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Chapter 62: Meeting
The next day, in the waters near an independent island in North Blue, the sky was clear, and the sea shone a brilliant blue. White seagulls soared freely in the cloudless sky, heading toward the distant horizon. A warship sailed slowly, leaving a long white trail in its wake.
"How long until we arrive?" Darren stood at the bow of the warship, arms folded across his chest with a lit cigar between his teeth. His flawless white cloak fluttered in the wind behind him.
"It's probably a few minutes' flight from the agreed-upon location," replied Flying Squirrel, holding a permanent pointer in his hand to determine the course. "The whereabouts of Germa 66 have always been erratic. As a mobile war country, the 'Army of Evil' has no fixed territory."
Darren nodded, turned his head to glance at the far end of the deck, and suddenly smiled when he saw two young figures sweating profusely. Noticing his gaze, Flying Squirrel gave a bitter smile and said, "Major Gion and Major Kake must have been stimulated. They both seem crazy recently, having devoted themselves to training day and night."
"This is a good thing. At least my ears are cleaner," Darren said lightly.
The Celestial Dragons incident greatly stimulated the two "proud sons of heaven" from this department. The Marine's own powerlessness, the despair in the face of power, and the self-blame and guilt for "helping others do evil"... these were enough to easily defeat a Marine's inner beliefs. In the Ohara incident of the original plot, Kuzan is the best example. From "burning justice" to "lazy justice," Kuzan has personally experienced the paleness and powerlessness of Marine's "justice."
"Maybe... you should go talk to them?" The expression on Flying Squirrel's face showed hesitation, but he finally spoke tentatively. He had seen Darren's ability to confuse and brainwash people firsthand. With his insight and understanding of human nature, Darren could always point out the truth of the matter.
"Leave the preaching to old man Sengoku. I have no interest in raising children," Darren looked away from Gion and Kake and said lightly. "If they can't even get past this hurdle, maybe they aren't suitable to be Marines at all."
Flying Squirrel was silent for a moment, then sighed helplessly. This guy really saw things too clearly, and because of that, he sometimes appeared cold and heartless.
"We have arrived," Darren's deep and powerful voice announced suddenly.
Flying Squirrel snapped to attention and looked up. On the distant sea, huge shadows emerged from the fog. The battleships, pulled by giant snails, left long white marks on the water, approaching with chilling momentum. The battle flag of Germa 66 flew at the top of the battleships. On the leading main battleship, a "crossed eagle" flag representing the Vinsmoke family stood proudly at the highest point. The densely packed fleet quickly assembled, following the main battleship's orders. Metal tracks and gears clicked into place with a dull roar. In less than three minutes, dozens of warships merged into a single behemoth.
Germa 66!
"As expected of Germa 66, a war country that terrifies the world," Flying Squirrel's eyes shone with admiration.
Darren nodded in approval.
Although he was immune to Germa 66 due to his Devil Fruit ability overpowering their technology, it didn't mean that Germa 66 was weak. In reality, Germa 66 held a top military ranking in the world with its high-tech weapons, battle suits, fearless clones, the ability to assemble national territories at will, and even combat capabilities across the Red Line. Acquiring these military technologies for the North Blue fleet would create a formidable force capable of traversing the Red Line and entering the Grand Line or even the New World with ease. However, Darren's ambitions concerning Vinsmoke Judge extended far beyond that.
"Take the helm," he commanded calmly, a faint, deep light gleaming in his eyes.
Flying Squirrel raised its hand, signaling a military gesture, and the marines on the warship swiftly took their positions. As the rudder turned, the ship glided into Germa Kingdom's port.
At this point, Gion and Kake ceased their training, straightened their military uniforms, and joined the forefront of the troops. They cast complicated glances at the broad and tall figure of Darren. Since Admiral Sengoku left Badia Island, their feelings had been a mixture of embarrassment and confusion, leading them to avoid Darren almost every day.
Suddenly, consecutive dull sounds of cannon fire erupted, jolting Gion and Kake from their thoughts.
"Bombardment?"
Kake assumed a defensive stance with a vigilant look and stepped in front of Gion.
"Don't worry, Gion, I will protect you!" he declared nobly, about to flaunt his hair impressively when he noticed the marines around him staring blankly at him.
In that moment of pause, colorful streamers filled the sky, and a flurry of fireworks sparkled in the clear blue. The dazzling lights bathed Kake's face, rendering him clownish.
This was... a salute?
Kake stared at the fireworks, speechless.
"Don't be nervous, Major Keji," Darren said, patting Kake's shoulder with a reassuring smile before descending from the ship first.
On Germa Kingdom's land, salutes continued to light up, painting the sky with vibrant and peaceful hues.
"Hahaha... It is a great honor to welcome Admiral Darren to the Kingdom of Germa," declared Vinsmoke Judge with a grand gesture, his gorgeous robe flowing and his long blond hair swaying as he greeted the Marine Colonel with joy.
"I apologize for the intrusion. Yet, Germa 66's pageantry never ceases to inspire awe, no matter how often I witness it," Darren responded with a smile.
The two men clasped hands in a firm handshake.
Watching this, Gion and Kake felt a tremor in their eyes. Noting the warm smiles on Darren and Vinsmoke Judge's faces, they couldn't help but silently brand them as "two sly rascals" in their minds. Had they not been through the war that nearly annihilated Germa, they might have mistaken the two for long-lost brothers.