Batia Island.
City Hall.
Led by a sultry secretary in a business suit, Daren stepped into the mayor's office.
The decor was lavish and high-end. A fur rug lay stretched across the polished marble floor, while an expensive-looking oil painting hung proudly on the wall.
"Such an esteemed guest—please forgive me for not greeting you properly, Captain Daren."
He didn't have to wait long before a sycophantic voice rang out. A middle-aged man in a suit came jogging in, drenched in sweat. His plump figure strained against the fine fabric, making him look like a walking balloon.
"Mayor Hunter, you've got a city to run. I'm the one interrupting," Daren said with a smile, accepting the cigar Hunter offered with both hands. Without hesitation, he settled into the soft leather sofa.
"Not at all, Captain Daren. You understand... with Saint Xildes-sama visiting Batia Island, things here have been absolute chaos."
Hunter pulled out a silk handkerchief and wiped his sweaty face, forcing a smile.
Daren nodded and lit the cigar.
"I get it. A once-in-decades event like this would throw any city into overdrive."
"Still, I have to say—on the way here, I was surprised by the transformation. Batia Island's looking sharp. I imagine even Saint Xildes-sama will be impressed with your preparations."
Hunter's face lit up with joy.
"That's wonderful to hear—truly wonderful."
He pulled out a document, clearly prepared in advance, and handed it to Daren with both hands.
"Captain Daren, this is an overview of Batia Island's situation over the past six months..."
As Daren casually flipped through the pages, Hunter carefully explained.
"Thanks to your strong presence, the island's two major mafia families have kept themselves in check. They've even been paying their taxes on time."
Daren glanced at the final number on the report and gave a satisfied smile.
"Not bad. At least they're behaving."
Hunter nodded repeatedly, almost bowing.
"Of course! In the North Blue, who would dare disrespect you?"
He lowered his head even further, speaking with nervous reverence.
Others might not know, but as mayor, how could Hunter be unaware of what this man was capable of?
Batia Island had once been overrun by mafia families, constantly clashing and shedding blood over turf wars. It was a mess—until a year ago, when Daren, newly appointed as the 321st Branch Base Commander, arrived and crushed the criminal underworld with overwhelming, ruthless force.
Even now, Hunter vividly remembered that nightmarish scene—rivers of blood in the streets, corpses piled like mountains.
Daren stood there, drenched in blood, while the two surviving mafia bosses trembled on their knees before him.
From that day forward, Batia Island knew no more gang feuds or turf wars.
The two remaining families split the territory evenly, kept to their zones, and submitted half their earnings regularly as "taxes."
With the violence gone, the people could finally breathe. Stability returned, and the economy began to flourish.
"Let me say it again. Pass this on to them..."
Daren slowly exhaled a puff of smoke.
"As long as they don't cross the line, I'll turn a blind eye."
"If they play it smart... there's always money to be made."
"But if I ever see civilians dying in the streets under my watch—"
He smiled.
"I am, after all, a righteous Marine... wouldn't you agree, Mayor Hunter?"
Hunter nodded frantically, forcing a grin.
"Absolutely! In the North Blue, everyone knows—Captain Daren is the very symbol of justice."
...
On the other side...
Momonga, along with Gion and Tokikake, led over a hundred Marine soldiers through the lively streets of the town, heading toward the residence of Saint Xildes-sama.
Gion looked pensive, her gaze fixed on Momonga's back as he walked ahead.
Something felt off. She couldn't shake the suspicion that Daren had deliberately sent her and Tokikake away so he could act alone.
"You're so pretty, big sister!"
A child's voice broke through her thoughts.
Startled, Gion turned around.
Standing there was a little girl in a simple floral dress, a backpack on her shoulders filled with neatly wrapped red roses.
She looked about seven or eight years old, with big, sparkling eyes. Bowing politely to Gion, she asked,
"Would you like to buy a flower?"
The girl's adorable expression made Gion's heart melt. A warm smile spread across her face as she crouched down and gently patted the girl's head.
"Little one, how much for a flower?"
The girl glanced at the sword hanging from Gion's waist and hesitated, speaking a bit timidly.
"One flower is 200 Berry... Is that alright, miss?"
Gion chuckled softly.
"You shouldn't be afraid."
Noticing the girl's wary eyes, she smiled gently.
"Don't worry. I'm a Marine. I'm here to protect you."
"This sword is only for the bad guys."
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake