"Marines sir, we still need some time to consider this."
Raleigh nodded, then said with a smile:
"Of course, it's only natural to deliberate carefully on such matters. However, we are pressed for time and need to return to report. How about this:
Starting now, you have until 6 a.m. tomorrow to consider. If you don't agree to my proposal, I'll have no choice but to find another family to support instead.
Oh, and one more thing—we've dealt with quite a few people today, so may we borrow your estate to rest and regroup? As you know, we don't have a base here."
Watching the relaxed expression on Raleigh's face, Rex felt a wave of helplessness wash over him.
He was no fool; he could clearly hear the threat in those words.
The man before him was a powerful Marine officer.
It seemed that in his eyes, the Salisbury Family was no different from the Mesfield Family—both were just Mafia groups that could be eliminated anytime.
But for some special reason, he didn't want to wipe out the Salisburys just yet.
Rex also wanted to buy some time, so he forced a bitter smile.
"Of course. You saved our young mistress, which makes you a friend of the Salisbury Family. Please, follow me."
Raleigh nodded and turned to the Marines soldiers behind him.
"Tokikake, I'll have to trouble you again.
"Since we didn't leave anyone alive to deliver the message when we cleared out the Mesfield Family, take a squad of Marines soldiers to their estate. Inform them of the situation and clean them out while you're at it.
As for the spoils collected, you guys can keep twenty percent based on the value. The rest should be registered and recorded.
The rest of you, clean up the battlefield. Clear away all weapons and corpses. I don't want this beautiful island to be marred by such a grim sight tomorrow morning."
"Yes, sir!"
The Marines soldiers' morale soared.
Indeed, when taking on such dangerous missions, everyone was happy to earn a little extra.
This Rear Admiral had perfectly grasped their hearts.
Even though they hadn't exerted much effort during the earlier battle, his generosity in sharing the spoils marked him as an excellent commander.
From now on, anyone who spoke ill of him would have to answer to their blades.
Gion seemed to have some objections upon hearing this, but before she could speak, Raleigh cut her off.
"Gion, I know what you want to say, but let's discuss it later.
"This isn't the right place for such a conversation. We'll talk more at the Salisbury Family estate."
Gion could only swallow her questions for now.
Compared to Tokikake, she remained acutely aware of her mission:
To monitor Borsalino and Raleigh, ensuring they did not violate Marines Headquarters regulations.
Yet Raleigh's earlier words had clearly crossed that line.
Burning with curiosity, Gion decided to follow Raleigh to the Salisbury Family estate.
If he failed to give her a reasonable explanation there, she would definitely report him to Marines Headquarters.
Rex and Alice led the way for Raleigh and Gion with uneasy hearts.
They had no idea what choices they would face or what destiny awaited them.
Their figures traversed the blood-stained streets and disappeared into the distance.
....
Under the cover of night, Tokikake and the others arrived outside the Mesfield Family's stronghold.
They held blood-dripping military swords, their expressions filled with determination.
After tonight, the Mesfield Family would cease to exist on this island.
And these marines would climb to greater heights, stepping over the bones of the mafia family.
In turbulent times, strength was the only eternal justice.
The reason the Mesfield Family faced annihilation was simply that their power paled in comparison to the marines'.
"All soldiers, commence the cleanup operation!"
Tokikake struck a dashing pose to boost the marines' morale.
Before the Mesfield Family could react, he slammed his fist against their main gate.
BOOM!
A deafening sound echoed as the sturdy gate was blown open, leaving a gaping hole.
"Charge!"
"For justice!"
Marines in uniform rushed through the breach Tokikake had created.
Given Tokikake and his men's strength, the Mesfield Family—already depleted of members—stood no chance.
In a remarkably short time, the once-glorious Mesfield Family was reduced to ashes.
...
Warm water cascaded over Raleigh's body, highlighting the well-defined muscles of his broad chest and eight-pack abs.
Had noblewomen from across the seas seen him, they would have pursued him relentlessly.
After his bath, Raleigh felt refreshed and invigorated.
Though he hadn't exerted any effort during the operation, he habitually found an excuse for himself—like claiming he'd worked up a sweat when jumping from the building earlier.
Gion was speechless.
She and Tokikake, who had fought on the front lines, hadn't even mentioned needing to bathe or change clothes.
"Gion, you've just been in a fight. You can't stay covered in sweat. Go take a bath. We have plenty of time tonight—a few minutes won't hurt."
Only Raleigh could persuade Gion to accept such an excuse.
Almost as soon as Raleigh stepped out, Gion emerged from the shower as well.
Her fair skin was slightly flushed, and her damp hair lay loosely over her shoulders.
But it was her ample, milky-white curves that nearly blinded Raleigh.
"Good heavens, they've grown so much," he muttered to himself.
Raleigh had to admit that his previous observations had been shortsighted.
Back at the military academy, Gion had been just an ordinary girl.
How had she developed to such an extent in less than half a year?
Then again, considering the bizarre nature of the One Piece world, Gion's transformation was relatively mild.
"What are you staring at, Raleigh?!" Gion noticed his lecherous gaze and tightened her grip on Konpira, as if ready to draw it and strike him at any moment.
"Gion, your eyes... they sparkle like stars."
Raleigh's gentle words, paired with his handsome face, made Gion's anger melt into shyness.
"R-Really?"
Raleigh strode forward and took Gion's hand for the second time.
Though embarrassed and annoyed, Gion tried but failed to pull her hand away—and eventually let him hold it.
'Gion's hands are so smooth, and they carry a charming fresh fragrance.'
But Raleigh didn't forget his main purpose.
Conquering Gion wasn't urgent - he could slowly nurture their relationship over time.
The most pressing matter now was verifying whether his ideas were suitable for large-scale implementation across North Blue.
Led by a maid, the two arrived at the Salisbury Family's conference hall.