[OP Marine Officer Luffy] Chapter 421- 425

Chapter 421: Preparation for War, Hegemony

"Of course not. Aren't we also actively training new marines and strengthening our forces?"

Luffy patted Nami's small head reassuringly, but she angrily pushed him away, her face scrunching up in annoyance.

Unbothered, Luffy looked around at everyone present and continued,

"As I said, the addition of this new batch of marines has significantly increased our military strength in a short period. However, due to issues like insufficient training and lack of proper equipment, it'll take considerable time before they can develop into an effective combat force."

He ignored Nami’s momentary displeasure and turned his attention to Koala, Hina, Kalifa, and other in the room, who seemed to think they were already strong enough.

"In the short term, relying on them for direct combat would be a mistake."

Luffy sighed, his expression turning serious.

"Even though I consider myself pretty strong right now, facing both Kaido and Big Mom at the same time? we definitely doesn't have the strength to resist them head-on.

If we want to save Wano Country, the only viable option is to seek reinforcement from Marine Headquarters."

Hancock clenched her fists, unwilling to accept the reality.

"I've been training nonstop lately. I may not be able to defeat one of the Four Emperors, but if it's just about stalling them, I should be able to manage," she declared, her tone laced with determination.

Ain and Hina, equally unwilling to back down, voiced their own confidence.

"That's right! Don't underestimate us! If we work together, we can at least hold off one of the Four Emperors," Ain insisted.

"Exactly! You're not the only one in G-66 who can fight, Luffy. We're not weak either!" Hina added, crossing her arms defiantly.

Luffy knew where this conversation was heading. He let out a helpless sigh and said,

"Alright, alright, I get it. Each of you is a heroine in your own right, just as capable as any man. But do you really think that means you can go toe-to-toe with the Four Emperors?

Hancock, you were there when the G-2 branch attempted to encircle and suppress Kaido. You, more than anyone, should know how terrifying his strength is."

Hancock bit her lip, her pride preventing her from outright agreeing, but her silence spoke volumes.

"That battle may have been botched by those two idiots, Borsalino and Kuzan, and yeah, I was pissed about that," Luffy admitted, rubbing the back of his head in frustration. "But regardless, Kaido's strength is undeniable.

Even though you're incredibly powerful in your own right, in front of a monster like him, without having mastered advanced Haki techniques, you're no different from a regular soldier."

Hancock pouted at his words, turned her head away with a cold snort, and refused to acknowledge him further.

Luffy shook his head and shifted his focus to the others.

"The same goes for the rest of you. Against Kaido, you're just another target in his way.

And Koala, you in particular—your Pink Dragon Fruit's abilities originate from Kaido’s Blue Dragon Fruit. If you transform in front of him, I guarantee he'll take a keen interest in you… and not in a good way."

Hearing her name, Koala instinctively shrank back, a chill running down her spine.

As someone who primarily handled intelligence gathering and served as Luffy’s liaison with the Revolutionary Army, she had no desire to experience Kaido’s Thunder Bagua firsthand.

Especially after she had witnessed Yamato use the same technique to crush the skull of a pirate with a 200-million-berry bounty back on Onigashima.

Though the other girls were still reluctant to back down, they remained silent, clearly taking Luffy’s words to heart.

Seeing their subdued expressions, Luffy sighed but didn’t offer them any further comfort.

Strength wasn’t something that could be changed through mere words.

Unless the difference in power was relatively small, boasting or arguing wouldn’t make a difference.

The hard truth was that, among all the women in his crew, only Hancock and Yamato were capable of fighting Kaido on any meaningful level.

And even then, their roles would mostly be limited to harassment and distraction.

If Kaido were to get serious…

It would still only take a single swing of his club to put them down.

Luffy’s mind wandered for a moment.

What a shame about Yamato. In the original timeline, she mastered Conqueror's Haki Infusion five years later. Right now, she's still a bit short of that. I need to set aside time to train with her and Hancock.

