Clear skies
Above the bustling Sabaody Archipelago, tourists from every corner of the world wandered through—all kinds of people mixing together.
In such a complex crowd, you'd naturally find representatives of justice—the Marines.
A Marine patrol squad moved through the streets, and when they spotted the occasional pirate crews on the main drag, they tactfully looked the other way.
Too many to deal with.
The unspoken rule here: as long as pirates didn't start shit, Marines couldn't be bothered managing every single one.
Especially with recent news spreading everywhere that Pirate King Roger got captured—pirates across the seas had their attitudes knocked down a few pegs. For these grunt Marines, that meant fewer fights, which was damn good news.
"Alright, shift's over for today. Everyone get ready—we're heading back to headquarters!"
"Hell yeah!!!"
"Finally get to rest and see the wife and kids."
"Why rush home? After we collect our bonus, let's go blow off some steam together."
"Ah... that doesn't seem right."
"Quit acting like a saint..."
Under the blazing sun, a Marine warship returning to Marine Headquarters Marineford officially set sail at noon, the deck buzzing with Marine chatter.
In the ship's galley, a towering figure sat at the dining table, legs crossed.
The noise from outside didn't faze him one bit.
Even the occasional wave couldn't budge him an inch.
A Marine coat nearly three meters long draped over him without looking bulky—instead highlighting a commanding presence that perfectly complemented his military uniform.
The shoulder insignia was ornately designed with complex patterns showing its significance.
Any Marine with promotion ambitions would instantly recognize what that symbol meant—the mark of a general, a Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral's coat.
"So that bastard was a Marine Rear Admiral..."
Aus savored a piece of steak.
Two young Marines stood beside him, stiff as boards and staring straight ahead, smelling the steak and swallowing hard.
Knock knock knock...
"Come in." Aus spoke calmly. His voice wasn't loud, but carried undeniable authority.
A timid figure poked his head through the door first, wrinkled face plastered with an ass-kissing smile, then slowly entered.
"Rear Admiral Alan, sorry to bother you. Just reporting on work."
The visitor was small and scrawny, rubbing his hands together while brown-nosing.
Then he shot a stern look at the two soldiers by Aus: "You two, get lost."
"Yes! Captain Dick!"
Even though they felt disgusted by their superior's behavior, the two soldiers didn't dare show it and left with serious faces.
"What's up?"
Aus wanted to laugh but kept his expression under control. Facing this Marine officer's sucking up, he maintained the dignity a Marine superior should have.
Actually, Aus's performance perfectly matched Captain Dick's expectations for high-ranking officers, having just transferred to Marine Headquarters.
Dignified, imposing, commanding...
So much so that Aus just had to make up a name and story, throw on the trophy coat he'd gotten years back from killing a Marine Rear Admiral, and Dick bought his identity completely.
Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral Alan, separated from his unit during a mission, now mission complete, hitching a ride back to headquarters.
"Reporting to Rear Admiral Alan, I've finished announcing patrol mission completion and arranged all return voyage matters!"
Dick reported by the book, even though Aus kept eating his steak and didn't seem to be listening closely.
Dick had his own take on this scene.
Just what you'd expect from a Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral, right?
That relaxed-as-hell attitude, like nothing in the world could rattle him. A simple patrol mission probably looked like kindergarten games to someone so battle-tested.
No wonder he made Rear Admiral.
That was a Rear Admiral—one step from Vice Admiral, two from Admiral, three from Fleet Admiral!
In front of such a big shot, he had to kiss ass properly!
Seeing Aus just focused on his steak, Dick smoothly went to a safe in the back of the galley and pulled out one of his prized possessions.
"Rear Admiral Alan, this is something I happened to acquire—specialty wine from Wine Country. Hope you don't mind, please use it to wash down your meal."
He bent over, ass-kissing his way through opening the bottle and pouring it into a wine glass.
"Oh... thoughtful."
Perfect timing—the food was getting dry.
Aus grabbed the wine glass, red light flashing in his eyes. After a brief pause, he downed it without worry.
"Damn good wine."
Aus accepted the tribute and played along with praise: "None of that bitter crap from regular wine. Sweet fruit flavor and smooth finish. I'm into it."
Aus meant every word. Unlike the rum and beer he'd had before, this wine was legitimately good. Only downside was the insane price tag.
Even with all the cash he had stashed with Sami, he couldn't afford to blow money like this. One bottle gone in three sips cost a million berries.
Fuck it—when he had time, he'd just conquer Wine Country. Then he wouldn't have to pay.
What self-respecting pirate actually pays for shit?
"Hehe, as long as you like it. If you do, I'll bring more in the future. I'll need your guidance going forward anyway."
Dick was over the moon hearing this, striking while the iron was hot to pledge loyalty, hoping Aus would look out for him.
Aus immediately grinned.
He started painting promises like they were free, stuffing Dick so full of hope the guy was practically floating.
"Don't sweat it, Captain Dick. I'll definitely put in good words with Admiral Sengoku, and Staff Officer Tsuru too... What've you got to worry about regarding promotions?"
"Ahahaha..." Dick was ready to rip his heart out to prove his loyalty, waiting on Aus hand and foot.
But for Aus, used to being served by cute little maids, he had zero interest in some ugly bastard and made up an excuse to get rid of him.
Truth was, if this worthless Marine had spent his usual energy fighting pirates instead of ass-kissing superiors and bullying civilians, he definitely would've recognized his beloved superior as one of the most wanted men alive:
"Black Gun" Doctor Aus!
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
The story isn't over...
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