"And that's it? It's over just like that?"
"Indeed, it's over. What a delightful collaboration, wouldn't you agree?" Dante released his grip on the sword hilt and stretched comfortably, watching Nami, who still wore a bewildered expression even after the others had left.
Though it had gone smoother than expected...
"That was incredibly satisfying~"
"But, that's the Hero of the Marines!" Nami stared at Dante as if his behavior was the most natural thing in the world, unsure how to respond. "He compromised for a mere bribe of 50% of the Marine funds?" she asked in disbelief.
"That old man wasn't only after the so-called 50% bribe," Dante shrugged, giving Nami a meaningful look. "I told you, there's no such thing as absolute justice on these seas. Every gift comes with a price."
It just so happened to be Garp this time.
Otherwise...
If Sakazuki had shown up, Dante would've bolted with his people without a second thought.
If Borsalino or Kuzan had come, they might've been open to negotiation. As long as it wasn't a rigid mission, those two Marine Admirals would've weighed their so-called sense of justice to decide whether to slack off or take it seriously.
And if it had been Sengoku... Well, before he became Fleet Admiral, he might've strictly enforced his version of justice and dealt with Dante, the Marine scum who harbored pirates, on the spot. And if he'd already resigned, he'd probably have muddled through like Garp with his goat.
Such was the so-called justice of the Marines!
Plenty of them just muddled through!
"As expected, there's not a single decent person in the Marines!" Nami's voice was laced with anger as she recalled Captain Nezumi. But when she caught Dante's raised eyebrow, she seemed to understand his unspoken meaning. Stubbornly puffing out her chest, she added, "Of course, Bellemere and I don't count. We're good Marines, so what? Am I wrong?"
"..."
'As expected of my subordinate, with skin as thick as battleship armour...'
Dante nodded solemnly. "That's right. After all, I'm a good Marine too!"
"..." Nami could only stare at him, speechless at his shamelessness.
Then, as if remembering something, her eyes darted around, and she asked, "Are they staying here tonight?"
She raised a small fist, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Then Officer Nami of the 16th Branch give them a proper welcome!"
With that, she turned and strode out, leaving Dante dumbfounded.
'What on earth is she planning?'
He raised an eyebrow and called after her, "Be careful!"
"Got it~"
Only after Nami's figure disappeared from sight did Dante shake his head, a helpless smile on his face.
Then, he stood up and walked towards a room on the left at the back, opening the door and walking in.
Inside, Robin sitting on a chair by the window, elegantly reading a book.
She wore a white shirt and a sleek pencil skirt, her black hair pulled back into a simple bun. She occasionally adjusted her stylish glasses, her legs crossed beneath the short skirt, swaying gently.
Noticing Dante's gaze, Robin didn't seem bothered. She turned a page, then looked up with an elegant smile. "Enjoying the view, boss?"
"Not bad, ahem!" Dante coughed to mask his awkwardness, his eyes shifting upward. "I thought you'd run off."
"Oh my, oh my~, I haven't resigned yet!" Robin arched a delicate brow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Could it be that now that the base is thriving, the boss wants to discard me? How cruel."
Lately, it felt like she'd been a bit more sarcastic than usual. But before Dante could respond...
"Then, if one day someone tries to take me away, like that Fish-man wanted to take Nami," Robin looked down at her book, her tone casual yet loaded with meaning, "would boss keep me, like he kept Nami?"
"No. If you resign on your own, I won't stop you."
At Dante's response, Robin was stunned, her eyebrows trembling slightly, seeming a bit lost.
But after a moment, that elegant smile returned, though more stiff than before.
Before she could speak, however, Dante added with serious tone, "But if you don't leave voluntarily, no one can force my employees to leave."
As the words settled, the corners of Robin's lips curved upward. She gently tucked her hair back, set her book down, and propped her chin on her hand. Her smile gradually became genuine. "Then let's continue to work together happily, boss~"
"Happy to work together, Secretary."
---
While, Dante was essentially re-signing his employee contract with his secretary.