Putting those thoughts aside for now, Luffy straightened his posture and refocused on the situation at hand.

"Alright, enough idle talk. Fleet Admiral Sengoku from Marine Headquarters has already responded to the situation.

The alliance between Kaido and Big Mom is a huge deal, and the headquarters caught wind of it early on. Right now, Fleet Admiral Sengoku is preparing to send Vice Admiral Gion, who’s currently patrolling the New World, to Wano Country as a reinforcement.

At the same time, he’s dispatching Admirals Akainu and Kizaru to oversee the New World.

If Kaido and Big Mom act suspiciously, those two will be able to intervene immediately."

Luffy's lips curled into a confident grin.

"But most importantly, my Grandpa doesn’t have to run back every time something happens.

If things go south, I'll just call him over.

At that point, forget Kaido and Big Mom—even if Whitebeard himself shows up, I’ll beat him half to death!"

He clenched his fists as he spoke, his confidence radiating through his entire being.

The room was silent for a moment before the girls collectively exhaled in relief, their previous worries lightened.

"With Sister Gion, Admiral Sakazuki, and Grandpa supporting us, the pressure isn't as bad as we thought," Ain mused, her mood noticeably improved.

She conveniently ignored Kizaru, who was notorious for avoiding unnecessary effort.

Nami, who had been contemplating whether to take Stormbreaker and flee to the open sea, suddenly had a change of heart.

"Yoshi! Then I’ll trust you again," she declared, placing her hands on her hips. "But you better protect me! I’m very fragile, you know."

Chapter 422: The Foolish Doberman, Sengoku's Rage

Luffy subconsciously touched his cheek, which had just stopped swelling, and silently nodded.

Seeing this, Nami beamed, quickly crawling out of his arms. She grabbed Koala’s hand and pulled her along excitedly.

"Come on, accompany me to practice Armament Haki. I need to master it as soon as possible!"

Koala, ever the generous mentor, agreed without hesitation and decided to act as Nami’s temporary teacher.

Robin, watching the two figures disappear toward the training grounds, hesitated for a moment before standing up to follow them.

As one of the few in the crew who hadn’t yet developed a strong sense of Haki, she couldn’t shake the feeling of urgency creeping into her heart.

Meanwhile, the rest of the crew also lost interest in leisure and left in small groups, each setting off for their own training or preparations.

Luffy thought for a moment, then called for Hancock, deciding it was time to seek inspiration in strengthening his Conqueror’s Haki alongside her.

Marine Headquarters – Fleet Admiral’s Office

Upon receiving Luffy’s request for assistance, Fleet Admiral Sengoku wasted no time in making the necessary arrangements.

His first move was to contact Vice Admiral Gion, instructing her to set sail for Wano Country immediately.

At the same time, he sent a message to Admiral Akainu, who was currently stationed at Sabaody Archipelago, clearing out pirates from the 27th district. He ordered him to travel to the Marine G-14 Branch, to stand by for further orders.

Additionally, he issued a directive to Admiral Kizaru, who was still on standby at Punk Hazard, to remain ready for deployment in case an emergency arose in Wano.

As for Garp, Sengoku didn’t even bother making arrangements for him.

There was no need.

Regardless of orders, if Luffy ever found himself in grave danger, Garp would personally step in without hesitation. That much was certain.

Sengoku exhaled heavily and crossed his arms, surveying the officers gathered before him.

"With this level of combat power, it should be enough.

As much as Kaido may not accept the fact that Wano Country has been taken from him, breaking through our encirclement won’t be easy.

And as reckless as he can be, Charlotte Linlin isn’t the type to throw herself into a losing battle for no reason."

Chief of Staff Tsuru nodded in agreement. She sat calmly at the table, her words clear and methodical.

"If things go as predicted, Kaido may try to resist, but Linlin will be much more cautious.

That hesitation will give us the perfect opportunity to eliminate Kaido and correct the failure of our last encounter."

