[OP Marine Officer Luffy] Chapter 576 - 580

Chapter 576: Judge: I Really Want to Improve

As Judge looked into Luffy's sharp eyes, memories of Germa's troubled history flashed through his mind—how his kingdom had been expelled by all the North Sea nations hundreds of years ago. The recollection made him pause.

Judge opened his mouth to explain himself, but Luffy raised his hand, cutting him off before he could speak.

"I understand your ambitions," Luffy said calmly. "Anyone whose ancestors have such a storied history would naturally want to emulate or even surpass them. But this isn't something we can resolve with just a conversation between the two of us."

Luffy continued, his voice steady and measured. "Whether it's the powerful North Sea lords or the high-ranking officials and nobles of Marineford—no one wants to see the North Sea controlled by a single country. No one wants things to spiral beyond their control."

"So you want me to maintain the status quo?" Judge asked, his tone growing cold. "Keep my large army but remain without any actual territory?"

The king's frustration was evident. "What was the point of all this? I gave you my daughter and a substantial dowry. If you're telling me it's all for nothing now, then haven't I wasted my resources and time on these pointless discussions?"

Seeing Judge on the verge of losing his temper, Luffy turned around calmly, his brow furrowed.

"King Judge, I haven't finished speaking yet," Luffy reprimanded, his tone sharp as if he were addressing a subordinate. "Why are you in such a hurry?"

The harshness in Luffy's voice displeased the arrogant Judge. However, having lived long enough to know when to swallow his pride, he quickly masked his dissatisfaction. He offered a dry laugh and nodded repeatedly, acknowledging that he had been too impatient.

Satisfied with Judge's response, Luffy nodded and turned around, continuing to walk aimlessly as he spoke.

"Again, I understand your ambition. But trying to become powerful in one go by swallowing the entire North Sea? Regardless of whether the World Government approves or not, don't you think it's too risky for Germa to attempt such an annexation? You must realize that the North Sea is the most formidable region among the four seas."

Judge was about to boast that his Germa 66 Legion was unrivaled throughout the North Sea, but he caught himself and remained silent.

Noticing Judge's restraint, Luffy nodded slightly to himself. Perhaps the king wasn't as foolish as he seemed—at least he wasn't blindly confident in his invincibility.

"Since you recognize that your idea is too ambitious, I suggest you refrain from mentioning the unification of the North Sea for the time being."

"But this way, all my efforts over the years will have been for nothing!" Judge protested, clearly hoping Luffy would help mediate with the World Government on his behalf.

Luffy shook his head and didn't mince words. "You idiot, just listen to me. The fact that I'm willing to tell you anything at all means there's still hope." His eyes narrowed as he studied the older man. "You claim to be a ruler, yet you panic at the first sign of trouble. How do you expect to make any progress like that?"

Being scolded by someone younger than his own children made Judge's face flush with embarrassment. Still, he dared not argue back. After a moment of indignant snorting, he spoke with careful sincerity.

"Admiral Luffy, I truly want to improve!"

Luffy: ...

Luffy couldn't help but laugh at Judge's shameless display. The king's willingness to humble himself suggested he still had some value, which was why Luffy continued the conversation.

"Fine. Since you're eager to make progress, listen carefully," Luffy said, his demeanor becoming more businesslike. "Your current priority isn't some grand conquest. Instead, you should first pay a tribute of Heavenly Gold to the Celestial Dragons. Let them know that the Kingdom of Germa is aware of the World Government's financial challenges and is willing to step forward to help maintain the dignity of the world's nobility."

Luffy held up a second finger. "Next, regardless of how many countries you wish to attack or what ambitious plans you're harboring, all proposals must be reported to the World Government in full. Make it clear that you merely want Germa to have a permanent home—that you no longer wish to live as wanderers."

He continued, "You must also explicitly state that you'll ensure any conquered nations that weren't originally World Government members will pay the Heavenly Gold tribute promptly, helping offset the government's budget shortfalls."

Raising a final finger, Luffy concluded, "Lastly, Germa 66 can no longer operate as mercenaries. They must not interfere in the internal affairs of other North Sea member states. Even if conflicts arise between Germa and other North Sea nations in the future, you cannot strike first before the other party mobilizes their troops. Instead, report the matter to the World Government, present your grievances, and request their intervention and judgment."

