I Want To Reward You Well!

As Finn surveyed the options presented by the system, he couldn't help but feel conflicted.

Kiss Momousagi?

His eyes flicked to her pale but dignified face. She had risked her life in battle, barely hanging on, and yet the system dared to present such absurd choices. Finn clenched his jaw, his gaze hardening.

If it's for her benefit and the crew's strength... so be it.

Taking a steadying breath, he leaned down, his heart racing. As their lips met briefly, Momousagi's wide, startled eyes locked on his. The kiss was fleeting, yet it carried a weight that made Finn's pulse pound louder in his ears.

"Ding! Congratulations, Host! You have received: Marine Six Styles (twenty times progress training cheat)!"

The system's cheerful voice snapped Finn back to reality. A sense of accomplishment surged through him—not from the reward, but from the realization that his crew would grow stronger because of it.

Momousagi, however, looked utterly bewildered. Her lips parted as if to speak, but Finn was quicker to respond. "Sister Momousagi," he said, his tone light yet earnest, "you fought bravely today, and as Marine Marshal, I couldn't think of a better reward for your dedication."

"Reward?" she stammered, her voice laced with incredulity. A blush crept across her cheeks, adding warmth to her otherwise pale complexion. "Finn, I—"

But Finn wasn't about to let her finish. Sensing her growing frustration, he gently pressed a finger to her lips. "Save your strength. You've done enough for today."

As he spoke, a storm of energy swords materialized behind him, their radiant glow reflecting off the water. With a mere flick of his finger, they rained down upon the remaining pirates like a tempest of judgment.

"Don't let them escape!" Momousagi suddenly urged, her voice trembling with emotion. "They've killed too many of our soldiers."

Finn's eyes narrowed. "No one's escaping on my watch."

The battle was swift and decisive. Energy swords carved through the fleeing pirates and their ships with relentless precision. Within minutes, the sea was littered with sinking wreckage and silence reigned.

As Finn prepared to descend, Momousagi's voice broke through. "One escaped," she said, her tone bitter. "Katerina Devon. She's gone."

Finn turned to her, his expression sharpening. "Devon? The Crystal Moon Hunter?"

Momousagi nodded grimly. "She posed as one of my adjutants and struck me when I least expected it. That's how I ended up in this state."

Finn's gaze darkened as his eyes scanned the deck below, energy crackling faintly around him. Soldiers moved about, weary but relieved, yet one figure stood out. A female Marine shifted nervously, avoiding his gaze. Finn's sharp eyes locked onto her.

"Got you," he muttered, pointing directly at her.

The air shifted as a swarm of energy swords converged on the figure. In an instant, the Marine's form twisted and morphed, revealing Katerina Devon in her true, grotesque guise. Her sneer quickly melted into fear as the swords hovered inches from her.

"Wait! Please!" she cried, desperation lacing her voice. "I'll do anything for Marine—anything!"

Finn's voice was ice. "Anything? Then die."

With a swift motion, the energy swords plunged into her, pinning her to the deck. Devon gasped, her body convulsing before falling limp.

Finn turned to Momousagi, his expression softening. "It's over," he said gently. "You're safe now."

Momousagi stared at him, a mix of gratitude and exasperation in her gaze. "Finn," she murmured, her voice steadier now, "you're reckless... but thank you."

Finn offered a small smile. "It's my duty, Sister Momousagi. Let's get you back. You've earned your rest."

As he carried her toward the flagship, the setting sun bathed the sea in hues of gold and crimson, marking the end of another hard-fought battle—and the beginning of a stronger, united Marine.