Leaving behind a few select personnel in Alabasta to monitor Crocodile's movements and continue Princess Vivi's instruction, Krieg and his "Red Seagulls" departed. The ship was set on a course for Marineford to fulfill his official reporting duties.
Krieg was currently in the communications room of the Beatrice, taking a direct call.
"An inspection of... the Marine Dojo, sir?"
『Yes. I heard you were already en route to Marineford. As part of your "Four Seas Unification" initiative—specifically the "Standardization of Combat Power" you proposed—we have moved forward with the revival of the Marine Dojo on Asuka Island.
The reconstruction of the facility itself is complete, but it seems we've run into trouble with the local islanders. I want you to go there, assess the situation, and persuade the residents to cooperate.』
"Understood. Since I was the one who suggested it, it's only right that I see it through. What exactly is the nature of the trouble?"
『It's difficult to get a straight answer. The locals are rambling about a 'curse,' and it seems the memory of the previous Marines' tyranny before the Dojo fell into ruin still lingers in the minds of the elders.』
The Marine Dojo on Asuka Island was once a legendary training ground for Marine swordsmen.
However, as the pirate population surged, the curriculum couldn't keep pace, and the facility eventually devolved into a hangout for delinquent Marines.
Considering the lack of discipline, the Fleet Admiral at the time had ordered its closure.
Krieg had proposed its revival to ensure that Marine recruits from all seas had access to high-level martial arts training. Now, the buildings were standing once more.
"I see. Then I shall head for Asuka Island immediately. We don't have an Eternal Pose, so it might take some time—"
『No need to worry about that. We've already dispatched an Eternal Pose to your current coordinates. I'm counting on you.』
With that, Fleet Admiral Sengoku ended the transmission.
"Asuka Island, huh... It sounds very Japanese, and I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before...?"
Krieg left the comms room and returned to his private quarters, heading straight for the bookshelf. Since Robin had spent time on this ship, his collection of literature was extensive.
He searched for the right volume, sat at his desk, and began flipping through the pages.
"Asuka Island... Asuka Island... Here it is. Let's see: 'Known for its mild climate, beautiful seas, and sandy beaches, it is a famous tourist destination.\
It once housed a Marine Dojo and was known as a holy land for Marine swordsmen. Unfortunately, the facility is currently closed, leaving only aged buildings.
While many residents cater to tourists, some villages remain insular and avoid outsiders. This is thought to be linked to the ancient local legend of the Seven-Starred Sword.'"
"That's a sparse description! But 'Seven-Starred Sword'... I've definitely heard that, and quite a while ago at that."
He racked his brain for a few minutes before the memory finally clicked. Wait, that was a movie, wasn't it?
If he recalled correctly, the plot involved Zoro siding with an old friend against the crew. That old friend was the boss, and the weapon he wielded was called the Seven-Starred Sword.
Hmm. Better secure that sword myself before any unnecessary incidents occur. They talk about a 'curse,' but if it's something non-scientific, I can just have the Tech or Science Division analyze it.
Decision made, he headed to the bridge to briefly inform his officers of the additional mission and the change of course. Then, back in his room, he began jotting down everything he could remember from his past life's knowledge.
"Let's see... Zoro's childhood friend, a heroine-like girl, and her grandmother? Was it her grandmother? The friend was the boss, and he had a few subordinates..."
He pressed a hand to his forehead, scribbling down the fragments of the movie plot.
"Still, this is years before the events of the movie would take place. There shouldn't be an active 'enemy' just yet."
First priority: the revival of the Marine Dojo. The Seven-Starred Sword could wait until he had the lay of the land.
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