anwhile, at East Blue Marine Branch 16.
Hina and Tashigi's lifeboat was quickly closing in.
"To think that Nami has beco so strong," Hina said with astonishnt.
"Hina is very surprised! Her power has already surpassed Hina's."
"And she's been fighting Mihawk for this long!"
"It's because Nami has been seizing every opportunity over the past few days to have Arton take her photos and record videos," Tashigi replied, her eyes glued to the diary replica in front of her.
"She's accumulated a lot of points that way."
"The bloodline of Raiden Shogun must be incredibly strong, and with the points, she's entered a period of super training."
"It's only natural for her to have advanced this much."
"But for her to be able to fight Mihawk for such a long ti…"
"It's probably also because Mihawk is curious to witness her sword techniques," Tashigi added, her gaze still fixed on the diary's display.
Because Tashigi had been ntioned more frequently in Arton's diary and had her photos taken by Arton while aboard his ship, she had earned a significant number of points.
These points allowed her to beco stronger than Zoro.
Though she couldn't fully comprehend Nami's battle techniques, Tashigi could vaguely sense the purity and precision of Nami's slashes and techniques.
"Indeed! Nami's fighting style is truly powerful," Hina agreed with a nod.
"Even against opponents on the sa level as Nami… no, even against those stronger than her…"
"They could still lose because of her superior battle techniques."
Just then, a man's voice ca from nearby:
"Who goes there!?"
"This is East Blue Marine Branch 16."
"Warning: Approaching this area without authorization is a serious cri and will be t with strict punishnt!"
A marine lookout on the watchtower had spotted a lifeboat approaching and imdiately issued a warning.
On the lifeboat, Hina straightened her posture and addressed the marines of Branch 16:
"I am Captain Hina of Navy Headquarters. With is Tashigi, adjutant to Captain Smoker of Loguetown."
"We have urgent business and need to use your base's communication equipnt."
"Vice Admiral Gion should have already inford you of our arrival."
Hearing this, the marines imdiately straightened up and relayed the ssage.
Soon, a senior officer rushed out from the base toward the dock.
Vice Admiral Gion had indeed sent prior notification that Tashigi and Hina would be arriving at Branch 16, even providing their portraits to the branch.
The marines stationed at the base didn't dare delay.
Shortly afterward, Tashigi and Hina were escorted to the transponder snail communication equipnt.
The marines assisted Hina and Tashigi in transmitting the footage of Arton's battle with Shiki to Navy Headquarters.
"Captain Hina, what are your plans from here?" a marine officer asked with a smile.
"Shall we prepare a warship for you two?"
"No need. A small sailing boat will be enough," Hina replied.
Hina shook her head.
"Very well, I'll make the arrangents imdiately," the marine officer said with a nod.
"When do you plan to depart?"
"Hmm? You seem eager for us to leave right away," Hina replied, frowning as she gave the officer a puzzled look.
"Not at all! I just thought… yes, I just thought that since you've sent such important information to Navy Headquarters, you must have other critical tasks to attend to," the officer explained hastily.
"That's why I said what I did."
"I see. However, we won't be leaving just yet," Hina replied. "After drifting at sea for so ti, we need a mont to rest."
"In that case, allow to arrange accommodations for you both," the marine officer said enthusiastically.
"Please, follow ."
The officer's overzealous attitude made Hina frown slightly.
She glanced at the other marines in the room, noticing that, like the officer, their eyes were fixed intently on her and Tashigi.
Normally, Hina wouldn't pay much attention to such behavior. However, she rembered that Branch 16 had been ho to Captain Nezumi, who had once launched an attack on Arton.
Arton had even ntioned in his diary that he intended to eliminate Captain Nezumi.
This detail made Hina suspicious of Branch 16, and it was this caution that now heightened her sense that sothing was off.
"You all seem particularly interested in our arrival," Hina said, her frown deepening.
"It even feels like you're planning to keep an eye on us."
"Or… are you monitoring us?"
The marine officer broke into a sweat and quickly replied, "Of course not! We wouldn't dare do such a thing."
"It's just that… well, the truth is, both of you are incredibly beautiful."
"Especially you, Captain Hina. You're simply too charming."
"That's why everyone keeps staring at you."
He wiped the sweat from his forehead and turned to scold his subordinates:
"Idiots! Look at yourselves—you've made Captain Hina and her companion uncomfortable!"
"All of you, retract your gazes imdiately, or today's training will be doubled!"
Hearing the officer's command, the marines quickly lowered their heads, no longer daring to look at Tashigi or Hina.
"I've already reprimanded them, Captain Hina," the officer said, turning back to Hina with a fawning smile. "Rest assured, there won't be a repeat of what just happened."
"Hmm. Fine, take us to the ss hall first," Hina nodded.
She believed the officer's explanation for the most part. After all, even aboard her own ship and at Navy Headquarters, many male marines often stared at her with burning gazes.
"Yes, right away. Please, follow ," the officer replied, visibly relieved.
Only he knew how tense he had been.
After receiving the ssage from Vice Admiral Gion, everyone at Branch 16 had been on edge—especially since Captain Nezumi was still away, ingratiating himself with the Celestial Dragons.
Every marine in the branch was well aware of just how corrupt their base was. Not a single person here was clean.
Even those who might have been upright at first had long since been tainted under Nezumi's leadership.
Beyond their dealings with the Arlong Pirates, Branch 16 had engaged in nurous activities that violated Navy Headquarters regulations.
They extorted fees from rchant ships, exploited ordinary citizens, and committed countless other offenses.
If Tashigi or Hina accidentally uncovered any of these secrets, everyone at the branch would be in deep trouble.
This was why the officer and his marines were so nervous about Hina and Tashigi's movents.
"Wait, Captain Hina!"
Just as the officer was about to lead Hina and Tashigi away, Tashigi suddenly called out to her.
"What is it, Tashigi?" Hina asked, turning back in confusion.
She saw Tashigi wearing a serious expression, pointing at the diary replica that only they could see.
Frowning, Hina quickly opened her own diary replica.
Monts later, she understood why Tashigi had stopped her.
"Arton's diary… ntioned Branch 16?"
"Why would he bring up Branch 16 at a ti like this?!"
"Wait... Branch 16 is connected to the Arlong Pirates?!"
Hina's eyes widened in shock. In the next instant, her gaze turned razor-sharp as she glared at the marine officer standing nearby.
Reviews
All reviews (0)