114. Acting Captain

Redline Naval Base.

The cargo ship was docked and men were carrying out cargo from the ship.

Leo and Shinobu were guided by an officer to the Commander's room.

Knock Knock.

A man wearing a white suit and red tie was going through some papers when a knock was heard.

"Come in."

The door opened and a middle-aged man came in. He saluted the suited man and handed him a parchment.

"Sir, this came from Ash island."

Oh.

The suited man raised his head. He had an angular face with a small stubble on his chin. Some wrinkles could be seen on the corner of his eyes.

"Ash island? That guy Dane is there."

He took the parchment and read it.

"Interesting. That stubborn guy actually recommended someone for a Captain post."

The man who handed him the parchment was also surprised.

He knew Dane very well. A straightforward guy with a just heart. In terms of ability he ranked at the bottom but he faithfully carried out his duty to protect that small island for years.

That was worth admiration.

The suited man placed the parchment aside and said, "Call them in, let me see what kind of person warrants that guy's recommendation."

His subordinate saluted before going out to fetch Leo and Shinobu.

Soon he came back.

The suited man looked curiously at a handsome young man brimming with youthfulness and a beautiful lady who gave off an elegant vibe.

Hm... he has a well built body but does he really have the standard of a captain?

He was doubtful. Just as he was about to say something the door was knocked by someone.

A clerk handed his subordinate a piece of paper and left.

The man looked over the content and was surprised. He then handed it to the suited man.

Going over it the suited man raised an eyebrow. He was surprised.

This guy who looked harmless and gave off a scholar's aura took down the entire Night Raiders and their leader?

Though he was surprised he still went over the details and approved it.

Handing the approved document to the officer he smiled at Leo, "It's a surprise that you could defeat that many men without any injury."

Leo shook his head and said modestly, "It's nothing worth mentioning."

The suited man had a good impression of Leo. He looks about 25 or 26 but he isn't arrogant.

He got up and introduced himself, "Welcome to Redline Naval base, my name is Dylan. I am the commander here."

Leo and Shinobu showed him the same courtesy.

Dylan picked up Dane's recommendation and said, "Dane that mule said you were a capable guy and you had the ability of a Captain."

Leo smiled lightly, "He is a good man."

Dylan nodded with a smile, "That he is. Anyway, I can give you a captain's post but it will only be as an Acting Captain. If you want to officially become one, you need approval from Headquarters."

Leo and Shinobu looked at each other and Leo said, "So when can we head over to the Headquarters?"

Dylan and his officer suddenly went silent and looked at him weirdly.

Leo was confused, "What?"

Dylan asked, "Dane didn't tell you anything?"

Leo shook his head.

Dylan explained, "You can't simply head over to the headquarters. Though this base is a checkpoint for the ships coming from Grandline and going there, it's not easy to fetch a ride."

"First of all not many ships head over to the headquarters from East blue or any of the other seas. Even if one did, there must be a compelling reason."

"And ships from Grandline rarely comes to East blue. So you can't just fetch a ride whenever you want."

Leo and Shinobu were stunned. This was different from what Dane said. They were supposed to stopover at this base and fetch a ride to Grandline.

What the hell?

Dylan saw their shock and said, "You know, that guy is straightforward and stubborn but sometimes he is extremely sly, like a wily old fox."

"Let me take a guess as to why he tricked you. He tried to recruit one of you and you rejected. And then he somehow baited you with something to come over here, right?"

Leo was surprised, "How did you know?"

Dylan laughed, "Because only people with guts, and the navy travel back and forth between the Grandline and the four seas. Whatever reason you had your only option was to either join the navy or become a daring daredevil and climb the reverse mountain."

"But he tricked you into coming here. There are no ships going back to Ash island for two months. So your only option is to take up the job as an acting Captain and gather merit till you qualify for an official Captain."

Leo opened his mouth wide and was stunned. Shinobu covered her forehead with her palm and let out a sigh.

Fuck you Dane!

Leo helplessly asked, "So I am stuck here till I gather merit to qualify as a Captain?"

Dylan nodded, "Afraid so."

Leo accepted his father and asked, "How much merit do I have to get?"

Dylan pointed at the reward for catching Night Raiders and said, "To qualify as a Captain you have to catch 10 ten million bounty or 5 twenty million or 1 thirty million."

"That would give you enough to qualify as a Captain."

Leo nodded and asked, "So with this one I need 9 more?"

Dylan nodded.

Leo looked at Shinobu and saw her nod. He turned to ask Dylan, "What about her?"

Dylan looked over at Shinobu and said, "Well, Dylan did mention that she was an excellent doctor. How about I arrange you as an assistant doctor. Once I am convinced of your abilities I will give you a better position."

Shinobu nodded, "Thank you."

Dylan waved his hand, "It's fine. Actually, I should be thanking you. If your abilities are as Dane said you will be doing us a favour."

Shinobu was curious, "Why is that?"

Dylan sighed, "The four seas lack resources and man power so medical standard in our base is very poor."

Shinobu understood what he meant. She asked no further.

Dylan asked his men to arrange lodging for them.

Their duty officially starts tomorrow.