Rowen's objective for this trip had been achieved so he happily engaged in a gambling match with Issho. Despite the difference in their strengths, when it came to Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki), they were evenly matched. The battle between them was intense and fierce.
However, in contrast to Rowen's activities, Dante, who was left in charge at G-10 Marine Branch, was having a particularly unhappy day.
First, Rowen had left without a word, leaving behind a mess for Dante to clean up. The Chief Government Prosecutor was about to arrive, and instead of being present, Rowen had decided to go off and have some fun.
Supercharged Travel caused quite a commotion. Did Rowen think the Fleet Admiral was a fool? Well, maybe the Fleet Admiral would overlook it, considering he had grown accustomed to such behavior. But the Prosecutor wouldn't!
How can a critically ill person not receive guests? Not to mention the fact that Rowen was a Logia Devil Fruit User and he couldn't remain critically ill with his undying body.
It was more like a pirate disturbance requiring immediate action!
Everyone knew that Rowen was an undying monster!
And…
It had been almost half a day. Why hadn't the government's prosecutor arrived yet?
As the sun was setting, casting a dim light over the area, the sea surrounding G-10 Marine Branch remained calm. Dante rubbed his nose in frustration and said to Henry, "Captain Henry, dismiss the honor guard!"
"Huh?"
Henry, who was equally impatient, looked bewildered. "Shouldn't we wait a bit longer?"
After all, they were about to welcome someone representing the government for an inspection. Not maintaining order could result in repercussions.
"No need. To hell with it!" Dante's expression was indifferent as he spoke, looking like a passive fish…
However, seeing Henry's anxious expression, Dante waved his hand weakly and explained, "They obviously want to show us who's in charge, but I'm not easy to mess with either!"
"When he arrives, we'll say I'm already asleep. If he has any business, he can come back tomorrow!"
Henry: "…"
Hiss!!
Henry suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of impending doom in his heart!
Nervously patting his pocket, Henry suddenly felt his Seastone-crafted tiger claw gauntlets. His tense mood eased immediately.
Damn it!
Why be afraid! It's just a formality. We can't let them disrespect the G-10 Marine Branch!
"Everyone, fall in!"
"Huh???"
The soldiers who had been waiting for hours were filled with astonishment, looking at the senior official with awe.
F*ck!
Do we really have to be this harsh?! At that moment, a beam of light appeared in the distant dark sea. It flashed twice, paused, then repeated the cycle three times before accelerating and approaching Jaya Island.
This was the Marine-friendly identification signal, as the "G" series branches had significant relationships. They were authorized to sink any unidentified vessels.
The soldiers who were about to pack up looked perplexed. Shouldn't we wait a bit longer?
"Wait for what?!"
Dante snorted coldly and began to shoo them away. "Get lost, all of you! Whoever dares to stay, I'll use them for sword practice!"
Huā Lā La!!
As soon as he said that, some soldiers who had been hesitating began to slow down as if they had suddenly realized something. Henry was astonished to see this after Dante's proclamation.
He couldn't help but inhale sharply!
Do they really need to work this hard just to get some time off?! Hurriedly rushing over, he delivered a punch to each of them.
"Haven't you heard Colonel's orders?! Leave! Get out of here quickly!"
Several soldiers glared at him resentfully, reluctantly stepping away.
G-10 Marine Branch not only dealt with Marine's daily training and patrol missions but also played a pivotal role in the Aircraft Force's pirate suppression operations. Additionally, it was a hub for trade and dealings with Angel Island to maintain its safety.
Despite having over three thousand soldiers registered in the branch, when tasks were divided, each person was overwhelmed. Getting a day off in a month was as rare as bad weather preventing them from going to sea! So, this situation wasn't surprising. It just meant they were a fierce bunch!
Fiercer than a fierce person, even more stubborn!
After dealing with the soldiers, Henry hadn't even caught his breath when he heard Dante say, "Ensign Henry, give them a demonstration barrage! Use regular cannons, not Plasma Cannons."
Henry: "…"
"Why me?!"
Henry understood Dante's intention. After all, the little Tiger Tally was currently snoozing on Dante's shoulder, showing no signs of receiving any signals. Just flashing lights weren't enough to prove their identity; pirates could easily copy this trick.
At least in most cases, flashing lights alone wouldn't suffice.
But even though he understood the logic. Why did it have to be him?
Smack!
Dante slapped his shoulder and said with a serious tone, "Don't you remember? Among all the officers, you're the only one with a background in artillery!"
After speaking, Dante kindly reminded him, "Be careful and aim straight… We don't want any accidents… accidentally killing someone would be hard to explain."
Henry: "…"
'Damn it all to hell!; Henry silently cursed in his heart!
In the distant sea, an ordinary Battleship was approaching G-10 Marine Branch, its speed gradually decreasing as it got closer to the coastline. It was preparing to dock at Port Mandible. However, suddenly, a faint spark of light appeared behind the lighthouse.
Bang!!
A muffled thunderous tremor spread. Everyone on the Battleship was shocked, left stunned in an instant!
They watched as a cannonball was fired from the port's defense line, describing an arc in the night sky. It precisely passed through the gaps in the railing and fell into the sea less than a meter away from the Battleship's hull.
Bang!!
Huā Lā La!!
"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"
"Everyone, battle stations!"
"Where did that cannonball come from?!"
"It's G-10 Marine Branch!!"
"...!!!"
The deck suddenly turned chaotic. Anxious soldiers hurried to man the cannons for a counterattack. Someone curiously asked a question, and then it seemed as if the "pause" button had been pressed as the whole deck fell silent.
No one said anything for quite a while, but someone finally couldn't help but say, "Have they gone crazy?"
It had been said that the newly established G-10 Marine Branch, relying on Rowen's influential position in the Marine Headquarters, was even bolder and more audacious than the infamous G-5 personnel. But they had still underestimated them!
Firing at friendly forces, were they planning to rebel?!
"This is treason! It's rebellion! It's an act of war against the government!"
A thin old man wearing all his badges, who looked like he was dressed as a jester despite wearing a uniform, jumped up and spoke while pointing at G-10 Marine Branch with spit flying all around his mouth.
The previous cannonball hadn't directly hit the Battleship's right side; it had flown from left to right, passing just above his head and scaring him half to death. Now his face turned pale, and he was about to pronounce judgment on G-10 Marine Branch.
(End of this chapter)
You can read up to 70 chapters on my patreon and I've also activated (date to date) subscription model on my patreon https://www.patreon.com/darkshadow6395.
5$- 5 Chapters For Both OPTM & EPHS
10$- 10 Chapters For Both OPTM & EPHS
20$- 20 Chapters For Both OPTM & EPHS
40$- 40 Chapters For Both OPTM & EPHS
70$- 70 Chapters For Both OPTM & EPHS