Prosperity to Those Who Follow Me

Bribing cp4 and framing the Navy are not minor offenses.

The Navy is the face of the World Government.

Framing the Navy is equivalent to making the World Government lose face.

Although Duke Richard is about to become the King of the Kingdom of Arthur, the consequences would be severe if this matter were made public.

Thus, Duke Richard chickened out and wished to settle the matter privately.

To minimize the impact as much as possible.

So, Duke Richard immediately invited Oren and Gana to dinner.

Oren and Gana also agreed to a settlement.

However, Oren was unwilling to go to the Kingdom of Arthur.

Duke Richard was now caught with leverage and no substantial evidence to retaliate, so he could only go to William Port.

William Port, the base of Branch 189.

In Oren's office, Duke Richard and Oren met for the first time.

As soon as they met, Oren feigned ignorance, "Why has Your Grace come to see me?"

Duke Richard replied, "The matter at Fast Port was a misunderstanding, and I've come specifically to apologize to Colonel Oren."

Oren said expressionlessly, "It's fine for me personally, but what about the Navy's justice and the World Government's reputation? Moreover, as a subordinate and the most devout follower of Lord Victor, my affairs also affect Lord Victor's prestige, as well as the entire Blue Sea Society."

Oren wanted to put Duke Richard on the spot, a tactic he learned from Victor.

He spoke righteously, constantly mentioning the Navy, the World Government, Victor, and the Blue Sea Society.

He elevated the matter to a very high level.

Actually, Duke Richard understood.

Didn't this just mean compensation?

Furthermore, Duke Richard could tell that Oren intended to demand an exorbitant price.

If his demands weren't met, he wouldn't let it go.

Duke Richard could only accept his fate now; he realized that Oren was no ordinary Navy officer.

Oren had connections.

The World Government didn't truly intend to punish Oren.

Otherwise, they would have sent officials from Enies Lobby or an investigation team from Marine Headquarters.

Thinking of this, Duke Richard said, "I am willing to apologize in the newspapers and donate 3 billion Belly to the Navy's retired and disabled fund."

3 billion Belly was no small sum.

However, Oren showed no reaction.

"Alright, I'll increase the offer."

Duke Richard gritted his teeth and said, "5 billion."

At this point, Oren said, "In addition to the 5 billion Belly donation, Fast Port will be the same as William Port."

This blackmail was naturally not a one-time deal, but an ongoing one!

Oren added, "Only in this way can the long-term peace of Fast Port and the Kingdom of Arthur be guaranteed."

The implication was that if he didn't agree, many problems would arise.

Gana raised his hand and patted Duke Richard on the shoulder, "Lord Victor will be a Marine Admiral in the future, perhaps even Fleet Admiral."

Duke Richard nodded upon hearing this, "I understand."

Marineford, Marine Headquarters.

Victor had just sent a fax to Kong.

"Victor."

Kong was also quite helpless now.

Victor's promotion speed was already very fast.

Oren's promotion speed was also astonishingly fast.

It had only been a little over a year since Victor arrived at Branch 191, and Oren had been repeatedly promoted.

He had just been promoted to the rank of Colonel, and Victor was recommending Oren again.

Kong glanced at the newspaper on his desk. One of the reports was related to Oren.

It was an apology letter from the Kingdom of Arthur.

Although it was a public apology, Victor had indeed done many unsavory things when he was in the South Blue.

He had used various means to amass wealth, including extortion.

At this moment, Sengoku walked in and, seeing Kong's troubled expression, asked, "Is it related to Victor?"

"Mm, it's him." Kong didn't deny it.

Sengoku glanced at the newspaper on the table and said, "These are minor issues, not enough to affect stability."

In Sengoku's eyes, the stability of the situation at sea was the most important thing.

And his words implied that he could agree to Victor.

After all, Victor's subordinates in the South Blue, besides extorting money, also fulfilled their duties, upheld justice, and fought Pirates.

"You came to see me for something?" Kong inquired.

"The candidate I just picked." Sengoku handed a report to Kong.

Kong looked at the contents of Sengoku's report.

"Candidate for the Seven Warlords."

After finishing the report, Kong couldn't help but frown.

The Seven Warlords were proposed by the World Government.

The purpose was to use Pirates to restrain Pirates.

This way, the Navy could concentrate its efforts on dealing with Roger and others.

However, it was also difficult for Kong to accept.

Because once they became Seven Warlords, they would not only have their bounties canceled but also gain the right to plunder legally.

Of course, they could only plunder non-World Government member nations.

"They do possess a certain deterrent power." Kong put down the report and said to Sengoku, "Go and invite them."

Late in Grand Line Era 1494.

One matter once again sparked widespread discussion within the Navy.

That was Oren's further promotion.

With Victor's recommendation, Oren successfully became the commander of Truro Fortress.

In just a few months.

From Colonel to Brigadier General!

And Oren had no outstanding battle achievements to speak of!

The Pirates he captured were mostly minor figures, with bounties of a few million Belly, hardly worth mentioning.

As Victor's subordinate, Mata was envious.

Because Oren's promotion speed was much faster than his.

In terms of personal strength, Mata believed he was inferior to Oren, yet Oren was able to get promoted so quickly.

Not only Mata, but other officers in Branch 191 were also envious and jealous.

Because with Oren's promotion, the Navy in Branch 189 would also be promoted.

"I heard Oren created the Blue Sea Society for Lord Victor and earned his admiration."

"The Blue Sea Society? What is the Blue Sea Society?"

"Its goal is to purify the sea, and all its members are Lord Victor's most devout followers."

"We are also Lord Victor's followers."

"It's different. I heard that Branch 189 shouts 'Long live Lord Victor' every day, and there are statues and photos of Lord Victor everywhere in the barracks."

"What Lord Victor said has been compiled into books."

"Oren is too good at flattering."

"Otherwise, how could he be promoted so quickly?"

"Perhaps he still has a chance to be promoted to Major General and be transferred to Headquarters in the future."

At this time, the officers of Branch 191 were all discussing.

Oren's rapid success allowed the officers to discover a 'shortcut'.

As Victor's former subordinates, they could naturally join the Blue Sea Society.

Moreover, purifying the sea was Victor's dream and absolute justice.

Not only in Branch 191.

Even in Branch G1, the Blue Sea Society began to be promoted.

The Blue Sea Society aims to purify the evil forces on the sea, making the sea pure and blue.

Therefore, joining the Blue Sea Society was not only for promotion and wealth but also for justice!