One Piece: Signing In as a Pirate Begins with Roger's Execution

Karl accepted Sengoku's mission and prepared to head to Foolshout Island in search of Fisher Tiger.

However, he had not yet departed from Marine Headquarters.

Before leaving, Karl returned to his dormitory.

For a mission of this covert nature, Karl naturally couldn't wear his Marine uniform—it would draw far too much attention.

After taking a brief moment to prepare at Marine Headquarters, Karl sought out Rosinante and Law for a short conversation before finally setting off for Foolshout Island.

This island, located somewhere in the Grand Line, wasn't far from Marine Headquarters and was also very close to Mary Geoise.

Precisely because of its proximity, the news of Fisher Tiger's appearance on Foolshout Island reached the Five Elders quickly.

It had to be said—even on such a small island, there were those eager to curry favor with the Celestial Dragons.

They knew there was a reward for reporting Fish-Men.

For the sake of a meager reward, some people dared to do anything.

This was why Karl sought to enlighten the common people of this world, teaching them to distinguish right from wrong.

While it couldn't be denied that some acted out of desperation, doing deeds that invoked the wrath of the world, education could offer a path to knowledge.

With knowledge, everyone could find suitable work to sustain themselves and their families.

For Karl, achieving universal literacy was an arduous journey.

At present, only the West Blue was implementing this plan, and the other seas had yet to follow suit.

Time was needed to determine whether this plan would ultimately succeed.

As Karl mulled over these thoughts, he arrived at Foolshout Island.

Yet he didn't see Fisher Tiger. Instead, he found numerous Marines lying in ambush at the dock.

According to the original story, Fisher Tiger came to Foolshout Island to return a human girl named Koala to her home.

As he was preparing to leave, he was ambushed by the Marines.

Tiger was gravely injured in the sneak attack. Although he eventually escaped, he succumbed to blood loss and met his end.

Karl's mission, however, was to save Tiger. He had no intention of engaging with the Marines lying in wait. Instead, he headed directly into town.

He pulled his hat low, turned up his coat collar, and bought a mask, sunglasses, and new clothes at a small shop in town.

With this disguise, only those who knew him extremely well would recognize him.

Karl began asking around for information about Fisher Tiger.

After brief exchanges, Karl learned that the villagers harbored an inexplicable fear of Fish-Men.

This fear led some to report the presence of Fish-Men in their village to the World Government.

When Karl inquired about Fisher Tiger's whereabouts, the villagers readily provided information.

Yet each time Karl arrived somewhere, he found he was a step too late—Fisher Tiger was nowhere to be seen.

Eventually, Karl found Koala working in a small inn. It was only then that he realized he was on the right track.

"Your name is Koala, right?"

Karl approached her, gently ruffling her slightly frizzy hair.

Feeling her hair being touched, Koala flinched and turned back with a wary look at Karl.

When she saw his gray trench coat, black hat, sunglasses, and mask, her face instantly changed.

"Help! A kidnapper!" Koala shouted, throwing the cloth in her hands with all her might before bolting.

The surrounding villagers turned to Karl with unfriendly expressions.

These villagers were neither particularly virtuous nor outright villains.

At the very least, they despised human traffickers.

And Karl's current appearance made him look exactly like one of those criminals who incriminated themselves without realizing it, drawing suspicion.

"This is a misunderstanding!" Karl muttered, shaking his head. Before the situation escalated, he vanished into thin air.

Moments later, he caught up to Koala, who was still fleeing.

Seeing Karl had caught up, Koala gasped in shock and prepared to scream again.

But Karl grabbed her and lifted her into the air, covering her mouth.

He then used his ability to remove his sunglasses and mask, revealing his true face.

"Koala, don't panic. If you still remember me, you should know who I am."

"Mm-mm~ mm-mm-mm~" Koala struggled, her eyes filled with fear.

It was clear she didn't recognize Karl, which left him feeling a bit hurt.

"That day in Mary Geoise, I was the one who saved you! Have you forgotten?"

Karl sighed in disappointment, then used his ability to put his sunglasses and mask back on.

Koala froze for a moment before pointing at Karl with wide, excited eyes.

"Mm! Mm-mm!" Her muffled voice now carried excitement and surprise, a stark contrast to her earlier frightened sobs.

Seeing Koala's shift in emotions, Karl realized the psychological scars left by human traffickers and the Celestial Dragons.

He let go of her, no longer covering her mouth.

"You're Karl, the Marine who saved us?"

"Yes, that's me!" Karl replied proudly. But Koala's next words immediately deflated him.

"Uncle Tiger said you're also one of those trashy Celestial Dragons. Is that true?"

Koala's innocent tone and curious eyes made her all the more endearing.

Karl replied awkwardly, "I am a Celestial Dragon, but you don't have to insult me, okay?

"After all, I'm nothing like those scumbags. They're them, and I'm me—completely different."

"Mm-hmm! I know you're not a bad person, or you wouldn't have saved us.

"But what are you doing here?"

Koala's body relaxed significantly, her tension giving way to curiosity.

Holding the now-composed Koala, Karl descended back to the ground and explained his purpose.

"You're looking for Uncle Tiger? He just left, not too long ago."

"Just left?"

Karl was stunned by Koala's words.

He was late again!

"Damn it. I hope he's still okay!"

With that, Karl shot into the sky, leaving Koala behind.

Koala watched Karl's retreating figure with confusion before curiously running after him.

Karl's speed was astonishing—he disappeared in the blink of an eye.

In the distance, Koala faintly heard the sound of gunfire, which puzzled her and made her quicken her pace.

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