Fleet Admiral Sengoku and the three  Vice Admirals—Comil, Yamakaji, and Doberman—listened carefully. Each one nodded thoughtfully at Tsuru’s analysis.

However, Sengoku was still cautious.

"Tsuru, your analysis is solid, but let’s not forget—we’re dealing with pirates.

And pirates rarely follow logic or rules.

Wano Country isn’t just any territory—it’s a strategic location for the government, a primary production base for Seastone.

Under no circumstances can we afford to lose control of it.

That’s why we need to take every precaution, no matter how small."

Sengoku turned his sharp gaze toward the three Vice Admirals. He reached for a document on his desk and handed it to them.

"To further support the G-66 Branch, I’m sending you three to Wano in person.

Your mission is to deliver the supplies listed here to Vice Admiral Luffy and ensure they reach him safely.

Additionally, you’ll be retrieving the latest batch of Seastone products from Wano’s mines.

Once the extraction is complete, you’ll transport the goods on this list to Sabaody Archipelago."

The three Vice Admirals studied the document carefully.

Comil and Yamakaji, both seasoned and disciplined masrines, accepted their orders without question. They simply nodded, ready to carry out their mission.

But Doberman, the scar-faced Vice Admiral known for his blunt nature, furrowed his brows. He clutched the list tightly in his hands, his expression darkening as he read further.

Something caught his attention.

His gaze landed on an item that didn’t quite belong—a computer shipment bound for Sabaody.

Doberman hesitated before speaking up, unable to suppress his doubt.

"Fleet Admiral, the Marines are a military force responsible for securing the seas, not some delivery service for merchants.

Why are we using our warships to transport goods that have no direct strategic value?"

At his words, a heavy silence filled the room.

Comil and Yamakaji exchanged quick, nervous glances.

‘He actually said it out loud…?’

Even Tsuru, who had remained composed thus far, blinked in mild surprise.

‘This idiot really doesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut.’

Slowly, she turned her head toward Sengoku.

As expected, the Fleet Admiral’s expression darkened immediately.

A vein pulsed at his temple as his fingers tightened into a fist. His entire demeanor became icy cold, his rage barely contained.

Then, with a furious motion, Sengoku reached into his desk, pulled out the Marine’s latest military budget report, and slammed it onto the table.

The impact echoed through the office.

"Do you think I want to be a goddamn delivery man?!" Sengoku’s voice boomed across the room, filled with unrestrained fury.

The room went dead silent.

"You know why we’re in this mess?! Kizaru let Vegapunk escape! That one blunder infuriated the Five Elders, and they slashed our military budget!

Do you have any idea how much funding we lost because of that incident?!"

Doberman’s face paled slightly, but Sengoku wasn’t finished.

"If it weren’t for Vice Admiral Luffy, who recognized our financial crisis and secured this supply deal for us, we’d be completely screwed!

Forget about chasing pirates—we wouldn’t even have the money to pay your damn salary!

So tell me, Doberman, do you want to continue sailing in rusty old warships with weapons that barely function?

Do you want to send underpaid, demoralized Marines to fight against Emperors and massive pirate crews?!

Or…" Sengoku narrowed his eyes, his voice lowering dangerously, "would you rather temporarily act as a transporter and use the funds we secure to maintain the Marines’ current strength?"

Chapter 423: Paving the Way for the Young Generation

The three Vice Admirals stood in silence, absorbing the harsh reality that had just been laid bare before them.

They had known that the Marines were facing financial strain, but they had never expected it to be this dire.

Doberman, in particular, felt the weight of his previous words pressing down on him like a lead weight. He lowered his head, finally grasping the full extent of the situation.

Looking at the massive budget deficit displayed in bold numbers on the document Sengoku had slammed onto the table, he realized how shortsighted he had been.

Without hesitation, Doberman straightened his posture and bowed deeply in apology.

"I'm truly sorry, Fleet Admiral. I was inconsiderate in my remarks.

Please forgive my rashness and my lack of foresight."

