Dawn.
Monkey D. Dragon was on the training field, exercising alongside his subordinates.
Some Marines were doing weighted push-ups, some ran laps with backpacks, and others practiced combat drills in pairs the training was in full swing.
Dragon himself practiced swordsmanship in an open area.
The katana in his hands was a Supreme-Class Swift Sword: Kaigetsu, drawn from his system storage that very morning.
The blade measured 170 centimeters in total length: a 30-centimeter hilt and a 140-centimeter edge. The hilt bore intricate engravings, providing both a secure grip and elegant aesthetics.
The steel gleamed a silvery white, cold as moonlight, sharp enough to slice a passing strand of hair.
As a top-tier sword, it carried no unnecessary ornamentation only ultimate hardness and cutting power, exactly to Dragon's taste.
He repeatedly practiced slicing, chopping, thrusting, and swinging. The accumulated experience from this training system multiplied the rewards for diligent effort.
Reaching the level of Great Swordsman required no flashy techniques mastery of the basics and sparring with strong opponents were enough to cultivate skill and insight.
Three hours passed in the blink of an eye.
Once Dragon finished, his Marines ceased training as well.
Lieutenant Karl approached and whispered, "Sir, fuel is still rationed. If we go on a mission, we may not return."
"Does being subordinate to the Base Commander make my role as Deputy Base Commander meaningless?"
Dragon furrowed his brow at Karl.
The 141st Branch had deployed a thousand combat personnel and three hundred logistical staff.
Were they all Donald's lapdogs?
"Those people say the keys are in Donald's hands. Obeying orders is useless," Karl shook his head.
"Personal control? Locking away the people who hunt pirates at home he must feel very proud," Dragon roared, glaring fiercely at the watching spies.
They quickly averted their gaze, pretending the matter was none of their concern. This was the man who had wiped out the Tiger Shark Pirates they didn't want anything to do with him.
"Hmph, bugs," Dragon sneered.
"Sir, do we train extra today?" Karl straightened and urged. "We can get stronger; there's no need to waste our anger on these people."
"If he wants us to train harder, we will. If he does this every day, do we train every day?"
"We are here to fight pirates and build merit the training can be done anywhere!"
Dragon's expression darkened. "I told you yesterday, I have enough skill and methods to deal with scum like him."
Karl and Roman stepped forward. "Sir, give the order we stand with you!"
"Fall in!"
Dragon's voice was calm but commanding.
"Yes, sir!"
Fifty elite Marines formed ranks.
"The Base Commander's incompetence has cost us territory and villages, and the people are angry."
"Informants report he's taking bribes; this is confirmed."
"I plan to persuade him to admit his faults and step aside for someone more deserving," Dragon said calmly.
The fifty Marines drew in a collective breath.
Persuade? If he refuses, it will be coercion a coup.
They formed a protective circle around Dragon, shielding him from prying eyes.
"Sir, threatening a superior is treason," Karl whispered. "If Headquarters acts, the consequences will be severe."
Roman added, "We should take him at night, blindfold him, and beat him daily until he issues the permits."
Others nodded in agreement; the plan was safer that way.
If caught, they could deny everything.
They understood their commander's boldness and feared he would risk everything.
Yet in their brief time together, they had become loyal a rare thing among Marines.
"I appreciate it," Dragon said, "but defeating him will not fix corruption. This position itself is poison."
"My method may not be that risky."
"A failed coup is treason a successful coup is reform!"
Shoot first, draw the target later: once Donald falls, the evidence will surface.
If not, he could fabricate some himself.
He moved through the crowd. "If you worry about breaking regulations, wait here. If you follow me when I return, I will treat you as always."
Carrying Kaigetsu, he strode toward Donald's office the irony being that his first visit to the Base Commander's office was to stir trouble.
Donald, you bastard, you better keep things clean.
"We go with you!"
"The citizens report that the Base Commander is corrupt and incompetent!"
"Follow Major Dragon no innocent will be harmed!"
Karl and Roman led all fifty elite Marines, shouting slogans.
"They're heading for the Base Commander!"
"Madmen they've gone insane!"
The observing junior officers were stunned.
A little pressure, a few restrictions why not just stay in the base?
These new Headquarters personnel were crazy.
Donald's loyal subordinates sprinted to warn him.
Meanwhile, in Donald's office…
"Fuel rations are so low they can't even go to sea," William mumbled, his cheek swollen. "But them staying here is also a problem."
Donald sighed, unable to understand his accent. "Speak less, I don't understand."
"I filed a complaint to Headquarters yesterday Fleet Admiral Sengoku personally took over the case. Dragon's good days are over."
"But his name is Monkey D. Dragon he may be related to Vice Admiral Garp!"
"My report is convincing your expression proves it. Even if they don't punish him, they will transfer him."
"Excellent, sir!" William gave a thumbs-up.
Donald spun in his chair. "He's caused me great losses; I won't let him off easily."
He considered sending someone to capture Dragon, but only Vinsmoke Judge could match this young officer.
Heavy footsteps approached.
Donald barked, "What's the commotion "
The door burst open, pinning William against the wall.
Dragon smiled at Donald. "Complaint filed, Base Commander your deeds are finally exposed."
Evidence or not, trouble had arrived.