Alistair vividly described the Navy Headquarters' reaction to Ace and Robin, like a captivating story. The characters were familiar—Garp was Ace's grandfather; Sengoku was a legendary Admiral; Robin knew Aokiji, a former "rival." Even if they didn't know Akainu and Kizaru, they knew they were famous Admirals. The story's premise was inherently captivating.
His vivid descriptions made it seem like he'd witnessed it firsthand, but they treated it as a story. The story captivated the four on board; although they weren't entirely convinced, they wanted to hear more. Robin, only twenty-five and younger than Alistair, urged him on: "What about Tsuru's decision? What does 'political creature' mean? Will it affect her judgment?"
"Of course; a political creature's thinking differs from ours," Alistair explained, smiling. "An ordinary person considering Hancock's actions would focus on the benefits and drawbacks. If Hancock's actions benefit the Navy, they'd be satisfied."
"But political creatures think differently."
"They prioritize the government's authority and the Navy's reputation. Hancock's actions, while beneficial, were unauthorized, damaging the Navy's image; they'd discuss punishment."
"But they're also pragmatic; as soldiers, they see the benefits—Hancock blocked pirates, and is far from Impel Down and the Calm Belt."
"This creates conflict, leading to a second layer of thought: how to downplay the unauthorized action, making it seem like a Navy order?"
"I gave them a solution—issuing an order granting Hancock Mock Town and Amazon Lily."
"Her actions would then be authorized, saving face for the Navy; everything would be legitimate."
"The Navy gains benefits and reputation; they lose nothing, only having to quietly ignore Hancock's actions."
Alistair, if he had a fan, could have played the role of Zhuge Liang. He squinted at the sea; various fish leaped from the water.
"The Navy, weighing the pros and cons, will compromise. They'll grant Hancock Mock Town."
Alistair stretched and lay on a deck chair. "The Shichibukai title is truly useful."
Robin didn't understand the full implications; if she knew the World Government intended to use Hancock, and Doflamingo's threats and manipulations of the Celestial Dragons, she would understand.
The Shichibukai system might have strategic considerations, but it was primarily to appease Doflamingo, a Celestial Dragon traitor who held many secrets. Before Doflamingo's capture, the World Government cooperated in his smear campaign, damaging their credibility; after his capture, they quickly moved to abolish the Shichibukai. Wise individuals saw through this.
Doflamingo likely possessed a secret that the Navy, World Government, and Celestial Dragons had to concede to. This wasn't just SMILE or SAD-level.
Doflamingo was a dangerous individual.
Alistair stroked his chin; stubble had grown. Hancock had prepared everything for the voyage, except a razor; Ace's thick beard could be trimmed with his knife, but Alistair's softer beard required a sharper blade. Unfortunately, they didn't have one.
They'd passed Alabasta three days ago but didn't land; Alistair didn't know if Crocodile had taken over; he didn't want to interfere. Alabasta held significant secrets, beyond Pluton; Crocodile failed, stopped by the Straw Hats, and ended up in Impel Down. If he'd succeeded, knowing the secret would have meant death; even without knowing the secret, destroying Alabasta meant death. An Admiral's intervention was likely; escape would be difficult. Alabasta lacked revolutionary potential before Crocodile's actions.
Alistair wasn't interested in such places. Vivi and the king were on the opposite side, aligned with the Celestial Dragons; otherwise, recruiting them would have been beneficial. A missed opportunity.
With slight regret, Alistair watched Alabasta recede; they continued on. Reaching the Red Line, they would follow its wall.
They sailed along the Red Line towards the Calm Belt; many pirates wanting to leave the Grand Line worked as stevedores, struggling to pull their ships ashore. The giant Sea Kings weren't the main obstacle; only nature could stop greedy humans.
Many had seen Alistair's fast ship. But when they tried to hail it, it was already out of earshot.
A day later, they crossed the Calm Belt and reached the East Blue, arriving at its gateway town—Loguetown, where Gol D. Roger was executed.
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