With the matter settled, Dante felt no rush to return to the 16th Branch. He planned to wait until Smoker and the others withdrew before heading back-after all, Cocoyashi Town wasn't far from the base.
Having unexpectedly resolved a major issue, Dante had one of the best nights of sleep in a long time.
When he finally woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.
After a quick wash, he stepped into his office and found Robin already there, engrossed in a book.
It was no surprise. At the age of eight, she'd aced an archaeology exam and been formally inducted as a scholar, effectively earning a "doctorate" in the field. Reading was simply part of her nature.
Ever since following him to the East Blue, Robin had developed a habit of brewing a pot of tea and leisurely flipping through books whenever she had free time.
Dante picked up a stack of documents on his desk. Judging by the name on them, they had been submitted by Mayor Nojiko that morning.
He gave them a quick glance before setting them aside.
They mainly detailed how Cocoyashi Town had arranged shelter for the new refugees who had arrived the previous night.
As expected, everything had been handled efficiently.
After all, the townspeople had been through this process countless times. They knew exactly what to do.
However, Dante couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.
Among the newcomers, there were no particularly valuable talents.
A man named Pike showed some skill in working with furs and crafting leather armor, but Dante had been hoping for architectural experts or, at least, shipwrights. He hadn't found any particularly strong individuals, much less the rare technological specialists he sought.
Strength was undoubtedly the most important thing at sea-a single powerhouse could destroy an entire country. But technology also held immense value.
Even the World Government, which ruled the seas with its overwhelming strength, placed great importance on technology. Unfortunately, their primary focus was on weapons-how to wipe out entire islands and their inhabitants more efficiently.
To that end, even Vegapunk, the world's greatest scientist, whose dream was to use technology to change the world, was forced to research devastating weapons under the World Government's coercion and false promises.
Dante was quite envious of the scientist, but kidna... or rather, recruiting him, would be far too difficult.
Brilliant scientists were exceedingly rare on the seas. Those with real talent were either working for the World Government or had formed their own factions. Finding an independent genius was next to impossible.
The more Dante thought about it, the more frustrated he became. He sighed, shook his head, and refocused on the present.
He had more pressing matters to deal with today.
Turning to Robin, he asked, "What about those three Marine officers? How were the arrangements? I had Mock handle their accommodations last night-nothing went wrong, right?"
Thinking back, he realized he should have sent Nota instead. Compared to Mock, who was a bit of an oaf, Nota was quick-witted and, as a Marine himself, would have been a more suitable host.
But before he could dwell on it-
"It was... fine."
Robin didn't look up from her book, but her tone carried an odd hint of amusement. "Nothing unexpected should've happened."
Dante arched a brow.
"From the way you're saying that, it doesn't sound like nothing happened," he muttered, rubbing his forehead as if he already had a headache forming. "Did Mock screw something up again? I told him to take good care of them."
"No~, Mock did a fine job of hosting," Robin replied, still sounding vaguely amused. She finally looked up, a peculiar expression on her face. "From what I heard, they seemed to be enjoying themselves quite a bit. They should be very satisfied."
"...Enjoying themselves?"
Dante frowned, catching the strange undertone in her words.
"It was already pretty late when they left. Where did they end up staying?"
"Romance Dawn."
"..."
---
"Well? Pretty nice place, right?" Mock leaned in close to Smoker, with a lewd grin on his face. He nudged the Marine officer with his broad shoulder, flashing a grin that any man would understand.
"Whenever I'm too exhausted, I come here to unwind. Works like a charm every time."
As he spoke, Smoker, standing next to him, glared at the lewd smile, "I didn't do anything," he growled, glaring at Mock. "And wipe that look off your face. A pirate is still a pirate-don't act like we're the same."
Mock blinked, confused by Smoker's hostility.
"What? We just soaked in the hot springs, got a massage, and had a foot scrub. What's the problem?"
Smoker's jaw tightened. He had clearly been enjoying himself last night-but now? Now, he seemed determined to act as if nothing had happened.
Mock scratched his head, still perplexed.
"What else did you expect to do?"
Smoker remained silent, "..."
He suddenly had no idea how to respond.
