One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

The Lightbringer sailed forth, escorting Alabasta's diplomatic mission under the watchful eyes of Chaka's guard unit.

While Chaka and Pell remained to protect the Alabasta royal palace in the absence of the king, Captain Igaram joined King Cobra and Princess Vivi on their journey to Mary Geoise to attend the Reverie.

At Vice Admiral Wright's invitation, King Cobra, Igaram, and Vivi boarded the Lightbringer. Their curiosity about what Vivi might ask Wright lingered in the air.

"Your Majesty Cobra, I must apologize for the somewhat austere conditions aboard a naval vessel," Wright said as he guided the group to the ship's expansive deck. The bright sunlight and the vast blue sea reflected in Vivi's jubilant expression, a stark contrast to her desert homeland.

"Hahaha... This is splendid. The deck will do nicely," Cobra said warmly, watching his daughter's excitement.

Cobra's eyes softened as he observed Vivi marveling at the open ocean. Though Alabasta was surrounded by water, her duties as a princess of the desert kingdom rarely allowed her the chance to experience the sea.

"It's been a long time since I last gazed upon the sea myself," Cobra admitted. "As king, I seldom get the opportunity to travel, a regret of mine."

"I can understand that sentiment. I see the sea every day, yet it never loses its allure," Wright replied with a smile, gesturing for the sailors to set up seats for the royal party.

At that moment, Issho appeared on deck, carrying a large bowl of soba.

"Your Majesty, this is Issho, our ship's Chief Instructor," Wright introduced.

Cobra regarded Issho curiously. Clad in plain attire rather than a Marine uniform and carrying himself with casual ease, Issho's position as Chief Instructor was surprising.

Issho offered a polite nod. "Your Majesty, I must apologize—I am blind and may inadvertently cause offense."

"No need to apologize," Cobra replied graciously, turning to Igaram. "Igaram, bring Vivi here. She has some questions for Vice Admiral Wright."

Vivi, still brimming with excitement, composed herself and hesitated briefly before speaking.

"Vice Admiral Wright, why are you so revered among commoners?" Vivi asked, her tone both curious and sincere. She gestured to Cobra. "My father is loved by the people of Alabasta because he is our king. But you're not a king, yet people from so many nations admire you. Why is that?"

Wright blinked in surprise and turned to Smoker. "Am I really that well-regarded by civilians?"

Smoker nodded, his cigar puffing faintly. "Your reputation isn't limited to the East Blue anymore—it's spread to the North Blue as well. I can't speak for the West Blue or South Blue, but along the Grand Line, you're easily the most beloved Vice Admiral among civilians."

"Why didn't I know this?" Wright exclaimed.

The East Blue's adoration was understandable, and the gratitude from the North Blue likely stemmed from the Heavenly Tribute incident, where Wright had not only earned the approval of allied nations but also saved countless civilian lives.

But what about the Grand Line?

Smoker exhaled smoke and explained, "Pirates wreak far more havoc on Grand Line nations than in the Blues. Even when pirates are repelled, the kingdoms themselves often suffer heavy losses."

Cobra nodded in agreement. "Captain Smoker is correct. Even Alabasta, a kingdom of millions, struggles to fend off pirate threats at times.

"But wherever you go, Vice Admiral Wright, pirates are punished without harming civilians. More than that, your miraculous abilities heal the injured, turning calamity into fortune.

"Even when you're not physically present, battles resulting in heavy casualties see Navy medics equipped with your remarkable crystals, significantly reducing civilian death tolls.

"Compared to some Marines who eliminate pirates indiscriminately, civilian casualties be damned, your actions are unprecedented."

Cobra paused, his tone turning reverent. "Your deeds have earned you the title 'Beacon of Hope.' In your presence, even the darkest despair seems to dissipate."

"Not even Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the Buddha, has achieved this level of reverence," Cobra concluded. "And while Vice Admiral Garp is a hero of the Marines, he's not a hero of the people."

Wright was dumbfounded as Cobra extolled his virtues. Was this middle-aged monarch secretly his biggest fan?

Smoker snorted, his cigar shifting slightly. "I don't know what you've been paying attention to, but your reputation's been growing for years."

"Vice Admiral Wright," Hina chimed in, "your actions have inspired countless young people to join the Marines.

"Vice Admiral Tsuru once mentioned that enlistment numbers rise every year because of those who idolize you."

"During the era of the Great Pirate Age, the Navy has been increasingly short-staffed. The recruitment surge you've sparked has filled many gaps," she added.

"Even Z—er, former Admiral Zephyr—has been pleased. When I last visited him, he spoke highly of your influence on the next generation. Many recruits in the Elite Training Program consider you their role model."

Issho, who had remained silent, smiled faintly. Having spent much time among the common people, he was well aware of how they viewed Wright.

Through his friend's accounts, Issho had also learned of Wright's actions within the Marines. Wright's principles resonated deeply with Issho's own sense of justice, though Wright had achieved what Issho still aspired to—putting his ideals into practice.

"Wow!" Vivi exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment. "Vice Admiral Wright, are you really that admired within the Navy as well?"

Wright chuckled wryly. "I honestly hadn't given it much thought. With the Holy Light's healing power, I suppose I have an inherent advantage in building goodwill."

"'Beacon of Hope,' huh…" Wright glanced at the attentive faces around him. "My path of justice is one of hope."

Smoker nodded approvingly. "It seems you've lived up to your ideals."

"Not yet," Wright replied, his gaze shifting to Cobra. "Your Majesty, I've heard of your own deeds.

"Your declaration that 'a nation is its people' is profound—without its people, a nation ceases to be."

"In my eyes, people—especially civilians—are the foundation of every kingdom, the Marines, and even the World Government."

"To ignore justice for the common people is to forsake the justice I strive for!"

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