Two days later.
North Blue, Branch 141 Base.
Under the command of Base Commander Donald Wilson, every Marine at Branch 141 stood assembled at the harbor, awaiting the arrival of the newly appointed deputy base commander.
Donald wore a pristine white officer's coat, his Justice cloak billowing behind him in the sea wind. He carried himself with the proud air of a noble, glancing repeatedly at his pocket watch.
The salty breeze stirred a faint unease in his chest.
Why had Headquarters suddenly parachuted a deputy base commander into his base?
Had he made a mistake somewhere? Or had someone reported him?
Damn it. That annoying reporter two days ago had chased him relentlessly and nearly dragged him into serious trouble…
"Colonel, the Headquarters ship has arrived."
A sharp-eyed aide stepped forward and spoke in a low voice.
A small warship had already docked before them.
Two neat columns of Marines marched forward, led by a tall young man with a straight back and commanding presence.
Donald steadied himself, adjusted his collar, and raised his voice.
"Everyone, welcome Major Monkey D. Dragon, our new deputy base commander of Branch 141!"
As he looked at the young and imposing figure, Donald quietly let out a breath. Someone this young could not possibly be here to investigate him.
All he had to do was assert his authority and keep the newcomer away from the base's real affairs.
In an instant, more than a hundred Marines snapped to attention and saluted.
"Welcome, Major Dragon, to your post as deputy base commander!"
Donald stepped forward with a practiced smile. "Welcome, Major Dragon. Our base has long hoped Headquarters would send us an elite officer. With you here as deputy base commander, Branch 141 can finally rest easy."
"Allow me to introduce myself. Donald Wilson, Base Commander of North Blue Branch 141."
As he spoke, he reached out and patted the young man's shoulder, which stood a head taller than his own.
This was the moment to establish hierarchy.
On his turf, he was in charge.
Dragon remained calm. He shifted slightly aside and replied modestly, "You flatter me, Commander. I am no elite. I am here to learn."
Who gave this fossil the confidence to pat him on the shoulder like an elder?
If he wanted to play the seniority game, he should first count the stars on his own collar.
A branch colonel was equivalent to a Headquarters major. Who exactly was he trying to impress?
Besides, acting overly familiar now would only complicate things later, especially if this man turned out to be corrupt.
Donald's eyes dimmed slightly as he withdrew his hand. "Heh, Major Dragon is very humble."
In his heart, he labeled the young man a stubborn rookie. Difficult to control, but easy to outmaneuver.
As long as he stayed cautious, business here could continue as usual.
Donald's thoughts were in chaos, but his expression remained composed.
He gestured toward Dragon, then turned to the assembled Marines.
"This is your new deputy base commander, an elite from Headquarters. His orders are to be obeyed without question."
His gaze swept over them, his tone pointed. "Now then. Applause."
Follow orders, but think twice before acting.
"Yes, sir!"
The Marines stiffened, then burst into enthusiastic applause. "Following the commander's orders. Welcome, Deputy Base Commander!"
The clapping even drowned out the sound of the waves.
Donald cast Dragon a satisfied glance and said politely, "Major, please forgive them. They are exhausted after their shifts."
Now you understand who runs this place.
A Headquarters major was still under a branch commander.
"No problem. The applause is more than loud enough."
Dragon smiled, sincere in his praise.
Donald assumed the young man had backed down and opened his mouth to speak.
"Everyone, applaud together and thank the branch for the warm welcome."
Dragon turned and called out to his two ranks of sailors.
One column had been transferred from Garp's ship. The other consisted of carefully selected new recruits.
Even the small warship that brought him here was technically his own.
After all, his father was Garp. Pulling a few strings was hardly unreasonable.
He had expected little support from the branch Marines, so he came fully prepared. It was also an investment in his future.
Judging by the situation, that preparation had been necessary.
Clap. Clap.
Fifty Marines in crisp uniforms applauded in unison.
Their thunderous clapping easily overwhelmed the applause from the branch.
The sailors from Garp's ship knew exactly who he was and followed orders without hesitation.
The new recruits would never allow Headquarters to lose face.
"Enough," Dragon called out.
The applause stopped instantly.
Donald's face darkened.
Was this man brainless? Who brought him here?
Dragon reached out and patted Donald on the shoulder.
"Commander, my men are starving after the voyage. Let them eat first, then we can talk."
Donald forced a smile, struggling to suppress his anger.
"The meal is ready. Deputy Commander, follow me. I will have someone lead your men to the dining hall."
"This is nonsense."
Dragon frowned. "This is their first meal with me. I eat a feast while they eat cafeteria rations?"
"Move the welcome banquet to the mess hall. I will eat with them."
He understood that great undertakings required loyal followers. His system itself valued loyalty above all.
Sharing food was a small thing, but sharing hardship forged unity.
In his previous life, the strongest armies insisted that officers and soldiers eat the same food. It did not guarantee greatness, but it was essential.
There was even a cautionary tale. A certain man named Yin once staged a coup while withholding soldiers' pay. He ended up in prison. The outcome spoke for itself.
"That… is that appropriate?"
Donald stared at him as if he were insane.
Each rank had its own rations. That was established practice.
Why sacrifice personal benefit?
A little charity was enough. Why go further?
Was there something wrong with this kid's head?
"This is my welcome banquet. Do it my way," Dragon said with a shrug.
Donald had no choice but to nod.
"Move the banquet to the mess hall. The deputy commander will dine with his men."
He turned sharply and strode away.
The perfect welcome ceremony was ruined. He had lost face all day.
What terrible luck.
"Everyone, time to eat."
Dragon waved to his fifty Marines and followed a guide toward the dining hall.
"Time to eat!"
They answered in unison and followed closely behind.
For no clear reason, a surge of respect rose in their hearts, blood heating in their veins.
They felt a kind of respect they had never experienced before.
Dragon maintained his pace, his mood noticeably lighter.
Loyalty plus one times thirty.
Loyalty plus two times twenty.
Opening the loyalty interface, a dazzling array of rewards appeared. Devil Fruit Optimization Serum. Supreme-grade Swift Sword, Boundary Moon. Immortality Surgery. Flame Affinity.
Excellent.
Dragon could not help but hum to himself.
At the same time,
Many Marines watched his back, their eyes bright.
Compared to that old commander, this new leader felt far more like someone real.
A man of flesh and blood.