No matter how beautiful the scenery during the journey, there would always be an end.
According to the navigation route, they would reach the North Blue base in three hours.
Soon, the lookout signaled as an extremely massive island gradually appeared in everyone's view.
"Prepare to land."
Unlike the laid-back Raleigh, Gion and Tokikake were quite excited.
After all, this time they were arriving at a Four Seas Marine Base in their capacity as Four Seas Inspectors.
Previously, whether for travel or training, they would quickly return to headquarters.
This was the first time holding an important position, free from the constraints of the higher-ups.
Young people always yearn for freedom and growth.
Raleigh remained lounging on the sun chair, though now he held some of the latest intelligence on the North Blue.
"Hey, Raleigh, we're about to meet Vice Admiral Borsalino. Aren't you going to tidy yourself up?" Tokikake shouted.
Unfortunately, his words fell on the wrong person.
If possible, Raleigh still thought returning to his East Blue Branch 133 would be better.
Let his good older brother shine in the Marines—why drag him into it?
"Hmph, you all go ahead. I'll pass," the reclining Raleigh casually replied.
The warship slowly docked.
Gion and Tokikake, full of excitement, led the way down the gangplank.
Raleigh, sighing, finally got up and followed them onto the dock, bringing Miles and Bello Betty.
.....
Sartacava Island—the North Blue Marine Base.
It was once one of the safest places because its former commander was Sakazuki.
In Sakazuki's eyes, whether pirates, the Mafia, or human traffickers, they were all criminals.
Under his relentless crackdown, the criminals on Sartacava Island were wiped out.
However, because of Sakazuki's iron-fisted methods, Sartacava Island, originally a commercially prosperous island, had now become economically depressed.
Many merchant ships and trade caravans were unwilling to conduct business here.
Where wealth flows, dirty dealings naturally lurk, and that was why the island seemed somewhat lifeless.
Of course, Gion and Tokikake didn't know this; they were still comparing it to Marine Headquarters.
Gion surveyed the surroundings. "I remember reports saying that Sartacava Island was one of the more well-known transportation hubs in the North Blue. Though it can't compare to the Grand Line, it was still one of the top islands here. But now... it seems a bit overrated."
Raleigh sighed. "Because of Vice Admiral Sakazuki's iron-fisted policies, those speculative merchants no longer come here. Prosperous places often attract criminals, but Sakazuki cleared out the Mafia, underground forces, and illegal trade. Without their involvement, many merchant convoys no longer come."
Gion was puzzled. "Why? Shouldn't it be more prosperous after getting rid of these scum?"
Raleigh smiled but didn't say anything more.
Cleveland, who had escorted them, firmly stated, "But I believe in the people's choice. It's better to live a little poorer than to risk losing your life at any moment."
He then turned and saluted Raleigh. "Rear Admiral Raleigh, Commander Gion, Commander Tokikake, our mission is complete. We won't accompany you further. We still have tasks to finish."
All the Marines on the ship saluted.
Raleigh solemnly waved his hand.
"Goodbye, brave soldiers. I hope next time we meet, you'll be working under my command."
After the warship left the port, Raleigh finally stepped forward, leading the group into the city.
The streets were clean and tidy.
Ancient buildings and dark cobblestone streets revealed the historical traces of the city.
Raleigh had no mind to appreciate these things, heading directly toward the Marine base in the city center.
This base seemed to mimic the layout of Marine Headquarters.
Layer upon layer of tall buildings were hidden behind massive walls, where a seagull flag flew high next to the deeply carved characters for "Marines."
Raleigh, Gion, and Tokikake showed no particular reaction.
Raleigh, because of his past life, had seen taller skyscrapers, while Gion and Tokikake were already accustomed to such sights from Marine Headquarters.
Only Miles and Bello Betty, brought from the East Blue, were looking around with wide-eyed curiosity.
"Master, is this the North Blue branch base? It's so huge."
Poor Miles, having grown up on Kailinia Island, had never seen the outside world.
Raleigh rubbed Miles' head. "Miles, have some ambition. You're my first disciple. Scenes like this will frequently appear in your life from now on, so get used to it. I can't always be with you."
"I-I'm sorry, Master," Miles said nervously.
Tokikake patted him on the shoulder.
"Don't mind what he says, Miles. When this guy first went from the North Blue to Marine Headquarters, he was just as shocked as you are now."
Passing through the tall city walls, they entered a huge training ground.
The quality of the North Blue marine soldiers was clearly a level higher than those from the East Blue.
They had originally thought Cleveland's troops were the elite, but now it seemed that wasn't the case.
The training ground was filled with marines engaged in combat training.
Miles noted that they didn't train as if it were practice—it was as if they were on a life-or-death battlefield, each one exerting maximum strength to ensure their opponent would fall in one move.
"Just watch," Raleigh explained casually. "The North Blue has the highest level of chaos among all four seas, and simultaneously possesses the strongest military power among them. If the marines here didn't have the determination to fight with all their might, they would have died on some battlefield long ago."
"Are you the transferred Rear Admiral Raleigh from East Blue Branch 133, and the Four Seas Inspectors, Commander Gion and Commander Tokikake?"
Just as Raleigh's group was looking around, a secretary in professional attire appeared before them.
She asked respectfully, "If that's the case, please follow me. Vice Admiral Borsalino has been waiting for a long time."