At that moment, Gion also stepped into the office.
Seeing Darren and Tokikake sitting together like old pals, puffing away on cigars, she furrowed her brows slightly but ultimately said nothing.
Gion offered a crisp salute.
Darren smiled and waved it off.
"No need to be so formal, Lieutenant Commander Gion."
He swept a casual glance across Gion and Tokikake.
It was clear from their expressions—after yesterday's little "spar"—they looked at him with a newfound respect.
After all, in this sea, strength speaks louder than anything.
"So, what's on the agenda for you two today?"
Darren exhaled a wisp of smoke like a dragon, smiling as he spoke.
Gion and Tokikake exchanged a look. Gion then stepped forward with a serious face.
"Captain Darren, after our observations, we've noticed a financial issue with your branch's income and expenditure."
A glimmer of interest sparked in Darren's eyes.
"And what exactly do you mean, Lieutenant Commander Gion?"
Prepared for this, Gion pulled out a document and placed it on the desk, her expression turning frosty.
"According to data from HQ and my personal review... let's put aside the other branches in the North Blue for now. Just here at 321st Branch, your Marines' incomes far exceed the military funding standards set by HQ."
Darren flicked some ash off his cigar, still smiling:
"Isn't that a good thing? As Marines, we're always one mission away from dying gloriously in battle."
"Let's not pretend that 'justice' pays the bills—being a Marine is an incredibly dangerous profession."
"If the salary and benefits are scraps, who would be willing to die for justice?"
"You know that's not what I meant, Captain Darren!"
"What I mean is—military budgets are allocated by HQ. Each branch's funding is clearly outlined. But under your command, the Marine salaries here are five times—or even more—than the official standard."
"So I ask you, Captain Darren: where is all this extra funding coming from?"
At that, Darren hadn't yet responded when Kajii's expression already shifted.
Looking at the luxury cigar on the desk, realization struck him, and he whipped his head toward Darren, eyes narrowed.
Facing their accusing stares, Darren simply shrugged.
"Didn't you already figure that out, Lieutenant Commander Gion?"
Gion gritted her teeth.
"In other words, you've been taking bribes!"
Darren chuckled as if hearing a joke.
"No, no, how could something like that be called bribery in the Marines?"
"This is called reasonable compensation."
Gion stared at him in disbelief.
"So the rumors are true—you really are entangled with the Mafia in the North Blue, even taking money from them!"
"Do you even understand? That money is squeezed from innocent civilians! Because of the Mafia's oppression, countless families are broken!"
Darren burst out laughing.
"You've read my report, haven't you? Under my watch, crime rates across the North Blue have dropped significantly, and the quality of life has improved for ordinary people."
"Yes, you're right, Lieutenant Commander Gion. Mafia money does come from civilians. So in a sense, yes—I did take money from the people."
"But when I take their money, I get things done."
"You know what civilians here fear most? It's not the Marines taking money—it's Marines who don't take money."
Gion trembled with rage.
What kind of twisted logic was that!?
"Protecting the people is the Marines' duty! If you take money for it, it changes everything! Darren, where's your belief in justice!?"
Darren smiled calmly.
"You have your beliefs. I have my way of doing things."
"I judge by results. And the result is—I've managed the North Blue better than anyone before."
"You don't understand how messy the North Blue really is. It's not like what you see from HQ in Marineford."
"If you don't accept my way of doing things, feel free to report me to HQ. If they issue a formal order, I'll accept whatever punishment they decide."
Gion opened her mouth to say more—but at that moment, Vice Commander Momonga stepped in with a grim expression.
Sensing the tense atmosphere, he hesitated.
Darren glanced at him and waved a hand.
"Go ahead. What happened?"
"Germa 66 has begun its 'Decapitate the Four Nations' campaign. Their evil army has amassed over 10,000 troops and is about to launch an assault on the Kingdom of Yadis."
"Based on our analysis of both sides' forces, Yadis will likely fall within the hour once war breaks out."
"Governor Tyriel of Yadis has officially requested help from us—asking for North Blue's Marines to intervene."
At those words, Gion and Tokikake's expressions changed drastically.
Germa 66—called the "Evil Army" and "House of War"—was a fearsome force and a territory-less kingdom recognized by the World Government.
Its ruling family, the Vinsmokes, was infamous.
Their king, Vinsmoke Judge, known as "Garuda," was a scientist who wielded advanced military technology.
And under his lead, Germa 66 was among the strongest armies in the world. Their influence in the North Blue was immense.
If Judge truly intended to dominate the North Blue... the entire sea would be engulfed in war.
The two HQ elites—raised in the relative peace of Marineford—couldn't help but feel a chill run down their spines.
They instinctively looked to Darren.
"So... that old bird didn't get our message?"
Darren narrowed his eyes, smirking.
Momonga, knowing him well, realized instantly—Vinsmoke Judge was doomed.
"It was delivered directly to his hands," he said grimly.
Darren stood, snuffing out his cigar. His eyes turned cold.
Momonga nodded and began issuing orders via Den Den Mushi. Marines across the base mobilized swiftly.
Darren threw on his large white Justice cloak.
Gion's voice stopped him. She looked uneasy.
Gion hesitated, then said firmly:
"Shouldn't we report to HQ first? This is a dispute between sovereign nations. If we interfere rashly, it could escalate into a political crisis."
What a naïve girl... Darren thought to himself.
"With Germa's speed, if we wait for HQ's response, those kings' heads will already be hanging from Judge's wall."
"I'm not letting Germa 66 start a war in my jurisdiction and slaughter innocent civilians."
Gion blinked—surprised.
So... this guy does have some sense of responsibility?
But Darren's next words nearly made her spit blood.
"—If all the civilians die, who am I supposed to collect payments from?"
Gion's chest heaved with fury.
"You bastard! You're protecting the people just to get paid!?"
In the distance, the sound of war drums rose from the naval port—321st Branch's forces were assembling.
Gion blinked again, feeling oddly relieved.
"Also, Lady Marquerite is still in Yadis. We just spent the night together two days ago. If I don't step in, it'd look bad, wouldn't it?"
So your reason for mobilizing... is to rescue your lover!?