On the other side of town, in the aftermath of the Marine Headquarters inspection-which had ended in an unexpectedly pleasant collaboration-Garp led a frowning Smoker and a bewildered Tashigi to rest for the night.
Cocoyashi Town would cover their expenses. After lifting the blockade on the 16th Branch via Den Den Mushi, they'd stay in town for the night and set sail tomorrow on the Mock Pirates' ship. Mock, taken along as a temporary guide, was equally baffled.
After all, he'd been certain he was done for this time, but... his boss had somehow latched onto a big shot-a high-ranking official from Marine Headquarters, no less, the Hero of the Marines himself.
The turn of events was so outrageous that even this rough pirate couldn't wrap his head around it.
But as a pirate, he knew one thing: his future operations in the East Blue were probably secure.
With the Hero of the Marines backing him, how could they not be?
In an instant, Mock was practically giddy.
'As expected of the boss, he could even bribe high-ranking officials inside Marine Headquarters. Truly Amazing!'
"Hey, hey, pirate kid! Stop daydreaming for a minute." Garp's cheerful voice interrupted Mock's excitement. The old man grinned. "Your boss said to entertain us well. So, tell me, what's interesting around here? Take this old man for a look~"
"Ah, yes! Hero of the Marines, sir!" Mock snapped to attention, then nudged Smoker. "Hey, Captain Smoker, we're in a cooperative relationship now. No need to keep frowning."
"Get lost! The Marines don't cooperate with pirates!" Smoker's face darkened at Mock's familiarity as he glared at him. "If I find you've done anything wrong, I'll arrest you myself."
Though he didn't understand why Vice Admiral Garp had accepted the bribe, as a Marine Captain, he'd keep a close eye on things. If Dante stepped out of line, he'd report everything to Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
"Don't worry, unless the boss orders it, I'd never do anything like that!" Mock declared confidently, thumping his chest. Ignoring Smoker's glare, he scratched his head. "Interesting places, huh?"
His eyes lit up as an idea struck him, revealing a indecent smile.
"I know just the spot. It's getting late-time to relax."
With that, he clapped his hands and turned around.
"Let me take you to this place to enjoy!"
Before Garp could ask where they were headed, Mock strode off excitedly, leaving the three Marines exchanging puzzled looks.
Soon, they arrived in front of a lavish, extravagant building.
Looking at the building, Tashigi blinked, her simple face filled with confusion. "This looks like Sabaody Park!"
But the entrance was lined with glamorous women, and inside, the dim lights flickered in shades of red, blue, and pink.
Realization dawned on her, as Tashigi's face flushed red. "It just looks so... improper."
Smoker and Garp seemed to have figured it out as well, Smoker's face darkened, while Garp chuckled with interest.
Before Smoker could protest, Mock explained, "What are you talking about lady? Sabaody Park? This used to be Arlong Park, it was built by Fish-men. The boss remodeled it, and now it's called..."
He raised his head, looking at the red-glowing sign.
"Romance Dawn Private Club."
With that, He winked at Smoker.
"This is a place to relax and enjoy~"
"Where the hell are you taking us, you bastard?" Smoker's hand trembled, nearly dropping his cigar. "Are you trying to corrupt the Marines justice?"
Besides Garp, who was still laughing happily and even a little curious, even the pure-hearted Tashigi was blushing, her voice flustered. "This kind of place isn't appropriate for Marines, and I'm a girl!"
Though she protested, her eyes occasionally darted toward the club.
Mock, ignoring their discomfort, was eager to enjoy himself, it was rare for him to come here but thankfully this time boss was paying for everything, so he had a chance to enjoy it. He grabbed Smoker and pulled him inside, "What do you mean, what kind of place? This is a Respectable Place! Now that we're here, let's go. Let me will show you a good time!"
"Damn it!"
"Ahahaha~"
Ignoring their protests, Mock called out loudly, "Komomo! Kouri! Come out and greet the guests!"
'...' 'The names alone sounded so improper!'
(In Japanese, Komomo means little peaches, Kanji: こもも and Kouri means little melons, Kanji: 小瓜)
-------------------
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