Night fell quickly.
The sky darkened, and the red glow of the setting sun reflected off the sea, painting the waves in shades of fiery orange. The sparkling water was breathtaking.
A warship cut through the waves, returning to the port of the 141st Branch.
Colonel Donald, who had spent the entire day anxious, finally received news of Monkey D. Dragon's return.
He hurried out with his aide, William, to meet him.
Dragon walked ahead, followed by a few soldiers dragging large, blood-stained sacks.
"Deputy Base Commander Dragon, you really had me worried today!"
Donald stepped in front of Dragon, feigning concern. "You're not familiar with this area. It's your first day, and you recklessly went out without even letting a branch supervisor guide you!"
His worry wasn't unfounded. He feared Dragon might accidentally clash with the Vinsmoke Family and be crushed.
If Dragon were killed within the first two days, headquarters would launch a full investigation.
"Base Commander, rest assured. I went out confident in my abilities," Dragon said, patting Donald on the shoulder. "Today, I wiped out the Tiger Shark Pirates. I'll need your help to claim the bounty."
Of course, the Marine soldiers could also claim the bounty, but only thirty percent.
After all, they used Marine equipment, and this was a coordinated unit operation. Even if they didn't participate, they still drew salaries.
The thirty percent share existed only because of the chaos and disorder left over from the Great Pirate Era. Even this share had been hard-won by Fleet Admiral Sengoku, wrested from the World Government.
"The Tiger Shark Pirates?"
Donald's irritation at Dragon's shoulder-patting vanished when he heard the name. He could hardly believe it. "The Tiger Shark Pirates? Their leader's bounty is 27 million Berries!"
By comparison, the strongest East Blue pirates, the Krieg Pirates, had a leader with only a 15 million Berry bounty.
Even though the North Blue was more chaotic and its pirates stronger overall, a bounty of 27 million marked a top-tier pirate.
The new officer from headquarters wiped out a major North Blue threat on his first day?
"It should be them. We also captured their pirate flag; you can see it," Dragon said calmly, pointing to a tattered banner behind him.
"That's definitely them."
Donald recognized the flag instantly. His heartbeat skipped.
To eliminate a pirate crew with a bounty of 27 million in a single day a Major from headquarters was clearly no ordinary officer.
It wasn't that Donald didn't know the other field officers from headquarters, but none of them had this level of skill.
"The confirmation process can begin anytime. First, have the mess hall prepare plenty of food and drinks for my soldiers. We cannot mistreat them," Dragon added with a faint smile.
"Right, right, I'll arrange it immediately," Donald replied, nodding repeatedly, his caution level maxed.
This officer wielded both authority and the freedom to wander. He was a serious threat to Donald's dealings with the Vinsmoke Family and other interests.
Donald no longer worried that Dragon might be killed recklessly. Now he feared that Dragon might ruin his business or even send him to prison.
"Deputy William, take a few men to help Major Dragon inventory the spoils," Donald ordered, signaling his aide to investigate carefully.
After taking action, William followed Dragon, speaking earnestly. "Major Dragon, I know you are an elite from headquarters. Your skill is extraordinary, and your ambitions are far-reaching."
"Mm, keep going. I like listening," Dragon replied, narrowing his eyes slightly with a nod.
Donald ground his teeth in frustration. Was he really making him look like a lapdog?
He swallowed his resentment and continued. "Major Dragon, in the future, it's best to follow the department's operational plans. You must understand: the department is responsible for maintaining public order. Acting on your own could interfere with other units' deployments."
"Only by completing branch missions can you fully demonstrate your abilities and earn merit quickly!"
He spoke as if coaxing a guest, hoping Dragon would avoid touching matters he shouldn't.
Any interference with Donald's bribes or disruption of the Vinsmoke Family's business could have disastrous consequences.
"Mm, that makes sense. I'll consider it."
Dragon nodded. Indeed, the advice was sound.
It seemed that tomorrow he should focus on inspecting the 141st Branch's maritime patrol areas, ensuring proper coverage, and then randomly select a few fortunate pirates for his operations.
"Excellent, excellent!"
Donald exhaled, straightening his posture.
It appeared this headquarters officer preferred a mild strategy over force. From now on, he would have to lean into a gentler approach…
The next day.
In the Base Commander's office:
After a night of calculations, Donald realized that Dragon had indeed wiped out the entire Tiger Shark Pirate crew, eliminating a notable North Blue pirate.
Given Dragon's cooperation yesterday, Donald had already released thirty percent of the bounty overnight.
From Bali Island's Tiger Shark spoils, thirty percent amounted to 8.1 million Berries, plus miscellaneous items, totaling 12.77 million Berries.
Donald lounged in his office, puffing on a cigar, smoke curling in clouds around him.
His aide, William, burst in, flustered.
"What's the matter? Can't you stay calm like me?" Donald snapped, flicking ash and frowning.
He was simply waiting to confirm Dragon's patrol range before slowly corrupting or disposing of him.
The main problem had been solved; there was no reason to panic.
William took several deep breaths to steady himself. "The Deputy Base Commander went out to sea again with his subordinates!"
"What!"
Donald sat upright, eyes wide. "Didn't he say yesterday he would discuss the route with me? Why has it changed this morning?"
He turned to William urgently. "Did he say where he was going today? Or, like yesterday, is he just trying his luck on the open sea?"
"He won't take risks. He took one of our sea charts and said he would first eliminate everything within our territory before seeking other pirates!"
William explained quickly. The situation was urgent.
Ah!
Donald gasped, his eyes rolling.
This was worse than leaving it to chance!
To ensure the Vinsmoke Family's transactions went smoothly, they had arranged for trade to occur within their territory.
Even if the Vinsmoke Family wasn't meeting him today, an unlucky encounter with Dragon would be a massive problem.
"Hurry! Call the Vinsmoke Family and cancel all trades!"
Donald caught his breath, speaking sharply to William. "Tell them headquarters sent a special envoy to investigate our cooperation!"
He ground his teeth. "Inform them that once I deal with the envoy, trade will resume. It won't take long!"
He knew Dragon wasn't an envoy, of course, but his actions were effectively the same, posing a severe threat.
"Understood, understood, understood! I'll contact them immediately!"
William nodded quickly, leaving the office to activate a secure communication channel.
The message was soon delivered.
Though the Vinsmoke Family was displeased with multiple past dealings with the 141st Branch, they still relocated trades to less convenient locations or canceled non-urgent transactions.
Some losses were borne by Donald.
"Damn it!"
Donald slammed his fist on the desk, nearly losing control. "If Dragon refuses to respect me, don't blame me!"