Counting the Spoils

The fighting spirit of two 70-year-old veterans is truly awe-inspiring.

When Ma Qiao and Tashigi arrived at the edge of the battlefield, the once beautiful beach had been transformed by the aftermath of a typhoon.

Tashigi was so shocked by the sight of the two incredibly powerful figures clashing that it was almost impossible to see with the naked eye that she was speechless. Her legs went weak and she collapsed to the ground like a panicked quail.

This young female soldier, who had just started working, did not possess the talent of some Fleet Girls who could grow rapidly without experiencing the harsh realities of the sea.

Ma Qiao is alright, though.

He had anticipated the fighting prowess of these old monsters.

After all, this scene was nothing more than a friendly sparring match between Shanks and Edward Newgate, not a life-or-death struggle.

Garp probably didn't even unleash one-tenth of the power he had at God Valley back then.

Ma Qiao gave Tashigi some verbal encouragement, and the two quickly dragged Smoker, who had been lying unconscious nearby, back to safety.

This poor thing looks like it needs to be wrapped up like a mummy.

"Ma... Ma Qiao..."

Smoker truly lived up to his reputation as Admiral; during the transport, he even had a brief moment of lucidity before passing out. He slightly opened his eyes, glanced at Ma Qiao who was clinging to his hairy legs, gave a relieved smile, and then his head lolled to the side before he fainted again.

This left Ma Qiao speechless.

Tashigi was there, though!

Why does it seem like there's some special bond between us?

I'm not King Luffy!

Tashigi, standing to the side, covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

Suddenly, she threw Smoker's upper body to the ground and bowed to Ma Qiao.

This guy is also a bit mentally unstable.

Ma Qiao silently mourned for Smoker.

That's just how guys are in the world of One Piece anyway.

He was used to it.

Tashigi bent over at an angle exceeding 120 degrees. "Senior Ma Qiao, please forgive me for once doubting your impeccably pure justice!"

"Pure and unadulterated justice? Me?"

Ma Qiao was a little incredulous that this was about him.

However, there doesn't seem to be anyone else around.

He shrugged. "I'm not in the navy... I'm just an ordinary citizen..."

"Mr. Ma Qiao! Justice isn't just for the Navy!"

Tashigi's expression was incredibly serious. "You are the most righteous person I've ever met in my life, and whether you're a Marine or not doesn't diminish that... But I thought... I thought you were a big talker... That's the worst thing about me..."

There's no need to blame yourself...

Ma Qiao sighed, "It's alright. It's hard for ordinary people to imagine that such an ordinary pirate crew would be associated with big shots like Jinbe and Rayleigh. I don't blame you... Anyway, let's... run away first!"

Ma Qiao grabbed Smoker in one hand and Tashigi in the other, dodged a large flying rock with a Playful Trickster, and ran off towards Arlong Park.

It's too dangerous to stay here while those two old monsters are fighting.

Rayleigh aside for now.

Garp's rock-crushing Riot Games are swung around like they're free, and the only reason he hasn't killed King Luffy after all these years is out of filial piety.

I'm not some chosen one, so it's best to stay away.

However, Ma Qiao suddenly noticed that there was another fearless guy in the distance.

That was Wallace, who was determined to make a Big News Morgans.

He held a camera in his hand, wore a white helmet, and shivered behind a large rock.

Suddenly, a huge piece of rock flew towards Wallace from the aftershocks of the battle.

"What a hassle!"

Ma Qiao sighed, put Tashigi in his mouth, then used his free hand to grab Wallace and continue running.

"Let me go!"

This is a once-in-a-decade Big News Morgans!

"There are still so many battle photos I haven't taken yet!"

Wallace struggled desperately.

Fortunately, in the world of One Piece, it's quite common to be able to talk while holding something in your mouth.

Roronoa Zoro can even recite poetry while holding a sword in his mouth.

While holding Tashigi in his mouth, Ma Qiao roared:

"Don't worry, Mr. Wallace, we have enough photos and materials. We can just Photoshop them later!"

"You're asking what Photoshop is? No problem, I'll teach you in a bit!"

"This is how we White Helmets conducted news reporting in ancient times!"

With Rayleigh's intervention, the most crucial link in the East Blue Serial Guardians of Justice incident has been completed.

Whether it's the previous Wicked Twin Stars or the Six-Sword Style Great Swordsman, their realism and reliability have been greatly improved.

Furthermore, the high amount of invoices that Twitch submitted to headquarters for reimbursement also has a reasonable logical loop.

Of course, the most exciting moment is yet to come.

Just now, because of the Rayleigh incident, Ma Qiao had just finished counting the first safe.

Setting aside the heavily injured Smoker, Ma Qiao couldn't wait to savor the taste of victory.

"Joe, I know where Arlong's treasure is hidden!"

Seeing that Ma Qiao was about to return to the building in Arlong Park, Nami anxiously shouted, "Take me with you! I'll help you find the treasure!"

Ma Qiao stopped at the sound, turned around, and said sternly, "Treasure and such are not the key points. What pains me is that these despicable Fish-Man pirates dared to corrupt a high-ranking officer of the Navy... Tashigi..."

"Yes, Mr. Ma Qiao!"

"You take this Cat Burglar to wipe out Arlong's remaining forces and let her atone for her crimes. Leave the investigation and evidence gathering to me! Also, I think Garen will take good care of Captain Smoker's health..."

"Yes!"

Tashigi saluted Ma Qiao, then grabbed Nami's handcuffs and, ignoring her protests, dragged her into the battle to search the mountains and seas and wipe out Arlong's remaining forces.

Shaking his head, Ma Qiao turned and walked towards the building.

Joke.

How could Cat Burglar be involved in something like raiding a house?

With Lord Wei and Duo Long, that's enough...

As for finding treasure...

Surely no one actually thinks that Teacher Ma brought the [Scan] just to fight pirates?

No way, right?