[Hibari:] "An entire Marine branch has fallen into corruption? How… how could something like this happen?"
[Doll:] "Don't let it affect you, Hibari. That's just… the result of a few bad apples in the Marines."
[Hibari:] "But… but an entire branch? That's so many people!"
[Doll:] "This…"
[Kujaku:] "Regardless, if it's been confirmed they're guilty, then they should be dealt with according to regulations. Hina, Tashigi, do you need me to head over? It just so happens I'm passing by!"
[Hina:] "That would be very helpful. If possible, we'd like Rear Admiral Kujaku to accompany us to Cocoyasi Village!"
[Kujaku:] "No problem!"
[Doll:] "Perfect timing. I can also head to Cocoyasi Village. I hope we can take care of the Arlong Pirates before Arton arrives. That way, it would at least help mitigate some of the sins committed by those despicable Marines!"
[Gion:] "As for Captain Nezumi, I'll contact him and make sure he returns immediately. His responsibility is far too grave."
*
After leaving the message, Gion immediately picked up her Den Den Mushi and called Captain Nezumi.
"Hello, this is Captain Nezumi. May I ask who's calling?"
"This is Vice Admiral Gion from Marine Headquarters. We spoke earlier, Captain Nezumi."
"Ah, Vice Admiral Gion! What can I do for you?"
"Captain Nezumi, there's been an incident at your Branch 16, and I need you to return immediately. Under the authority of a Vice Admiral, I'm ordering you to investigate the situation at Branch 16."
Of course, Gion didn't directly state that Nezumi was to return to face investigation himself.
If she did, there was a chance Nezumi would flee with his subordinates and turn to piracy instead.
"Something happened at Branch 16?"
"Vice Admiral Gion, may I ask what happened? Was it attacked by pirates?"
Captain Nezumi's eyes widened in alarm.
"Exactly! In any case, you need to return immediately. Rear Admiral Kujaku will likely head to Branch 16 to assist as well," Gion replied.
"This… I'll need to think about it," Nezumi hesitated.
"Captain Nezumi, are you defying orders?" Gion's voice sharpened.
"No, of course not! It's just that… I'm currently acting as a guard for the Celestial Dragons!"
"The Celestial Dragons don't need a branch captain like you for protection. They have agents from the World Government to ensure their safety," Gion stated firmly.
"Well… then at least allow me to report to the Celestial Dragons first. Surely that's acceptable?"
"Don't delay too long, Captain Nezumi. The situation at Branch 16 is urgent. If there are any complications with the Celestial Dragons, I'll handle it myself—or I'll have Vice Admiral Garp speak to them."
"This… fine. I understand," Nezumi said before ending the call.
*
After some thought, his expression darkened as he turned to his adjutant.
"What's your take on this?"
The adjutant scratched his cheek awkwardly, looking conflicted.
"Vice Admiral Gion is a candidate for admiral and holds a very high rank."
"And she mentioned Vice Admiral Garp as well."
"No matter what, it seems we can't disobey her orders."
"But… could it be that something terrifying has happened at Branch 16?"
"If we return now, could it put us in danger?"
"Captain Nezumi, perhaps we should first contact Branch 16 to get a better idea?"
Hearing this, Nezumi shot a frustrated glare at his adjutant.
"Hmph! Returning now would indeed be dangerous for us."
"Have you forgotten? Earlier, Gion informed us that Headquarters Captain Hina would be heading to Branch 16 with a marine named Tashigi."
"If we calculate the timing, they should have arrived by now. And just at this moment, Vice Admiral Gion tells us that something has gone wrong at Branch 16."
"And she's ordering us to return! Investigate? Hah, it's us they want to investigate!"
"I bet that even if we call Branch 16 right now," Captain Nezumi said, his tone grim, "no one from our side would pick up."
The adjutant's eyes widened in shock.
"No, that can't be! If Hina and her team have really found something at Branch 16…"
"Captain Nezumi, wouldn't that mean we're finished?!"
Nezumi furrowed his brows tightly, gazing out the door.
"No, there might still be a chance."
"The things we've done—aside from the solid evidence left at Arlong Park—don't have any definitive proof remaining."
"In other words, if we can take care of what's at Arlong Park…"
"All the problems will cease to exist."
Hearing this, the adjutant's eyes lit up with hope.
"You mean… involve the Celestial Dragons at Arlong Park?"
Nezumi nodded in agreement.
"Now's the time for it."
"Let's just hope we can persuade that Celestial Dragon."
With that, Nezumi and his adjutant headed off to meet the Celestial Dragon.
To Nezumi's surprise, things proceeded far more smoothly than he had anticipated.
*
"What? You're telling me there are extraordinarily beautiful women on a nearby island?"
"Excellent. Lead me there at once!"
"Recently, two of my female slaves have died."
"Before heading back, I need to replenish my slave entourage."
Saint Charlos, the Celestial Dragon, spoke with keen interest to the reverent Captain Nezumi.
"Yes, Saint Charlos. I'll guide you there right away," Nezumi replied, barely containing his joy.
He quickly left, rushing toward his navy warship to escort Saint Charlos to the destination.
...
At this moment, Arton couldn't possibly imagine that his diary entry would lead him to encounter Saint Charlos, the same Celestial Dragon who once ordered the shelling of his rented speedboat, at Cocoyasi Village.