The Corrupted Marine

As the iconic walk of the Straw Hats towards Arlong Park began—a moment that would forever be etched in the saga of their journey—Adrian felt the tension in the air intensify. It was a walk filled with determination and a fierce resolve to end the tyranny of Arlong. Adrian, maintaining a safe distance, observed intently while he commanded his shadow army.

"Blade Specter, lead the shadows to secure the perimeter. Make sure we're undetected but ready for any unexpected threats," Adrian instructed quietly.

[Command acknowledged. Shadows are now positioned strategically around Arlong Park. You can view the events through the shadow network.]

Utilizing the unique capabilities of his Shadow Monarch System, Adrian tapped into the visual feed from his shadows. His eyes flickered slightly as the perspective shifted, allowing him to see the ongoing confrontation from multiple angles, all while his physical body stayed hidden among the trees.

The shadows, invisible and silent, flitted around the battlefield, giving Adrian a panoramic view of the Straw Hats' battle. He watched as Zoro challenged the fish-men with his swords, Sanji kicked with precision and power, and Usopp—despite obvious fear—managed to pull off clever distractions and attacks. Luffy, of course, was a whirlwind of destruction, his rubber body bouncing off the architecture of Arlong Park as he sought the fish-man tyrant himself.

Adrian was so engrossed in his observation that he almost didn't notice a figure approaching him. Snapping out of his shadow surveillance, he turned to see a Marine captain, recognizable by the standard-issue coat and the somewhat sneaky demeanor that marked him as Captain Nezumi.

Captain Nezumi, a small, rat-faced man known for his corrupt dealings and greed, eyed Adrian suspiciously. "What's a Marine doing here in Cocoyasi Village? And whose crew are you with?" Nezumi's voice was cautious, laced with a hint of fear as he sensed the situation might be out of his usual control.

Adrian straightened up, adopting a casual stance. "I'm with Vice-Admiral Garp's crew. We're here on a... low-profile mission," Adrian responded, watching Nezumi's reaction closely.

Upon hearing Garp's name, Nezumi's face paled, and he began to sweat profusely. "Vice-Admiral Garp is here? In this village?" His voice cracked slightly, revealing his nervousness.

Adrian fought to keep a straight face, enjoying the discomfort he was causing the corrupt officer. "Yes, he's around. Any problem with that, Captain Nezumi?"

"No, no problem at all!" Nezumi stammered, wiping his brow. "Just wasn't expecting someone of his... stature. I'll be sure to stay out of your way!"

Adrian caught Nezumi's arm just as the corrupt captain was about to scurry away. "Wait a minute, Captain Nezumi. I have a question about the Arlong situation. Why is a Marine captain like yourself siding with a pirate like Arlong?"

Nezumi smirked, a greasy expression spreading across his face. "What's a low-level Marine chore boy got any right to confront a captain?" he scoffed. "You're out of your league, boy."

Not one to waste time with further accusations that Nezumi would just deny, Adrian summoned his shadow commander, Bear King. The massive figure materialized silently beside him, its imposing presence undeniable. Nezumi's eyes widened in shock, and his previous arrogance melted into fear.

"Perhaps you'd be more inclined to discuss this with Vice-Admiral Garp?" Adrian suggested coldly. At the mention of Garp's name, Nezumi's fear seemed to double.

[Do you wish to [Arise] this entity?] the system inquired quietly.

"No, it'll be better to hand him over to Garp," Adrian decided, already forming a plan in his mind. "Bear King, turn invisible and bring Nezumi directly to Garp. Ensure he's compelled to tell the truth."

Bear King nodded, its form fading from view as it grabbed Nezumi, who began to protest weakly but was quickly silenced by the overwhelming strength of the shadow. Nezumi disappeared with Bear King, leaving Adrian to return his attention to the ongoing battle through his shadow network.

----

As Bear King delivered Nezumi to Garp, the scene shifted to a confrontation between the two. Garp, who had been enjoying a quiet day, looked surprised but not displeased at the sudden appearance of Nezumi in such a manner.

"What's the meaning of this, Nezumi? And why are you looking like you've seen a ghost?" Garp asked, his tone serious but with a hint of amusement.

Nezumi, struggling under Bear King's invisible grasp, stammered, "Vice-Admiral Garp, sir, I can explain! There's been a misunderstanding!"

Garp crossed his arms, his gaze hardening. "Start talking, Nezumi. And it better be good. I've heard troubling things about your dealings with Arlong."

Nezumi, now sweating profusely, began to spill the details, desperate to save his own skin. "It's not what it looks like, sir! I was just trying to keep the peace on Conomi Island, and—"

"By taking bribes from a pirate?" Garp interrupted, his voice booming.

As Nezumi fumbled for words, Garp listened, his expression grim. This was a pivotal moment, as Garp's involvement meant that the corruption and the situation with Arlong were about to be scrutinized at a much higher level.

Meanwhile, Adrian continued to observe the Straw Hats' battle. His mind was at ease knowing Nezumi was now in Garp's capable hands, and the truth about the corrupt dealings would soon come to light.