One Piece: Groudon the Beasts

Chapter 290 The Collapse of Koby

The next day, in the morning.

At the port of Beehive Island, hundreds of nobles and commoners from the Kingdom of Koya crowded into the port square, each one filled with apprehension.

Aside from the nobles, the other hostages included kingdom soldiers, merchants, sailors, servants, and slaves, all of whom were now used as bait.

The area was full of pirates watching the spectacle.

Will Koby show up?

"impossible!"

"Giggle, that's really interesting."

Inside the alley, Koby looked at the Koya people being held hostage, his heart filled with resentment, but there was nothing he could do.

"hateful!"

It would be incredibly difficult for him to escape on his own.

Koby took out a Den Den Mushi, contacted headquarters to explain the situation and request support, and waited a full hour before receiving a response.

"Major Koby, rescue the King of the Kingdom of Koya at all costs!"

"What about the other hostages?"

"Our warships have already set sail and will rescue the other hostages upon arrival. Your current mission is to prioritize the King's safety!"

"understand!"

"Kacha!"

The Den Den Mushi (transponder) was interrupted.

Koby didn't realize anything was wrong. He took a few deep breaths and resolutely walked towards the port square. He was willing to sacrifice himself if he could exchange himself for the hostages!
"The navy has appeared!"

When Coby appeared in his naval officer's uniform, the pirates were taken aback, not expecting the navy to actually show up.

In the center of the square.

The hostages were divided into two groups, and they were overjoyed to see the naval officers who had rescued them the day before.

On the left, seven or eight nobles of the Kingdom of Koya are tied together, one of whom is wearing a crown and is the king of the Kingdom of Koya.

"Koby, ignore those lowly people!"

"Our safety is the most important thing!"

"Get us out of here!"

The nobles were terrified, and they urged Koby on with their hideous faces, not caring about the lives of the 500 hostages.

Koby is caught in a dilemma.

Deep down, he wanted to rescue the majority of civilians, but his superiors had assigned him the task of rescuing the king.

Support from headquarters is on its way!
Koby reassured himself and looked at Speed.

I'm surprised you showed up.

Speed nodded slightly in approval.

The character of someone who would give their own life to exchange for hostages is truly worthy of respect.

Speed spoke in a cold voice.

Choose one.

"."

Koby remained silent for a few seconds before walking toward the civilians.

Amidst the surprised and delighted gazes of the civilians, Coby bowed deeply and apologized, "I'm sorry, I can't save you right now, but reinforcements from headquarters will arrive soon, and the Navy will definitely rescue you!"

After apologizing, Koby walked toward the nobleman.

Hope turned into disappointment, even despair.

As the nobles fled, the commoners' gazes gradually grew numb; they understood that people like them could not be saved.

Speed's gaze held a hint of disappointment; she had expected the young marine to be different, but she had been overthinking it.

"Let him go."

"Yes!"

Despite Coby's puzzled look, the pirates did not imprison him, but instead let him leave with the nobleman.

Koby couldn't understand.

Why did you let me go?

"This is Lord Goode's order."

Speed shook his head and turned to leave.

Her mission is complete. The other 500 hostages will be sent to Hoenn, where the Hoenn government will make arrangements.

Moments later, in Fengyuan Community.

"Lord Goode, as per your orders, we have released Koby."

"Thanks for your hard work."

"Lord Goode, I don't understand why we released that guy?"

"You do not understand."

Goode smiled and waved his hand.

He didn't care about Coby or the hostages at all; he was just playing around to annoy the Navy. Coby had only three choices.

First, do not save them.

This would damage the World Government's reputation, and Coby would be branded as a coward, making it impossible for him to become a Navy "hero" in the future.

Second, save civilians.

This would be the best option, as it would enhance Coby's personal reputation, but given the World Government's nature, they would never do it; they would definitely order Coby to rescue the nobles.

Therefore, Koby will face punishment for disobeying orders upon his return, and may even face a military court-martial.

Being punished for doing something good will inevitably affect the marines' morale, especially Garp.

Third, to rescue the nobility.

Abandoning the majority of commoners to save a minority of nobles would be untenable in public opinion, and if word got out, it would also affect the morale of the navy.

Moreover, by making this choice, Koby will most likely be rewarded when he returns, just like Smoker's experience in Alabasta.

This is very subtle.

To strike at a person, you don't necessarily have to kill their body; you can also destroy their beliefs and sense of justice.

Abandoning civilians but receiving commendation—what would other marines think of such a distorted view of justice?
In short, no matter what Coby chooses, it will have a negative impact on the Navy, which is why he was released.

We need to let the Navy see Koby's efforts!
Beehive Island, in the southwestern sea area.

The G-14 branch's warship met up with Koby's small boat, and the royal nobles were immediately taken to the warship's cabin.

"Lieutenant General Dor!"

Koby said anxiously to Lieutenant General Dol, "There are still 500 hostages. Senior Peacock and the others have also been captured. We need to hurry over there to rescue them!"

"Koby, your mission is complete. Now you can rest well and don't worry about anything else."

Dor spoke softly, sighing inwardly.

"I don't need to take a break—"

Koby wanted to tell himself he was fine, but he couldn't rest easy until he rescued the hostages. Then he suddenly realized something.

The warship changed course and did not head towards Beehive Island!
Koby was stunned.

"Lieutenant General Dol, aren't you here to rescue the hostages?"

"Kobby, my mission is to escort the King of the Kingdom of Koya back to headquarters. Other matters are not our responsibility."

Dol shook his head: "Give up, Coby. That's Beehive Island. It's already a miracle that you were able to save the nobles."

"you mean"

Koby looked on in disbelief.

Does this mean that headquarters had no intention of rescuing civilians at all?
Dol shook her head again, without saying anything more.

These are things she is powerless to change.

Koby knelt on the ground, clutching his head in near collapse.

“I made a promise to them, I heard their voices, and I know very well how helpless and scared they are!”

"And there's Peacock and Senior Grus, and Hilmabo!"

"They're waiting for me too!"

It's not just about hostages.

Their crewmates have also been captured by pirates, and their fate is now unknown. If they are not rescued, how desperate they will be.

"Plop plop~~"

The Den Den Mushi (snail phone) on the mast rang.

A call from headquarters!
"Kacha!"

"Major Coby, your performance in the rescue of King Koya was outstanding. The World Government has decided to award you a medal, and your rank will be promoted to colonel!"

"I don't need a reward!"

Koby charged toward the mast, snatched the Den Den Mushi, and roared, "Send warships here immediately! There are still 500 civilians waiting for us on Hive Island, and my comrades too!"

"Colonel Kirby, this is outside your jurisdiction!"

"Kacha!"

The Den Den Mushi hung up.

Koby gritted his teeth, utterly desperate, and walked alone to the ship's side.

"I want to go back!"

"boom!"

A chop to the neck knocked Koby unconscious.

"Take Koby to the medical room."

Dole gave the order, then went to the side of the boat alone, threw the cigarette butt on the ground, and stomped on it!

angry!
She took a letter from her chest.

The letter was signed by her direct supervisor from twenty years ago.

Lieutenant General Sauro.