Edited Chapter
Zzzzzzz…
A Marine warship crackling with arcs of silver lightning tore across the surface of the Calm Belt.
Swoosh!
The violent disturbance startled several Sea Kings hunting below. They surged upward in irritation, but before their massive silhouettes could fully surface, the warship had already vanished into the distance.
…
Inside the temporary prison chamber of the warship.
Vice Admiral Gilbert was shackled tightly against iron restraints. His entire body trembled violently, skin scorched black like charcoal as white smoke rose from his frame. His throat released hoarse groans of agony as electricity coursed through him.
"Silver Serpent! You bastard! May you die a miserable death!"
"You worthless Admiral! You were nothing but a wanted criminal in the past!"
…
After some time, his rage collapsed into fear and despair.
"Wuwuwu… Admiral Silver Serpent, I was wrong! Please let me go!"
"Why not just kill me with one strike? You are an Admiral. You have no right to torture a Marine Vice Admiral like this!"
"I served the Marines. I shed blood for the World Government. You cannot treat me like this. I want to see Fleet Admiral Sakazuki!"
…
Gilbert's pitiful state was caused by the warship's unique power system.
The vessel ran on an electric engine, and at fixed intervals during travel, controlled currents surged through the prison chamber. The electricity was precisely calibrated. It would not kill the prisoner, but it inflicted unbearable pain, forcing violent convulsions every time.
The cruelest part was the timing.
Every few minutes, just as exhaustion dragged the prisoner into shallow sleep, another wave of current surged through the iron restraints, jolting his body awake in agony.
It was a torment worse than death.
Yet due to the prison's exceptional soundproofing, none of his screams, curses, or pleas reached the ears of those outside.
…
In stark contrast, laughter and gentle voices echoed throughout the rest of the warship.
The young women rescued by the Marines from Peach Blossom Valley, a region deep within the latter half of the New World, were gathered together aboard the ship.
They were being escorted to New Marineford, where arrangements would be made to return them safely to their homelands.
"Sir, thank you for saving us. We toast to you!"
"Admiral Silver Serpent can really drink. His tolerance is incredible!"
"He is so handsome…"
Inside the lively cabin, surrounded by laughter and admiration, Admiral Silver Serpent Cero drank freely, his expression relaxed and carefree.
…
Less than a day later.
The warship arrived at New Marineford, located at the entrance to the New World on the Grand Line.
At the military docks, rows of Marines stood in perfect formation.
"Welcome back safely, Admiral Silver Serpent!"
"Hic… everyone's safe too! Hahahaha…"
A white-haired man staggered down the gangplank in an unsteady path. He was shirtless, revealing a powerful, well-defined physique, with a Marine justice coat draped loosely over his shoulders.
"We received the report of your complete destruction of the Whitebeard Jr. Pirate Crew! Our deepest respect!"
The Marines snapped into a perfectly synchronized salute, gazes filled with admiration as they looked at the seemingly unreliable but terrifyingly powerful Admiral.
Whoosh!
Clap!
In this world, strength was absolute authority.
Even if Admiral Silver Serpent appeared drunk and disheveled, his power alone commanded unwavering reverence.
…
"Welcome back, Admiral Silver Serpent!"
A burly Vice Admiral stepped forward, wearing a red-plumed helmet shaped like twin dragons, several long swords hanging from his waist. His fierce expression softened with admiration.
"I also heard you wiped out a stronghold of the Poker organization. The Fleet Admiral is very pleased."
"Hehe, long time no see! Care for a drink tonight? My treat!"
Cero swayed slightly and slung an arm over the man's shoulder, lowering his voice.
"This time it will just be us and that shy guy Aramaki. No, not that gambler Issho. Drinking with him is torture. His luck is disgusting."
Though he intended to whisper, his drunken voice still carried, drawing stiff glances from nearby Marines.
"What are you staring at? Stand guard properly. Watch for pirate threats!"
Vice Admiral Onigumo snapped sharply, sending the surrounding Marines back to attention.
…
Once they looked away, Onigumo lowered his voice with a faint smile.
"Alright."
"Hehe, it's a deal."
Cero patted Onigumo's shoulder, satisfied, before staggering off.
From their first meeting, Cero had realized something important.
Despite his terrifying appearance, Onigumo was a man who enjoyed brothels just as much as he did.
Kindred spirits.
…
Behind them, a group of finely dressed young women followed cautiously toward Marineford's reception area.
Along the way, they attracted the attention of countless young Marines.
"Where did Admiral Silver Serpent bring so many women from?"
"Idiot. They are clearly rescued slaves."
"As expected of an Admiral. Truly admirable."
…
"So this is Marineford…"
"The Marines here look terrifying…"
These women would soon be escorted back to their homelands by Marine warships.
Although a certain Admiral enthusiastically volunteered to personally escort them one by one, he was firmly rejected by Vice Admiral Doll.
"No. Admiral Silver Serpent, you still have duties. Fleet Admiral Sakazuki wishes to speak with you."
…
The women were placed under Vice Admiral Doll's supervision.
"We have arrived."
Before a large guesthouse, Doll spoke calmly.
"This is Marineford's reception area. You will stay here for the next few days. Do not wander. This is a military zone."
"Personnel will register your information. If all goes well, you will be sent home soon."
At the mention of returning home, many women showed hesitation and sorrow.
"Sister Doll…"
A Longleg Tribe woman raised her hand timidly.
"Can we stay and become Marines instead?"
"We want to stay too!"
Doll frowned slightly.
"Marine training is harsh. Many of you may not endure it."
"We can endure it!"
"Please, Sister Doll!"
Some lowered their heads.
"Our families sold us. If we go back, it will happen again."
"My country is ruled by pirates."
"My parents sold us to survive…"
Silence fell.
"So many…"
Doll hesitated.
"Marineford might not…"
A sudden flash of silver lightning descended from the sky.
Cero appeared, grinning.
"Then let them join!"
"The Marines need nurses!"
Cheers erupted instantly.
"You really are reckless…"
Doll sighed, cigarette between her fingers.
"Why are you back already? The Fleet Admiral wanted to see you."
"Tsk. Sakazuki is too conservative."
Cero scoffed.
"He disagreed with attacking the Four Emperors stirring chaos."
…
Fleet Admiral Sakazuki silently sneezed somewhere.
===
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