"What's so great about being an Admiral? No matter how high your rank, you're still a dog to the Dragon People!" Kaido spat in contempt, blasting a crater into the sand.
"Being a Pirates is better! You do whatever you want! You're free!"
Aokiji and Kizaru's faces darkened, but they couldn't argue. The Marines might be powerful, but they were ultimately just an organization under the World Government.
The World Government provided their annual budget, and even routine personnel transfers had to be filed with it. The rules and procedures were stifling. Freedom was in short supply.
And above the World Government stood the Dragon People. They might have lost their political power, but they had retained their Poseidon authority!
So despite all the futuristic technology in the One Piece World, and despite an organization founded on such advanced ideas as the World Government, this was still a feudal kingdom at Return.
The Dragon People were its emperors!
"But the Marines have great benefits!"
Loa spoke up with a flippant grin. "Retirement comes with a pension and a guaranteed position, just like my Teacher Zephyr got. And the food in the Marine cafeteria is incredible. One phone call, and ingredients arrive from anywhere in the world. What about Pirates? Do you have a cafeteria?"
Kaido drew a deep breath. "..."
"Judging by your face, don't tell me you still roast your own meat!" Loa looked horrified. "Fine, let's leave that aside. What about housing? Health insurance? Career advancement? Don't tell me you have none of those either!"
Kaido's expression shifted, but he still refused to answer.
"Fine, let's try another question. Even setting all that aside, how much would I make in a year?" Loa counted on his fingers. "Look, I'm a Headquarters Vice Admiral right now. Even if I