Chapter 577: Dangerous Ambitions - A Secret Pact

"You've already occupied most of the North Sea," Luffy continued. "Even if you don't directly challenge the allied countries, they will gradually show their loyalty to you over time."

Luffy's eyes gleamed with confidence. "Just do as I say, and I'll leverage my influence within the Government. In the future, no matter how many non-Government allied countries you conquer or how much territory you acquire—as long as you pay the Heavenly Tribute on time, I'll ensure your safety."

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "As for what happens next, I don't need to spell it out for you. With stable rule over your territories and prosperous citizens, whether you become the de facto king of the North Sea or grant mercy to those who oppose you... well, that's entirely Your Majesty's prerogative."

Luffy finished with a knowing smile directed at Judge.

By now, Judge had completely immersed himself in the beautiful fantasy Luffy had outlined. His heartbeat quickened and his breathing grew rapid as he envisioned himself as the ruler of the entire North Sea, holding the region in the palm of his hand.

"Luffy, are you certain about this?" Judge asked, barely containing his excitement. "The World Government will truly allow it?"

"Don't worry, don't worry." Luffy smiled reassuringly, patting Judge's back. "As I said, I have connections within the Government. I'm not just talking about the three legends of the Marines—Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Chief of Staff Tsuru, and Hero Garp. Even among the Celestial Dragons, I've had numerous dealings with several influential figures."

Luffy's smile widened. "As long as Your Majesty is willing to invest some resources and offer appropriate gifts, the Celestial Dragons would be quite happy to speak favorably on your behalf."

He raised a finger in caution. "But remember, not a single Beri of the Heavenly Tribute can be withheld. Pay in full, and I'll have legitimate grounds to persuade the Government. After all, those non-member countries contribute nothing to the World Government's coffers. Why keep them around? Wouldn't it be better to let a true Government ally take control and generate some revenue? What do you think, Your Majesty?"

"Yes, yes, absolutely!" Judge nodded enthusiastically. "I have long despised those non-member countries. They control vast populations and wealth yet refuse to offer tribute to the great Celestial Dragons. There is no place for such nations in this world!"

Judge's display of loyalty to Luffy was calculated and tactful. At the same time, he was privately surprised by Luffy's repeated emphasis on loyalty to the Government and the Celestial Dragons. Could it be that Luffy had somehow joined their ranks? Regardless of the truth, Judge had achieved his goal and saw no reason to press for further details.

In this moment, Judge felt truly vindicated in his decision. He had traded a daughter for the chance to expand his dominion significantly. No matter how he looked at it, the deal was an overwhelming victory for Germa!

The two ambitious men—one seasoned, one young—each harboring their own designs for the future, had reached an accord. Their agreement sealed, Judge personally escorted Luffy back to his guest quarters.

The king also promised that the agreed-upon dowry would be delivered in full, sent directly to the country of Waiho by his personal envoys. Among these lavish gifts, only the Den Den Mushi ships particularly interested Luffy; he was largely indifferent to the rest.

After casually thanking Judge, Luffy returned to his room to rest. Before they parted ways, however, he requested some private time with Reiju the following day...

Judge naturally had no objections and confidently agreed on behalf of his daughter. After Luffy retired to his quarters, Judge wasted no time and hurried straight to Reiju's room.

Meanwhile, Reiju had just finished her bath. Dressed in loose-fitting pajamas, she had settled into bed to rest. These past days had been taxing, with Sanji's arrival causing her considerable worry and preventing proper sleep.

Now that Sanji was faring well, despite his unpleasant conflict with their father, Reiju felt some relief. She decided to take advantage of the temporary calm to get a good night's rest before the upcoming dinner.

She had barely closed her eyes when a series of rapid knocks at her door jolted her awake. Sitting up groggily and rubbing her eyes, Reiju looked toward the door in confusion, wondering who would seek her out at this hour.

Soon, she heard her father Judge conversing with a maid outside her bedroom door.

"Is the princess in her room?" Judge asked.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the maid replied. "Her Royal Highness has just finished her bath and is resting in her bedroom."

"Resting? At this hour?" Judge paused briefly. "Very well. Go downstairs and inform everyone that no one is to enter without my explicit order."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the maid replied obediently.

The conversation ended, and Reiju heard only the sound of hurried footsteps and the closing of a door.

