"The greatest genius in Marine history. A man born to be king. He even defeated Kong. If nothing goes wrong, this guy is guaranteed to become a Marine Admiral one day."
Though Saint Figaland Green's voice remained composed, a trace of astonishment lingered in his eyes.
They had certainly heard of Steelbone Kong before—one of the most promising up-and-coming talents in the Marines.
And yet Klein had defeated him after only a year of enrollment, and was nearly ten years younger.
How could that not be shocking?
Saint Somarz crossed his arms and leaned back, clicking his tongue. "Seems like Klein hit those pirates so hard, they now think the New World is full of monsters like him…"
"No way. Even in the New World, geniuses like Klein are one in a million."
"Bunch of ignorant frogs in a well, these pirates."
Saint Chiringom chuckled. "Interesting. But this is the first time I've heard of a Marine selling pirates as slaves. That's just subarashi!!"
"Hahahaha!"
"This guy brought us quite a few pirate slaves. Maybe we should tell the Marines to send us more pirates to use as slaves too!"
He laughed heartily. For a Celestial Dragon, this was a delightful little event.
Saint Figaland Green frowned slightly. "He only sold those pirates off for money."
"But there's something odd. He's made a lot of money… yet he doesn't seem to spend much."
"Could it be he actually likes saving and hoarding money?"
To Celestial Dragons—who possess essentially infinite wealth and casually spend hundreds of millions of Berries—Klein's behavior was incomprehensible.
The CP organization's intel was thorough. They'd dug deep into every detail of Klein's life before he joined the Marine Academy—even information on his parents.
They'd just about stopped short of finding out the color of his underwear.
"A Marine that obsessed with money… and his justice is called 'Blissful Justice'? Doesn't that feel a little... off?" Saint Figaland Green shook his head. He didn't get it.
Anyway, one thing was clear—Klein was a money-obsessed guy.
He spoke again. "He's got the qualities of a king, and overwhelming talent. Shouldn't we recruit him into the Holy Knights?"
The room fell into a silence so complete, a pin drop could be heard.
Saint Somarz's expression changed. "Whoa, whoa. The guy's got talent, sure—but he's still just a human. Bringing him into the Holy Knights..."
"That's pushing it, isn't it?"
If Klein weren't a Marine officer, he might not even qualify as a "human" in their eyes—just one of the usual "bugs."
Granted, the Holy Knights had accepted outsiders before, but those had all been top-tier powerhouses from the Grand Line.
And more importantly…
From what Saint Somarz saw, there just wasn't enough benefit in it—yet.
"Besides, the Marines are short on powerhouses right now. Oharden won't let him go so easily." Saint Chiringom shook his head. "And even if Klein wanted to join, his current strength and reputation just don't cut it for the Holy Knights."
"He's a Marine. Still under the World Government's command. Just like us."
Even they weren't official members of the Holy Knights yet—just provisional ones.
And recruiting Klein into the Holy Knights? Saint Chiringom clearly wasn't on board.
Saint Figaland Green's expression darkened. He stood up, voice icy: "I'm done eating. Time to train. Someone who bears the supreme blood of kings can't lose to some mere human."
Nineteen years old and already that strong—it was eating away at Saint Figaland Green's pride. Someone with the blood of kings shouldn't be overshadowed by a commoner.
If not for the laws of the Holy Land, he'd have gone to fight Klein himself already.
On the Grand Line
"Fire back! Fire back!!"
"All cannons, aim at the same spot! Blow those vicious hags to hell!!"
On a pirate ship, the infamous pirate captain known as the "Rebel," Pick, roared in fury, barking orders as his crew launched a desperate counterattack.
BOOM!
A cannonball slammed into the side of their ship, making the whole vessel shudder violently. Smoke poured into the sky.
"Captain! Their firepower's insane! And their archers have already shot down a bunch of our guys! We can't match them!" the first mate shouted, drenched in sweat.
SWOOSH!
An arrow whizzed past, shooting right between his legs, burying its tip into the deck. The arrow's shaft still vibrated from the force.
His face turned ghostly pale. A cold chill swept his crotch, and his back broke out in a cold sweat.
So close. One more inch and his family jewels would've been toast.
Pick's expression darkened. "Retreat!!"
"Full speed ahead!"
"Use that energy you waste on women—use it to row!!"
Behind them, a ship was tearing through the waves, pulled by two enormous, ferocious sea snakes.
The serpents hissed, baring their crimson forked tongues, their icy reptilian eyes locked on the fleeing pirate vessel.
The ship itself was built in an ancient style, mainly red in color, with sails bearing the symbol of a skull surrounded by nine snakes.
On the deck—
A woman stood nearly two meters tall. Her figure was elegant, curvaceous, her proportions nothing short of divine. Her generous chest strained against her top, revealing a deep, seductive cleavage.
Gloriosa's eyes sparkled with a queen's dignity. Her features were strikingly delicate—like a character from a high-end manga.
"The Rebel. Bounty: 35 million Berries. Taking him down should be enough to make my name known across the seas."
A white snake with red spots coiled around her arm, hissing as its tongue flicked out.
Behind her stood another sultry warrior of Amazon Lily, the ship's vice-captain—Shakky!
"Snake Princess, this is your first time sailing out. The seas are filled with powerful foes—better to proceed cautiously."
Having just ascended the throne of Amazon Lily, Gloriosa was determined to make a name for herself. She would bring home loot and glory on her maiden voyage!
Before setting sail, she had even consulted the omens—and the result?
"Great Fortune."
Gloriosa's captivating face wore a confident smile.
"I know. That's why we begin with a barrage. Amazon warriors are masters of archery—raised fighting beasts from childhood. A mere pirate with a 35 million bounty…"
A sharp glint of pride flashed across her lovely face.
"The reason I was chosen as your Queen—is because I proved my strength!"
A powerful gust of wind surged across the deck, charged with Conqueror's Haki.
All the female warriors stared at Gloriosa with awe and reverence.
"I will lead Amazon Lily to greatness!" Gloriosa's eyes sparkled like stars.
And deep in her heart, she added:
Never again will my people be forced to hide in some backwater corner of the Calm Belt.
"I will become…"
"The greatest Queen Amazon Lily has ever known!!"