Chapter 7: Vivian, I Like You!

"Have all the people been rescued?"

With short silver hair and two smoking cigars in his mouth, Smoker stood at the bow of the warship and asked a nearby soldier.

"Reporting to Captain Smoker, a total of fifty-eight civilians have been rescued from the sea. Most of them have regained consciousness, but a few with serious injuries are still being treated."

"I see…"

Taking a deep puff, Smoker's fierce face showed a hint of concern despite his usual stern expression.

"Report the casualties from this operation."

"The total number of casualties is seventy-four. Two third-class soldiers were unfortunately shot and killed on the spot, and the remaining seventy-two suffered varying degrees of minor injuries, except for one who is seriously injured," the soldier continued to report.

The seriously injured navy soldier was taken hostage by the one-eyed pirate when he was cornered by Smoker.

"And where is Tashigi?" Smoker asked again.

Just as he finished speaking, Tashigi, with her face black as if she had just come back from a coal mine, hurriedly ran out of the cabin and looked at Smoker with a sincere expression.

"Captain Smoker, please make sure to recruit the man in the emergency room into the navy!"

Smoker: ???

…

Flashback ends.

Back to the present, two years later.

"Good afternoon, Vivian!"

At the Loguetown Navy Base cafeteria.

Vivian had just sat down with a tray when he saw a middle-aged man in a black suit and a navy coat approaching with his right hand raised.

Vivian: (?_?)

The man was named Papanov, fifty years old, and a Lieutenant at the Loguetown base.

Yes, you heard that right, a fifty-year-old Lieutenant.

Papanov was not a particularly talented guy, but through hard work and keen observation, he had climbed to the position of branch Lieutenant.

His dream was to be promoted to Captain before retirement, secure a good pension, and live a peaceful life in the East Blue, growing flowers and drinking tea.

Of course, to achieve such a dream, his own efforts alone were not enough.

"Vivian, my men have found the whereabouts of the 'Giant Blade Pirates.' I'm going out to capture them tomorrow morning. Will you join me?"

"No," Vivian replied without thinking.

"I'm your superior. Do you think you can just say no? Believe it or not, I'll dock your pay."

"Go ahead, it's not much anyway." Vivian shrugged, looking indifferent.

A Petty Officer's monthly salary was only 350,000 Berries. If it weren't for the occasional cigarette, he wouldn't have much use for money, as he always ate at the cafeteria.

"You think I won't dock it?" Papanov glared.

"I didn't say you wouldn't?"

Vivian put down his chopsticks, took out a handkerchief, wiped his lips, and said slowly, "But before you dock my pay, I think it's necessary to remind you that I have applied for leave tomorrow. According to the regulations of the Loguetown base, unless there is an emergency, soldiers' leave cannot be arbitrarily revoked. Violators will be fined or demoted upon report…"

"Demotion?"

Papanov's mustache bristled with anger. Just as he was about to curse, Kuto walked over with a tray and said, "I'll go with you, Captain Papanov. This guy is probably just scared. Yesterday, when he encountered a thug in town, he was so frightened that he apologized immediately. He really disgraced the navy."

Thinking about yesterday's incident made Kuto angry, and he had already labeled Vivian as "weak and cowardly" and "afraid of death."

Just as Vivian was about to agree, a set of options suddenly appeared in his vision.

[Option 1: Continue to ignore Papanov. (Reward: Random Defense Skill x1)]

[Option 2: Agree to go out to sea with Papanov. (Reward: Random Skill Experience +2)]

Strange…

A hint of doubt flashed across Vivian's face.

What danger could staying in Loguetown pose to me?

Could Papanov hold a grudge and seek revenge on me?

Thinking this, he shook his head.

He knew Papanov's character well. Not only was he timid and afraid of trouble, but he was also always submissive to his superiors. Even if a subordinate angered him, he would at most scold them or make a verbal threat, never taking any extreme actions.

"Could it be because of Luffy?"

It was now early in the year 1522 of the Sea Calendar, and he remembered that the Straw Hat crew passed through Loguetown around this time in the original story.

The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed.

So Vivian changed his mind and said to Papanov, "But considering your age, I've decided to sacrifice my vacation and reluctantly accompany you."

[You chose option 2, Craftsman Experience +2]

Papanov's face lit up with joy. He put his arm around Vivian's shoulder and said, "I knew you still respected your elders."

"Hehe." Vivian forced a smile.

Meanwhile, Kuto's opinion of Vivian worsened.

This marine in Loguetown really isn't good.

…

"Vivian, I like you! Please accept my feelings."

On the way back to the dormitory, a female navy officer with a ponytail suddenly appeared in front of him, holding a letter and a bag of homemade snacks. She nervously handed them to Vivian, then lowered her head, her face instantly turning red with embarrassment.

Vivian: "…"

Having been at the Loguetown base for two years, this wasn't the first time he had been confessed to.

What could he do? He was just too handsome.

Seeing the nervous and shy look on the female marine's face, three options appeared in Vivian's mind at the same time.

[Option 1: Happily accept the confession. (Reward: Random Famous Sword)]

[Option 2: Accept the gift first, then reject her privately later. (Reward: Swordsmanship Experience +100)]

[Option 3: Firmly reject her. (Reward: Basic Attribute +1)]

"Uh…"

Vivian tilted his head.

Although he originally intended to reject her…

Why would accepting her be dangerous?

He couldn't figure it out.

So Vivian took a step forward and brought his face close to the female marine.

"Am I handsome?" Vivian asked.

"Huh?" Not expecting such a question, the female marine was stunned for a moment, then shyly nodded. "Yes."

"Do you think you're pretty?"

"Um… I guess so."

"Just okay?" Vivian let out a light laugh, "And you think you're worthy of being with me?"

[You chose option 3, reward: Spirit +1]

The air suddenly became quiet.

About five seconds later.

Slap!

The female marine raised her hand and slapped Vivian's handsome face, then turned around and ran away crying.

Leaving Vivian standing there, stunned, holding his left cheek, unable to speak for a long time…