The next day.
The soft morning light emerges, piercing through the darkness as dawn unfolds.
The gentle morning light gradually illuminates the surroundings, and dawn pierces through the veil of darkness.
"Reporting to the Vice Admiral, we've successfully cleared illegal zones 1 to 29. All human trafficking dens have been dismantled, and close to 2,000 slaves have been liberated."
Area 66, Sabaody Land, Marine Station Commander's Office.
Two individuals stood positioned at the desk's front and rear. Atlas leaned against the comfortable office chair, facing Majors with a demeanor of respect on his countenance.
"What fate awaits the individuals we've rescued?"
Atlas straightened up a bit, his gaze fixing upon Majors' face as he softly inquired.
"Approximately 800 individuals have expressed a willingness to enlist in the Marines, while 600 wish to return home. Upon scrutinizing their identities, we identified over 100 pirates with bounties on their heads. We took immediate action, executing them on the spot. As for the remaining..."
Majors presented his statistics without any hesitation.
"The others are free to pursue their choices. Those opting to return home will have their travel expenses covered from the assets seized at the auction house. The remaining funds will be distributed among them, serving as a modest form of compensation."
"But what if those who choose not to return home decide to set sail and become pirates?"
Atlas regarded Majors with a solemn expression. "Majors, it's crucial to understand that they are now civilians under the protection of the Marines. Regardless of their future actions, always remember, decisions are made without sentiment."
"Yes!"
"Sir! How should we arrange the accommodations for the mermaid?"
"Direct the warship to return to Fish-Man Island!"
"Alright, I've got the overall picture. You can proceed with your tasks." Here, Atlas paused, casting a look of admiration towards Majors. "And I must say, you did an excellent job."
"Thank you for the compliment, sir!"
Majors beamed with joy upon hearing this, then briskly exited the office.
...
Knock...Knock...Knock
"Please come in!"
Immediately after his words, a Marine soldier cautiously pushed open the office door, glancing intermittently at Atlas with eyes brimming with enthusiasm and admiration.
"Vice Admiral, there's an individual outside who asserts familiarity with you and wishes to have an audience."
"Hmm? He knows me?"
Atlas had no prior acquaintances from his past life. His interactions were primarily with the Marine in the Grand Line, and they shouldn't need prior communication to meet him, right? Who could possibly know him...
Atlas pondered for a moment and then instructed the Marine in front of him, "Summon the person in."
If it's beyond his comprehension, he doesn't dwell on it. With his current strength, he isn't really concerned about anyone attempting to deceive him.
"Yes!"
Thump thump thump!
Upon receiving Atlas's command, the soldiers promptly exited the room, eager to avoid any delay in Atlas's important matters.
"Hello, is this Vice Admiral Atlas?"
After a brief moment, a young man with gray-green hair entered Atlas's office, wearing an anxious expression.
"Who are you?"
Atlas searched his mind diligently, but couldn't find any recollection of the young man standing before him.
"My name is Gild Tesoro, and I used to be a slave." The young man with gray-green hair cautiously observed Atlas's expression. Seeing no notable change, he continued, "I escaped from Marie Joie."
As he spoke, he seemed fearful that Atlas might not believe him. In an effort to prove his words, he removed his shirt and revealed the mark on his back to Atlas.
"Hey! Stop!"
Atlas noticed this and quickly intervened to stop him. How could he allow someone to expose themselves like that, especially considering Tesoro likely didn't want his humiliation on display for others to see?
"Aren't you afraid that I might apprehend you and bring you back?"
A surge of excitement welled up in Atlas's heart, but he maintained a composed expression and asked with a smile on his lips.
Atlas had recognized the young man before him—the future Golden Emperor! The disparity between this individual and the one from more than ten years later was substantial. If Atlas hadn't recalled his last name distinctly, he might not have been able to identify him.
Even though Tesoro's current attire is somewhat disheveled, his appearance remains strikingly handsome. His gray-green hair, parted in the middle, adds a touch of sophistication, and he doesn't resemble the affluent figure he would become more than ten years later.
"No!" Tesoro affirmed categorically, displaying a conviction even stronger than Atlas's own. "You rescued me in Marie Joie, and I will not forget it."
"Moreover, I've witnessed all your actions since you arrived at Sabaody Archipelago. You're a true Marine! Therefore... I want to join you!"
As he spoke, Tesoro's eyes revealed a fanatical gleam, akin to a devout believer finally beholding the God he had longed for.
In truth, Tesoro's initial plan wasn't like this.
However, during the few days he stayed in Sabaody, he witnessed the Marines dismantling human auction houses one after another, liberating slaves continuously, and reshaping the destinies of countless individuals. It was then that Tesoro developed a sudden desire to meet Atlas, their savior.
Atlas had seemingly altered almost all of Tesoro's perspectives on the Marines, perhaps...
"Alright, I believe you!" Atlas contemplated for a moment and added, "However, the mark on your back must not be revealed. I'll figure out a way to help you address it in the future."
"Thank you very much!"
Upon hearing Atlas's affirmation, Tesoro couldn't contain his excitement. He turned his body 90 degrees and bowed deeply to Atlas.
...
The afternoon is typically serene, yet the tranquility is shattered by the ringing of the phone.
Kachak
"Do you realize the trouble you've caused me, Atlas?"
The moment he answered the phone, Sengoku's voice roared through the receiver.
"Hey, don't get all worked up, old man Sengoku. Didn't you just say I can do whatever I want?"
Atlas didn't take it to heart at all. He was confident that the majority of Marine executives supported his methods, especially Akainu.
"Do you have any idea how many complaints I've received from the World Government recently?"
"I have no idea. Enlighten me."
"You cheeky brat..." Upon hearing Atlas's nonchalant response, Sengoku's head seemed to pop up on the other end of the phone, and he nearly couldn't resist transforming into his giant Buddha form.
"Alright, alright. I trust that Admiral Sengoku didn't just call to scold me, did you?"
Observing Sengoku's apparent displeasure, Atlas swiftly attempted to change the subject.
"Hmph~"
Sengoku recollected that he had some significant matters to discuss with Atlas, so he composed himself, subdued the anger within, and spoke in a low voice, "According to the latest intel, the Supernovas are about to reach Sabaody Archipelago this year. When the time comes, exercise caution and ensure nothing goes awry. I trust your strength will handle it."
"I'll try my best..."
'Haha, supernova? Isn't that just a matter of kicking one then another?'
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Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari