I, Kizaru, only came to the chat group after I became invincible

Chapter 447 The True Will of the People

Meanwhile, at the Blackwood family estate, old Blackwood awaited news. When he heard his subordinate's report, his face turned ashen.

"What? The Sea Kings were repelled?" he roared furiously. "Those damned pirates not only survived, but they're heroes now?"

“Yes, sir,” the subordinate replied tremblingly. “Now all the people are praising them.”

"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" Old Blackwood slammed his fist on the table. "I won't allow this to happen! A pirate is a pirate, he can't become a hero!"

"So what should we do next?" the subordinate asked cautiously.

Old Blackwood pondered for a long time with a somber expression, then said, "Keep monitoring them. There will always be an opportunity. And I have other methods."

"Other methods?"

“Tomorrow is the Kingdom Council's voting day.” A sinister glint flashed in old Blackwood's eyes. “Even if the people support them, the councilors will not defy my will.”

You mean...

“I want all the members of parliament to understand the consequences of supporting pirates,” Old Blackwood sneered. “Politics isn’t decided by public opinion, it’s decided by power!”

Night fell, and Crystal Harbor returned to tranquility. But everyone knew that tomorrow's council vote would determine the Straw Hat Pirates' fate. Today's heroic performance had won the hearts of the people, but the real test had only just begun.

At Valentine Manor, the Straw Hat Pirates were discussing the day's events.

“That control device definitely didn’t appear by chance,” Robin analyzed. “Someone deliberately controlled the Sea Kings to attack the port.”

"Who could it be?" Chopper asked, puzzled.

"Is there even a need to ask?" Sauron sneered. "Who else but the Blackwood family would do such a thing?"

“But we have no evidence,” Nami cautioned. “We can’t make accusations lightly.”

“No matter who it is,” Luffy said firmly. “What we did today was right! We protected innocent people!”

“That’s right.” Borsalino nodded. “And today’s performance should help more people understand us.”

"I hope the vote will go well tomorrow," Sanji prayed.

"It'll definitely end well!" Luffy said optimistically. "Because we're on the side of justice!"

The following morning, a tense atmosphere permeated Crystal Harbor. Today was the day the Kingdom Council voted, which would determine the fate of the Straw Hat Pirates. The streets were filled with people discussing the matter, all focused on this crucial vote.

"I heard the vote will be held publicly in the square today," a businessman said to his friend. "The public can participate too."

"Really? That's wonderful!" my friend replied excitedly. "I definitely have to go and support the heroes who saved us!"

The central square of Crystal Harbor has been rearranged, and a huge temporary council chamber has been set up. In accordance with the kingdom's tradition, votes on important public matters can be held in public, allowing the people to witness the democratic process.

At nine o'clock in the morning, the Straw Hat Pirates, accompanied by the Valentine family, arrived at the plaza. Upon their appearance, the thousands of people gathered there immediately erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

"The heroes have arrived!"

"Thank you for saving us!"

"We support you!"

"Straw Hat Luffy! Zoro!"

The crowd waved their arms and chanted the names of the Straw Hat Pirates. Yesterday's sea monster incident had completely changed their views; now everyone regarded the Straw Hat Pirates as true heroes.

"Wow, there are so many people." Luffy looked at the densely packed crowd, a little embarrassed. "I didn't expect so many people to support us."

“This is the heart and soul you’ve won through your actions,” Thomas said proudly. “Yesterday’s performance showed everyone your true character.”

“But the key lies in the attitude of the noble councilors,” Eileen said with some concern. “The Blackwood family wields considerable influence, and many councilors could be swayed by them.”

Borsalino looked around and noticed a large number of royal guards deployed around the square. Clearly, the authorities were taking today's vote very seriously and were worried about potential unrest.

“Whatever the outcome, we must remain calm,” he said slowly to his companions. “We can't give the other side any leverage.”

“That’s right.” Robin nodded in agreement. “Everything we do today will be closely watched.”

