Reward A "Jelly Bean"? (5/5)

3825 Marines followed Finn to an independent port, a place once vibrant but now in disrepair after being wrecked by Kaido's rampage at Naval Headquarters. The port, though desolate, offered Finn exactly what he needed—space. His super battleship was far too large to dock at the official port, so he brought it here, where the expansive sea allowed it to berth freely and, more importantly, quietly.

Still, curiosity buzzed among the Marines. Every day, soldiers wandered by to glimpse the massive ship and marvel at its magnificence. The rumors swirling about Finn's ship added fuel to the intrigue.

"I heard Finn's ship has Devil Fruit powers. It's like nothing we've ever seen!"

"Yeah, lucky bastard. If it weren't for that ship, you think the Marshal would let him do whatever he wants?"

"Ha! If I had that kind of power, I'd be a Rear Admiral by now!"

As a group of Marines exchanged envious whispers, one of them suddenly shouted, "Look! What's going on over there?"

All eyes turned towards a group of Marine female soldiers approaching the super battleship. Their loose formation and sluggish pace suggested reluctance, but something about them caught everyone's attention.

"Isn't that Xue Manli? She's the goddess I've been dreaming of!"

"Wait, Gloria is with her! She's one of the top soldiers of the Seventh Legion!"

As the Marines ogled the striking women, they noticed Finn walking beside the group, looking as nonchalant as ever. The sight of him with the military's top beauties sparked both confusion and resentment.

"What the hell is going on? Did Finn gather all the 'army flowers' here?"

Some Marines muttered about Finn's sorcery, while others simply stood in stunned silence. Suddenly, large doors opened on the hull of Finn's ship, revealing a set of wide, automated gangways extending directly into the vessel.

"What the…? It's fully automated?"

Even the female soldiers, accustomed to the highest naval technology, were taken aback.

"Alright," Finn called out. "Quit standing around. Let's go!"

He yanked a still-crying Lia from the group, commanding her to lead the way. With no other choice, Lia obediently ascended the gangway, and the rest of the female Marines followed in an orderly fashion.

Watching from a distance, one Marine grumbled, "That bastard Finn is planning to take all the goddesses for himself!"

"We should report this to the Marshal!"

The murmurs of jealousy grew louder, but Finn was unfazed. Once the women were onboard, he led them to the rear deck, which was far larger than any deck on a standard warship.

"Line up!" Finn ordered.

The female soldiers complied, albeit sluggishly. They were clearly annoyed at the thought of being part of a military exercise simulation. Finn, however, remained composed, perched casually on a high railing.

"I know what you're all thinking," Finn began, his voice calm but commanding. "Yes, I chose you because you're beautiful, but beauty alone isn't enough to stay here."

His words elicited laughter from the women, who clearly had no intention of staying.

"I get it," Finn continued. "You all want to leave. But know this: any soldier I reject today will never get another chance to return."

The female Marines erupted in mocking laughter. Who would want to come back?

Finn's expression remained serene as his gaze swept over them. "I'll ask just once. Who here wants to stay?"

More laughter. "Stay with you? What a joke!"

As the laughter died down, a single female Marine stepped forward. Her posture was proud and resolute.

"Report! Ensign Susie, Naval Headquarters. I trust Commander Finn."

Finn's face softened, clearly moved by her gesture. While the other soldiers mocked Susie, she stood firm, a beacon of silent resolve. One by one, other female Marines followed suit.

"Report! Lieutenant Junior Grade Daphne, willing to follow Commander Finn!"

"Report! Ensign Shelley, willing to follow Commander Finn!"

Soon, a dozen soldiers had stepped forward, their belief in Finn evident despite the jeers and scorn from the others.

Finn allowed the murmurs to settle before speaking again. "You've made the right choice," he said, stepping down from the railing and walking toward Susie. "You were the first to trust me, and for that, I'll reward you."

He handed her a small pill, which looked like an ordinary jelly bean. The mocking laughter from the remaining soldiers grew louder.

"Seriously? A jelly bean? That's your reward?"

Susie hesitated for a moment but then, with a deep breath, swallowed the pill. Almost immediately, a cool sensation swept through her body, and she felt a surge of energy, more powerful than anything she had ever experienced.

"Instructor," Susie whispered, her eyes wide with amazement, "I feel… different."

The jeers from the other soldiers continued, but Finn remained focused. "Susie, you've just made the most important decision of your life," he said.

Then, turning to one of the loudest hecklers in the crowd, a Marine named Leilina, Finn issued a challenge. "You think you're stronger than Susie? Prove it. If you beat her, you can return to your original unit."

Leilina scoffed, stepping forward with a smug grin. "Beat her? I'll have her begging for mercy within ten rounds."

The fight began, but Susie was no longer the same soldier. Leilina's first attack missed, and before she knew it, Susie struck back with speed and power that stunned the crowd.

In one swift motion, Susie landed a devastating blow, sending Leilina sprawling to the ground, her face swollen and bruised.

The deck fell silent as the Marines stared in disbelief. Susie, once mocked, now stood victorious, her transformation undeniable. And Finn, with a satisfied smile, knew that this was only the beginning.