"Rear Admiral, was that really Stussy, the legendary Queen of the Pleasure District and one of the Underworld Emperors?"
Hina asked in astonishment.
From their perspective, this woman had suddenly appeared, suddenly fought with Michael, then after disappearing briefly, reappeared and left with her subordinates without another word.
Michael stroked his chin with exaggerated seriousness and said to Hina with confidence.
"Of course it was Stussy. Persuading her took considerable effort from this Rear Admiral..."
By deliberately phrasing his interaction with Stussy ambiguously, he successfully bring out complex looks from the young Marines.
After all, he'd told Stussy to keep their secret...
He had to maintain appearances too.
Otherwise, who would want to cooperate with him in the future?
So Michael ignored them and instead approached Issho again, asking quietly.
"Issho-san, did you see clearly what just happened?"
Looking at Issho's blind eyes, Michael finally smiled.
The fight and conversation he'd had with Stussy might have been unclear to others.
But for Issho, it was as if everything had happened right before him.
Issho's Observation Haki was among the most powerful in the entire One Piece world.
If he wished, most people would lose the privilege of keeping secrets in his presence.
"Since you heard, you must understand that I'm definitely not on the same side as the World Government. In fact, no Marine cares more about civilians than I do."
"And I need your strength to eliminate anyone on the seas who threatens civilians."
Issho remained silent for a long time after hearing this.
Michael wasn't in a hurry either, directing the young Marines to drive the gamblers out of the casino.
The casino staff were furious but dared not speak up.
Forget that nonsense about this business being legal in the Pleasure District - emphasizing that point in front of these Marines would be suicidal!
And most importantly! Even Lady Stussy left without bothering with them, so why are they still holding out here?
Once this guy is done with his antics, then we can think of a way!
"You said anyone who threatens civilians? Does that include the Marine? Does that include the Celestial Dragons? Does it include... yourself?"
"I said, anyone" Michael affirmed with a firm nod. "Our principle is to serve the people."
"To serve the people..." Issho repeated this utterly ordinary phrase, turning it over in his mind, his lips curling upward more and more.
"In that case, Rear Admiral Michael, I look forward to working with you from now on."
"You intrigue me more and more."
"What kind of man have such a pure white soul?"
"Just who exactly are you?"
"What color is your hair? What do your eyes look like?"
"For just this moment, I feel a pang of regret."
"If only my eyes could see..."
"So, this is why you brought back 269 gamblers from the Pleasure District in the New World?"
"These aren't ordinary gamblers. They're all fugitives with crimes on their heads, hiding in plain sight."
At the Marine base dock on Sabaody Archipelago.
Gion, accompanied by Stussy and Robin, arrived to take custody of these gamblers.
Then she turned her gaze to Michael, standing on the shore with a foolish grin.
Behind him stood a group of young Marines and a blind man...
And a warship that was unmistakably a special model at first glance.
"Michael, let's be honest—did you go to HQ for a promotion ceremony or to take advantage of the chaos? Are you about to defect from the Marines? Is your wanted poster already being printed?"
A special warship was one thing, but more importantly, these young Marines were all somewhat famous within Marine HQ.
Even Rosinante, Fleet Admiral Sengoku's adopted son, was among them.
As for the middle-aged blind man, Gion sensed an aura of danger from him...
"Vice Admiral Gion, ma'am!"
The young Marines saluted respectfully upon seeing Gion on the shore.
After all, she was another rare monster within the Marine ranks.
"By the way, Vice Admiral Gion, does the Marine have any vacant properties on Sabaody Archipelago? Preferably something spacious—we can't let these Marine prodigies suffer, can we?"
Michael spread his hands, feigning helplessness.
"Michael, are you planning to establish the SWORD Special Forces base on Sabaody Archipelago?"
"Exactly. As the border between 'Paradise' and the 'New World,' no place is more suitable than here."
"But don't forget, Fleet Admiral Sengoku sent you back to HQ mostly to lay low..."
"Hah, lay low my ass!" Michael scoffed.
"As the saying goes, the most dangerous place is the safest! And most importantly..."
"This is just how I am! If those vermin dare retaliate, I'll just uproot them all over again!"
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