131 129. Nezumi

For pirates, spreading their fame across the seas is also one of their pursuits, and bounties are a crucial manifestation of that fame.

If you aim to rapidly increase your bounty, you must employ your strength to defeat stronger pirates. This aligns with one of the primary intentions of the Marines in setting bounties for pirates. To secure a higher bounty, pirates will consistently challenge themselves for more significant rewards. However, this pursuit often results in more pirates perishing.

There's another approach, involving massacring civilians and openly attacking the Marines. Engaging in these two highly reprehensible acts usually leads the Marines to classify individuals as extremely harmful criminals, resulting in an inevitable increase in their bounties.

"Captain! Look, there's someone running on the sea!"

Just as Tom was looking proud, the deputy captain at his side grabbed him and pointed to the sea not far away, a look of horror on his face.

"Are you kidding? Did you spend too much on a woman last night? How can someone be running on the sea?"

Shaking off the deputy captain's grasp, Tom sneered, dismissing the possibility of anyone being capable of such a feat.

As a seasoned pirate who has roamed the East Blue for many years, his reputation could almost make a child cry. He had never witnessed anyone running on the sea.

"It's true, Captain, I really didn't lie to you!"

The vice-captain was on the verge of tears because... that individual appeared to be a Marine!

"I told you..."

Just as Tom was about to turn around and slap the vice-captain to wake him up, a figure clad in a white suit with a Justice cloak on his back came into view.

There was no boat, no visible point of support, and the snow-white water splashed all around. The man simply ran freely on the sea, as if walking on flat ground.

Suddenly, a chill enveloped his heart, every hair on his body stood on end, and his jaw nearly dropped in shock.

"Vice Admiral?"

Lieutenant Colonel Green wore a joyful expression on his face. He hadn't expected to encounter the Vice Admiral from Naval Headquarters here. What a fortuitous encounter.

'Just a moment ago, I was blaming Nezumi for misleading us about the military situation. I didn't anticipate the Vice Admiral from the headquarters locating them so swiftly. I'll surely give him a commendable reward afterward.'

Without any hesitation, the Sandai Kitetsu at his waist swiftly slashed out, and numerous cross-cut slashes instantly overwhelmed the pirates. Even some of the pirates engaged in combat were precisely targeted, yet not a single hair on the Marine's body was harmed.

The last battle with Hawkeye wasn't in vain. At least, his mastery over slashing had significantly improved compared to before; otherwise, he wouldn't have reached this level.

"Are you kidding? You can actually do this!"

Tom looked around. The manpower he had managed to gather was easily dispatched by this Marine. The successive screams around him caused him to crumble.

'Run away, yes! I want to run away!'

When Tom came back to his senses, there was only one thought left in his mind.

Before the pirate ship could make a move, a massive blood-red slash cleanly sliced through both the ship and its occupants. The hull, now split into two halves, descended on either side, plunging into the sea!

...

Smoker and the others arrived belatedly. The two warships were anchored silently in the sea, encircled by wreckage and corpses. The air was thick with the stench, and mosquitoes filled the sky.

"Vice Admiral, thank you for your support!"

After overseeing Marine's post-battle procedures, Green trotted along the joint between the sides of the two warships and approached Atlas, wearing an excited expression with a hint of joy.

If the Marine Vice Admiral hadn't arrived in time, everyone on their ship would have perished at the hands of the pirates this time.

"You're welcome. It's my duty as a Marine to eradicate pirates." Atlas also looked serious, then relaxed his face and smiled. "But if you want to express gratitude, just thank your correspondent. He was the one who called me for help on the ship."

"You're referring to that guy Nezumi. This time, it's truly thanks to him persistently calling for help."

"Nezumi?"

"Ah yes, Nezumi, you rascal, come here and stop peeking!"

Green seemed to have caught sight of Nezumi peeking out from his hiding spot. Deliberately, Green called the Nezumi over to him, unsure if it was to ensure that Nezumi left a favorable impression in front of Atlas.

After all, Atlas is the Vice Admiral of the Naval Headquarters. For Marines like them, who have spent their entire lives in the East Blue, witnessing such a high military rank in person might be a novel experience.

"Yes!"

Nezumi heard the sound and hurriedly ran over.

"Salute Vice Admiral!"

Atlas looked at the somewhat slender young man in front of him. He had a pointed chin, rounded cheeks, and mischievous eyebrows. His distinctive six mustaches adorned the area above his lips. Clad in a standard Marine uniform, he still had the appearance of an enthusiastic recruit.

Another original character!

Atlas sighed inwardly.

Moreover, the current Nezumi is only 22 years old, nearly the same age as Atlas. Judging by appearances, he doesn't seem to be the corrupt Marine Colonel colluding with pirates in the future. He appears to be just a passionate young man inspired by justice.

"Well done!"

Atlas didn't say much; he simply patted Nezumi heavily on the shoulder and departed.

"Lieutenant Colonel, the Vice Admiral actually praised me!"

Nezumi felt a bit dizzy at this point, and his face was flushed. Clearly, he was very excited about Atlas's simple compliment, and his body seemed on the verge of collapsing unconsciously.

"Lieutenant Colonel Green, please help me, I seem to be unable to walk..."

Green was speechless and extended his strong arms to pick up the excited but unsteady mouse. There was a hint of relief in his eyes.

What everyone didn't know was that Nezumi secretly made a decision at this moment, something he had never considered before.

'I must practice hard, and one day I will be able to go to the headquarters and follow in the footsteps of Mr. Atlas!'

...

Farewell, Marines of Branch 16.

Atlas and his team finally reached the first destination of this journey.

Shimotsuki Village!

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