บท 17: 17. Nusjuro: Support For Everything But Bailey!
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Holy Land Mariejois.
"Nusjuro-sama, the coffee is surprisingly delicious today."
"The new variety comes from a place in the New World. It's rare, but if you like it, we can arrange for more in the future."
Kong straightened up in his chair, holding a cup of fine tea.
Next to him was a bald man in a white robe and glasses, reclining on a sun lounger, enjoying the warm sunshine.
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro!
One of the top leaders of the World Government, the Warrior God of Finance among the Five Elders.
The two appeared relaxed, chatting comfortably.
"My lords, I have new information."
A CP0 agent suddenly appeared, holding a report in his hands, kneeling with his head bowed.
The Warrior God of Finance took the report.
After reading it for a moment, he handed it to Kong.
Although puzzled, Kong took it and began reading.
The more he read, the more his expression changed, the corners of his mouth twitching.
Glancing at the Warrior God of Finance, he noticed that his eyes were half-closed, expressionless, revealing nothing.
"This is too chaotic. The real issue at sea is the pirates, not worrying about soldiers' spouses."
"Akira, does he still want to be Fleet Admiral? No, I have to go talk to him."
Though unsure of what the Warrior God of Finance was thinking, Kong felt he couldn't just stay silent and angrily stood up.
But just as he was about to leave, the Warrior God of Finance raised his hand to stop him.
"When you introduced him some time ago, you mentioned he was the smartest young man at Marine Headquarters, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"Well then... it's good for young people to have ideas. As their superiors, our job is to support them in every way—except with berries."
"What do you mean???"
"Arrange for the CP department to assist him a little. Sengoku's little maneuvers are becoming quite unsightly."
"Understood, I'll give the order."
Kong's eyes flickered, understanding the Warrior God of Finance's intent.
Money? No.
But manpower? We've got plenty.
Since Akira is working hard to make a name for himself and aiming to replace Sengoku, we'll do everything we can to support him.
Especially considering that after Sengoku, who is an Admiral, can easily mobilize the entire Marine high command and act as the acting Fleet Admiral.
Whatever Akira plans next, the Five Elders will back him as much as possible.
Of course, this support must be done in secret, so no one will know.
If Akainu fails, and Sengoku successfully becomes Fleet Admiral, there would be no ill feelings to worry about.
Soon, under Kong's direction, World Government spies across the globe began to move.
...
Akira's wife project had officially launched, and Marineford was bustling with activity.
Of course, Gion was unaware of all this.
"Our first destination is the Kingdom of Mannoroc, one of the closest countries that have been completely overrun by pirates."
"There, many civilians are starving, and there are also homeless..."
Gion pointed to an island on the chart, a hint of shame in her voice. "Women."
"Yes! I'll do my best to ensure they willingly marry the soldiers who fight for justice."
Rouge, sitting across from her, nodded firmly.
Considering that Gion is a skilled fighter, it makes sense for her to handle combat, but her lack of experience in matchmaking could lead to problems.
So Rouge was also sent along to assist.
She, too, needed to earn enough credit to make the Marines and the World Government willing to stop hunting her and her child.
Akira didn't need them to convince the entire world—just to start with dozens or hundreds of real cases.
From there, it could spread like wildfire, creating a domino effect.
"Let marrying a 'brave Marine' become a trend, and let women feel proud and superior as the 'wives of brave soldiers.'"
"Let's do our best!"
Gion covered her head, slumped into a chair, and fell silent.
Thinking about their upcoming mission, she felt lost, unsure of what to do.
She was deeply confused, frustrated, and panicked, not wanting to speak.
Rouge felt similarly, but when she placed her hand on her stomach and felt the life growing within her, her confused eyes instantly became resolute.
"No matter how hard it gets, I'll work tirelessly to complete this mission," she resolved in her heart.
"Oh, right! I almost forgot." At that moment, Gion suddenly slapped her forehead, took out a peculiar-looking leaf, and handed it to Rouge.
"Akira said, if you ever find yourself in danger and I'm not around, you can use this to protect yourself."
"What should I do with it?"
Rouge took the misshapen leaf and examined it curiously. Aside from the words "Bartholomew Kuma" written on it, it looked like any ordinary leaf.
But she knew Akira wouldn't hand her something trivial, so she focused her attention and studied it closely.
"When the time comes, just throw the leaf and say 'come out,' and that's all," Gion explained.
After a pause, her curiosity got the better of her, and she hesitantly asked:
"What... what is your relationship with Akira? Can you tell me?"
"Rouge... Rouge..."
"I'm listening."
Seeing Rouge engrossed in examining the leaf, Gion waved a hand in front of her face, bringing her back to reality.
"Oh, right. I'm his secretary."
"Just his secretary?"
"Well... and his woman."
"What?" Gion gasped in shock but quickly composed herself, sitting back down and pretending to be calm.
"I'm just curious. Akira never mentioned having a wife, and now you have his child."
"No, the child in my womb isn't his, and I'm not his wife—just a woman who belongs to him."
"..."
Gion was stunned, then silently mulled over something, her lips pursed in quiet frustration.
Men, huh.
The night passed in silence.
Early the next morning, the warship docked at the port.
Gion disembarked with a group of Marines.
All around, she saw the remnants of destruction, the chaos left in the wake of pirate attacks.
Seeing the Marines arrive, many refugees slowly emerged from their hiding places, hope rekindled in their eyes.
A dirty woman holding a small child stumbled over, desperation in her eyes.
She grabbed the corner of Gion's pure white Marine cloak, her face streaked with tears, and asked hopefully, "Marine, are you here to protect us?"
"..."
Gion looked up, taking in the sight of the malnourished, shivering people before her, and fell silent.
Most of those left behind were women and children.
The men were either killed by pirates or had taken to the sea themselves, becoming thieves.
At that moment, the slight resistance in her heart vanished.
Akira, your plan might seem chaotic, but it's definitely needed.
These people, lonely and helpless, truly need someone to rely on.
"No, I'm here to help you build a new home."
Gion helped the woman to her feet and spoke solemnly to everyone gathered around her.
...
...
A few days later, a pirate ship was in the midst of a rowdy banquet.
"Hahahahaha, those useless Marines, what are they doing trying to introduce wives at a time like this?"
"I can't stop laughing! That acting Fleet Admiral must have lost his mind!"
The pirate captain, Norton, chomped on a juicy chicken leg, his arrogant laughter echoing around as he glanced at the newspaper he'd just bought.
His crew, their faces greasy from the feast, raised their small barrels of ale in agreement:
"Boss Norton's right. The Marines are getting more pathetic by the day. They don't have the guts to face us head-on, so they're stuck with these pointless antics."
"Introducing wives? If I want a woman, I'll just take her. What's the point in all this nonsense?"
"Good thing I didn't join the Marines back then. It's way better being a pirate."
"Here's to this free-spirited, plundering life."
"..."
Listening to his crew's words, Captain Norton's wicked grin grew wider.
A large flame suddenly ignited in his hand, burning the newspaper with Akira's face on it.
"Alright, boys, when we hit the next town, leave no woman behind."
"Yes, Captain!"
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