Seeing Doberman acknowledge his mistake so sincerely, Sengoku sighed heavily. His previous frustration faded, leaving only the exhaustion of a leader burdened with too many responsibilities.

"There’s no need to apologize. You spoke up because you care about the Marines. I don’t fault you for that," Sengoku admitted.

"But none of us could have predicted that the World Government would go to such extremes this time.

They completely disregarded the difficulties we face, cutting our funding without a second thought and forcing us into this predicament."

He picked up the budget report once more, glancing over the depressingly large funding gap. Another sigh escaped his lips.

"It's one thing for us to endure humiliation," he continued, his voice firm, "but we cannot let the Marines—our soldiers, our men and women—suffer because of it.

We can’t send them into battle armed with rusted weapons and expect them to fight against pirates with their lives on the line. That would be irresponsible, both to them and their families!"

Sengoku’s declaration struck a chord with the three Vice Admirals. They clenched their fists, their expressions hardening.

The Marines had dedicated their lives to maintaining order and justice in the world, yet the very government they served treated them as nothing more than expendable tools.

The sheer injustice of it all was infuriating.

But before resentment could fester, Sengoku waved a hand dismissively.

"Enough of those long faces," he said. "Luffy managed to secure this opportunity for us, and we should make the most of it.

If it weren’t for his girlfriend’s company, we wouldn’t have even been considered for such a deal."

The three Vice Admirals exchanged bewildered glances, as if sensing something amiss in Sengoku’s phrasing.

Still, none of them dared to question him outright, not when the Fleet Admiral had already made his decision.

"As long as this arrangement doesn't interfere with our primary duties, it’s a small price to pay for ensuring our Marines are properly equipped," Sengoku reasoned.

"Besides, by handling some financial matters ourselves, we reduce our dependency on government funding. That way, the next time they try to pull something like this, we won’t be completely at their mercy."

The logic made sense.

The three Vice Admirals nodded, accepting their orders without further protest.

After formally saluting the Fleet Admiral, they turned and departed, heading straight for the hospital to receive treatment for their previous injuries.

The room fell silent once their footsteps faded into the distance.

Tsuru, who had been quiet the entire time, finally broke the silence.

She remained seated, deep in thought, before speaking.

"Have you made up your mind?" she asked, her tone unreadable. "You’re certain it’s that kid?"

"Ah," Sengoku responded without hesitation. "Unless something unexpected happens, yes."

The vague nature of their conversation made it impossible for outsiders to understand what they were truly discussing.

But Tsuru understood.

Sengoku wasn’t just talking about Luffy’s deal with the Marines.

He was talking about succession.

Sengoku began pacing slowly around the office, his hands clasped behind his back as he mulled over his own reasoning.

"Sakazuki is too extreme in his ideology," he muttered. "Kuzan is too shaken by what happened in O’Hara.

And as for Borsalino… well, let’s not even talk about him."

A small scoff escaped Tsuru’s lips at that remark, but she said nothing.

Sengoku continued, his voice carrying a quiet determination.

"The current generation of Marine leaders is flawed. None of them are suitable to lead the organization into the future.

If I have to, I’ll hold on for a few more years and wait until the next generation produces someone truly worthy."

His pacing stopped as he turned to Tsuru.

"Luffy may have emotional flaws, but there’s no doubt about his dedication to the Marines.

He has his own understanding of justice—one that isn’t built on blind obedience or political games.

He’s willing to fight for it, and more importantly, he’s willing to lead others in doing the same."

Tsuru remained silent, her gaze unreadable.

Sengoku chuckled, shaking his head as he continued.

"The world isn’t kind to idealists like him. He’ll suffer setbacks, and there will be times when he questions himself.

But I believe in him. He’ll endure it all and come out stronger.

Of course, his combat strength is already impressive, but that’s not even my main concern.

To have achieved so much at this age… he has far surpassed you and me back in our youth."

Tsuru still did not respond, seemingly weighing the pros and cons in her mind.

Seeing her hesitation, Sengoku smirked.

