"I—"
The World Government official nearly choked on his own breath, trembling with fury as he pointed at Yahn, who stood calm and collected.
"And just whose direct subordinate are you, to act with such insolence?"
Yahn's reply was steady, his tone measured. "My direct superior is the Fleet Admiral. If you have complaints, sir, you may take them directly to him."
"You… fine! Just you wait!"
The official spat the words out, storming from the room in rage.
As the sound of his footsteps faded, the Base 472 commander, who sat closest to Yahn, leaned forward with concern.
"Lord Yahn, by humiliating a World Government official like that… won't this bring trouble?"
Yahn walked calmly to the head of the table and sat down, brushing off the worry with ease.
"Trouble? Yes, certainly. To draw the attention of the World Government is nothing but trouble. But it's not my first time."
In truth, he already had a fair guess as to how things would unfold.
That official might not even have the authority to elevate this minor confrontation to the Five Elders. And even if he did, it still had little to do with Yahn himself.
The Five Elders wouldn't waste their time fretting over a single naval lieutenant. At worst, they would heap the blame on Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
And Sengoku, already burdened with a mountain of such accusations, would simply take another scolding. What was one more? By now, the old man must be used to it.
And if not? At most, he'd bark at Yahn through a Den Den Mushi for a few minutes. Yahn could handle that.
He looked around at the commanders, who sat stiff and obedient, eyes fixed on him, awaiting direction.
"Continue your discussion on how to blockade the coastline. Don't mind me. I'm here primarily to investigate misconduct by the commander of Base 741."
"???"
The 741 commander froze, eyes wide. He hadn't expected the clown to be himself—nor that such a heavy accusation would land squarely on his shoulders.
"L-Lord Yahn, this must be a misunderstanding! I swear I've done nothing against justice!"
But Yahn's expression remained cool. "I've already received a report of your violations."
At once, the other commanders shuffled subtly away from 741's leader, as though distancing themselves from a plague. His lips went pale.
"Relax. I don't condemn the innocent. Whether it's true or not, I'll know after my investigation."
Yahn paused, then added firmly: "For now, carry on with your plans. But mark this well—do not stain justice by slaughtering civilians. Blockade the coast, nothing more."
Having made his stance clear, Yahn rose and left the chamber.
This was why he had chosen to appear: to place his presence as a warning.
The World Government might order the blockade under the pretext of containing disease. The Navy had no choice but to comply—Yahn couldn't demand open defiance. That would only invite disaster upon Sengoku.
But the method of enforcing the blockade was another matter. If Yahn hadn't intervened, the commanders, cowed by the official, might have gone far beyond shooting desperate civilians—they might have marched into Flevance itself to slaughter the population.
So while Yahn had no desire to draw more attention from the World Government, he had to make his stance unmistakable.
I, Trafymore Yahn, Inspector of the North Sea, am watching.
---
Soon after, the meeting concluded. The twelve warships stationed at Base 741 spread out across the waters, sealing off the White City of Flevance completely.
Meanwhile, Yahn ordered his own flagship to keep its distance, projecting the illusion that he remained aboard, supervising.
In truth, he slipped away using Little Gold, passing silently across the blockade and into Flevance itself.
Through a small window in the beast's brow, Yahn gazed down upon the city once renowned across the North Sea for its beauty, its wealth, its pure white brilliance.
Now, it reeked of death.
Amber Lead Syndrome bleached skin and hair white, wracking the body with endless pain. With no cure, it condemned all who carried it to waste away in suffering until death claimed them.
As the outbreak swept through the kingdom, the royal family quietly fled with their riches. The medical system collapsed. And under orders from the World Government, both land and sea were sealed off entirely.
Grief for lost family, rage at betrayal, agony from disease—all these emotions had built up within the people until Flevance became an airless prison of despair.
Yahn circled the city once, confirming the terrain and conditions for himself. Then, following secret signs left by the Revolutionary Army, he located their hidden outpost.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Who is it?"
"Looking to buy some candles," Yahn replied.
"We only have sparks. You don't mind?"
"A spark," Yahn said, "can set the whole prairie aflame."
The door opened. A plain-looking young man sized up Yahn, who appeared calm and scholarly, then stepped aside.
"Please, come in."
Yahn nodded, Observation Haki spread wide, and stepped through.
The young man led him into a hidden basement.
"Lord Yahn, you've finally arrived."
Several figures stood quickly to greet him.
"Comrades," Yahn said gently, "no need for formality. Sit."
He was about to begin questioning them when, from Little Gold's shoulder, a Den Den Mushi began to ring.
Buru-buru-buru…
Yahn sighed, picking it up.
"Get things organized first. I'll be right back."
He stepped outside the chamber, connected the line, and immediately wailed into the receiver:
"Old man, I'm being threatened by a World Government official! At this rate, I don't think I can keep working in the Navy…"