The matter of "Jay accepting a ten million Beli bribe" ultimately ended without any conclusion.
He didn't take it, that was the stance, and he stuck to it with confidence!
Colonel Hammond even sent someone to question Toledo Tessa about it.
Tessa directly denied everything and kicked the person out, saying she would absolutely not pay that money.
With that, Colonel Hammond dropped the issue and stopped digging.
After all, he'd already made a killing off the whole "Mafia Attack" incident. There was no need to stubbornly pursue that extra ten million Beli, as long as he confirmed Jay hadn't lied to him, that was enough.
Aside from the unfortunate few who were killed by the mafia, all the remaining officers received the previously promised subsidies and merit rewards.
Of course, the merits recorded on paper had to be "embellished" a bit.
That part didn't require Jay or the others to worry, there were professionals who handled it.
Additionally, Colonel Hammond publicly announced that a new batch of officers would be promoted soon to fill vacancies.
The implication was clear: if you want a promotion, better start scraping together money, come late and there won't be a spot left!
Classic Colonel Hammond!
His money-making schemes were truly layered and seamless.
But everyone at Branch 88 base had long gotten used to Hammond's way of doing things, so many started eagerly preparing, scrambling for cash, borrowing money.
Who wouldn't be happy to get promoted?
Even Buck was tempted.
He'd made a good amount following Jay around recently.
If he pooled it together with a bit more, he'd have enough.
But with limited slots and many competitors, Buck knew he wasn't the richest.
So he had to find another approach.
Naturally, he brought his shamelessly smiling face straight to Jay to ask for help.
Jay didn't actually mind Buck's ambition.
After all, who doesn't want to move up in life these days?
But the relationship between him and Colonel Hammond wasn't nearly as close as outsiders imagined.
"Just to be clear upfront, I can't promise anything," Jay warned.
Buck was excited. "I understand, whether it works or not is fate!"
"Alright then, get the money ready. I'll go feel out Hammond's stance."
"It's already prepared, Big Brother Jay!"
Jay took the money without hesitation and headed straight for where Colonel Hammond was resting.
For most people, getting into that place wasn't easy.
Jay was no exception in that regard, they weren't equals in rank or status.
But luckily, one of Jay's rewards from his last mission was a priority promotion privilege.
With that excuse, Colonel Hammond wouldn't refuse to see him.
"Jay, my boy, don't say I'm unfair. 'Priority consideration' is just that, consideration. But you still need to cough up every last Beli! It's two million Beli to go from Corporal to Sergeant. You got the money ready?"
Colonel Hammond reclined in his chair, legs crossed on the table, a cigar dangling from his lips.
Jay's face immediately twisted in pain at the cost, but he put the money on the table.
"The subsidy from a few days ago, the 500,000 Beli 'bonus' from Toledo Tessa, plus the money I 'borrowed' before, it's all here."
Hammond had already found out that Tessa gave him a million Beli, but since Jay generously split it among the team, Hammond didn't press the issue.
Now getting some of that money back this way wasn't bad either.
Hammond put down his feet and picked up the money, but then noticed something.
"Hmm? Why is there an extra 500,000 Beli?"
Jay smiled. "There's a private named Buck in my unit, he saved my life during the mission. While it's a little irregular, once I'm promoted to Sergeant, my old Corporal spot will be open. So this extra 500,000 is his way of showing respect."
Colonel Hammond smirked and glanced at him. "You haven't even been promoted yet, and you're already paving the way for someone else? What if I don't give you face, what then?"
Jay replied without hesitation, "Then I'll pretend I never brought it up."
"Oh? Not even taking the money back?"
"What money? Are you giving me a raise, sir?"
Faced with Jay's shamelessness, Hammond mock-pointed at him a couple of times, then opened his drawer and swept the money in.
"Just this once. Go wait for the results."
"Thank you, sir!"
Once he saw Hammond accept the money, Jay knew it was a done deal.
The vacant Corporal position would definitely go to Buck.
But when he returned, he only told Buck that there was "a chance," but no guarantee, it would depend on luck.
The last thing he wanted was for Buck to get overly excited and blab about it.
If word reached Hammond's ears, even a sealed deal could fall through.
So, better let Buck stay anxious for a few more days.
A few days later, Jay took a short leave.
First, he visited Daz Bonez, who was recovering in secret, and told him to focus on healing for now.
After all, the guy had faked his death to escape and many people had seen his face.
Throwing him into the Marine right now would be suicide.
They'd have to wait a while and come up with a new plan.
Luckily, Daz Bonez wasn't stupid. He understood how sensitive his identity was and agreed that it wasn't the right time to appear. He decided to rest and train quietly.
After their last fight, he realized his own shortcomings.
He couldn't even dominate West Blue, how could he dream of challenging a Warlord?
After settling Daz Bonez for the time being, Jay set out to survey a few other places…
However, none of the places he visited satisfied him.
Either the cliffs were too short, or way too high.
Or the bottom was all rocks, or the water was too shallow.
Left with no better options, he made another trip to Squid Island.
There, he had a good session with his yoga teacher. Miss Chizuru repeatedly praised her student for not slacking off, his poses and movements were all well-executed.
Feeling inspired, she even demonstrated and personally taught Jay some more advanced techniques.
Jay had no choice but to give it his all and learn diligently.
After hiding out at home for two full days and nights to study, Jay had to head out again.
Before leaving, he made a stop at the hospital.
But the staff there informed him that Dr. Dilixati Pinghailuo had already been dismissed.
The reason was that loan sharks had once again come to the hospital to cause trouble and ended up injuring both doctors and patients.
The hospital couldn't afford to go up against these criminal gangs, but they could cut off the source of the trouble.
And so, Dr. Dilixati Pinghailuo was fired just like that.
Upon hearing the news, Jay raised an eyebrow, then headed straight to Dr. Pinghailuo's home.