"Of course," he added, "he’s still young. His temper is impulsive, and his methods are sometimes reckless.

But isn’t it the responsibility of our generation to guide and temper the next?"

He leaned back in his chair, his confidence unwavering.

"As long as he doesn’t give up, we’ll be here to support him.

And besides," Sengoku’s lips curled into a teasing grin, "there’s also your granddaughter, Kujaku…"

"Shut up, old man."

Tsuru shot him a glare, interrupting him immediately.

"Don’t drag Kujaku into this. Whatever your plans are for Luffy, I don’t care.

But don’t use her as a bargaining chip, and don’t regret your choice later on."

Despite her harsh tone, Sengoku only laughed heartily.

"You’re always so cold, Tsuru," he teased. "What, no interest in playing matchmaker?"

Tsuru scoffed, standing up and preparing to leave.

"If you want a stress-free life like Garp, you should hurry up and train a successor, then retire already, you old bastard."

Sengoku let out a full-bodied laugh as she walked away.

It was rare to see Tsuru rattle like that.

But deep down, he knew she understood.

This wasn’t just about reputation or influence.

This was about the future of the Marines.

And with that thought in mind, he turned his gaze toward the horizon.

With the headquarters’ orders dispatched, Admiral Akainu, Alternate Admiral Momosagi, and the three Vice Admirals, including Comil, immediately mobilized for action.

Chapter 424: Gion Arrives, Unexpected Visitors

Of the five individuals summoned to the designated location, the first to arrive was Gion, unsurprisingly.

After all, she had spent most of her time wandering the New World, rarely returning to Marine Headquarters unless absolutely necessary.

Or rather—ever since Luffy had told her about Pure Gold, she had refused to return altogether.

Desperate to maintain her youth and beauty, Gion had relentlessly scoured the seas for any trace of the legendary Lantern Fish.

But after months of fruitless searching, she had found nothing.

She had even made occasional stops at Onigashima, yet she never lingered—staying for a single night at most before departing again.

For a reserve Admiral, Sengoku had largely turned a blind eye to her actions, as long as she continued eliminating pirates in the process.

And to her credit, Gion had captured several notorious criminals over the past six months, further solidifying her reputation.

So when Sengoku finally issued a direct order, she immediately abandoned her current mission and set sail.

Her priorities were clear.

First, there was the undisclosed relationship between herself and certain individuals involved in this operation.

Second, after half a year of searching with no success, she was beginning to doubt whether Pure Gold even existed.

She had come to consult Luffy—to see if he still believed in its existence or if she should simply give up and wait the few years he had originally predicted for it to resurface.

And just like before, she chose to land at Onigashima.

Onigashima – A Flourishing Port City

Ever since computers had been introduced to the world, Onigashima had undergone a remarkable transformation.

It had evolved from a feared pirate stronghold into a bustling economic hub, its streets overflowing with travelers, traders, and tourists.

If it weren’t for the dedicated warship docks, Gion might have struggled to even find a place to park her ship.

Stepping off the vessel, she was greeted by Kujaku, who had come to escort her.

As Gion took in the breathtaking sight of the flourishing city, she couldn't help but sigh in admiration.

"You've really outdone yourself," she remarked. "In such a short time, you've managed to turn an insignificant island into something this grand."

Kujaku, ever the mischievous one, smiled modestly and led the way.

"Don’t be fooled by the glitter and gold," she said. "It’s actually a nightmare to manage."

Gion raised an eyebrow as Kujaku dramatically sighed, clearly eager to vent.

"Those wealthy nobles and royal brats throw money around like it’s nothing," she grumbled. "They insist on buying the same products, so we’re constantly running out of stock.

Luffy’s practically losing his mind trying to keep up with demand."

At this, Gion paused and blinked.

'Wait… I was just being polite, and now she’s trying to one-up me with complaints?'

Her eyelid twitched as she realized Kujaku was pulling a humble brag on her.

