The next day, a news report was released from the Germa Kingdom, a member of the World Government.

"Yesterday, Germa 66 and the North Blue Naval Fleet conducted a joint public military exercise near the waters of the Yadis Kingdom in the North Blue. Both sides demonstrated their formidable combat capabilities…"

"…Vinsmoke Judge, King of the Germa Kingdom and Supreme Commander of Germa 66, expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of North Blue Marine Captain Daren, and pledged to sign a long-term friendship and cooperation agreement to jointly maintain peace, prosperity, and stability in the North Blue."

In the office of the 321st Branch Base Commander, Gion and Tokikake stared at the fresh-off-the-press newspaper in shock.

"How is this even possible!?"

Especially when, right next to the article, there was a photo of Daren and Vinsmoke Judge standing under the seagull flag, shaking hands.

They couldn't believe their eyes.

Just yesterday, the two had been locked in a deadly battle, nearly wiping out Germa 66—yet today they were suddenly "friendly partners"?

Looking at the warm, familiar smiles on both of their faces in the photo, anyone who didn't know better might think they were long-lost brothers reunited.

It felt like a dream.

"Why wouldn't it be possible… Mr. Vinsmoke Judge is a very reasonable man. After I patiently explained things to him, he quickly came to understand the position of our North Blue Marines, as well as our resolve to uphold justice and peace…"

Daren gave the two dumbfounded officers a cheerful glance as he leisurely lit a cigar.

"And he realized the mistake he made in launching a war, and decided to make amends. Isn't that perfectly reasonable?"

Tokikake nodded as if enlightened.

"Yeah, that's very reasonable…"

"…My ass!!"

He gritted his teeth.

With Vinsmoke Judge's violent, arrogant, and defiant personality—along with his ambitions—how could he possibly be "moved" by just a few of Daren's words!?

You're a Devil Fruit user who controls metal!

You're not some Kobu Kobu no Mi user with the power to hype people up!

"Daren, what did you really do? Did you threaten him?" Gion asked, biting her words in disbelief.

"Caught me, huh…"

Daren raised both hands with a playful look, as if saying, "You got me."

He chuckled.

"Truth is, I didn't do anything. Like I told Admiral Sengoku, I just gave him an offer he couldn't refuse."

"Honestly, I didn't expect Vinsmoke Judge to be so reasonable."

Gion and Tokikake: …

They exchanged a look, then glanced at Daren, who was smiling but saying nothing more, and knew there was no way they'd get the real answer out of him.

Even if they didn't know exactly what Daren did to make Vinsmoke Judge back down, the result… was ideal.

They had stopped a war.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians in the Yadis Kingdom were spared from bloodshed.

The Germa Kingdom dropped any intent to pursue blame against the North Blue Marines.

Gion received several honorary banners from the Yadis royal family.

Tokikake's estate was suddenly stocked with crates of fine wine and premium cigars.

Everything seemed to be heading toward a peaceful, happy resolution…

Yeah, right!

Gion looked at Daren's relaxed, self-satisfied smile—like a man in complete control—and felt a rising fury inside, a maddening itch that made her want to tear her hair out.

Threats and bribes, deception and manipulation, violence and blood, lies to superiors and trickery with subordinates…

All of it—utterly despicable. Completely at odds with the "justice" she believed in.

Yet somehow, in Daren's hands, these things had become the most effective tools for governing the North Blue.

It was the exact opposite of everything she had ever been taught.

It turned her entire worldview upside down.

"Blub blub... blub blub..."

Just then, the military Den Den Mushi began to ring.

Daren picked it up and connected the line.

"This is Daren."

Admiral Sengoku's hearty laughter echoed from the other end.

"Hahaha! Daren, you rascal, you really are my most trusted subordinate. You handled this beautifully."

Gion and Tokikake rolled their eyes in perfect sync, expressions blank.

They clearly remembered how Admiral Sengoku had been roaring in fury over the Den Den Mushi just yesterday.

"All glory to justice. I only succeeded thanks to your guidance, Admiral Sengoku."

Daren replied modestly.

Sengoku let out a pleased chuckle.

"Seems I was right about you. And it looks like sending those two brats, Gion and Tokikake, to the North Blue was the right call too."

"Those two are such headaches. That slacker Tokikake is always lazing around and trying to sneak my cigars. And Gion? She's way too much like her senior—too naïve…"

As Sengoku rambled on, Daren glanced at Gion and Tokikake. Their faces were darkening by the second. A strange look crept across his face.

"…Anyway, they're still pretty green. If you've got time, show them the ropes."

Sengoku was getting more and more fired up, completely unaware of the rising storm.

"Ahem…"

Sensing Gion's glare growing sharper and the aura around her turning downright murderous, Tokikake gave a couple of subtle coughs.

Sengoku: …

The Den Den Mushi fell silent.

"Admiral Sengoku, I heard... you're very disappointed in me?"

Gion said to the Den Den Mushi, expression flat.

Sengoku: …

"Hello? Huh? I can't hear you very well... Hmm? Is the signal cutting out? Daren, you brat! Did you hear what I said!?"

"Make sure you take good care of Gion and Tokikake! They're the future of the Marines—the hope of justice!"

"Hello? Signal… why is it… not… connec—"

"—Blub."

The Den Den Mushi fell asleep.

The line… cut off.

Gion: …

Tokikake: …

Daren: …

The three stared at each other.

Off to the side, Momonga, who had been silent the whole time, clutched his forehead in visible pain.

That acting… was just way too terrible.

Not even a full minute passed before the Den Den Mushi started ringing again.

Daren answered.

"Admiral Sengoku."

"Ah, Daren—almost forgot. There's an important mission," Sengoku said, his tone serious, as if nothing awkward had just happened.

"Yes, Admiral. I'm listening."

Sengoku's voice dropped.

"Byrnndi World attacked a World Government official ship a few days ago. A Celestial Dragon on board, Saint Xildes, was caught in the disaster and ended up shipwrecked near Batia Island in the North Blue."

"Headquarters has already received orders. I'm currently en route to the North Blue."

Daren's brows furrowed.

He recalled reading the headline in the papers a few days ago: "Great Pirate 'World Destroyer' Byrnndi World sinks World Government ship. The Celestial Dragons are furious! 200 million bounty offered! The World Pirates may be the government's greatest threat yet!"

"Admiral Sengoku, what are my orders? Am I to pursue Byrnndi World?"

He exhaled a slow, dragon-like stream of smoke, eyes narrowing.

Sengoku shook his head.

"No. Your strength is good, but you're still far from being able to take that guy on."

"Dealing with Byrnndi World is my job."

"Your mission is to head to Batia Island immediately and ensure the safety of Saint Xildes."

"The CP division has already dispatched agents to escort him, but until they arrive, the government needs nearby Marines to provide protection."

(40 Chapters Ahead)

p@treon com / PinkSnake