Tears flowed freely.
Everyone wept, embracing each other.
Though they had known each other for less than fifteen days, they were comrades sharing the same ideals.
They had opened the door to a new world, seen the true world, and their tears upon parting were natural. This separation might be forever; they might never see their comrades again.
This was a shared understanding.
This understanding didn't prevent them from mourning each other.
For the Marines, the departing pirate comrades were the most dangerous. They would follow Alistair to the most perilous places, fight the hardest battles, and tackle the toughest challenges. Their enemies included not only Marines, but pirates and royal guards. Their mission was far more difficult than the Marines remaining behind as undercover agents.
From the pirates' perspective, the Marines were the most dangerous. If discovered, they faced certain death. The probability of discovery was high, making them the most vulnerable.
Both sides considered the other the most dangerous, hence the outpouring of grief.
Despite their reluctance, they had to part ways.
The Marines were unaware of the pirates' next move—something Alistair had already explained. It wasn't something to be hidden: "The less they know, the less they'll reveal under torture, better protecting the pirate comrades."
That's the art of language.
Upon returning to their base, the Marines couldn't inquire about their comrades' whereabouts. This was essential for undercover agents—each maintaining independent contact, or even no contact, only playing a crucial role at critical moments.
This had been proven countless times in Eastern history.
Therefore, the Marines' safety was somewhat guaranteed. They were mentally prepared for interrogation.
Understanding this, they instinctively grasped certain things.
The less they knew, the safer their comrades were. The more they inquired about their comrades' locations, the more likely they were to endanger them.
There were Devil Fruit users and Observation Haki users among them.
If they could read their minds without needing to question them, everything would be over. The more they knew, the more dangerous it was.
Of the Marine team, only Isuka was called aside by Alistair for detailed instructions.
She was crucial; Alistair needed to share the next plan with her.
"Next, we'll head back towards the East Blue, though there might be some detours, but nothing major."
"We'll focus on developing our comrades; you don't need to do that within the Marines."
"Undercover work is different from ordinary work. Be cautious and discreet. Don't do too much unless absolutely necessary."
"The more you do, the more you expose yourself."
Isuka nodded, memorizing Alistair's words.
Alistair glanced at Ace, who was anxiously trying to speak with Isuka before parting, and smiled slightly. "I won't keep you any longer."
As he moved away, Ace immediately approached Isuka, expressing his feelings…
The barrier between them had been broken, their feelings burning like a flame. Their blossoming romance was about to end.
Both were reluctant.
But this was revolution.
Countless individuals had left their homes and families for the greater good, never expecting to return alive.
Such noble sentiments were premature for most pirates.
But pirates and Marines, having spent time at sea, had already developed this understanding.
Everyone came prepared to die, but this farewell, at least, maintained a semblance of normalcy.
They tacitly gave Ace and Isuka space.
Their time was short.
Isuka had to lead the Marines back to their nearest base.
Alistair and the others continued on with three ships towards their destination—Jaya.
Jaya and Skypeia were once a single island, but Skypeia was torn apart by an upward current and lifted into the sky, leaving Jaya split in two—one in the Grand Line, the other in the sky.
To reach Skypeia, one must reach Jaya.
Jaya was the only way to reach Skypeia.
It was not only a gateway to Skypeia, but also to the next island in the Grand Line, a relatively safe island without unusual occurrences. Because of this, a town developed, serving pirates, providing supplies and relaxation.
A town formed on Jaya's west coast.
A place called Mock Town became a haven for pirates.
Of course, this was just a pretense. The Marines could cleanse Mock Town whenever they wished.
And they did, regularly, reducing pressure on the Marines in the latter half of the Grand Line.
Usually, it was Marine Vice Admirals who led the clean-up. Admirals rarely left their important posts.
"Finally, Jaya." Alistair stood at the bow, excitedly watching the land appear before him.
Two months at sea had been grueling.
He imagined it was the same for everyone else.
He turned to the neatly lined-up pirate comrades. "Do you understand your mission?"
"Yes!" The hundred pirates roared in unison.
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