Thriller Bark (continued)

Kuma followed silently behind him.

"They seem unusual. A promising bunch."

Xia Le smiled. "Yes, Lucci and the others used to be the World Government's CP9 squad!"

Kuma froze, his steps faltering.

Only after a long moment did he catch up and say with a sigh of admiration,

"You really are bold!"

Xia Le smiled faintly. "When I recruit people, I never care about their backgrounds. As long as they don't cross my bottom line, I won't hesitate to help them grow."

Kuma fell silent.

After a long while, he sighed.

Perhaps Xia Le was the only person in the world who dared to act so boldly.

Taking pirates as subordinates, working with a Warlord like him, recruiting and training a squad the World Government wanted erased.

Any one of those things was enough to violate the fundamental principles of being a Marine.

Before long, the next day arrived.

Crocodile, Rosinante, Buggy, Smoker, Kuina, and the others stood in a row, dressed in immaculate white Marine Uniforms, their eyes fixed straight ahead.

Smiling at them, Xia Le spoke slowly.

"A few days ago, I submitted a request to headquarters to adjust your ranks."

"The paperwork has now come through."

At this, Crocodile's expression remained unchanged, Rosinante looked delighted, and Smoker seemed a little surprised. The others all reacted differently.

"Is it because of the coming war?"

Smoker asked gravely.

"That's right."

"With a major war approaching, Marine Headquarters needs a force of powerful elites to secure victory."

"And you're already strong enough."

Xia Le nodded with a smile.

Then his gaze settled on Crocodile.

"Crocodile, for your service to the Marines during your lengthy undercover assignment, you are hereby awarded the rank of vice admiral."

Crocodile froze, then took a deep breath and gave a solemn salute.

His Marine career