Pirates weren't like adventurers flying a Jolly Roger.
In reality, pirates like that were extremely rare.
True pirates had no legitimate livelihood.
Their food, clothing, and daily necessities were all obtained by robbing civilians.
The world of pirates was one where everyone competed in depravity; no faction could truly be called "good," with only a few decent individuals at best.
Therefore, when it came to scum like pirates, Raleigh's philosophy was simple: if you can eliminate them, root and stem, never show mercy.
For such trash, only death was proper judgment.
As for why these particular pirates were kept alive, it was because Raleigh intended to bring them to the town for public execution.
[Slacking a little bit during battle. Slacking Value +100]
Raleigh felt somewhat frustrated.
Previously, a single battle would earn him at least three hundred points because he never interfered.
This time, his personal involvement had significantly reduced his Slacking Value.
But it was acceptable.
Compared to losing some points, he'd rather not watch Momonga or his soldiers die.
After six months with Momonga, he had fully integrated into this world.
Momonga was no longer just a character from a manga; he was a flesh-and-blood comrade.
"Take these pieces of trash," Raleigh ordered. "We're going to the town for public execution."
"Yes, Captain Raleigh!"
"Captain Raleigh is invincible! I want to be your number one bootlicker!"
Hans stared in shock at his companion.
'Are you serious?' he thought. 'Just yesterday, you were cursing him with me, and today you've become his bootlicker. Don't you know I wanted to be number one? Now I can only be second!'
"The Marines are here!"
"The Marines are here, and my child has returned! Thank goodness..." A mother held her child, weeping uncontrollably.
Raleigh sighed at the scene.
They had arrived just in time.
In another half-day, this beautiful town would have been destroyed.
The people of Kailinia Island were fortunate.
An ordinary Marine branch wouldn't have been able to handle a Logia Devil Fruit user.
By the time they figured out the problem, these pirates would have already plundered the town and sailed away.
That was the pirate way: robbing and pillaging across the seas.
When the Marines showed up, they'd fight if they could win and run if they couldn't, hiding on some deserted island to lay low before resuming their old ways.
Under Raleigh's orders, the captured pirates were brought to the center of the town.
The Marines kept a tight watch over the condemned men.
They knelt on the ground, heads bowed, perhaps repenting, perhaps lamenting their bad luck.
It didn't matter.
A trembling old man, the town's mayor, approached Captain Raleigh.
After a brief introduction, he asked, "May I ask for your name, Captain?"
"Christian Raleigh."
The old man nodded, then inquired, "Sir Raleigh, why have you brought these pirates here?"
Raleigh took a deep breath, looking at the gathering crowd.
"Citizens," he said slowly, "today, we have eliminated a group of pirates. These pirates intended to invade your town. After receiving the intelligence, we rushed here without delay and eliminated them on the beach before they could commit their crimes."
"I know many of you don't trust the Marines. But the Marines are the only force on this sea dedicated to protecting the people. Perhaps there are a few bad apples among us, but the vast majority join to eradicate despicable pirates."
"As long as the Marines exist, as long as I, Raleigh, remain a Marine, pirates will forever be my targets."
"Carry out the execution!"
The crowd cheered, gazing with admiration at the young, handsome Marine Captain.
Muffled sobs were heard as the pirates, with rags stuffed in their mouths, were executed.
Their eyes filled with regret, faces twisted in resentment.
The executioner's blade did not falter, rising and falling swiftly.
One by one, the pirates' heads were severed, and their bodies hung as a warning.
After handling all matters, Raleigh instantly reverted to his usual self.
The decisive, ruthless commander from earlier was gone.
He walked at the forefront of his troops, followed by soldiers carrying Momonga on a stretcher, and behind them, the triumphant, marching marines.
'Sigh, I couldn't resist taking action, and my slacking points dropped so much,' Raleigh thought.
'It seems Momonga is still too weak. I need to figure out a way to give him special training—at the very least, teach him Haki. Otherwise, I'll have to step in every time we encounter a Devil Fruit user. That would be too exhausting.'
As the saying goes: when there's no danger, Raleigh is the biggest slacker.
But when danger arises, Raleigh is the most reliable trump card.
Though Momonga had lost a lot of blood, his bones were unharmed.
He was weak but still conscious.
"Raleigh," he asked, his voice feeble. "When did you learn Haki? I've never even seen you train."
"Train? What's that?" Raleigh scoffed.
"Don't you know? I've always been a genius! Want to learn? Once you're better, I'll teach you a move or two. That way, you won't get beaten by small fries like this. Just a Logia user—hardly a formidable opponent."
Raleigh flashed a smug, triumphant grin.
Momonga wore a bitter expression, taking a long moment to calm himself.
'Damn it,' he thought, 'if I could actually beat you, I'd smash your head in.'
Raleigh watched his old friend with amusement.
"What's wrong, Momonga?"
Momonga closed his eyes, as if unwilling to look at him.
"Nothing. It's just... back there, I thought if I couldn't beat that Logia user, you might not be able to either. I was worried about the safety of our unit. I really thought I had to hold him off while the rest of you retreated for reinforcements."
He paused. "But I never expected you to be this strong. Tell me the truth—how powerful are you, really?"
The surrounding marines pricked up their ears.
They were also curious.
Their slacking boss, who napped right under their noses, was suddenly revealed to be an invincible powerhouse. It still felt like a dream.
"My strength? Hmm..."
Raleigh deliberately dragged out his words.
The soldiers and Momonga grew increasingly impatient.
Finally, Raleigh slowly raised his left hand.
He pinched his thumb and forefinger together, leaving only a tiny gap, and said.
"My strength is about... this much."
...
Everyone nearly fainted in exasperation, and Raleigh burst into laughter.
Momonga angrily shut his eyes, vowing not to look at Raleigh again until he was back on the ship.
'Damn it, I've fought tooth and nail for his promotion, and he still won't tell me how strong he is. Are we even friends?!'
Raleigh paid it no mind.
He always acted on a whim.
With his strength, as long as he stayed cautious, he was untouchable in the East Blue.
Having fun was the perfect companion to slacking off.
Thanks to Raleigh's antics, the tense atmosphere lightened.
The soldiers now held immense respect for their superior.
After all, a leader who was powerful, well-connected, and down-to-earth was the best kind of leader.