Reed

Biodata

Personality

Reed is greedy, self-indulgent, and opportunistic. As the 153rd Branch's recruiter, he treats enlistment as a source of bribes, accepting payment to falsify John's birthplace and secure him a desirable navigator posting. He also hopes to profit from John's apparent wealth and future advancement. 36 37

Despite his corruption, Reed is notably more cautious and restrained than John. He recognizes traps, urges retreat when outnumbered, calls for reinforcements, and repeatedly tries to prevent John's attacks from harming apparent hostages or civilians. 45 47 50

Reed is easily swayed by material rewards and overwhelming strength. He quickly forgives John for throwing his treasured sword after being promised a Supreme Grade Blade, and he tolerates John's insubordination partly out of fear that antagonizing him could create a far more dangerous pirate. 47 49

Skills and Authority

Marine Administration

• Managed recruitment for the 153rd Branch and exploited the process for personal profit. 36
• Falsified John's stated origin from the non-affiliated Feros Kingdom to Shells Town in exchange for Beli. 36
• Served as the highest-ranking Marine aboard the warship pursuing the King Snake Pirates. 44 47

Naval Knowledge

• Identified Soul-Loss Bay's submerged reefs and warned the crew too late to prevent the warship from running aground. 48
• Recognized numerous wanted pirates at Soul-Loss Town and understood that Morgan's actual influence exceeded his official bounty. 49
• Assessed the merchant vessel's distress call as a probable trap and initially recommended a cautious approach. 45

Equipment

• Greedy Wolf — Reed's treasured Great Grade Blade, one of the Twenty-One. He lent it to John to clear the reefs; John instead threw it as a projectile. 48 49
• Den Den Mushi — Used to repeatedly attempt contact with Colonel Burns for reinforcements at Soul-Loss Town. 50

Relationships

• John — Recruited John into the Marines after accepting bribes, falsifying his identity, and assigning him as a navigator. Though nominally John's superior, Reed is routinely ignored, intimidated, and forced to manage the consequences of John's actions. 36 40 47
• Colonel Rory Burns — Reed's commanding officer at the 153rd Branch. Reed follows Burns's prohibition on intervening in local conflicts and unsuccessfully attempts to contact him during the Soul-Loss Town operation. 39 50
• Sabrina — Her former casual involvement with John creates political risk for the branch; Reed warns John that Sabrina's mayor father and the Minister of Military Affairs may retaliate. 44 45
• 153rd Branch Marines — Reed commands the enlisted personnel aboard the warship, though he struggles to maintain their obedience amid John's intimidation and reckless orders. 44 47
• Dragon — Reed notices John's interest in Dragon at the Ideal Restaurant but does not know their prior connection. 37

Story Role

Recruitment of John

Reed encounters John when he arrives at the 153rd Branch claiming he wants to join the Marines. Spotting an opportunity, Reed uses the restriction against recruits from non-affiliated nations to solicit bribes. He changes John's birthplace to Shells Town and assigns him as a navigator, binding himself to John's forged identity. 36

Shells Town Conflict

At the Ideal Restaurant, Reed explains the escalating conflict between Shells Town's local interests and the Felose Chamber of Commerce. He insists that Marines must obey Colonel Burns's order not to intervene, but follows John when John rushes out to confront the gangsters. 38 39

Reed is shocked when John effortlessly defeats two retired pirate bodyguards. He realizes that the recruit he believed he could exploit is vastly stronger than expected and that their shared involvement in John's falsified enlistment leaves Reed unable to distance himself. 40

Pursuit of the King Snake Pirates

Reed briefs John on the operation against King Snake Morgan and correctly suspects that the reported attack on a merchant ship is a trap. John dismisses his caution and forces the warship onward in pursuit of military merit. 45

Reed openly opposes John's bombardment of the merchant ship, viewing him as a monster willing to endanger civilians. He reluctantly orders the Marines to provide cannonballs after John threatens dissenters, but the soldiers secretly dispose of them in the sea. 46 47

Soul-Loss Town

Reed identifies the reefs in Soul-Loss Bay, then lends John Greedy Wolf in hopes of seeing his swordsmanship. John throws the blade to clear the passage instead, securing Reed's cooperation only by promising him a Supreme Grade Blade. 48 49

At Soul-Loss Town, Reed urges retreat and attempts to summon Colonel Burns when the Marines face Morgan's network of pirates. He remains present as John massacres several pirates and is ambushed by Death Coil Moro and Ghost Axe Beckett. 50