"It's just the kind of Marine that's embarrassing to be associated with," Klein explained, an image flashing through his mind of Luffy, Kid, and Law—each trying to avoid being the one labeled as a low-tier pirate.
Sure, being a Marine among pirates often made you the butt of jokes, called a "dog of the World Government."
But…
The moment someone becomes a Celestial Dragon, suddenly it's "yes, sir!"
And when you don't cheat and try to live as a pirate, you're crying your eyes out like it's the end of the world.
As far as Klein was concerned, whoever's living the good life, making money, and has a future—that's the side he's on.
Forget those empty dreams!
Caring too much about other people's opinions? That's just not Klein's style.
Soon, Klein and Os quickly found Rear Admiral Ayer.
With Ayer leading the way, they arrived at an enormous, luxurious, and highly professional casino on the Sabaody Archipelago.
The entrance was guarded by men in suits and black sunglasses. The moment they saw Rear Admiral Ayer, they stepped aside—clearly regulars knew the deal.
Ayer, puffing on a cigar, walked into the lavish, golden, glittering hall. "Everyone here dreams of striking it rich. If you've got the skill, you can get filthy rich overnight!"
"Become a rich man!"
As soon as Klein stepped inside, his eyes gleamed with gold. It was so satisfying—it felt like coming home.
In that moment, he had an epiphany:
'I was born with a fated bond to casinos!'
Just then, a gambler went wild with excitement, bursting into laughter.
"Hahaha— I won! I freaking won!!"
He threw his arms out, dragging a mountain of chips in front of him. He grabbed a fistful and stuffed it into the plunging neckline of a well-endowed woman beside him.
"A reward for you!!"
All around, other gamblers looked on with envy and a hint of madness in their eyes.
They all wanted to be him.
This scene undoubtedly ignited something in the crowd. Gamblers rushed back in, desperate to become the next "lucky bastard."
Ayer chuckled, "Now that's a winner. This moment is the peak of his life!"
"The air in this place reeks of money."
Saying that, he pulled out a banknote, held it to his nose, and inhaled with a blissful expression. Then, using a gold lighter, he lit the note and used the flame to light his cigar.
Lighting up with Beli.
Wow, what a showoff!
Even I'm not this wasteful, Klein sneered inwardly. No wonder the guy's only managed to save 100 million Beli.
"The base commander of Sabaody, and you can't even cough up 500 million? What a low-tier Marine."
"And still flexing in front of me?"
"Don't you know your entire life savings wouldn't even make a splash in the game world?"
Rear Admiral Ayer had Bill explain the casino rules and games to Klein and Os.
As for Os, he was already heating up again after glimpsing snow-white feet, long legs, and flirtatious looks that were practically screaming invitations.
His face turned bright red—like a tomato version of Guan Yu.
Meanwhile, upstairs in a private suite, John saw Klein by Ayer's side and instantly trembled, spilling wine from the bottle in his hand.
"That monster…"
"That walking disaster!"
"What the hell is he doing here!?"
Earlier that day, in Area 21, he had witnessed Klein take down the supernaturally strong Powell in a single move—complete domination.
And that was just the tip of the iceberg.
The kind of power that sent shivers of fear and dread through his entire being.
A Marine full of danger!
Creak—
The door opened. One of John's subordinates stepped in, shut the door behind him, and quickly walked up.
"Boss, the intel on Klein has been collected."
"Please take a look."
A stack of documents was handed to John. He flipped through them carefully. Though the info wasn't very detailed, some things were easy to dig up.
For example…
The greatest prodigy in Marine history.
And also: Obsessed with money.
"...."
John's eyes locked onto the phrase 'obsessed with money' and fell into deep thought.
Knock knock knock!
There was a knock at the door, followed by a voice from outside.
"Come in!"
Another subordinate rushed in and began rattling off a report about Klein selling pirates to the slave auction house.
Including how the auction manager had been killed in public.
Not only that—the pirate ships and all their goods had either been taken or sold off.
"What the actual hell!?" John gasped in horror.
"This guy stripped the pirates bare—what's next, selling their organs!?"
Damn it!! Is this guy even a Marine anymore?!
He's more pirate than the pirates!!!
"How the hell did the Marines unleash this demon?!"
This chain of actions left John completely dumbfounded.
He'd seen hardliner Marines who hunted pirates.
He'd seen softliner Marines who captured them and handed them over to Enies Lobby.
But…
But he'd never seen someone treat pirates like merchandise!
It was just—insane!
"Holy crap—he's a real savage," Captain John shivered as cold sweat ran down his spine.
