Marine Rear Admiral Austin

The weather was clear,

On the bustling Sabaody Archipelago, countless visitors from afar mingled among the crowds, people from all walks of life.

Amid such a complicated mass of people, there was naturally no shortage of representatives of justice—the Marines.

A patrol of Marines marched through the streets, yet when pirate crews occasionally appeared on the road, they tacitly chose to turn a blind eye.

There was simply too much to handle.

Here, the unspoken rule was that as long as pirates did not cause trouble, the Marines could not be bothered to interfere.

Especially with the most widespread recent news: after Pirate King Roger had been captured, the pirates' arrogance across the seas had immediately diminished. For these rank-and-file Marines, it was good news that meant fewer battles.

"Alright, our shift is over for today. Get ready, everyone—we're heading back to headquarters!"

"Yeah!!!"

"Great, we can finally rest for a while. I can also go home and see my wife and kids."

"What's the rush to get home for? Once we collect our bonus, let's go have some fun together."

"Ah... well, that wouldn't be right, would it?"

"Quit pretending..."

Under the blazing sun, a Marine warship bound for Marine Headquarters, Marineford, officially set sail at noon. The deck was filled with the chatter and banter of ordinary Marines.

In the kitchen off to the side of the cabin, a tall figure sat at the dining table with one leg crossed over the other.

The noisy sounds outside the cabin did not affect his mood in the slightest.

Even the occasional rocking of the waves could not shake his body at all.

The nearly three-meter-long Marine coat draped over him did not make him look bloated. Instead, it highlighted his heroic bearing and complemented the uniform beneath it.

The epaulets were ornate, their intricate patterns proclaiming their extraordinary status.

Among the Marines, no soldier with ambitions of advancement could fail to recognize what this insignia represented. It was the symbol of a general: the coat of a Marine Headquarters rear admiral.

"So that guy was a Marine rear admiral..."

Austin savored a piece of steak.

Two young Marines stood beside him, staring straight ahead in extreme nervousness. Smelling the steak's aroma, they swallowed despite themselves.

Knock, knock, knock...

"Come in." Austin spoke slowly. Though his voice was not loud, it carried an authority that could not be ignored.

Upon hearing him, a somewhat timid figure first poked his head inside. His wrinkled face was filled with a fawning smile before he slowly entered the room.

"Rear Admiral Allen, pardon the interruption. I'm here to report on our work."

The newcomer was slight of build. Rubbing his hands together, he spoke ingratiatingly.

Then he turned to the two young Marines beside Austin with a stern expression. "You two, leave."

"Yes! Colonel Dick!"

Though they despised the officer's behavior, the two young Marines did not dare show it in the slightest. They could only leave with solemn faces.

"What is it?"

Austin almost laughed, but fortunately, his control over his expression was still solid. Faced with the Marine officer's attempt to curry favor, he put on all the dignity expected of a Marine superior.

And in truth, Austin's performance perfectly matched every expectation Dick, who had just been transferred to Marine Headquarters, held for high-ranking officers.

Dignified, tall, imposing...

So much so that Austin merely made up a name and an excuse.

Then, after putting on the trophy coat he had obtained years ago after killing a Marine rear admiral, Dick completely believed his identity.

Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral Allen had been separated from his subordinates during a mission. Now that the mission was complete, he was catching a ride back to headquarters.

"Reporting to Rear Admiral Allen, I have announced the order concluding the patrol mission and arranged all necessary matters for the return voyage!"

Dick reported in a methodical manner, even though Austin continued eating his steak and did not appear to be listening closely.

Naturally, Dick had his own interpretation of this scene.

As expected of a Marine Headquarters rear admiral.

This damned sense of ease... It was as though nothing in this world could possibly move him. A mere patrol mission must have been no different from children playing house in the eyes of a battle-hardened figure like him.

How else could he have become a rear admiral?

He was a rear admiral!

Just one step below a Vice Admiral, two steps below an admiral, and three steps below the Fleet Admiral!

In front of such an important figure, I have to perform well!

Seeing Austin focused solely on enjoying his steak, Dick tactfully took one of his prized possessions from the safe at the back of the kitchen.

"Rear Admiral Allen, this is a specialty wine from the Land of Wine that I happened to acquire in the past.

"I hope you won't find it beneath you. It can help moisten your throat."

With his backside raised, he obsequiously opened the bottle for Austin and poured it into a wineglass beside him.

"Oh... you're thoughtful."

The steak had been a little dry anyway.

Austin picked up the glass. A flash of red light passed through his eyes, and after pausing for a moment, he finally drank it down in one gulp.

"Very fine wine."

Accepting the offering, Austin praised it obligingly. "It has none of the bitterness of ordinary alcohol. Instead, it carries a sweet fruity flavor and a rich aroma. I like it very much."

Austin truly meant it. Though it was alcohol, it differed from the rum and beer he had drunk before.

It really was quite delicious. Its only flaw was that it was too expensive.

Though he had a lot of money stored with Sammy, even he could not afford to spend it like this. A bottle was gone in two or three gulps and cost one million Beli.

When he had the time, he might as well conquer that so-called Land of Wine. Then he would not need to pay for it.

What Great Pirate ever actually paid for things?

"Hehe, as long as you like it. If you do, I can bring you more in the future. After all, I'll need your support going forward."

Dick was naturally delighted to hear this. Seizing the opportunity, he hurriedly declared his loyalty, hoping Austin would look after him.

Austin immediately smiled at those words.

He began handing out empty promises as if they cost nothing, stuffing Dick so full of happiness that the man was nearly dizzy with it.

"Don't worry, Colonel Dick. I'll certainly mention you more often to Admiral Sengoku in the future. And Staff Officer Tsuru as well... Are you still worried about lacking opportunities for promotion?"

"Hahaha..." Dick heard that and nearly wanted to tear out his heart to prove his loyalty to Austin, waiting on him hand and foot.

However, Austin was used to being served by a little maid. He had no interest whatsoever in someone so ugly, so he casually found an excuse and sent him away.

In fact, if this worthless Marine had put more effort into dealing with pirates instead of currying favor with superiors and oppressing civilians, he would definitely have recognized him.

The superior he so revered was one of the infamous figures on the Wanted Poster—

Black Gun Dotol Austin!