‘Alright, little brat. If that’s how you wanna play it…’

Without warning, Gion lunged forward, wrapping her arms around Kujaku’s neck in an iron grip.

The sudden chokehold left Kujaku gasping for air.

"G-Gah! What—?!"

The Marines watching the scene gasped in horror, their faces turning pale.

Was Gion about to murder her colleague in broad daylight?!

Kujaku flailed helplessly, her breath hitching as she struggled under Gion’s vice-like grip.

"Mmph—! I—I was wrong! I was wrong! Granny Gion, please spare me!" she managed to choke out.

Unfortunately, Kujaku had made another mistake.

Somehow, in the midst of her panic, she had picked up one of Luffy’s bad habits—running her mouth even when she was at a disadvantage.

And unlike Luffy, Kujaku did not have the strength to back it up.

Gion’s smile vanished instantly.

Her grip tightened.

"You called me what?" she asked, her tone dangerously low.

Kujaku’s eyes bulged.

The last thing she saw before her vision blurred was Gion’s fist coming toward her.

Minutes Later…

Kujaku staggered forward, coughing violently, her hand rubbing at her sore throat.

"Ack—! You crazy woman! You really dared to choke me?!"

Gion flexed her wrist and scoffed.

"Little Kujaku," she said with mocking sweetness, "hasn’t your sister ever warned you?

'Trouble comes from the tongue.'

If you don’t want to suffer, then don’t provoke me."

Kujaku glared at her, still gasping for breath.

She wanted to fire back with some sharp remark, but the lingering pain in her throat reminded her of the reality—there was an overwhelming gap in strength between them.

So instead, she simply huffed, turned on her heel, and stormed off.

"Heh. You really think you can escape that easily, little brat?" Gion chuckled smugly as she followed behind.

The Marines who had gathered to watch the one-sided beatdown slowly dispersed, returning to their duties.

None of them had noticed two mysterious figures watching from the docks.

At some point, a small fishing boat had appeared in the port, docked quietly among the warships.

Standing aboard it were two figures, one dressed in black, the other in gold—both wearing Marine uniforms.

And yet…

No one recognized them.

Without drawing attention, the two strangers disembarked and disappeared into the crowds, moving with silent purpose.

Meanwhile, Elsewhere in Onigashima…

Still fuming, Kujaku led Gion into one of the most extravagant restaurants on the island.

Despite its high-class appearance, the restaurant was packed with tourists, nobles, and merchants alike, all enjoying the luxury of Onigashima’s new economic boom.

As the two disappeared inside, murmurs spread through the nearby crowd.

A well-dressed middle-aged gentleman, seated beside his female companion, adjusted his monocle and furrowed his brows.

"Hmm… If I’m not mistaken," he mused, stroking his chin, "that woman just now was Miss Gion, the Marine Admiral candidate, known by the codename ‘Momousagi.’"

Chapter 425: An Old Friend Arrives at Onigashima

Upon hearing this, the elegant and sophisticated woman beside the middle-aged gentleman immediately responded with excitement:

"That's Ms. Gion! She's one of my idols. She's one of the few women on the sea who embody both strength and grace so perfectly."

Listening to the unreserved admiration in his wife’s voice, the middle-aged gentleman chuckled, seemingly long accustomed to her enthusiasm.

"Yes, it really is her. One of the only three candidates for the position of admiral… What an honor to see her in person."

As he spoke, his expression suddenly grew serious. A thought seemed to cross his mind, and he hesitated before furrowing his brows and saying:

"I remember reading in the newspaper a few days ago… about Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, and Big Mom, Charlotte Linlin. It was reported that they’ve formed an alliance."

"Haha, don’t scare yourself like that." His wife laughed lightly, waving off his concerns. "Besides, don’t forget—Vice Admiral Luffy is stationed here, leading the Marine G-66. With him in charge, things should be under control. Could it be that Miss Gion came to Onigashima because of this situation? After all, this place was originally Kaido’s territory."

Hearing this, the mature woman instinctively clung to her husband's arm, her expression shifting.

