"Private Nova Jay, for meritorious service in assisting the defeat of pirates, is hereby promoted to First Class Private!"
Colonel Hammond was very satisfied with the gains from this operation. So, upon returning to the base, he publicly announced Jay's promotion.
In less than a month, Jay had gone from an intern recruit to a fully recognized soldier, then was promoted three more ranks in a row!
He successfully broke the record for the fastest promotion in the Marine's 88th Branch Base.
Many people looked at him with envy and jealousy, especially the recruits who joined at the same time as him, who were still stuck doing menial chores.
Sometimes, the gap between people is even greater than the gap between humans and dogs.
But despite their jealousy, some smart ones realized that Jay must have used some method to become a favorite in Colonel Hammond's eyes.
As for the so-called "assisting in the defeat of pirates," no one really believed it, it was just an excuse.
After all, all Colonel Hammond needed was to go through the motions.
Besides the promotion, Jay also received a reward of 500,000 Berries.
Compared to the benefits Colonel Hammond himself gained, this was just a tiny fraction.
After all, in Hammond's eyes, Jay's actual contribution to the matter was almost negligible.
Now that Jay had both a promotion and a pay raise, Hammond considered himself generous enough.
Jay simply smiled without saying much.
He had already gotten what he wanted.
"In a couple of days, go to the Rose Kingdom and deliver the corpses of those pirates who massacred the Sori family," Colonel Hammond instructed.
"I've already spoken to the dungeon guards. Go pick out a few unlucky prisoners."
"Make sure everything looks convincing, corpses, pirate flags, don't leave anything out."
In his office, Colonel Hammond dropped his pretense.
He wanted money.
He wanted credit.
Jay nodded. "Should I bring some of the confiscated loot as well?"
Colonel Hammond took a puff of his cigar. "Everything's already prepared. Take it all with you."
"I have only one request, close the case completely."
Jay thought for a moment and suggested, "Maybe we could offer a portion of the profits to the king in exchange for a letter of gratitude? That way, we can report it to Marine Headquarters as well."
Colonel Hammond shook his head.
Not worth it.
After all, the other party was a king. If they offered too little, it would be insulting.
If they offered too much, he wouldn't be willing to part with it.
A mere letter of gratitude was just an extra touch, not essential.
Since Hammond wasn't interested, Jay wouldn't overstep his bounds.
"You met Capone Bege on this mission?"
After handling business, Colonel Hammond suddenly changed the topic.
Jay's thoughts raced, but he eventually nodded. If Hammond was asking, that meant he already knew.
"What do you think of him?"
"Ruthless, arrogant... but also calm and patient."
Jay spoke slowly, believing his assessment was quite fair.
Colonel Hammond didn't comment immediately. Then, he finally revealed his true intention.
"So, what's your opinion on the fact that I, a Marine Colonel, am colluding with a notorious mafia?"
The air in the room suddenly grew tense.
The smile on Colonel Hammond's face had long disappeared.
The atmosphere became heavy.
Jay, without hesitation, responded seriously:
"I personally believe... it's a powerful alliance, a match made in heaven!"
"Oh? And why is that?"
Hammond's expression remained unreadable.
Jay spoke with conviction:
"The Marine's duty is to uphold world peace and order. But compared to the destruction and threats posed by these mafia groups on land, the true menace remains those bloodthirsty pirates!"
"What you're doing, Colonel, is setting aside societal prejudices and uniting all available forces to truly enforce and embody justice!"
"Colonel Hammond is the role model and idol of all personnel in the Marine's 88th Branch Base. Please don't underestimate yourself!"
Colonel Hammond was momentarily stunned.
So... he was actually so noble?!
"Yes! I am working with the mafia only to better combat pirates and uphold justice!
"I thought I was hiding it well, but you saw right through me. Good, very good."
Colonel Hammond was overjoyed, his face lighting up with satisfaction.
Jay had passed the test.
But just to be cautious, Hammond warned him:
"Even though you and I understand the righteousness behind our actions, some ignorant fools will never grasp the nobility of our cause.
"So, you and I must remain discreet. Do you understand?"
Snap!
Jay immediately saluted.
"Rest assured, sir! I will not allow any rumors to tarnish your righteous endeavors!"
"Excellent. I will assign you more 'confidential' missions in the future to build your achievements."
"I am honored to serve, sir!"
Hammond had found a new tool, a capable subordinate who knew exactly what to say.
Now, all the shady dealings could be left to Jay.
And Jay? He had completely secured his footing in the 88th Branch Base.
Though he was just a mere First-Class Private, with Colonel Hammond's backing, his future was bright.
More importantly, this gave him the opportunity to grow stronger.
As long as he became powerful enough, even if Hammond betrayed him someday, he'd be able to protect himself...
Or even give Hammond a big surprise!
For now, both were satisfied with the arrangement.
Back in his dorm, Jay locked the door and eagerly started drawing cards!
On his system panel, there was a full 30 million Berries!
An overnight fortune!
Relying on a meager military salary to get rich? Impossible, no matter the world.
"Let's do a hundred draws to test the waters!"
Now that he had money, Jay wasn't stingy. He started pulling immediately.
Just like that, 10 million Berries vanished.
[Congratulations, you received a standard bento box.]
[Congratulations, you received a shuriken.]
[Congratulations, you received a top hat.]
[Congratulations, you received a bottle of ramune soda.]
[Congratulations, you received a tempura meal.]
...
[Congratulations, you received a Character Card (Purple).]
[Congratulations, you received a Demon Slayer Corps uniform.]
[Congratulations, you received a bottle of ramune soda.]
[Congratulations, you received a standard bento box.]
[Congratulations, you received a piece of Scarlet Iron from a gorilla.]
Jay's gacha spree had only just begun...