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Chapter 65 - A Standard “Aokiji Relaxation”

On May 10, 1504, according to the Sea Circle Calendar, a warship from the Navy Headquarters docked at a port in the desert kingdom of Alabasta in the Grand Line.

Alabasta is a significant nation, home to several cities larger than numerous smaller countries, exerting substantial influence in the first half of the Grand Line.

In two days, Princess Vivi of Alabasta will celebrate her "centennial," attracting nobles from various countries and major powers. Alabasta hadn't seen such prosperity in years.

The 12th King of Alabasta, Nefertari Cobra, was a relatively low-profile person. Such lavish celebrations were not his preference.

However, political matters don't always align with a king's wishes.

Initially, due to Cobra's low profile, nobody knew of Princess Vivi's birth. Later, he faced unanimous criticism from other kings.

"You're not being fair, Cobra! How could you not inform us about your daughter's birth?"

"I thought you were an honest man, Cobra. Turns out you didn't consider us friends?"

Unable to withstand the reproaches from his old friends, Cobra had to host this grand celebration for Princess Vivi's centennial, inviting other kings to make amends.

There were genuine friends of the Nefertari family, as well as those who came purely for the spectacle. Naturally, there were also ill-intentioned individuals.

Knowing that his kingdom's army might not fend off all threats alone, Cobra requested aid from the navy as a World Government member nation, leading to Hailan's assignment to this desert kingdom.

"It's a waste to send Commander Hailan here to protect some royal family instead of fighting pirates," Wagner muttered, feeling a bit dissatisfied in the unfamiliar, hot desert kingdom.

Over the past six months, Wagner had followed Hailan in eliminating numerous small to medium-sized pirate groups, now holding the rank of Captain.

"You don't get it. Compared to fighting at sea, coming to this passionate desert kingdom is a breeze—this is an excellent assignment.

Government-paid travel, good food, good drinks, anything you want, and hot girls to admire. Why are you always thinking about fighting?" Buggy's views starkly contrasted with Wagner's.

To Buggy, life's most important aspects were treasure and enjoyment. Everything else was secondary.

Although not as brave in combat as Wagner, Buggy used his espionage skills to reach the rank of Ensign.

An experienced hand can do the work of two.

Having been an apprentice sailor on the Pirate King Gol D. Roger's ship, Buggy had vast experience. Disguised as a "Circus Clown," Buggy often fooled passionate pirate groups thoroughly.

Wagner disliked Buggy's worldview, but Buggy's undeniable achievements left him with no grounds for complaint. "How can you say that and still uphold justice?"

"What justice? You're too young to understand. All you think about is justice."

Seeing Wagner about to argue, Buggy quickly changed the topic. "Alright, alright, I'm off to gather intelligence."

Wagner sighed.

Despite being a Captain and Buggy an Ensign, Buggy's unique position meant Wagner couldn't control him.

Wagner had once approached Hailan about Buggy's attitude, but Hailan didn't comment on Buggy. Instead, he told Wagner, "Aren't you the best role model for other soldiers? Don't let Buggy outshine you in their eyes."

The Navy Headquarters' elite training camp, personally instructed by "Black Arm" Zephyr, not only had the best resources and teachers but also promising futures.

Graduates from the elite camp could be directly appointed as majors at best and ensigns at the least.

In other words, once in the elite camp, you're guaranteed an officer position upon graduation.

Ordinary trainees, though envious, had no complaints.

Entry into the elite camp required skills beyond the reach of most ordinary trainees, especially the "individual combat proficiency" test.

The Navy Headquarters' promotion rules were transparent and fair. Even Sengoku's adopted son, Rosinante, remained a Lieutenant Commander due to a lack of personal strength.

External recruits like Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan quickly rose to the rank of Vice Admiral thanks to their exceptional abilities.

There's no "unfairness" to speak of.

The achievements in East Blue—eliminating Sam's fleet and Nelson's fleet, as well as helping stabilise Victoria Kingdom—promoted Hailan from Major to Lieutenant Colonel.

Over the past six months, Hailan led his soldiers to eliminate dozens of pirate groups, further advancing to Colonel.

Vice Admiral "Akainu" Sakazuki highly praised Hailan: "If all of you were as diligent as Colonel Hailan, justice in the navy wouldn't be disgraced!"

He also gave Lieutenant Smoker some advice: "I suggest you stay away from Kuzan. That guy will only hold you back."

Smoker's retort angered Akainu.

Smoker's stagnation at the rank of Lieutenant was partly due to Kuzan's lax influence and partly his bad temper.

Smoker, Hailan, and Tashigi were from the same batch. Now, even Tashigi had become a Lieutenant Commander under Rear Admiral Gion's tutelage, while Smoker remained on Kuzan's ship.

However, at sixteen, Tashigi mostly accompanied Rear Admiral Gion on missions.

Her "Black Gun Formation" had already made a mark in naval battles.

"This Alabasta Kingdom sure has influence, having a Vice Admiral from Headquarters for protection during the celebration. Ordinary nations can't manage that."

At another port, Hailan, in a standard "Aokiji relaxation" pose under an umbrella on Tashigi's ship, holding a glass of juice, leisurely remarked, treating this mission like a vacation.

"Tashigi can't explain that question."

"But is it really fine to be so relaxed? Aren't you worried that pirates might suddenly attack the port?"

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