"Dear… please don’t say such terrifying things." Her voice carried a trace of unease. "The Four Emperors joining forces… That’s terrifying." She hesitated for a moment before whispering, "Maybe we should leave. Your business here is finished anyway, isn’t it?"

Seeing his wife visibly shaken, the middle-aged gentleman immediately softened his tone, gently patting her hand.

"Alright, alright, my mistake. I shouldn’t have brought it up at a time like this," he said reassuringly.

Though he comforted her, in truth, he couldn't help but feel a slight sense of apprehension himself. However, thinking about Vice Admiral Luffy’s presence, he felt somewhat reassured.

"Besides, isn’t your idol, Miss Gion, one of the candidates for admiral? With her here, what’s there to be afraid of?"

"That’s true." She nodded, her fear dissipating slightly.

The mention of Luffy’s name seemed to have a magical effect—it brought a sense of reassurance, as if his presence alone was enough to keep trouble at bay.

The couple continued their conversation with lighthearted laughter as they prepared to leave, strolling down the bustling street.

Just as they turned a corner, a black-haired young man suddenly dashed out from an alleyway, nearly colliding with the middle-aged gentleman.

The man instinctively stepped back in surprise, but before an accident could occur, the young man stopped just in time.

"Ah, my apologies!" the young man said quickly, slightly out of breath. "My companion was starving, and in his rush to find food, he wasn’t paying attention to the road. I’m really sorry for almost running into you."

A moment later, another figure, a blond young man, hurried over and bowed in apology.

"Yes, please forgive us," he said sincerely. "We didn’t mean to cause any trouble."

The middle-aged gentleman, though startled, was good-natured and waved his hand dismissively.

"It’s alright, no harm done. Just be careful next time."

Seeing that the gentleman wasn’t angry, the two young men sighed in relief. Just as the couple was about to continue on their way, the blond young man hesitated for a moment before calling out to them again.

"Um… excuse me," he said, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. "Do you happen to know where we could meet Vice Admiral Monkey D. Luffy?"

The gentleman turned back, surprised by the question. His gaze flickered toward the uniforms they were wearing—Marine attire—before he raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"You’re Marines, aren’t you?" he asked, puzzled. "Shouldn’t you know that better than I do?"

The blond young man faltered, struggling for an answer, while the black-haired young man, completely unfazed, responded bluntly:

"Ah, that’s because we’re not stationed here—"

Before he could finish his sentence, his companion swiftly covered his mouth.

The couple exchanged glances, clearly finding their behavior suspicious. The blond young man let out an awkward chuckle before quickly explaining:

"Ah… what he meant was that we’re not part of the G-66 branch Marines."

That explanation sounded reasonable enough, and since they were indeed in Marine uniforms, the middle-aged gentleman didn’t question it further.

The blond Marine quickly followed up, attempting to make his excuse sound more natural.

"We actually arrived from headquarters with… Vice Admiral Gion. I’ve heard a lot about Vice Admiral Luffy’s exploits and really admire him. That’s why I wanted to meet him in person."

The businessman nodded thoughtfully before shaking his head.

"Sorry, I’m just an ordinary merchant who came here for business. I’ve heard many stories about Vice Admiral Luffy, of course, but I have no idea about his daily whereabouts."

He paused for a moment as if recalling something before gesturing toward a nearby restaurant.

"However… I did see Vice Admiral Gion enter that establishment a short while ago. If someone as important as her is here, there’s a good chance Vice Admiral Luffy is meeting with her. He might even be inside right now."

Hearing this, the black-haired young man’s eyes lit up with excitement.

"That’s great! I’m starving anyway—let’s go inside and eat first!"

The blond Marine hesitated for a second before nodding in agreement.

"That does sound like a good plan," he admitted.

Having settled on their course of action, the two Marines exchanged a glance before bowing deeply toward the couple.

"Thank you very much for your help," the blond young man said gratefully. "And sorry for taking up so much of your time."