Inside the church, Ji Ge seemed to sense something. He closed the Bible in his hand, turned his head slightly, and smiled at Ginny beside him.
"Get ready," he said calmly. "The people coming to pick us up are here."
Ginny, who had been staring at Ji Ge in a daze, blushed. She quickly adjusted the white vest she was wearing, sat up straight, and asked nervously,
"W-What's going on? Brother Ji Ge, what kind of guests?"
As soon as she finished speaking, footsteps echoed from the church door.
Spandine stopped abruptly at the entrance. He raised a hand to halt Babs and the others behind him, whispering,
"Alright, don't go in. Don't disturb that man!"
Babs frowned, curiosity piqued, and couldn't help asking,
"Mr. Spandine, are you certain this Ji Ge is the person we're looking for? No offense, but I heard he's probably a Devil Fruit user, and the disappearance of King Beckley might be linked to him. I'm worried that you—"
Spandine glared at him sharply, lowering his voice even more.
"I told you not to call him by his name! Listen carefully: if you offend this man, a single word from him could make not only you, but even me, disappear from this world!"
Babs froze. He'd always seen Spandine as arrogant and untouchable, but now the man was terrified just by a name. That alone spoke volumes about Ji Ge's background.
It was hard for Babs to imagine why someone of such status was in the small kingdom of Sorbet.
He said nothing further, ordering the Marines to stay put outside.
Meanwhile, Spandine ran his damp palms over his hair, straightened his clothes, forced a fawning smile, and walked inside alone.
In the church hall, Ji Ge and Ginny sat quietly on a bench. When Spandine entered, he first saw their backs. He dared not speak loudly, but approached cautiously.
"Hello," he said with a forced smile, "is Master Ji Ge here?"
Ji Ge rose from the bench, his tall 1.9-meter frame looming over Spandine. The calm expression on his face was enough for Spandine to confirm this was the person he had come to meet.
"I'm Ji Ge," he said. "You must have been sent by Uncle Jialin. Spandine, isn't it?"
At the mention of 'Uncle Jialin', Spandine nearly bent double in a deep bow, trembling with excitement.
"Y-Yes, yes! I am Spandine! Lord Ji Ge, please forgive my rudeness earlier. It's truly an honor to meet you!!"
This was how Spandine had risen to his current rank—he knew exactly who held real power.
He would never forget the voice that had given him his mission over the Den Den Mushi. It was none other than Saint Figarland Jialin himself!
The Figarland family—the Celestial Dragons among Celestial Dragons! Jialin was the family head, and merely hearing his name had left Spandine breathless.
When assigned to escort Ji Ge, Jialin's nephew, Spandine felt as if his ancestors' graves were smoking from fortune.
For him, meeting Ji Ge was worth more than meeting his own father.
At that moment, Kuma and Ivan emerged from a side room. Seeing Spandine, they quickly understood: the World Government had arrived.
Ivan's face grew solemn; he knew this meant Ji Ge would soon leave them behind.
Spandine dared not meet Ji Ge's eyes. His extreme humility made Ginny click her tongue in disbelief.
For the first time, Ginny realized just how terrifying Ji Ge's true status must be—if even a World Government executive trembled before him.
Ji Ge glanced toward the door.
"There are many people outside. Why didn't they come in with you?"
"Sir Ji Ge," Spandine replied, bowing, "Lord Jialin said your identity should remain confidential, so I kept them outside."
Ji Ge nodded.
"You did well."
Relief washed over Spandine. He thumped his chest in loyalty.
"Don't worry, Lord Ji Ge! Lord Jialin instructed me to handle any inconvenience you face. You are my master! I am your dog!"
Ginny stared in shock.
Even Ji Ge's expression twitched. He coughed twice and said,
"Alright… call the others in."
"Yes, Lord Ji Ge!"
"And one more thing: don't call me 'Saint' in front of outsiders, especially Marines."
"Understood!"
Spandine practically ran out, the picture of a loyal servant.
As soon as he left, Ginny sighed.
"He's… a real weirdo!"
Ji Ge chuckled.
"You'll meet more people like that soon. Better get used to it."
Moments later, Spandine returned with Babs and a group of Marines and nobles.
They all stared at Ji Ge with awe; Spandine had clearly briefed them.
Babs was especially shocked. Ji Ge was younger than he had expected, yet there was something dangerous about him—a quiet strength that made Babs' instincts scream.
Ji Ge approached him, and Babs unconsciously tensed up.
But what Ji Ge said next left him completely dumbfounded.
"Hello. My name is Ji Ge. My friends and I want to join the Marines."
Babs froze, speechless. Spandine stomped his foot in frustration and snapped,
"Rear Admiral Babs! Mr. Ji Ge is speaking to you! Show some respect!"