It took a full week of washing for the bloodstained ground of Execution Square to fade back to its former appearance, and all the damage was restored as well.
Only then did the silent Loguetown regain a little of its former bustle.
Branch, base chief's office.
The windows were wide open, and a cool breeze drifted through.
Luo Ya sat before the coffee table, intently stacking stones he had picked up at random while the Marines' chants echoed in his ears.
The Branch had less than half as many Marines as before, yet their chants were louder than ever. Having been tempered by life and death, their bearing had become even more disciplined.
A truly elite force!
Fullbody appeared in the doorway, holding a thick stack of documents.
Knock, knock, knock!
"Come in."
Fullbody walked over to the coffee table and handed him the documents with a broad smile. "Major—no, Colonel! Your promotion order has arrived."
"Mm, let me see."
Luo Ya took the documents and casually flipped through them.
His achievement in eliminating the Arlong Pirates had earned him a two-rank promotion to Branch Colonel, as well as the position of Loguetown Branch base chief.
It was more or less what he had expected.
However, he could not let his guard down. Marine Headquarters had likely noticed his little moves, but with the distance involved and no evidence, they could do nothing to him for the time being.
Still, Headquarters would definitely make a move.
"Just as expected!"
Luo Ya flipped to the final page and smiled at the silver-haired man whose fierce face looked as though everyone owed him money.
What was meant to come would come eventually!
It was the renowned Smoker!
With the Loguetown Branch suffering heavy losses, Marine Headquarters had sent Marine Headquarters Colonel Smoker