On the platform of the temporary council chamber, the kingdom's important officials took their seats one after another. His Majesty the King sat on the central throne, flanked by ministers from various departments and noble members of parliament.

Vice Admiral Bronson was also seated in the VIP section, representing the Navy to observe the vote. His expression was serious, clearly indicating his displeasure with this "protection of pirates."

"Fellow citizens, fellow members of parliament," the Kingdom's Prime Minister announced, rising to his feet. "Today we will vote on the fate of the Straw Hat Pirates. This concerns the sovereignty and dignity of our Kingdom, so please consider it carefully."

The parliamentary chamber fell silent, and everyone held their breath, waiting for the vote to begin.

"Based on the Valentine family's proposal," the Prime Minister continued, "we must decide whether to exercise the Kingdom's judicial autonomy, refuse to extradite the Straw Hat Pirates to the World Government, and allow them to leave freely."

"Before the formal vote, all parties may express their opinions," the Prime Minister announced. "First, let's hear from President Valentine, the proposer."

Alex Valentine stood up and walked to the podium. He took a deep breath and began his passionate speech.

“Your Majesty, fellow members of parliament, dear compatriots,” Alex’s voice resounded throughout the square. “Today we face not only a political decision, but also a moral choice.”

"The Straw Hat Pirates are indeed pirates, we don't deny that. However, their actions completely overturn our traditional understanding of pirates."

"They apprehended criminals who threatened our safety, protected innocent merchants, and yesterday risked their lives to repel a giant sea monster, saving the lives of hundreds of people!"

Alex's words resonated strongly with the crowd, and thunderous applause filled the square.

"Can we still simply call these people 'pirates'?" Alex continued. "If even the people who saved our lives are to be handed over as criminals, where is our conscience? Where is our justice?"

“More importantly, this is an opportunity to demonstrate the independence and sovereignty of our kingdom!” Alex raised his voice. “We have the right to decide how to enforce the law on our own land, and we should not be swayed by external forces!”

Alex's speech won enthusiastic support from the crowd, but the reaction from the nobles was lukewarm. Speaker Blackwood, in particular, had a somber expression.

"Now, let the opposition speak," the Prime Minister announced.

Old Blackwood slowly rose to his feet; though advanced in years, his presence was still commanding. As he walked toward the podium, the entire square fell silent.

“My fellow countrymen,” Blackwood’s voice was hoarse but strong. “I understand your gratitude, but we must not be misled by appearances.”

"A pirate is a pirate!" His voice suddenly became impassioned. "No matter what good deeds they do, it doesn't change their nature!"

“Twenty years ago, my son William was killed by pirates who supposedly didn’t seem like bad guys!” Blackwood recalled painfully. “Those pirates initially acted friendly, but eventually they showed their true colors!”

Hearing these words, the atmosphere in the square became somewhat heavy. Many people recalled the pain and destruction that pirates had brought to the world.

“Furthermore, if we harbor pirates, we are challenging the authority of the World Government!” Blackwood continued. “This would put our kingdom in grave danger!”

"We cannot risk the safety of the entire kingdom for a moment's emotion!" His words were resounding.

Blackwood's speech, while failing to win over the public, did make some people hesitate. His pirate identity was indeed an unavoidable issue.

"Voting will now begin," the Prime Minister announced. "First, the public vote. Please raise your hands if you support protecting the Straw Hat Pirates."

Instantly, almost all of the thousands of people in the square raised their hands. The densely packed arms formed a spectacular sight in the sunlight. "Wow! So many people!" Luffy exclaimed in awe at the scene.

“Almost all the people support us.” Nami was moved to tears.

"Those who object, please raise your hands," the Prime Minister continued.

Only a handful of people raised their hands, and they did so furtively, clearly worried about being criticized by those around them.

"The results of the public vote: 3247 votes in favor and 52 votes against." A deafening roar of cheers erupted in the square as the Prime Minister announced the results.

"We won!"