Chapter 578: Reiju: Something Is Very Wrong

That was enough information for Reiju to identify her visitor. Yet she remained puzzled. Why would her father come to see her now instead of continuing to cultivate his relationship with the Marine general? Instinctively, she sensed this visit boded ill.

Frowning, Reiju slipped out of bed. Before Judge could even knock, she called out:

"Father, please wait a moment. I'll be right out."

She briefly considered her recent conversation with Sanji, wondering if Judge had witnessed their interaction and disapproved of their closeness. Was that why he had come—to reprimand her?

Meanwhile, Judge had stepped back from the bedroom door and settled himself on the sofa in the living room, waiting patiently. He needed to carefully consider how to inform Reiju that he had sold—no, married her off.

Though he possessed absolute authority over his children's futures and could decide their fates with a single word, he recognized that he still needed Reiju to maintain his relationship with Luffy and carry out certain duties. So even Judge, who habitually treated his children as mere tools, decided this time to communicate patiently and perform the role of a concerned father.

He didn't have to wait long before he heard movement from the bedroom. Reiju emerged wearing a simple white dress, walking unhurriedly into the living room. She observed her father sitting rigidly on the sofa, hands folded across his chest, seemingly lost in thought.

After a moment's hesitation, she plastered a smile on her face and greeted him.

"Father, aren't you supposed to be accompanying Admiral Luffy? Why have you come to my quarters?"

Approaching Judge, Reiju reached for the teapot to prepare him a drink. To her surprise, Judge extended his hand to stop her. Confusion flickered across Reiju's face.

With a forced smile, Judge patted the seat beside him, inviting her to sit. Then, to her further astonishment, he poured the tea himself and placed the cup before her.

Reiju stared blankly at the expensive black tea set on the coffee table. A sudden sense of unease gripped her heart as she mentally reviewed her actions over the past few days.

Growing anxious, she quickly attempted to speak. "Father, I—"

"Reiju," Judge interrupted, "it's been quite some time since we, father and daughter, have sat together and had a proper conversation like this."

"Um, father... what are you doing?" Reiju was utterly bewildered by Judge's uncharacteristic behavior.

Judge, equally uncomfortable with this manner of interaction, fell silent. One waited for his daughter to speak, while the other remained stunned by her father's abnormal demeanor.

Father and daughter sat in silence, the atmosphere in the living room growing increasingly tense with each passing moment.

Judge occasionally glanced at Reiju from the corner of his eye, waiting for her to break the silence. But after an extended pause with no response, his brow furrowed in dissatisfaction. Unaccustomed to such delicate conversations, he felt awkward and somewhat embarrassed.

Yet for the sake of his ambitions, he cleared his throat and took the initiative.

"Ahem. I realize I haven't been particularly attentive to you under normal circumstances, so you may find it strange to hear me speak this way." Judge began, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "But I want you to know that I value you greatly. You are the eldest daughter of the Vinsmoke family, and I have the utmost confidence in your abilities and character."

He continued, leaning forward slightly. "All my efforts over the years have been for a purpose beyond myself. I simply want to create a better future for you and your brothers. Surely you can understand your father's intentions, can't you?"

After Judge's unexpected heart-to-heart, Reiju's internal defenses immediately went up. She sat straighter, her eyes narrowing imperceptibly.

Something's wrong. Something is terribly wrong! she thought. Is this still my cold-hearted father who has always treated his children as tools?

Such sudden warmth can only mean he has ulterior motives! Reiju knew her father's character all too well. The fact that he would speak to her this way meant he must need something of paramount importance—something significant enough to make him set aside his typical demeanor.

But what could be so critical yet require her involvement? The quick-witted Reiju rapidly considered several possibilities. Combined with the knowledge that her father had been in conversation with Luffy not long ago, she began to form an unsettling hypothesis.

Seeing Reiju's thoughtful expression as she processed his words, Judge guessed that his clever daughter was already piecing things together. Rather than allowing her to arrive at the conclusion herself, he decided it would be better to state it plainly. Perhaps a direct approach would make it easier for her to accept.

Chapter 579: Reiju: An Unexpected Stroke of Fortune

After carefully considering Judge's words and realizing that the person she was meant to marry was Luffy, Reiju's perspective shifted dramatically.

Luffy certainly had an impressive pedigree—his grandfather was the Marine hero Garp, he had been raised at Marine Headquarters, and he had been personally influenced by distinguished figures like Fleet Admiral Sengoku.

