"Did you see that?"
Tezoro put down the Den Den Mushi, his eyes brimming with the arrogant pride of someone who believed money could buy anything.
"Even a high-ranking and powerful Marine Fleet Admiral couldn't refuse my request!"
"Well, Rear Admiral Buggy?"
"Will you obediently fulfill your duties as a Marine now?"
"..."
Buggy was rather speechless as he looked at the smug Tezoro.
However, after Kuzan, the head of that illegal organization, had personally spoken and hinted at things, he was no longer afraid that Garen would silence him for provoking him.
That being the case, staying here did not seem particularly dangerous.
"Fine!"
Buggy let out a deep sigh and put on a gloomy, deeply unwilling expression.
"Since Fleet Admiral Kuzan has spoken, I can't keep refusing."
"I'll protect you, Tezoro."
Tezoro was an immensely successful tycoon, so he naturally possessed some skill at reading people.
When he saw Buggy's cold expression, he wisely set aside his somewhat overbearing arrogance and put on a flattering smile.
"Rear Admiral Buggy, please don't be too angry!"
"This concerns my personal safety, so I had no choice but to resort to such measures."
Pointing at the pile of money, Tezoro said ingratiatingly,
"These little gifts are merely a meeting present for you."
"I have some other 'local specialties' as well. Please be sure to accept them!"
"Sounds good!"
Buggy grinned in satisfaction.
The greed in his heart flared up again, and without any hesitation, he continued scooping up the money right in front of Tezoro.
A fellow Knight of Justice had instantly turned into part of a corrupt, colluding criminal force.
Still, as Buggy touched the money, he remained concerned about the safety of this operation.
So he deliberately turned to Tezoro and asked,
"Tezoro, where is Garen right now?"
"Uh..."