Mock then turned to Tashigi, who was standing nearby, her face flushed. "How about you? How'd you like it? Comfortable?"
"C-Comfortable!" Tashigi's voice came out too fast, her cheeks reddening further. "I just... soaked in the hot springs, got a massage, and had a foot scrub, too."
Of course, the men and women had been separated, of course, but even then, the experience left her flustered.
It wasn't like it was that kind of place, but...
Her mind flashed back to the women from the previous night, dressed in alluring outfits, their every smile and glance radiating temptation.
She was a Marine Petty Officer Tashigi from Marine Headquarters!
How could she feel so embarrassed over something so simple?
Tashigi's hands instinctively went to her face, feeling the warmth of her blush deepen.
"I-It was still pretty relaxing."
"And what about Vice Admiral Garp?"
"Bwahaha! Not bad at all!"
Unlike Tashigi, who was battling her embarrassment, Garp let out a boisterous laugh.
"I never expected to find a place like this in the East Blue!" He grinned. "I should bring Sengoku next time. That guy needs to unwind-he's always scowling like he's got a stick up his ass."
Smoker's face darkened even further.
They were righteous Marines!
What the hell were they doing here?
"Enough!" Smoker snapped, taking the cigar from his mouth. "Now that our job here is done, we're leaving."
As he turned to go, he shot Mock a sharp glance. "If I ever find out you've done anything shady, I'll arrest you and your boss personally."
With that, he strode toward the exit without hesitation. But just as he was about to step out-
*Pop! Pop!*
The sound of small explosions rang through the air.
Smoker tensed, instinctively assuming it was gunfire.
Instead, a rotund man, presumably the establishment's manager, approached with a beaming smile.
"Congratulations to our distinguished guests!" he declared, holding a small box of fireworks. "You were our 88th customers last night! As a token of appreciation, Romance Dawn is pleased to present you with our Premium VIP Card! Enjoy discounts, complimentary fruit platters, and special birthday celebrations whenever you visit!"
Before Smoker could react, the man shoved a card into his hand, as well as Tashigi's and Garp's. As they stood there silent confused.
Smoker stared at the card in his hand, dumbfounded. 'Romance Dawn VIP Card? What the hell is this?!'
What the hell was this?!
He was a Marine Captain! How could he be seen coming to a place like this?
Just as he was about to refuse, it was too late. After the manager shoved the cards into their hands, there were a few clicks. Someone was taking their picture with a Den Den Mushi! In the blink of an eye, the people around them disappeared.
Leaving only the three cards in their hands and the scattered sparklers.
"Dante Ashford..." Realization dawned, and Smoker's face darkened.
Was that guy trying to drag him down with him? He clenched the card in his hand and was about to throw it back, letting these guys know that he, Smoker, was a righteous Marine, when he suddenly realized...
"Vice Admiral Garp, what are you doing?" Smoker looked in disbelief at Vice Admiral Garp, who was smiling and stuffing the card into his pocket, and Tashigi, who was discreetly and quietly tucking it into her chest. "We're Marines!"
"Oh, come on~" Garp chuckled. "Consider it a gift from that kid, Dante."
"Sorry, I almost forgot, Captain Smoker. Actually, I wanted to give it to you," Tashigi said, handing it over.
Smoker looked speechlessly at Tashigi, and at Garp, who was picking his nose and remaining indifferent.
"...What a mess," Smoker muttered, bending his own card in frustration.
"Let's just go."
He turned and stormed outside.
Soon, under Smoker's urging, Mock, who wanted to stay a few more days, reluctantly steered the pirate ship to take them away.
"Come again, we'll miss you!"
Dante also came to the pier to see the Mock Pirates' ship sailing away, waving enthusiastically and reluctantly at them.
But...
"They didn't have fun last night?" he wondered aloud, watching Smoker's scowling at him from the deck of the ship.
"Strange... Robin said they enjoyed themselves."
Beside him, Nami grinned mischievously.
"Did you do something?" Dante asked, narrowing his gaze.
Nami, who had been missing all night, reappeared looking far too pleased with herself.
"Heh heh heh~" She let out a playful chuckle. "I didn't do anything… just left them a little gift."
"A gift? What kind of gift?"
"Romance Dawn VIP cards~"
-------------------
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