As the military embodiment of "Justice," the Marine G-2 Branch could not be built within any nation's borders.
Such a move would skew its stance of absolute neutrality.
Thus, what appeared before Longinus was an isolated, ring-shaped island—
The seagull flag of peace fluttered high above,
Warships circled the perimeter, cannons stood imposing and cold,
And the crowds bustling across the main boulevard made this solemn base unexpectedly lively—
Such was the effect of the month-long World Draft.
The Great Route had only nine Marine branches.
Unlike the Four Seas branches, whose ranks were three levels lower than Marine Headquarters and capped at Captain (Headquarters Lieutenant),
Every Great Route branch answered directly to HQ and followed the same rank structure.
In terms of scale, G-2 dwarfed any Blue Sea branch.
From what Longinus learned, this single branch held:
1 Marine Vice Admiral
5 Rear Admirals
20 Commodores
This force was enough to suppress dozens of surrounding nations and massive swaths of sea.
Therefore, when the Hiska fleet arrived grandly to drop Longinus off…
Almost no one spared them more than a glance.
Even the sentries did not turn their heads.
They simply assumed Longinus was another pampered noble brat coming to "polish his résumé."
The kind who would cry for their daddy within a week.
They had seen far too many of that type.
And noble lineage?
Royal background?
Meaningless here.
What kingdom could compare to the Marines—
the greatest power dominating the Grand Line?
Only one thing made them pause for a moment:
The boy stepping off the lead ship looked far too young.
Had the fleet's nation suffered a political upheaval and sent their high-born children here for refuge?
Watching Longinus disappear into the crowd, Louis let out a long sigh.
"The Marines are powerful for a reason…
Their belief in justice draws countless rising stars like Longinus to join their ranks.
But will the World Government truly allow them to grow unchecked?
How long can this peace last?"
Then he shook his head and laughed at himself.
"Hah! A small figure like me shouldn't think so far.
Better to hurry back and deal with Azka's threats first…
I still haven't settled accounts for them hiring pirates!"
Beside him, Tina wasn't discouraged.
Her bright eyes searched the crowd, filled with determination.
"Strength and justice…
Tina will definitely follow Longinus-oniisan's path and join the Marines too!"
Longinus walked through the busy streets, taking in everything with curiosity.
In his three years in this world, he had never seen such crowds—
So lively, so prosperous—
Like stepping out of a tribal era into a feudal kingdom.
Soon, he located an inn and booked a room.
"Excuse me," Longinus said politely, taking out two crisp 1,000-Beli bills.
"Could you tell me the procedures for the World Draft?"
The server, who was cleaning his room, had seemed impatient.
But seeing the tip, his face bloomed into a smile.
"Oh, guest sir, how could I ever refuse? You ask, I answer!"
His hands already slipped the money into his pocket with practiced ease.
"The World Draft lasts a full month.
A new round starts every three days.
It helps people from remote regions catch up.
We're only ten days in—plenty of time.
Just wait for the fourth round two days from now."
He lowered his voice, giving Longinus a once-over.
"And honestly, the Marines are just weeding out the weaklings.
Someone with your build? You'll breeze through."
Though he smiled, the server shivered inwardly.
Why did this young-looking boy radiate the pressure of a high-ranking officer?
Longinus nodded slightly.
It made sense.
The Marines weren't Cipher Pol nor a pirate crew.
Aside from Admirals, their greatest strength lay in disciplined, well-trained mass forces.
They couldn't impose elite-level requirements on new recruits.
And if they spent months testing strength, speed, combat ability, teamwork…
The entire draft would take a year.
Thus, despite its scale, the World Draft was simple:
As long as you had no major disabilities or glaring weaknesses, you passed.
"Aah!"
Suddenly, a wave of shouts and chaos rose from the street.
Longinus frowned and moved to the window.
The already congested street was now completely clogged—
Crowds swarming to watch the commotion.
"Someone dares cause trouble on Marine territory?" Longinus asked.
The server snorted.
"This sea never lacks idiots.
Especially lately—lots of self-important fools squeezing in here for the draft.
Scenes like this are becoming common."
He sneered.
"Just treat it like a comedy.
The patrol guards will drag them out soon enough.
Then you can watch those arrogant nobles wet their pants."
"…Is that so?"
Longinus' eyes sharpened as he looked deeper through the crowd.
In the middle stood a pale, frail noble.
He tried to straighten his back arrogantly—
but his wine-weakened body made the pose almost comical.
In front of him knelt a huge man,
shoulders broad, back like a wall—
shielding a small child behind him.
Dogleg lackeys kicked and punched him relentlessly,
but he said nothing.
Didn't even flinch.
"Why does scum like you dare defy me?
Lord Tomaras Saint has spoken—
You low-born vermin exist only to obey!"
The noble—Rex—screamed in fury.
Ever since he once witnessed a Celestial Dragon's "majesty,"
Rex had worshipped them,
fantasizing about living like a lesser Celestial Dragon.
But he had the arrogance of a Tenryūbito…
Without the authority of one.
Outside his home territory, his noble identity meant little.
After being trampled repeatedly, today his pent-up rage finally exploded.