"Damn you, Daren! You've betrayed the ideals of justice! You're a disgrace to the Marines—a stain on everything we stand for!"
Gion's furious voice echoed from behind, but Daren just laughed as he strolled out of the palace's side hall.
He couldn't care less what others thought of him.
Caring too much about your reputation only ties your hands and keeps you from acting freely.
This world is ruled by the law of the jungle—only the strong thrive.
Daren didn't deny that there were Marines who genuinely upheld their beliefs in justice. He respected those people.
They were willing to give everything for their ideals—to protect what mattered most to them. Youth, effort, even their lives.
Such people were admirable, even great.
That's also why Daren didn't dislike Gion, despite how often she got in the way.
Because people like her—"fools" who still believed in justice—were what kept hope alive in this world.
But he knew he wasn't one of them.
Because walking the righteous path... was just too hard.
He didn't have the monstrous talent of Sakazuki, nor the privileged background of someone like Gion.
So he had to be cautious—always cautious.
He had to seize every bit of power, wealth, strength, influence, and status he could.
And now, it was time to collect the spoils of war.
With that thought, Daren quickened his pace.
The capital city of Verna in the Yadis Kingdom was ablaze with lights and filled with celebration.
Inside the palace's grand banquet hall, nobles, ministers, crown princes, celebrities, and wealthy merchants gathered in full formal wear. Glasses clinked, laughter rang, and conversation flowed freely.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled above, casting shimmering light that danced across the red wine in their hands.
In one corner of the hall, Tokikake stood in a brand-new tuxedo, putting on his best show. Swirling a glass of wine, he bragged proudly to a group of elegantly dressed noblewomen and young ladies.
"I tell you, that battle was absolutely intense. Germa 66 really lives up to the title of Evil Army. Their commander, Vinsmoke Judge—guy's like a walking monster."
"You probably don't know this, but the weapon he used was cutting-edge high-tech. The electricity from his spear could knock out an elephant in a single strike."
The noblewomen gasped, hands covering their mouths in shock.
"And then?" one of them asked breathlessly.
Tokikake lowered his voice for dramatic effect, adding a deep, charismatic tone, imitating Daren's usual cool demeanor. He gave a faint smile.
"Germa's tech might be impressive, but I'm a genius forged through countless battles at Marine Headquarters. A mere Vinsmoke Judge? Please. He was no match for me."
"I kicked him—just once—and sent him flying ten meters."
"He still tried to resist the power of justice, but in the end, I was sick of hearing him talk, so I shut him up."
Their eyes widened, admiration shining in their gazes as they looked at Tokikake.
"Lieutenant Commander Tokikake, you're incredible!"
"You really are the genius of Marine Headquarters!"
"To think you defeated Germa 66, that terrifying 'Evil Army,' so effortlessly!"
Soaking in the praise, Tokikake felt like his entire body was glowing with satisfaction.
The North Blue... really was the best.
So many beautiful noblewomen, the finest wines, premium cigars, and a royal performance from the court's dance troupe...
No wonder that bastard Daren never wanted to leave this place.
As for whether anything he'd said was true?
Well... the battle had taken place far from shore, shrouded by sea mist. Even the Yadis Kingdom's own soldiers couldn't clearly see what had happened—let alone these ladies here in the capital of Verna.
After carefully setting the stage, Tokikake took a slow sip of red wine, puffed on his cigar with a melancholy air, and sighed dramatically.
"I've spent my whole life searching for a worthy rival. I thought coming to the North Blue would finally bring this genius a little excitement—but in the end, I was just disappointed."
The noblewomen around him gasped again, eyes sparkling as they hung on his every word.
"If Lieutenant Commander Tokikake is already this strong... then just how powerful must Daren-sama be?"
"Right? Daren-sama isn't just powerful—he's handsome, charming..."
As soon as Daren's name came up, the young ladies' cheeks turned rosy with shyness, while the noblewomen practically swooned, eyes sparkling with infatuation.
Wait, were none of you listening to me!?
Weren't we talking about my brilliance just now!? Why are we back to that bastard Daren!?
He didn't even show up to this banquet!
Furious, Tokikake seethed internally, his facial muscles twitching as his expression darkened.
He took a heavy drag on his cigar, his face full of frustration.
"Um... Mister Tokikake?"
A soft, timid voice came from behind him.
He turned instinctively—and froze.
A girl in a flowing white lace gown stood there, cheeks tinged pink, her delicate hands fidgeting nervously in front of her. She radiated a gentle, youthful charm.
So pure. So beautiful.
Tokikake felt something strike his heart. His heartbeat skipped a beat. His eyes lit up with cartoonish hearts.
This... this is love!
"Um... Mister Tokikake, I was wondering..."
The girl glanced up at him shyly, only to flinch and look away like a startled deer. Her voice was soft and sweet.
"Can I... have... the Den Den Mushi contact...?"
She wants my Den Den Mushi number!
She must've heard about my heroic deeds!
Tokikake practically short-circuited with joy, nodding frantically.
"Of course! I'll give you my private Den Den Mushi number right now!"
He couldn't stop grinning.
"No... I meant... do you have Daren-sama's contact information?"
The girl tilted her head with a soft smile, her cheeks glowing red.
It was like something shattered in Tokikake's chest. His heartbeat froze. The red hearts in his eyes turned to stone—then crumbled.
As the girl watched in confusion, he turned away like a deflated balloon, slumped toward the edge of the ballroom, and crouched in the corner without moving. Thɪs chapter is updated by novęlfire.net
Two silent tears rolled down his face.
Elsewhere, Gion, dressed in a pink high-slit evening gown, had just turned down a dance request—for the fifteenth time.
She glanced over at Tokikake, still crouched in the corner, gloom radiating off him like a cloud of despair, and her lips twitched slightly.
She took a sip of her wine, bit her silver-dusted lip, and clenched her fist as if recalling something.
Daren had arrived at the port and stepped aboard the warship.
p@treon com / PinkSnake