"Reiju," Judge continued, his voice carrying a hint of pride, "your father has thought about this extensively and has carefully selected this match for you. Admiral Luffy is truly an exceptional young man. Marrying him is unquestionably the right choice for your future."

"Really?" Reiju's heart initially sank; the scenario she had long dreaded was unfolding before her.

As Judge's daughter, she had anticipated this fate since childhood—being used as a marriage tool to secure alliances, a bargaining chip to be traded to a stranger with whom she shared no connection. But she hadn't expected this day to arrive so soon. She had thought she still had several years before her father would expend her final value as a princess.

Yet there was a surprising silver lining to being discarded by Judge. At least she would no longer have to follow his daily orders or fight in his endless wars. And marrying Admiral Luffy? That wasn't necessarily bad. Sanji would still be nearby, after all.

"Wait... marry Admiral Luffy?!"

Reiju had been so ready to accept her fate as a political pawn that she'd almost missed the actual identity of her intended husband. She had begun mentally comforting herself, trying desperately to find acceptance in what she assumed would be a grim situation.

Observing the changing expressions on her face, Judge misinterpreted her reaction as distress over being unable to accept her fate. This wouldn't do—he was counting on Reiju to help maintain the "friendship" between himself and Luffy. He couldn't risk alienating her.

Judge softened his tone and launched into a prepared speech. "Don't overthink this, Reiju. Admiral Luffy is a good man. He was recognized by the Government at a remarkably young age and rose to become a Marine Admiral. The two of you are perfectly matched."

He hesitated momentarily. "If I must point out any concern, it's perhaps that young men can be somewhat fickle. But for men, especially rare and powerful ones like Luffy, it's quite natural to have multiple women in their lives..."

Judge was truly going all out to persuade Reiju to willingly accept this marriage. He even sacrificed his dignity by alluding to his own multiple affairs, hoping this admission might somehow diminish any resentment she harbored.

But Judge's efforts were entirely unnecessary. It wasn't that Reiju opposed the marriage or was determined to defy her father to the bitter end. Once she learned that Luffy was to be her husband, her attitude had completely changed.

This wasn't because she had fallen for Luffy's charm. Rather, when compared to the marriage partners she had grimly imagined—"a decrepit old man," "an impossibly obese nobleman," or "a monster so hideous it barely resembled a human being"—Luffy was a vast improvement. He was young, promising, and undeniably handsome.

Moreover, her younger brother Sanji, the only family member who had ever shown her genuine affection, was already under Luffy's protection. Being with Luffy was indeed the best possible outcome, just as Judge had said.

Reiju even felt slightly self-conscious about being five years older than Luffy, wondering if she might be perceived as an older woman pursuing a younger man.

Meanwhile, Judge continued his lengthy monologue until his mouth went dry. Still receiving no response from Reiju, he was growing impatient and was about to resort to force when she finally spoke.

She kept her head lowered so Judge couldn't clearly see her expression, and spoke in a low, subdued voice that conveyed disappointment:

"You needn't say more, Father. I understand. For the sake of the Vinsmoke family and Germa, this is my duty."

As she finished speaking, Reiju's shoulders trembled slightly, as if she were suppressing powerful emotions that might erupt into tears at any moment.

Seeing this, Judge felt relieved and quickly offered what he considered comforting words. But Reiju didn't acknowledge his attempt at consolation. Instead, for the first time, she coldly asked him to leave.

Having achieved his goal, Judge had no desire to upset her further. He even overlooked her disrespectful tone. After instructing her to rest well, he hastily departed.

Only when the door closed firmly behind him and the sound of his footsteps faded into the distance did Reiju finally release her control. She burst into wild laughter, burying her face in the sofa cushions to muffle the sound. Her laughter was so intense that tears streamed from her eyes.

In the span of just a few hours, she had not only reunited with her long-lost brother but also secured a husband who was exemplary in both appearance and capability. Furthermore, she now had a legitimate reason to leave the Germa Kingdom.

Reflecting on these developments, Reiju couldn't help but laugh with genuine delight.

"Hehe~ Three wonderful things have happened to me today. Could this possibly be my lucky day?"

Chapter 580: Dinner Diplomacy - Reiju and Luffy's Harmonious Exchange

At the evening banquet, the two parties who had reached their mutually beneficial arrangement behaved with exceptional harmony.

