in One Piece - Chapter 230

Chapter 230: I’m a Fool

“Oh my, it seems like the folks who once abandoned their captain have all come!” Rodney squinted his eyes, standing on the ceiling, wearing a mocking smile.

Naequin hurriedly checked on Sebastian’s condition. Being a mixed-blood fishman and giant, his defense against flames was not very strong. Many parts of his body were burned, and Rodney’s flames had spread to the surroundings, causing the ship to catch fire.

Amidst the raging flames, Valde struggled to his feet. He shook his head and frowned at the remaining few. “What are you still doing here? Go quickly!”

The events of thirty years ago were still fresh in his memory, something he couldn’t easily forget. Were they not companions? Why did they abandon him? Weren’t they like brothers? He had protected them all this time, so why did they leave him with strangers?

Thirty years of isolation had frozen Valde’s heart, making reconciliation impossible. Even if Benjamin wanted to explain, it wouldn’t change anything. Their relationship could never return to what it once was.

The others hesitated, not knowing what to say. Benjamin approached Valde and said, “Valde, we came to rescue you. Let’s retreat!”

Valde burst into laughter, his pride as a strongman still intact even though he was heavily injured. “Hahaha, why would I retreat? I haven’t been to Marinfando yet. I won’t let that place remain intact! I will never retreat! The burning rage in my heart cannot be extinguished!”

He stared at Rodney as if he were a ferocious beast ready to pounce. “Kid, no, Rodney, you’re strong! But before you kill me, I won’t submit so easily! Mo Mo, fiftyfold speed!”

Whoosh!

He disappeared in an instant. Rodney had prepared for an attack but was taken aback when he saw that there was no attack. Suddenly, a hole appeared in the wall. Rodney realized what was happening and followed through the hole.

Valde, despite his severe injuries, hoisted the heavy cannon on the Goloseadi and shouted, “Even in death, I won’t let the Marines underestimate me! Mo Mo, one hundredfold cannon!”

Speaking swiftly, a specially made cannonball was launched. Rodney cursed, “You madman!”

The cannonball flew into the sky, expanding a hundredfold in size and speed. Rodney couldn’t catch up. He drew his sword, Autumn Water, and swung it at Valde’s head.

Splat!

Valde’s massive head flew into the air, blood splattering. Valde was dead. The gigantic cannon barrel crashed down and was sliced into pieces by Rodney’s sword. Meanwhile, the cannonball, now restored to its original size and speed due to Valde’s death, continued on its trajectory.

This time, Rodney could catch up. Ignoring the ship, he flew after it. In the end, he managed to slice the cannonball with Autumn Water. Even though it hadn’t expanded a hundredfold, its power was not to be underestimated.

Standing on the water’s surface, he looked back at the now distant Goloseadi.

He transformed into his Logia form and fired a Bijuudama.

Boom!

A mushroom cloud rose in the distance. The fate of the remaining people, whether they lived or died, was beyond his control. Wait, what did he forget?

What was it?

Rodney: “…”

Suddenly, he remembered that Valde’s body was still on the ship!

His 500 million Berries!

Madness, a night of hard work, and nothing to show for it!

(?? ???`?)?????

Nothing at all!!

He really wanted to slap himself, but upon reflection, he decided to spare himself. Well, if he slapped himself, it would hurt himself.

Back on the island where Luffy and Rayleigh were training, Rodney looked pale. Rayleigh asked in puzzlement, “What’s wrong with you?”

“I turned Valde and his ship into ashes.”

“And then?”

“I lost my Berries! 500 million Berries! Even if I sell weapons, it would take some time!”

Rodney exclaimed, “I’m such a fool, really! I can’t believe I used a Bijuudama to blow up that ship and forgot that Valde’s body was still on it!”

He felt like he should have four big words written on his forehead: “I’m a fool!”

“Hahaha, you care more about money than your own injuries. That’s really your style, Rodney,” Rayleigh said with a hearty laugh. This was the Rodney he knew, valuing money above all else.

“How are Luffy and the others?”

“They’re fine. They got some injuries, but Hancock is on her way here. Marguerite and Sandersonia only suffered minor injuries,” Rayleigh said. He had treated Luffy’s injuries, while the Kuja warriors had looked after the two sisters.

“How have you been in the New World?” Rayleigh asked.

Rodney replied, “It’s been the same. Doing some small business. Thanks to Admiral Kuzan giving me some face, I’ve gained some fame. Not many dare to come after me.”

His “victory” over Kuzan had sent shockwaves through those who had been eyeing Availenton. Now, unless it was someone from the Four Emperors’ crew, most people wouldn’t dare to mess with him.

“I see. It looks like you’re doing well in the New World. Are you interested in the position of Pirate King?”

“Pirate King? The freest person on the sea?” Rodney smiled. “Freedom is not something you obtain through a position. It’s not absolute; it’s relative. I believe that true freedom is being within a reasonable set of laws, not violating others’ rights, and being able to exercise your own rights. The world government has forgotten its original purpose. It’s become corrupt and is like a toy for the Celestial Dragons. Everything has lost its taste. This decaying colossal organization has no reason to exist anymore.”

He made his point softly. “Being the Pirate King is just a title. Anyone can become a Pirate King. Why do they all want to go to Raftel? Because Gol D. Roger accomplished something that no one had in eight centuries. Those who came after him merely imitated him. To me, that position is not as attractive as a single Berri.”

Listening to his words, Rayleigh chuckled. “You’re quite something, Rodney. Many people dream of that position on the sea, but you don’t even think it’s worth mentioning. But that’s you, Rodney. Just be yourself. Why try to be like Roger? True freedom isn’t something a position can bring. Roger started an era with his life, allowing these young people to pursue their dreams.”

Roger had ushered in a new era, and Whitebeard had accelerated its progress. What would happen in this turbulent era?

What would this young man with a strong sense of justice do?

“I will end the era of the Pirate King,” Rodney said softly. “True freedom isn’t a reason to persecute others!”

Yes, persecuting others for one’s own freedom went against Roger’s ideals. They were on the wrong path.

(End of this chapter)

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