"You may not have graduated yet, but with your reputation in the Elite Division, a lot of departments are probably coming just for you."
"Actually, all the departments that were allowed to come to the Marine Academy this time hold real power. Getting into any one of them is basically a golden ticket to a bright future. Just thinking about it gets me hyped!"
Sharin Kuhl patted Ren on the shoulder and shared his grand life aspiration:
"I just hope to get into a department with light work, high pay, and close to home. That's my ultimate goal in life."
Ren looked at him and gave a nod of approval—a kindred spirit.
They both had the same life philosophy: high pay, low effort.
Everyone else gave them a look of utter disdain.
These two clowns just shattered their already flimsy understanding of ambition.
So inspiring. Truly.
"Mm~ I heard CP9 is also participating in the recruitment this time."
Surprisingly, Sadie was the one who brought this up seriously.
The second she said "CP9," the lively tavern fell into eerie silence.
Most people just looked confused—it was their first time hearing that name.
"Uh… what's CP9?"
Simba asked what everyone was thinking.
"Oh well, I'll explain then," Sadie said, striking a more solemn tone. "It's normal you've never heard of them. Ordinary folks only know of CP1 through CP8."
"CP9 is the secret police under direct command of the World Government. They act out what's called 'dark justice.' They operate independently of the Marines and are shrouded in secrecy. Most people never even hear about them."
Sadie's tone carried a rare gravity.
Sharin Kuhl, however, had only one question:
"Sadie… do they pay well?"
"…How's the workload?"
The moment he asked, he felt the room's temperature drop by ten degrees.
He could feel dozens of icy glares on his back and immediately shut up.
CP9 had a reputation. A bad one.
"Hmph. What dark justice? I only believe in Zephyr-sensei's justice!"
Ain spoke up with a look of contempt.
Ren didn't bother arguing. As a Zephyr fangirl, Ain wasn't exactly known for being open-minded on this topic.
The best way to deal with someone like that was: "Mhm, you're right."
Seeing that Ain was now unfit for normal conversation, Binz quickly changed the subject.
"Me and Ain are planning to join Zephyr-sensei's personal unit. Not interested in anything else."
"What about you, Ren? CP9 is probably targeting you, right? I heard they only go after the top candidate."
Everyone quieted, turning toward Ren.
He was Garp's personal disciple, and everyone knew how much Garp hated the Celestial Dragons—he'd even refused multiple promotions to Admiral because of it.
It was impossible that Ren would join CP9, the Celestial Dragons' personal lapdogs.
"You guys know how my old man is. You really think I'd be interested in CP9?"
Ren shrugged with a half-smile.
"Mm I'm sleepy. Beauty sleep is important for maintaining my flawless complexion. Bye-bye"
With a charming wink, Sadie sauntered out of the tavern.
Watching her leave, Ren suddenly turned to Sharin Kuhl:
"Hey, are there any prison departments recruiting this time?"
Sharin Kuhl scratched his head. "Actually, yeah…"
"…You're kidding."
"Nope. It's real."
Everyone suddenly broke into a cold sweat.
"Heh, it's Impel Down."
Impel Down, the hellish underwater prison said to house the world's most dangerous criminals.
A dangerous place filled with monsters.
Suddenly, a vivid image flashed in Ren's mind: uniforms, leather whips, beautiful wardens, dangerous prisoners…
Whoa. Way too wild.
Nope. Can't go down that road.
Turns out, every man there had the exact same mental image.
A subtle chill went around the room as they exchanged knowing glances.
"Ehem… unless something unexpected happens, that temptress Sadie probably went to Impel Down."
Everyone shivered. They collectively prayed they'd never end up in that prison.
Later that night, after walking Ain home, Ren strolled alone through the quiet streets.
"Come on out. You've been following me this whole time. If you're gonna stalk me, at least be decent about it."
He stopped by the side of the road and looked coldly toward a shadowy corner.
The person hiding there clearly hadn't expected to be spotted so soon.
A few seconds passed before a figure stepped out, draped in a long black cloak.
"…Really? You show up like that? All mysterious and shady? No wonder the old man thinks so little of your crew."
Ren clicked his tongue in disgust.
"Ren, don't get cocky. Being targeted by us is a privilege. CP9 doesn't waste time on trash."
The voice was irritated.
When had anyone dared to mock him like this?
This year's Marine graduates were seriously getting out of hand.
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