At this moment, aboard the quietly moored warship.
"It's truly astonishing—dozens of giant ships joined together to form a 'continent'!" Gion exclaimed in amazement.
"Germa 66 has no fixed territory. It is a seafaring kingdom composed entirely of ships, so it can indeed be considered a unique spectacle in this world," Longinus said with a nod.
As they spoke, the massive ship drew closer. Before long, a gangplank was lowered between it and the warship.
After Longinus stepped across the gangplank and entered Germa territory, Judge appeared at just the right moment. His golden hair resembled a lion's mane, and behind him followed a delicate little girl and four handsome young boys.
"Your Majesty, we apologize for disturbing you with this visit," Longinus said with a smile, looking nothing like someone who had come to make trouble.
"Ha ha ha! You must be Captain Longinus, yes? I have long heard of your heroic exploits in exterminating pirates. You even dared provoke a force like the Donquixote Family. You truly are worthy of being a real Marine!" Judge's words carried a barb, as though mocking Longinus for daring to trouble him after provoking the Donquixote Family.
Colonel Kadi stood among the Marine ranks, lowered his head, and roared inwardly, Lose your temper! Hurry up and lose your temper in front of him!
Yet Longinus merely smiled unconcernedly. "Cracking down on pirates is something every Marine does with all his strength. There is nothing worth praising."
"Captain Longinus is truly modest," Judge said with a soft sigh. "The wind is strong outside. Why don't we go in and discuss matters there?"
Along the way, Germa Kingdom's elite soldiers stood on both sides of the road. The iron-blooded aura they exuded completely overshadowed the Marines behind Longinus.
Gun towers and heavy artillery fortifications