Chapter 19: Our Inescapable Duty as the Navy

As Daren clapped his hands, the ornate doors of the side hall swung open.

One by one, soldiers of the Yadis Kingdom, clad in regulation military uniforms, began hauling in massive wooden crates.

In less than a minute, dozens of crates were stacked atop the marble floor, forming a small mountain.

"Daren... this isn't what I think it is, is it...?"

Gion eyed the weighty boxes with growing unease, a bad feeling creeping into her chest.

Just then, a man dressed like a butler entered, his face plastered with a fawning smile as he bowed repeatedly.

"Admiral Daren, I am the Minister of Finance of the Yadis Kingdom..."

He gestured toward the crates.

"These are but a humble token of our gratitude. We hope the North Blue Marine fleet, the defenders of 'justice,' will kindly accept it."

With a wave, he ordered the soldiers to open the crates.

In an instant, Gion and Tokikake's eyes widened, their mouths forming matching O's.

Blinding light poured from the opened crates, casting a rainbow of reflections throughout the entire side hall.

Clink—clatter...

Mountains of glittering gold and silver, wads of colorful banknotes, a dazzling collection of rare treasures, premium cigars, fine liquors... Everything spilled out like molten silver, flooding the hall with the overwhelming scent of wealth and indulgence.

"T-This... this... this..."

Tokikake stared slack-jawed at the towering pile of treasure, his swollen, pig-like face contorting into a stunned, almost comical expression.

How much was this!?

He couldn't even begin to count it.

Raised in Marineford, he'd never seen this kind of fortune in his entire life!

Daren gave a satisfied smile.

"His Majesty is far too generous. As Marines, protecting allied nations from harm is our duty and responsibility."

The Finance Minister continued, beaming.

"But of course! Who in all of the North Blue doesn't know that Admiral Daren is selfless, upright, and tirelessly dedicated to protecting the lives and property of our people, never seeking personal gain?"

"Having Daren-sama's protection is a blessing for the entire North Blue."

"But we can't let the brave soldiers of the North Blue Marines leave empty-handed. Hospitality is a tradition here in the Yadis Kingdom—please don't refuse, Daren-sama."

Smooth talker... no wonder he's the finance minister.

Daren chuckled and was just about to nod.

Unexpectedly, Gion suddenly stepped forward, her face flushed with anger as she gritted her teeth.

"No! We can't accept this money!"

She turned and shot a fierce glare at Daren.

"The Marines must never take money through unofficial means! Daren, this is bribery!"

"If you dare accept it, I'll report you directly to Headquarters!"

Tokikake quickly chimed in.

"That's right! I'll report you too!"

The strain on his swollen face made him wince in pain, and resentment boiled in his chest.

If it weren't for that bastard Daren, he wouldn't have been one-shotted by Vinsmoke Judge and embarrassed himself in front of Gion.

Hearing their protests, the Minister of Finance froze mid-smile. He cautiously looked at Daren and asked respectfully,

"Daren-sama... may I ask who these two are?"

Daren puffed on his cigar, completely at ease, and chuckled.

"Oh, they're Lieutenant Commander Gion and Lieutenant Commander Tokikake, from Marine Headquarters... my adjutants now."

Direct from Marine Headquarters?

The Minister immediately picked up on the subtext in Daren's tone.

To rise to the role of Finance Minister in a kingdom like Yadis, he was no fool—an old hand at navigating politics.

He quickly turned, bowing politely toward Gion and Tokikake with a wide smile.

"So you're officers sent all the way from Headquarters—I must apologize for my ignorance and any disrespect."

Gion replied with a serious tone.

"Sir, I must make something clear."

"As Marines, we uphold justice and safeguard peace. Protecting civilians is our duty—it requires no reward."

She pointed at the piles of gold and treasure scattered across the floor, her voice firm.

"We cannot accept any of this. It would be a disgrace to the very idea of 'justice.'"

"Of course, of course... Lieutenant Commander Gion is absolutely right."

The Minister nodded along, looking deeply "moved."

"But since the two of you came such a long way, the Yadis Kingdom has prepared separate, modest tokens of appreciation."

"Lieutenant Commander Gion, you look like a formidable swordswoman. Coincidentally, our royal treasury holds a piece of refined steel—perfect for forging a fine scabbard for your blade."

"And for Lieutenant Commander Tokikake, we also happen to have some premium cigars."

Gion: ...

Tokikake: (★ ω ★)

"I said—we're not taking anything!"

Gion snapped.

The Minister hesitated, then smiled again.

"Of course. In addition to the gifts mentioned, we'd also like to compensate both of you for your contributions in the battle."

"Our treasury holds many fine weapons. Lieutenant Commander Gion is welcome to choose any sword she likes."

"And for Lieutenant Commander Tokikake, our royal performers have prepared a special show for your enjoyment."

Tokikake: (☆▽☆)^o^

"Really?"

His eyes lit up as he blurted it out.

Boom!

Before he could finish, Gion kicked him clean across the room, his head embedding into the wall while his legs flailed in midair.

"Minister... when I said we can't accept it, I meant it. That wasn't a cue to up the offer."

Gion's face was pale with fury as she clenched her jaw, trying to calm her anger.

The Minister of Finance was left dumbfounded, looking conflicted.

You keep refusing—aren't you just trying to raise the price?

Wasn't it enough?

At that point, Daren finally stepped in with a helpless sigh.

"You've worked hard, Minister."

"We appreciate these gifts. Please convey our deepest thanks to King Ardis on behalf of the North Blue Marines."

The Minister let out a breath of relief and smiled again.

"Of course, of course. These gifts were all voluntarily donated by the people, who were simply eager to show their appreciation to the North Blue Marines."

"In addition, the royal family has prepared a banquet for tonight. We hope you'll attend."

With that, he gave a slight bow to Daren and the others, then quickly excused himself.

...

As the doors closed, Gion finally snapped, glaring at Daren, who had already sat down and crossed his legs again.

"Daren—!"

Before she could finish, Daren waved her off.

"Gion, you saw how desperate that minister was. If we don't accept the gift, he can't go back and report this properly."

"That's just how things work in the North Blue."

"To them, if you don't accept the money, they'll be on edge."

"Justice? That doesn't mean anything in these waters."

It's just human nature.

Seeing she still wanted to argue, Daren shook his head.

"Enough. Go get ready. We've got a banquet to attend."

(40 Chapters Ahead)

p@treon com / PinkSnake