"The heroes are saved!"

"Justice has been served!"

The crowd embraced and celebrated excitedly, as if they had already achieved final victory. But the Prime Minister's next words silenced everyone.

"According to the Kingdom's Constitution, the Noble Council possesses veto power over major matters concerning diplomacy and security." The Prime Minister's voice echoed across the square. "Now, please, Noble Councilors, vote."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over the heads of the people. It turned out that the people's vote could not ultimately determine the outcome; the nobles held the real power of decision.

"What? We need a vote by the nobles too?"

Why don't our opinions count?

"This is not fair!"

The public began to become restless and expressed strong dissatisfaction with the system.

In the noble seats, the twelve members of parliament began to vote. The first few members, clearly influenced by the Blackwood family, all cast their votes against the proposal.

"Member Blackwood objects."

“Congressman Harrison objects.”

“Congressman Winston objects.”

"Congressman Martin objects."

As each dissenting vote appeared, public sentiment grew increasingly agitated.

"These nobles don't care about our opinions at all!"

"They only care about protecting their own interests!"

"Why should the opinions of a few nobles be more important than the opinions of thousands of common people?"

However, some lawmakers chose to support it.

“Congressman Calvin, I support this.”

“Congressman Johnson, I agree.”

“Congressman Williams, I agree.”

The vote was tense, with every vote affecting everyone's hearts. When the vote ended, the result was 7 votes against and 5 votes in favor.

"The results of the council's vote: 7 votes against, 5 votes in favor," the Prime Minister announced. "According to the Kingdom's constitution, the Straw Hat Pirates will be extradited to the World Government."

This result was like a bolt from the blue, enraging all those who supported the Straw Hat Pirates.

"That's not fair!"

"What kind of ridiculous system is this!"

"We do not accept this result!"

The crowd began to protest fiercely, and the entire square descended into chaos.

"More than 3000 votes were rejected by 7!"

"Why are nobles superior to us?"

"We demand a revote!"

Seeing the public's anger, Vice Admiral Bronson immediately ordered: "All soldiers, prepare to move in and arrest the Straw Hat Pirates!"

A large number of Kingdom Guards began moving toward the Straw Hat Pirates' location, preparing to carry out the arrest order.

But at that moment, the angry crowd did something that shocked everyone. They stood up in unison, forming a human wall to protect the Straw Hat Pirates in the middle.

"Don't arrest them!" an old fisherman shouted.

“They are our saviors!” A mother stood in front, holding her child.

"If you want to catch them, you'll have to get over us first!" The young merchants formed the outer defensive line.

Thousands of people spontaneously formed a multi-layered protective circle, firmly protecting the Straw Hat Pirates at the center. Faced with this scene, even the kingdom's guards hesitated.

“These are our people,” a young soldier whispered. “Are we really going to attack them?”

"An order is an order!" the officer said sternly. "Disperse the civilians and arrest the pirates!"

But the soldiers couldn't bring themselves to strike those resolute faces. Among these people were their neighbors, friends, and even relatives.

"Listen to me, everyone!" Luffy suddenly stepped forward. Although he was protected by the crowd, his voice still echoed throughout the entire square.

"Thank you everyone for protecting us!" Luffy said sincerely. "But we don't want to drag you down with us!"

"It's not a consequence!" the people answered in unison. "This is our own choice!"

"You saved us, now it's our turn to protect you!" the rescued old fisherman said excitedly.

"We will not let anyone hurt you!" More voices rang out.

Seeing this scene, the Straw Hat Pirates were deeply moved.

"I never expected so many people to be willing to protect us," Nami said, tears welling in her eyes.

“This is the true will of the people,” Robin remarked with emotion.

“What should we do?” Chopper asked worriedly. “We can’t let anyone get hurt because of us.”

Borsalino observed his surroundings and then made a decision.

“We’ll leave here,” he said slowly. “But not by surrendering, but by having the people escort us to the port.”

(End of this chapter)