Throughout the event, Sanji remained the only exception, deliberately turning a blind eye to Judge's concerns and thinly veiled intentions. The rest of the attendees gradually grew more animated as the wine flowed freely, cup after cup.

Among them, Luffy and Reiju appeared to be enjoying themselves the most.

Under Judge's careful orchestration, Luffy and Reiju had been seated side by side. Meanwhile, the three women who clearly had romantic connections with Luffy—Ain, Nami, and Vivi—were strategically arranged by the calculating patriarch to sit directly across from them.

As Luffy consumed glass after glass of fine wine, with the beautiful Reiju attentively refilling his cup, he gradually reached that pleasant state where it wasn't the alcohol making him drunk, but rather his own willingness to embrace the warm sensation. He became increasingly relaxed and began conversing freely with Reiju.

"I truly envy Sanji for having such a beautiful and gracious sister as yourself, Miss Reiju," Luffy said with genuine admiration. "From the moment we first met at noon, I found myself thinking that I absolutely must ask Sanji to introduce us properly, if circumstances allowed."

No matter a woman's age or status, compliments about her beauty rarely go unappreciated. Reiju was no exception. She raised her hand elegantly, half-covering her reddened lips as she chuckled softly.

Blinking her captivating eyes, she fixed her gaze on the handsome young man beside her and returned his praise generously. "General, you flatter me. There are countless women with my modest beauty scattered across the seas. But there are precious few individuals with your strength and acclaim in this world." She smiled warmly. "Moreover, you're still young with such a promising future ahead. I should be the one honored to have the opportunity to dine with you this evening."

"Haha, beautiful and well-spoken too," Luffy responded with a charming smile. "Now I truly feel this journey was worthwhile. Just making your acquaintance, Miss Reiju, compensates for any difficulties encountered along the way."

Though Reiju recognized his words as light flirtation, she couldn't help but feel genuinely pleased. Her eyes narrowed slightly with delight, curving into delicate crescents.

"Since we're both enjoying each other's company, let's dispense with such formalities," she suggested. "There's no need to address me as 'Miss'—we can simply use our names. What do you think, Luffy?" As she spoke, she raised her wine glass and tilted it toward him in invitation.

Luffy had no objections and immediately raised his own glass to clink gently against hers. "Of course, that's perfectly fine with me, Reiju."

After this exchange, they smiled at one another, simultaneously lifting their glasses and drinking deeply.

From across the table, they appeared thoroughly engrossed in conversation, their interaction practically surrounded by an aura of mutual appreciation.

The young princess Vivi aggressively sliced through the sea-fried sea king meat on her plate with her dinner knife. She wielded the utensil as if she were cutting into some despicable villain, her angry eyes practically shooting flames.

"That scoundrel!" she fumed internally. "Has he forgotten his fiancée is sitting right here? He dares to flirt so openly with another woman right in front of me—I shudder to imagine what he does behind my back!"

Listening to the princess's indignant mutterings, Ain and Nami seated beside her remained remarkably composed, showing no signs of surprise.

There was good reason for their calm demeanor. As the first two women to enter Luffy's life, they had witnessed similar scenes countless times during their travels together, to the point where they'd become almost numb to such displays.

In their view, with more than a dozen women already sharing space in their home, one or two more made little difference.

Nami even took it upon herself to counsel Vivi, assuring her that she would eventually grow accustomed to Luffy's ways.

Seeing even the typically possessive Nami show such generosity of spirit, Vivi found herself at a loss for words. All she could do was swallow her anger temporarily, privately vowing to address this matter with Luffy when a suitable opportunity presented itself!

From his position at the head of the table, Judge also observed the unfolding scene with interest. He had specifically arranged the seating to enable Reiju to establish a connection with Luffy, laying groundwork for their future marriage.

However, he hadn't anticipated that Reiju—who had earlier appeared teary-eyed and reluctant—would adjust so quickly. Now, her every expression and gesture revealed not the slightest trace of the grievance she had displayed before.

This transformation caused Judge to nod approvingly to himself, inwardly impressed by his daughter's adaptability.

She is truly worthy of being my greatest pride, he thought. Her performance is so convincing that even I couldn't detect a single flaw.

Carry on, Reiju, he silently encouraged. Your father's ambition to become king of the North Sea now rests in your capable hands!