Major Longinus

"Ahhh!"

The town's peaceful atmosphere was suddenly shattered by a series of piercing screams.

"Oh no, the Giant Axe Pirates are here!"

"They must have come for revenge!"

"Don't panic! Marines are stationed on the island. Those pirates won't be able to run wild for long!"

The largest square in town had been occupied by a group of vicious-looking pirates. The residents who had failed to escape were surrounded and held captive in the center, huddling together in terrified unease.

"Where are those Marines? Release our captain right now, or don't blame us for killing every hostage behind us!" Scarface, a pirate, threatened sharply.

"If you want to die, go ahead and try!"

"Who? Who said that?" Scarface turned around angrily and saw a Marine officer wearing a Coat of Justice leading a squad of Marine soldiers toward them from afar.

"Hm? A little Marine brat? Were you the one who said that?" Scarface sneered, the crisscrossing scars on his face making him look even more terrifying.

At that moment, a pirate behind him stepped forward, trembling as he said, "First mate, it was him! He's the one who captured the captain!"

"What? This brat?" Scarface asked in disbelief. Then he seemed to remember something, and the brutality in his eyes gradually turned to horror. "Wait... could he be that rising star the Marines keep talking about? The Longinus known as the Light of the Marines, the man from whom not a single pirate has escaped in two years?"

"Y-Yes, it's him!"

"Are you planning to rescue Giant Axe Locke? I can hand him over to you, but only if you guarantee the safety of those civilians." Longinus slowly approached them, speaking unhurriedly.

"Stop! Stop right there!" As Longinus continued closing in, Scarface let out a shrill cry like a young wife cornered by a burly man. "Don't come near me! Stay farther away!"

Not only Longinus and the Marines behind him, but even the distant onlookers among the townspeople found the scene both ridiculous and absurd. Was this really the cruel and brutal pirate from before?

"He's too powerful! Major Longinus is simply too powerful! His mere presence is enough to make vicious pirates fear him to this extent!" the excited townspeople said.

"Of course. Major Longinus is a Marine hero. Whether it was rescuing a hijacked passenger ship alone, wiping out the evil pirates in the surrounding waters, or even helping suppress wars and unrest in various nations, these were all accomplishments he achieved in just two short years." Although Longinus was not permanently stationed on this island, its people still spoke of him with great pride.

Hearing the surrounding civilians' admiration for Longinus and their contempt for himself, Scarface finally snapped out of his fear. Embarrassed and enraged, he said, "Longinus, you'd better know what's good for you and release our captain right now. Otherwise, don't blame me for starting a slaughter! Don't forget, I have hostages. A Marine like you, who prides himself on Justice, wouldn't just stand by and watch them die by my hand, would you?"

"I've already sent someone to bring Giant Axe Locke out of prison. But remember this: if any of the people behind you are harmed, then even if I have to chase you to the end of the Grand Line, I will throw you into the deepest level of Impel Down and show you that even death is nothing more than a luxury!"

At the mention of every pirate's nightmare, Scarface could not help trembling. Shaking himself, he said, "Y-You'd better hurry up! Don't... don't try anything!"

Time passed bit by bit. Scarface could not help swallowing. Clearly, he was the one holding the advantage, so why were his hands and feet shaking uncontrollably?

Thinking of that, Scarface cursed inwardly, Those damned idiots! If they'd told me earlier that the person who captured that guy was Holy Light Longinus, I'd have to have been kicked in the head by a donkey to come rescue him!

"Major Longinus, we've brought Giant Axe Locke!" A squad of Marine soldiers escorted over a monster nearly five meters tall. Yet that giant-like captain of the Giant Axe Pirates made no suspicious moves. He walked over obediently, like a wronged young wife, and the instant he saw Longinus, his body began trembling as though he had recalled some unbearable memories.

"Go on. Your crew came to rescue you," Longinus said coldly.

"Ah?" Giant Axe Locke looked terrified and kept backing away. "It has nothing to do with me! I didn't tell them to rescue me! Really, Major, you have to believe me!"

Seeing the brutal pirate captain, who was like a little giant, say something so aggrieved and spineless, not only the Giant Axe Pirates but even the ordinary residents felt their worldview shatter.

"Captain, don't be afraid! I have hostages. Even if he's Holy Light Longinus, he definitely won't dare do anything to you!" Scarface cursed inwardly, but he still had to put on a loyal expression.

"You idiot, Bart! I knew long ago that you wanted to harm me. I never thought you still wouldn't give up even now! Get out of my way! Don't stop me from going to Impel Down for labor reform!" Giant Axe Locke furiously berated his subordinate. Anyone unaware of the truth might have thought Impel Down was some land of hidden treasure.

Scarface felt his scalp tingle. He knew full well that his captain was no saint. Even now, Locke would rather go to the Impel Down that all pirates dreaded than escape. It was clear just how deeply Locke feared Longinus.

The crew of the Giant Axe Pirates also began stirring. What was this? They had gone through so much trouble to rescue their captain, only for him to refuse to leave? What kind of ridiculous twist was this?

"Shut the hell up, all of you!" Scarface first roared furiously at the men behind him, then turned to Locke with an unwilling expression. "If you cowardly idiot don't dare escape, then suit yourself. At worst, I'll become captain. But before I leave, tell me where that treasure map is hidden. Otherwise, I absolutely won't let this go today!"

The Marines behind Longinus and the residents all showed expressions of realization. Now that made sense!

How could these brutal pirates possibly remain devoted to a defeated captain? At the very least, they could not see what kind of Aura that timid Giant Axe Locke possessed to make his subordinates willing to follow him to the death.

The crew of the Giant Axe Pirates stirred once more. They had never had many ideas of their own. At first, they had truly believed their first mate was loyal and heroic, but they had never expected him to harbor such despicable intentions.

Scarface's face darkened. He had originally planned to wait until he obtained the treasure, then throw that idiot captain out to appease the Marines' anger. That way, he could gain both fame and wealth, perhaps even become a renowned Great Pirate of these waters in one stroke.

The only flaw in his carefully planned arrangement was that Marine—the legendary Marine who had frightened that idiot captain so badly that he did not even dare to escape!

Thanks to Forgot-What-You're-Called for the 1,000 reward. Tragically, I discovered that just a few days after this book was released, the One Emperor Four Emperors writing contest began. I missed it perfectly (). Ahem, although I participated last time too and didn't make even the slightest splash, at least I had something to hope for, right? This time, they didn't even give me that chance (.︿.). So, to comfort my wounded little heart, how about giving me a vote or two? (ˇˇ)