Belo Betty, a Paramecia-type Pump-Pump Fruit user, possesses an extraordinary ability. She can inspire courage and unleash latent power within people's hearts through cheers and shouts.
Simply put, even a coward terrified of death, if influenced by her ability, would erupt with immense bravery.
Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Army also received news of the Marine landing.
Near the royal capital of the Kingdom of Ilisia, the vast city was completely surrounded by a dense encirclement of Revolutionary Army forces.
Inside the Revolutionary Army's command center.
"Morley... the Marines have landed. According to the informant's report, they're approaching our position."
Belo Betty, a cigarette dangling from her lips, meticulously scrutinized the map on the table. "At the Marines' speed, they'll likely be here in a few hours. We can't fully control this country in such a short time. It seems a battle with the Marines is inevitable, Morley."
A massive figure sitting on the ground beside her gazed at Belo Betty's glance. This giant of a man shyly covered his face, saying awkwardly, "Don't stare at me like that, Betty. I know you're infatuated with me... but such direct, naked stares are too much for me!"
"Besides, I'm a giant, and you're human. In terms of size, we're completely impossible!"
Belo Betty: "...."
Her mouth twitched violently, forcing down the urge to hit him. "At such a serious juncture, speak properly!"
Belo Betty's spittle actually sprayed onto Morley's face.
"Tch... why so fierce?"
Morley pouted, then stood up from the ground, patting the dust off his mini-skirt. His trident thumped onto the ground as well.
"The Marine leader seems to be just a Rear Admiral... not some tricky character. Leave the interception to me," Morley said, batting his eyelashes seductively at Belo Betty.
"It has to be this way. I'll immediately order everyone to begin the siege. We must liberate this long-oppressed country as quickly as possible."
"But when you face that Cage, you must be careful. Don't underestimate him just because he's a Marine Rear Admiral. Rumor has it his marksmanship is superb, and he's the youngest Rear Admiral in Marine history. You absolutely must be careful, Morley."
On Cage's side, the main force continued to rapidly approach the royal capital.
"Rear Admiral Cage... Does that Belo Betty you mentioned truly possess such an astonishing ability? Does that mean that civilians affected by her power will all side with the Revolutionary Army?"
Cage had just explained the power of the Pump-Pump Fruit to Ain.
"Pretty much. Otherwise, why do you think the Revolutionary Army developed so quickly? While this woman might not be solely responsible, at least part of the reason is because of her. She just needs to shout a few times wherever she goes, and a mob of free troops appears. Weren't those rioters we just encountered a living example? Without Belo Betty's encouragement, how could those ordinary people dare to openly clash with our Marines, even fighting fearlessly and risking their lives?"
Cage explained calmly. Perhaps Belo Betty's personal combat strength wasn't outstanding, but her support ability was unparalleled, truly a top-tier buff!
"Such an ability is deplorable!"
Ain stomped her foot, saying angrily, "It's essentially using innocent civilians as tools."
"Isn't that how war is? Do you think there are always noble and honorable methods?" Cage said nonchalantly. Ain's acceptance was still a bit lacking.
"Order the forward units to accelerate their advance. We've invaded so openly; the Revolutionary Army must have received news. They'll definitely speed up their siege."
Ain again used the Den Den Mushi to contact all junior officers.
It's worth noting that not only Cage was promoted, but Ain was as well. She was promoted to Marine Lieutenant from Ensign, a two-rank jump. Ain knew this was due to Cage's influence, and she was receiving preferential treatment because of him. Thus, she was utterly obedient to Cage.
Time flowed swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, over two hours passed.
During this time... Cage's forces were getting closer to the royal capital, now about ten kilometers away.
Their vanguard had even encountered the Revolutionary Army.
Boom boom boom... boom boom boom...
With several loud thuds, the ground in front of the Marines unexpectedly cracked open, as if an earthquake had struck. The ground was forcefully torn apart, and a bottomless dark chasm appeared before everyone's eyes. Many Marines, unaware, fell in by surprise.
This unusual situation quickly drew Cage's attention.
"My apologies, Marine boys."
Another fissure opened in the soil beneath his feet, and a colossal giant emerged. This individual was unusually dressed in a mini-skirt, with a stubbled face, wielding a trident, and even a pink bow tied in his hair.
"Our Revolutionary Army is currently besieging the city! We hope you can wait here!"
Cage instantly recognized the giant's identity: it was undoubtedly the Revolutionary Army's West Army commander, Morley.
"I refuse."
Cage naturally rejected this absurd request. Without another word, he raised his rifle and aimed at Morley.
BANG!
A bullet flew from the rifle barrel, heading with unerring accuracy towards Morley's head.