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The reason the soldiers from the 153rd Branch obeyed Mu Li boiled down to one factor: Garp.
As a legendary Navy hero, Garp's reputation in East Blue—his hometown—carried unparalleled weight, even more so than the Fleet Admiral within the local naval hierarchy.
Meanwhile, on the Grand Line.
Marineford, Navy Headquarters.
In the topmost office of the massive fortress sat Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
"GARP!" Sengoku slammed the phone down, his face darkening. "Your grandson stirred up trouble at the 153rd Branch! He incited a mutiny, and they detained their commanding officer!"
"HAHAHA! That's my grandson!"
Seated on the couch, Garp laughed so hard tears streamed down his face while munching on rice crackers. "Relax, Sengoku. Knowing Luffy, it's probably because the officer was corrupt."
Sengoku's eyelid twitched violently. That's exactly why I have a headache!
"The specifics are unclear. We'll need to send someone to clean up the mess!"
He wondered just how incompetent the commanding officer of that branch must have been to lose control of his own subordinates. Clearly, those soldiers must have been dissatisfied for a long time; otherwise, such an uprising would be impossible.
After all, Garp's grandson wasn't even part of the chain of command—it would normally be very difficult for him to order anyone around.
"Here, have some snacks. I'll handle East Blue myself!"
Garp stood up, leaving half a bag of rice crackers on the desk, laughing heartily as he turned to leave.
"Oh, and inform Tsuru to handle this as classified information. We don't want this leaking."
Tsuru, Vice Admiral Tsuru, was the Chief Staff Officer of Navy Headquarters and oversaw intelligence operations.
Watching Garp leave, Sengoku quickly pieced it together: He's shielding his grandson.
Technically, this incident qualified as military rebellion.
As the ringleader, Mu Li could easily have a bounty worth tens of millions slapped on his head.
"This old bastard! 'I'll handle it,' my foot! He's just going to East Blue to visit his grandson."
Grumbling, Sengoku picked up the rice crackers and started crunching on them.
Back at the 153rd Branch Mess Hall.
Zoro tore into his food, devouring meat and guzzling ale.
After days of starvation, he could finally feast to his heart's content.
Meanwhile, Nami nibbled absentmindedly on her straw, sipping juice.
"Something on your mind?" Mu Li asked, glancing at her.
Nami leaned in conspiratorially. "I found a map in Monka's quarters. At first, I thought it was a chart of the Grand Line, but it turned out to be a record of crimes committed by 'Buggy the Clown.'"
"What were you even doing snooping—ahem, searching for charts in his room?"
With Cocoyasi Village's issue nearing resolution, Nami no longer needed to steal to save money.
"You said we were heading to the Grand Line. I heard rumors about a chart like that ending up at this base, so I figured I'd check it out," Nami replied, rolling her eyes and sipping her juice.
Mu Li paused for a moment before leaning close to her ear, chuckling softly.
"My, what a dependable navigator."
Nami's ears flushed red. "Too close!"
She had only wanted to repay him for all his help, yet now she found herself teased. Scooting a little farther away, she cursed inwardly. Stupid captain—why does he always tease me when I'm trying to be nice?
Just then, a Marine approached and saluted respectfully.
"Lord Luffy, we've publicly announced Monka's imprisonment to the entire town!"
"Good. Tomorrow morning, gather all the townspeople for a public trial."
"Understood!"
As the soldier left, Nami couldn't hold back her curiosity. "Public trial? What's that for?"
"Cleaning up the mess."
Mu Li grinned, explaining simply, "It's about giving these Marines a plausible reason for taking down their superior."
Military insubordination was a serious taboo.
For him, it didn't matter—he could waltz away after wiping his hands clean. But the Marines? They were a different story.
"Your hometown faces a similar issue," he added. "We could kill Arlong and his pirate crew outright, but what happens after? Arlong's been terrorizing your village for years, yet no Marines stepped in. That's not normal, is it?"
Nami immediately caught on. "Arlong bribed the Navy under the table."
"Exactly. So, if we're going to do this, we're doing it thoroughly."
Mu Li flicked her forehead gently, chuckling. "You wouldn't want some other rogue to take over after we leave for the Grand Line, would you?"
"That's why you're bringing the Marines along to deal with Arlong's crew?" Nami asked, her tone a mix of realization and surprise.
Finally, the pieces clicked.
From the start, Mu Li had planned everything out—including overthrowing Monka—all to resolve her village's problem.
He's too good to me.
Moved, Nami felt a surge of gratitude. She almost wanted to kiss him then and there.
Mu Li nodded. "Glad you're catching on. Being a captain isn't easy, you know. For your sake, I've practically worked myself to death. Aren't you touched?"
"Pfft."
Giggling, Nami scooted a little closer to him again, her previous annoyance melting away.
"Thank you, Captain~"
[New Crew Member: Roronoa Zoro Recruited! Expertise: Swordsmanship. Reward: 700 Adventure Coins!]
700! Jackpot!
Mu Li's eyes lit up as he read the notification. Green Hair, you're worth 140 Kobies! Not bad.
Having teased Nami enough for now, Mu Li finally had a chance to check his system.
With coins in hand, there was only one thing to do—spend them.
Money is fleeting; the real joy lies in blowing it all.