Brain-Dead Fanboy Cobra

"Out of 732 people, only 61 were actually able to return to their homeland?"

Tina murmured dejectedly after receiving the accurate results.

"You've already done very well. At least 61 families have been saved, and at least those who remained won't have to become slaves," Admiral Louis comforted her.

"Little Tina, this is actually an extraordinarily glorious victory."

Commodore Adkin sighed, yet did not stint on his praise. "Unlike other pirates, the pirates under the slave owners' command have hostages as protective shields. Many times, to ensure the hostages' safety, we don't dare push them too hard. We can only make them release some of the slaves before deciding what to do next."

"Although we know this approach greatly encourages the slave ships' activities, it's simply too difficult to ensure both safety and results. Your operation this time has undoubtedly dealt a heavy blow to those pirates' arrogance. Once you join the Marines in the future, I'll make sure this achievement is added to your record."

"Eh? Tina didn't do anything. This was all Big Brother Longinus's achievement!" Tina hurriedly waved her hands in refusal.

"Don't worry. I definitely won't forget Longinus's share. He's probably being interviewed by those reporters right now!" Commodore Adkin was rather envious. Even as a commodore, he had appeared in the papers only a handful of times, and on those occasions, he had only been mentioned in the written reports because of Longinus.

There was nothing he could do about it. Who told him to have a rugged appearance, mediocre strength, and ordinary accomplishments? There simply wasn't any material worth digging into.

But Longinus was different. Even if they only photographed his face, it could make the newspaper's sales rise by several levels. And even people who weren't especially interested in appearances couldn't find fault with his perfect record. For a time, he had become the "other people's child" in the mouths of parents throughout these waters.

"A nearly perfect answer sheet, Major Longinus. I look forward to our next collaboration!"

A humanoid bird gentlemanly removed his top hat.

"Vice President Morgans, your questions were also quite incisive and strategically insightful. I think we may have another opportunity to work together in the future."

Although the other party was a humanoid bird, Longinus showed no strange look in his eyes.

"I have the same feeling. With Major Longinus's potential, our cooperation will certainly not end here. I hope my reports will accompany Major Longinus's reputation and spread throughout the entire Grand Line!"

Morgans swayed his comically large belly and walked out of the room with a calm expression, ignoring the laughter in the distance.

"The future president of the World Economic Journal?"

Longinus watched Morgans disappear into the distance, then lowered his head and looked at his slightly cupped palm. Only by mastering the power of public opinion can I spread 'justice' to more distant places!

At night, the kings of the other countries arrived one after another.

This was also the primary reason they had requested Marine arbitration. Without the Marines, who symbolized "absolute justice," present, those kings would never have felt comfortable entering the territory of a neighboring country.

"Alabasta is the most troublesome party in these talks between the four countries. Their strength is the greatest, and they gained the most from the previous war. If they stop here, they'll still be the biggest winners of the war, but they may lose out on quite a bit of profit afterward."

During the lavish banquet, Commodore Adkin dealt with the greetings of the various dignitaries and nobles while explaining the key points of the talks to Longinus.

"Moreover, that old fellow from Alabasta is extremely cunning and treacherous. He has always advocated biting off the fattest piece of meat from his enemies. Over the years he's held power, he's launched dozens of wars, large and small, and only then expanded Alabasta to its current level. In fact, I was already surprised that he agreed to attend these talks between the four countries."

"As for the other three countries, pay particular attention to King Azka. That fellow is both stupid and greedy. Although he lost the war, he may still be fantasizing about seizing benefits through his 'brilliant' negotiating skills. Don't let his stupidity ruin these talks."

Longinus's mouth twitched speechlessly. "Are we here to arbitrate or to babysit?"

"Those with ability do more work, those with ability do more work!" Commodore Adkin glanced around before lowering his voice. "Actually, Lodestar Island is a complete mess. Don't be fooled by the fact that my jurisdiction is the largest among the branch commodores. The truth is, they only put me in charge because I'm the least experienced."

"According to what my predecessor told me, the Marines stationed here throughout the years have all discovered traces of World Government intelligence agencies operating frequently on this island. It seems to be an area the World Government is highly concerned about. That's why we reached a consensus: do our best not to let Lodestar Island descend into chaos, lest those government people stick their hands in."

"Is it because of the Nefertari family's former status as royalty, or because the royal family possesses that historical stone tablet?" Longinus recalled the memories of that otherworldly soul and pondered silently. It should be the former. Otherwise, the World Government couldn't possibly have allowed Crocodile to run rampant in Alabasta for so many years!

As Longinus was thinking, Commodore Adkin slapped him on the shoulder and said with a suggestive look, "Looks like I'm getting in the way. I'll stop interfering with this Marine Hero's chance to show off his charm!"

Sure enough, once that thick-browed fellow left, many beautiful women soon gathered around.

"Are you Major Longinus, the one who rescued those poor slaves? You're just as handsome as in the newspapers... I mean, just as kind as the newspapers said!"

"Can kindness really be seen at a glance? She clearly fell for his looks. How shallow! But I'm different. I saw Major Longinus's interesting soul!"

"Y-You're so shameless!"

"Major Longinus, could you tell us about your heroic battle against the pirates? If there isn't enough time, we could move somewhere quieter and discuss it in detail."

"You old women in your twenties, let go of Major Longinus! Can't you find some middle-aged men closer to your age?"

"What do you little brats, who haven't even grown all your hair, know?"

"Lady, you're so long-winded!"

"What did you call me?"

"Sorry, I should've called you an old hag!"

"Damn brat! I'll tear your mouths apart!"

"Bring it on! We've disliked you old hags for a long time!"

As the war erupted, Longinus was squeezed out with a bewildered look on his face.

At that moment, a familiar yet unfamiliar face appeared before Longinus. The man was so excited that he could barely speak. "M-Major... Major Longinus, I'm... I'm so happy to be able to meet you here."

"Right, let me introduce myself first. I'm the Crown Prince of Alabasta, Nefertari Cobra, and also your most loyal admirer!"