"I was feeling rather dejected, but only a few days later, I suddenly learned that the Arlong Pirates had been wiped out. And the heroes who rid the people of evil are now standing right before us!"
As Sophia said this, her expression suddenly turned solemn. She then raised her right hand first. "Marines, all personnel, salute the heroes!"
—Swish, swish!
The surrounding Marines abruptly stood at attention and saluted in perfect unison. The sudden display gave Nami and Nojiko quite a fright.
"Hey, Nojiko."
Nami's little face flushed bright red as she whispered into Nojiko's ear, "Don't you think the Marines at this base are much more impressive than those guys from Branch 16?"
"Are they?"
Nojiko tilted her head and shook it. "As far as Battle Power goes, I'm not sure. But their military bearing is definitely much better. They look imposing. It seems this Colonel Sophia is far more competent than that Rat."
"Thank you, thank you!"
Manba had never received such treatment before, and his mouth stretched into a grin.
Although he knew it was because of his boss, he still felt honored for the moment. His face glowing, he hurriedly said, "But we really can't accept being called heroes. The entire Arlong Pirates were wiped out single-handedly by Boss Xia Nuo."
"Ah, I know. I heard you mention it over the Den Den Mushi."
Sophia nodded with a smile. After looking around, she could not help asking curiously, "Huh? Where is Lord Xianuo? Didn't he come?"
"He did come, but he just fought a major battle and hasn't recovered from his injuries yet. Then he caught a chill at sea, so naturally his body is a little weak. He didn't want to meet anyone, so he stayed aboard. Please forgive him."
Manba apologized and pointed toward a spot on the ship.
Sophia followed his gaze.
Sure enough, she saw a sturdy figure draped in a black robe, leaning against the railing with a long sword strapped to his back. He smiled and waved in greeting.
But immediately afterward, he broke into a violent fit of coughing. Clutching his chest, he turned and limped into the cabin with the support of two crewmen.
"I heard Lord Xianuo is still very young. Last year, he won the Kendo Tournament on Asagiri Island, and now he has defeated a formidable enemy like the Arlong Pirates. His swordsmanship must have improved tremendously. At this point, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him the strongest swordsman in the entire East Blue, not merely among the younger generation."
Sophia withdrew her gaze, her face filled with regret.
"What a pity. I'm a swordswoman myself, and such an opportunity is rare. I had been hoping that, if I got the chance this time, I could spar properly with Lord Xianuo and ask him to guide me in swordsmanship."
"Is, is that so?"
Manba gave an awkward laugh. He recalled the scenes he had witnessed on the mountain: the hollowed-out mountain, the flying giant trees, the skin that even bullets could not pierce...
Boss Xia Nuo... could he still be considered a swordsman?
At the same time, on the top floor of the Branch 16 fortress.
Rat wore a gloomy expression as he kicked open the office door. He strode behind the spacious desk and sat down in the familiar leather office chair.
"That brat..." He clenched both fists, grinding his teeth loudly.
Where did he even come from? Since when had the East Blue produced such a vicious character? He was a complete monster!
With that kind of strength, why hadn't he gone to the Grand Line to make a name for himself? Why stay in some tiny village and work as a farmer?
"Just you wait..."
The hatred in Rat's heart refused to fade. I can't afford to provoke you for now, but you'll leave your hometown someday, won't you? When that happens, your family—and those foolish villagers who dared laugh at me...
Buru buru~!
The Den Den Mushi on the desk suddenly began to ring.
Rat snapped out of his fantasies and hurriedly picked up the receiver. "Hello... Huh, it's you? Major General, weren't we supposed to contact each other next week? Why are you calling now..."
"It's only a few days early. What difference does it make? I'm asking whether my share of the money is ready."
A deep, magnetic voice came from the receiver. At the same time, the Den Den Mushi somehow produced a pair of sunglasses, put them on, and began leisurely puffing on a cigar.
"It's ready, it's ready!"
Rat quickly pressed the red button beneath the desk. The bookcase behind him suddenly flipped around, revealing a huge metal safe.
When he opened the door, it was filled with stacks of green ten-thousand-Berry bills. A rough count put the total at more than a hundred million Berries.
"One million Berries in total. Don't worry, I'll go to the bank tomorrow and deposit it into your account." Rat pulled out a stack, closed the safe, and said with a beaming smile as he counted the money.
"One million Berries?"
The other party paused briefly, then his tone turned cold.
"Rat, are you joking? Wasn't our original agreement thirty percent of the first year's earnings? You're about to complete an entire year in office. Don't tell me you only made three million Berries in total."
"Money is hard to earn, just like shit is hard to swallow, sir."
Rat hurriedly began to complain. "This place is remote and far away, and many of the villages are in the middle of nowhere. In reality, I haven't even earned three million. Being able to produce one million is already very difficult. I'm also rounding up the amount, and taking the opportunity to thank you for your guidance regarding Arlong's group some time ago."
"...That's barely acceptable. Fine, let it go this year."
The magnetic voice turned cold. "Next year, that number must not be less than three million. Remember, it was the military merit I assigned to you that let you take the position of branch base commander. It's worth far more than this little money."
"Yes, yes, I understand, Major General."
Rat nodded repeatedly. After hesitating for a moment, he continued, "Speaking of which, sir, I recently offended someone. That person is hiding his true abilities, and I'm worried he might come to get revenge. I was thinking I should strike first and take care of him..."
"Hiding his true abilities?" The magnetic voice scoffed. "In a place like the East Blue, what kind of person could be hiding his true abilities? What's his name?"
"His name is..."
Boom!
At that instant, the window outside suddenly shattered.
A black shadow that had been listening outside for some time abruptly stepped into the top-floor office.
Rat instinctively turned his head at the sound, but before he could react, a powerful hand like an iron pincer had already clamped around his throat. Like an eagle snatching up a chick, it lifted him high off the ground.
You!
You actually dared to come here?!
The black-haired youth before him wore an indifferent expression. Rat's eyes widened in disbelief. He struggled desperately, trying to speak, but in the end could only force out a low, pained "Uu, uu."
"Rat? Rat!"
The anxious voice came from the receiver. "Hello! What's going on? What happened over there?!"
No one could answer.
Reflected in Rat's terrified pupils, the black-haired youth slowly spread a ferocious grin. Then he abruptly seized Rat's entire head and slammed it against the safe's metal door!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Once, twice, three times... Xia Nuo's movements were swift and decisive, each blow following immediately after the last, leaving Rat no room to struggle.
"Ugh, ugh..." At first, Rat still managed a few faint groans, but soon he fell completely silent. Meanwhile, the metal door of the safe gradually became covered in blood and brain matter as it buckled and caved inward bit by bit...
Before you continue