Rear Admiral Austin

The weather was clear, On the bustling Sabaody Archipelago, many foreign tourists were walking through, a motley crew, Among such a complex crowd, of course, there were representatives of justice—the Marines.

A patrol of Marines moved through the streets, and when faced with occasional pirate crews on the main street, they tacitly chose to turn a blind eye, They couldn't manage everything, Here, the unwritten rule was that as long as the pirates didn't cause trouble, the Marines couldn't be bothered to manage them, Especially with the most widely spread news recently, after Pirate King Roger was captured, the arrogance of pirates on the sea instantly diminished a lot. For these low-level Marines, it was good news that meant fewer battles.

"Alright, our shift is over for today. Everyone get ready, we're heading back to Headquarters!"

"Oh!!!"

"That's great, I can finally rest for a while, and go see my wife and kids."

"Why rush back? Let's go have some fun after we get our bonus."

"Ah... is that really okay?"

"Stop pretending..."

Under the bright sun, a Marine warship returning to Marine Headquarters, Marineford, officially set sail at noon. The deck was filled with the chatter and banter of young Marines.

In the kitchen on the side of the ship's cabin, a tall figure sat on a chair in front of the dining table, his legs crossed, The noisy sounds from outside the cabin did not affect his mood in the slightest, The occasional rocking of the waves could not shake his posture one bit.

A Marine greatcoat, nearly three meters in size, was draped over him, not making him look bulky, but rather highlighting a heroic aura that complemented the uniform underneath, The epaulets on it were gorgeously designed, with intricate patterns signifying extraordinary status, Among the Marines, any soldier who wanted to advance would recognize the meaning of this symbol. It was the symbol of a general, the cloak of a Rear Admiral from Marine Headquarters.

"So that guy was a Rear Admiral..."

Austin tasted a piece of steak, Beside him stood two young Marines, nervously looking straight ahead, their mouths watering uncontrollably at the smell of the steak.

"Knock, knock, knock..."

"Come in," Austin said slowly. Although his voice was not loud, it carried an undeniable authority, Hearing this, a somewhat timid figure first poked his head in, his face full of wrinkles and a fawning smile, then slowly entered the room, "Rear Admiral Allen, forgive my intrusion. I'm here to report on my work."

The newcomer was small and thin, rubbing his hands together obsequiously, Then, he looked sternly at the two young Marines beside Austin: "You two, you can go."

"Yes! Captain Dick!"

Even though they disdained the behavior of the officer before them, the two young Marines dared not show it in the slightest, and could only leave with serious expressions.

"Is there something?"

Austin felt like laughing, but his expression control was still in place. Facing the overtures of the Marine officer before him, he maintained the dignified demeanor expected of a superior officer.

In fact, Austin's performance perfectly matched Dick's imagination of high-ranking officers, as he had just been transferred to Marine Headquarters.

Dignified, tall, imposing...

So much so that when Austin casually made up a name and a reason, And put on the greatcoat he obtained years ago after defeating a Marine Rear Admiral, Dick completely believed his identity.

Rear Admiral Allen of Marine Headquarters, separated from his subordinates during a mission, and now returning to Headquarters on a favorable wind after the mission was completed.

"Reporting, Rear Admiral Allen, I have already announced the order to end the patrol mission and have made all necessary arrangements for the return voyage!"

Dick reported stiffly. Even though Austin was still just eating steak and didn't seem to be listening carefully to his report, Dick certainly had his own interpretation of this scene.

Was this what was expected of a Rear Admiral from Marine Headquarters?

This damn sense of relaxation, as if nothing in the world could move him. A mere patrol mission, in the eyes of such a battle-hardened individual, must be no different from children playing house, right?

Otherwise, how could he be a Rear Admiral?

That was a Rear Admiral, One step away from a Vice Admiral, two steps from an Admiral, three steps from a Fleet Admiral!

In front of such an important figure, he had to perform well!

Seeing Austin solely focused on savoring his steak, Dick, with great emotional intelligence, took out a personal treasure from a safe in the back of the kitchen, "Rear Admiral Allen, this is something I chanced upon. It's a special product from the country of wine.

I hope you won't mind, and will use it to moisten your throat."

He bent over with his rear end sticking out, fawningly opening the bottle for Austin and pouring it into a nearby wine glass.

"Oh... you're thoughtful."

It was just a bit dry from eating.

Austin picked up the wine glass, a flash of red light in his eyes. After a pause, he finally drank it down with a sense of relief.

"Very good wine."

Austin accepted the filial gesture and cooperatively praised, "It has none of the bitterness of ordinary wine, but rather a sweet fruity flavor and a rich aroma. I like it very much."

Austin's words were indeed from the heart. Although it was wine, it was different from the rum and beer he had drunk before.

This wine was indeed quite delicious, the only downside being its exorbitant price.

Although he had a lot of money deposited with Sammy, he couldn't afford to waste it like this. A bottle gone in two or three sips cost a million Belly.

He might as well conquer that so-called "Wine Country" when he had the chance. Then he wouldn't have to pay.

Which Great Pirate actually paid for things?

"Heh heh, as long as you like it, I'll bring you more in the future. After all, I'll need your guidance more often."

Dick was naturally very happy to hear this. Seizing the opportunity, he quickly pledged his loyalty, hoping Austin would take care of him.

Hearing this, Austin immediately laughed.

He painted grand pictures as if they were free, making Dick's head swim with happiness.

"Don't worry, Colonel Dick, I'll definitely put in a good word for you with Admiral Sengoku later, and with Chief of Staff Tsuru... are you still afraid of not having promotion opportunities?"

"Ahahaha..." Hearing this, Dick felt like he could give his heart to Austin, serving him diligently and attentively.

However, for Austin, who was accustomed to being served by young maids, he had no interest in someone as ugly as this. He simply found an excuse and sent him away.

In reality, this good-for-nothing Navy officer, if he had focused more on pirates instead of flattering his superiors and oppressing civilians, would have definitely recognized...

The superior officer he most admired was none other than one of the notorious figures on the wanted poster.

Black Gun, Dotol, Austin!