East Blue, G16 16th Branch.
The sea breeze blew through the open barred window, carrying salty dampness and a subtle, fishy sweetness-the scent of the catch brought back by the fleets working at the distant fishing harbor.
But in Strawberry's nostrils, that smell only reminded him of the lingering mixture of fear and sweat in the interrogation room.
He laid the document on the desk.
"Have a look."
His voice was low.
Across the desk, Snake took the two thin documents.
The first was a promotion order.
"Lieutenant Colonel Strawberry is hereby promoted to captain for his meritorious service in exterminating pirates in the East Blue, and shall oversee all affairs of G16."
The second was a disciplinary notice.
"Former Captain Snake accepted substantial bribes. However, in consideration of his sincere attitude and the surrender of all funds, he shall remain at G16, demoted to lieutenant colonel and retained under observation, assisting Strawberry with administrative affairs. Should he commit any further offense whatsoever, he shall be escorted to Headquarters for disposition, without leniency."
Snake's gaze lingered on "demoted to lieutenant colonel" for three seconds.
Then he turned to the document's final page.
Clipped there was a separately bound Confidential Dispatch, as thin as a cicada's wing.
"Aaron Ball, former Earl of the West Blue, is hereby awarded the title of 'World Hero' for saving the World Government in its hour of peril."
"According to reports, Aaron Ball has departed Mary Geoise. His whereabouts are unknown, though he is suspected to have returned to the East Blue. Your branch must act as circumstances require, satisfy his every demand, and refrain from any action that might anger him."
Snake's eyes froze on the words "suspected to have returned to the East Blue."
He slowly raised his head and looked at Strawberry.
The