When facing Aokiji, Colonel Miz — the Marine Headquarters Colonel in charge of defending Flowstream Island's naval base — was excessively restrained, uneasy, and nervous the whole time. He kept his head bowed and didn't dare meet Aokiji's eyes.
The air inside the office was heavy, almost suffocating. Even the ticking of the wall clock seemed to echo too loudly in the silence. Every Marine in sight stood ramrod straight, their faces tense, as if the mere weight of Aokiji's presence could crush them.
This made it plain how terrifying Aokiji's presence was in the hearts of every Marine.
It also highlighted the strict hierarchy inside the Marine.
As a Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters, Aokiji's status towered above a mere colonel by several ranks.
"Colonel Miz?" Aokiji studied the man in front of him and asked.
"Y-yes, sir." Miz hastily nodded.
"Bring me up to date — the Demon Pirates' movements and intelligence over the past few days. I want everything, down to the last word." Aokiji didn't waste time; he told him straight out.
"Yes, Vice Vice Admiral Aokiji." Miz nodded again, then led Aokiji and Kai into the naval base's main hall and into his personal office.
Miz let out a breath and, still trembling with fear and deference, reported honestly: "Respectfully, Vice Vice Admiral Aokiji — in recent days the Demon Pirates have shown no signs of sailing out."
"They've all concentrated on the southeast side of Flowstream Island. That whole street — the Tavern Street — is under the control of the Demon Pirates."
"There are over three thousand three hundred members of the Demon Pirates; most of them are gathered there. A short while ago they boarded and plundered three merchant ships carrying fine liquor."
"Because of that, the pirates have been drinking day and night these past few days and barely left that street."
"Among them are the crew's captain, Demon Oren, as well as the brutal captains of the 1st and 2nd Squads — a total of 877 vicious sea brigands. They've remained on that street the whole time…"
As Miz detailed the situation, Kai and Aokiji gradually learned everything there was to know about the Demon Pirates.
As the local naval base's colonel, Miz naturally knew far more about the crew than what Aokiji had seen in reports. Ever since the Demon Pirates set up Flowstream Island as their base, Miz had been unable to sleep, constantly on edge.
He feared… that these vicious brigands might suddenly go berserk and lead their numbers to destroy the naval base and seize control of the entire island.
Fortunately, Miz's worst fears had not come to pass. Perhaps the pirates themselves feared the thousand-strong garrison — or the heightened attention from Marine Headquarters — and so they never dared attack Miz's base.
Still, knowing that a pirate force of over three thousand was stationed so close kept Miz and his men awake at night. Their concerns were not unfounded.
In recent days Miz's subordinates had reported that the Demon Pirates were growing restless and were preparing to make a move against the naval base.
Luckily, at this critical moment, Vice Vice Admiral Aokiji had personally arrived. That alone dissolved much of Miz's panic and dread.
With his modest rank, Miz knew he could not fend off the Demon Pirates. A single wanted pirate like Demon Oren — with a bounty up to sixty million Berries — was enough to make him feel hopeless. If the pirates attacked, Miz believed his base would be wiped out within half a day, and he himself might be killed.
"All the Demon Pirates are concentrated on this island?" Aokiji's eyes flashed and a faint, satisfied smile appeared on his face.
If he could deal with the entire crew at once, there was no need to take them out in piecemeal fashion, which would complicate matters and waste time. Aokiji, famously lazy, disliked needless trouble.
It was fortunate that the Demon Pirates were all gathered on the same street. That made the job much simpler.
"All we have to do is mobilize the whole garrison and seal off that street completely." Aokiji said. "Then I'll personally go in and give them a painful lesson."
"How many personnel does this naval base currently have?" Aokiji asked. He was ready to move.
"One thousand two hundred." Miz answered, head bowed.
"One thousand two hundred?" Aokiji showed slight surprise. A typical base wouldn't host so many Marine s. But Flowstream Island's position was special — it was a large, prosperous island with heavy merchant traffic, so a larger garrison made sense. Moreover, after the Demon Pirates arrived six months ago, the base had expanded its forces drastically.
Given that, a 1,200-strong garrison was reasonable. In ordinary circumstances, eight hundred would already be near the upper limit.
"Right now, have your men arm themselves. One thousand two hundred Marine s—be ready for combat!" Aokiji ordered. "Next — you will surround and seal off the Demon Pirates' street."
"Yes, Vice Vice Admiral Aokiji." Miz hesitated, worry obvious on his face, but he clenched his teeth and obeyed.
"Don't worry — I'm not sending you all to certain death." Aokiji's face remained calm as he explained. "You're not the main force this time."
"The main force is… me."
"Your primary duty is to encircle and seal that street and make sure no pirate escapes. Any pirate who tries to flee is to be shot on sight. That will be enough. I'll take care of the rest."
He spoke as if dealing with the Demon Pirates were nothing more than a minor chore.
"Going to start now?" Kai, standing at Aokiji's side, showed bright anticipation at Aokiji's words.
"You've got half an hour. Muster all 1,200 Marine s and have them fully equipped and ready." Aokiji continued. "Half an hour from now, move out to the street where the Demon Pirates are stationed and implement the blockade. Can you do it?"
Kai's blood thrummed in his veins. The distant roar of mobilizing troops echoed like a war drum, setting his heart racing. This was no mere training spar—this was war.
"Vice Vice Admiral Aokiji, rest assured — I'll order everyone to prepare arms and to assemble immediately… awaiting orders!" Miz stood to attention and saluted.
"You'll accompany the troops in this operation." Aokiji turned to Kai. "If things go to war, I may not have the time to look after you. To reduce your risk, that's how I'll assign you. Do you agree?"
"Vice Vice Admiral Aokiji needn't worry. I'll protect myself." Kai narrowed his eyes slightly and nodded.
"Fine, suit yourself." Aokiji waved helplessly. Even a Vice Admiral couldn't force Kai's hand when Kai's identity was what it was.
Miz's expression flickered when he saw Kai speaking casually with a Vice Admiral—as if they were equals. This youngster must have significant backing — surely some powerful background! Could he really be allowed to participate in a major anti-pirate operation?
Miz wondered about these things but dared not say them aloud in front of Aokiji.
"All right. Go and rapidly muster every Marine at this base. Half an hour—then we depart." Aokiji ordered Miz once more.
"Understood." Miz bowed, then turned and left at once.
Following Aokiji's instructions, Miz immediately summoned the entire garrison, distributed firearms, and ordered every Marine to prepare for combat.
Before long, all 1,200 elite Marine s had assembled.
Now — a fierce battle was on the verge of erupting.
The ground trembled faintly as hundreds of boots struck the pavement in unison, the disciplined rhythm of justice marching toward chaos.
Outside, the sirens of the naval base wailed across the harbor as the seagull flag snapped violently in the wind.
Somewhere on the island's southeast side, the drunken laughter of pirates rolled through the streets—completely unaware that a storm was already descending upon them.
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