"The fake devils are pirates. The real devils are Marines!"
His entire back was drenched in sweat.
And that phrase 'obsessed with money'—it was just too on point.
This guy was a fanatic!!
A Marine aberration!
Back in the main hall—
"Os, you playing or what?" Klein asked.
Os shook his head like a rattle drum. "N-No, I'm saving my money for a wife… and for raising kids."
That attitude was pretty typical for Marines—after all, they lived on a salary and needed to support their families.
"Money's for showing to women, not spending on them," Klein said, quoting a popular phrase from his previous life. But Os wasn't listening.
Instead, Klein bought himself 1 million Beli in chips.
"Just one million!?" Rear Admiral Ayer's mouth twitched. He'd thought Klein would go all out…
But this?
Klein started playing at the tables, and before long, his 1 million turned into several million.
Ayer smiled. "Klein, isn't this way easier and faster than catching pirates?"
"It sure is," Klein laughed brightly.
But he wasn't stupid—he hadn't even used his Observation Haki yet.
All this luck? The casino had clearly marked him as a big fish.
They were giving him the line, letting him run with it.
With a newbie outfit and Rear Admiral Ayer by his side, anyone with eyes could tell—he was a whale.
"I'm gonna use the bathroom. You keep playing," Ayer said, cigar in hand, before slipping away to find the casino manager.
"Let him win for now," Ayer said. "Later, I want him so deep in debt he can't see straight."
"Understood," the manager replied with a meaningful smile. "I'll have your cut prepared, sir."
Just the usual casino routine.
Soon, Klein's chips stacked up to over 20 million Beli. Around him, people praised and flattered him nonstop.
"Klein, your luck today is insane! They say beginners get special treatment the first time—guess it's true!" Ayer chuckled, buttering him up.
Os was watching with envy. "Lord Klein, you're amazing! You made over 10 million Beli in no time!!"
He was tempted now, wondering if he might get lucky too.
Like an itch he couldn't scratch, the urge was real.
Surrounded by praise and ass-kissing, Klein just laughed.
"Hahaha—this is basic stuff, just the basics."
"I'm a man who's made real money. This is pocket change!"
But he hadn't lost his head.
So far, he was winning more than he was losing.
But he didn't believe it was thanks to luck or skill—this was his first time here. He barely knew the games.
His casino "skill" level? Basically Stubborn Bronze Tier.
Looking at how happy Klein seemed, Ayer sneered inwardly.
"Laugh it up. Savor this happy moment. Soon, you won't be laughing anymore."
"My money burns, kid!"
"It doesn't come easy!"
Klein kept playing cautiously, making small bets, and soon won another 20 million Beli.
Ayer prodded, "Klein, you've won a lot. Isn't this small-scale stuff getting boring? Why not raise the stakes?"
He'd been sitting next to Klein for over an hour—his butt was getting sore. But Klein never bet more than 1 million at a time.
So stingy!
But then Klein stood up. "Ah, that's enough for today. I'll be back tomorrow."
"..."
Ayer's face froze. He stood too, forcing a smile. "Want me to get you some company for the night?"
"No thanks, I'm picky," Klein said, patting Os. "Let's go. Help me cash these out. We'll continue tomorrow."
He knew better—beauties might not be women at all. Could be the Horm-Horm Fruit in action.
Back in his world, this could've been a TS trap...
Ugh!
You've gotta stay alert in every situation.
Never forget: when you're out and about, boys need to know how to protect themselves!
Ayer saw them off with a smile, but inside he was fuming.
Damn you, Klein. You actually held back?!
"I underestimated you. But I don't believe your greedy ass can hold out forever. You'll be neck-deep in this soon!"
Back at the Navy warship.
On the way, Klein took a little detour—and now strapped to his waist was the Great Grade Sword Amenonuhoko.
After all, how could a man with some sword skills not carry a good blade?
Sure, the "Great Grade" title sounded impressive, but in the end, it all came down to Haki strength.
As "The Teacher Of Hundred Lessons" Kaido once said:
If your Haki is strong enough, even a water pipe or a pair of underwear can rival a Supreme Grade blade.
If not? You'll get humbled real fast.
After washing up, Klein logged into the game.
Genshin Impact—launch!
"That last loss? I'm taking it back this time.
And not just that… just you wait. I'm going to meet you in real life. You'd better be born soon!"
"Lil' Croco-chan~"
"Don't make me wait too long, okay?"
Back in the day, he was a coward IRL and a beast online—smashing keyboards and raging with his mic on.
Now in the world of One Piece, it's the opposite.
Meek in the game, Iron Fist on the sea!