MARINES - A ONE PIECE story (ENGLISH) - Part I

CHAPTER CXVI - What is left

Jorge recognized the chirping of the seagulls as soon as he heard it. He had already been dozing on the deck of the Ziz for a few hours. Now that they lived stalked and hidden, the watch were much scarier. Sometimes, as he was drifting off to sleep, the memory of the Leviathan would come back to him and he would get up in panic, convinced that he had heard the monster's scream. He was not the only one to be traumatized : Haru and Jun were even more attentive during their watch, but they were still terrified by the mere idea of seeing the admiral appear in the sky.

As soon as he saw the white-feathered birds in the rising sun, he waved to get their attention. He had not seen them for several days and Haru had been worried : "What should we do if the birds show up ? On one hand, we can't do without the newspaper, it's our only way of knowing what's going on. But at the same time... They will know our position. Imagine if they told the Government !". But Jane had reassured her as much as possible : the pirates, too, were buying it to get the news. But she and her crew had never been caught. The management of the World Economy Newspaper was neutral, independent, and not accountable to any authority.

That morning, when he bought the day's paper for a penny, Jorge didn't dare open it. He walked as fast as he could with his hurt leg to the kitchen where Arthur, Haru and Jun were already having breakfast. Feverishly, he handed it to them, and they all exchanged an anxious look.

Arthur went to wake up Jane, who was sleeping with drool on her lips, lying on a sofa, and Zell, who was still struggling to walk. Covered in bandages from head to toes, a plaster across his face, he looked like a real mess. His captain helped him to sit up and to take a sip of fresh water. The dedication his friend had shown was more than admirable. He was extremely proud and moved to have Zell at his side. The debt he owed him was eternal.

- Are you alright, buddy ? he asked, tapping him on the shoulder, trying to hide the emotion in his broken voice.

- An eye ? An arm ? Small sacrifices when I see you alive before me, mate !

They glanced at each other, full of gratitude and respect, the atmosphere filled with emotion. Jane could see the tender smile on the lips of Haru, Jorge and Jun. As she thought about her crew, she found herself envying them.

As they were all gathered in the captain's room, Arthur opened the newspaper. He glanced at the pages, his hands shaking feverishly. The others, waiting for the verdict, could not hide their anxiety.

- So ? asked Jun after a few seconds.

Arthur took a deep breath.

- For the moment, we're not officially looked after. The Government is accusing us of high treason and the murder of St. Ratcliffe. Apparently, drastic measures will be taken in the next few weeks, he read aloud.

- What ?! exclaimed Jorge. The murder of the Celestial Dragon ? For fuck's sake ! I haven't even met the guy !

- It's obviously one of Edward's tricks. That bastard seems determined to put a target on our backs.

There was a slight silence, during which they all brooded over their hatred of the admiral.

- And... For me ? Jane whispered, almost timidly.

- Of course, you've been stripped of your Warlord status. But also of all your titles and privileges, and your bounty is not frozen anymore. It looks like you're back to being an ordinary pirate again...

Arthur gave her a look of empathy.

- I'm sorry... I know those privileges were important to you.

Jane shrugged and walked over the window to look out at the blue sea.