The burly naval officer's expression grew even fiercer. He felt an unprecedented surge of strength fill his fist, determined to strike Yahn down before anyone else could react.
Yet facing that looming punch—one that seemed strong enough to splinter planks—Yahn's expression did not change in the slightest. His eyelids remained half-lowered, as if he hadn't even registered the threat.
In the next instant, just as the officer's fist was about to connect and a triumphant grin crept across his face—
A shadow suddenly loomed over him. Ensign Hope's massive hand clamped down over the officer's head like an iron vice.
Bang!
The officer's fist smashed into Hope's chest with a dull thud, but Hope didn't so much as flinch. His expression remained utterly unchanged.
Before the officer could comprehend what was happening, Hope's fingers tightened. With a single motion, he hoisted the man clean off the deck and slammed him down.
Boom!
"Gwah—!"
A spray of blood burst from the officer's mouth. His vision went dark, his consciousness nearly shattered by the brutal impact.
Hope sighed and muttered, "Really now… Do the North Blue navy only measure strength by bounties and rank? If that's the standard, then remember—I was once a Marine Headquarters captain. That's a higher rank above you."
Turning toward Yahn, Hope asked flatly, "Lord Yahn, this fool actually dared raise his hand against you. Should I toss him overboard and let him sink?"
Yahn waved his hand lightly, his tone magnanimous.
"Now, now—we're proper marines. Resorting to vigilante justice would be unbecoming. Hand him over to Judicial Island for a lawful trial. At worst, his rations can be halved while he's in custody."
"…Understood, Lord Yahn."
Though reluctant, Hope obeyed. He gave the unconscious officer a kick, sending him tumbling toward the waiting soldiers. They hurriedly caught the commander, clasped ornate restraints onto his wrists, and prepared appropriate confinement.
The other officers of the North Blue bases stood frozen, stunned by what they had just witnessed.
What?
Former Marine Headquarters captain?!
Their minds reeled. A Headquarters captain was only a step away from the rank of flag officer—an elite among elites. Such a man could single-handedly capture pirates with bounties in the tens of millions.
That was a completely different existence from a regional captain—far beyond the power one would expect in the North Blue.
So how could such a man be serving as the adjutant to a mere lieutenant?
But after a moment, their thoughts aligned. Considering all factors, it wasn't strange at all that a former Headquarters captain might act as adjutant to the North Blue's Inspector General. In fact, it was perfectly logical.
As Yahn's gaze swept over them, the base commanders' faces split into identical smiles, each one eager to flatter.
Yahn shook his head with a weary sigh.
"To be honest, I had only wanted to interact with you as an ordinary Headquarters lieutenant. I feared you would be uncomfortable if you kept my family background in mind. I never thought things would sour like this."
"Well, since you all heard everything just now, I can't exactly drown you to keep it quiet."
The commanders' throats went dry. None of them dared to swallow, much less breathe too loudly.
Yahn continued, his tone turning firm.
"So let me be clear. I expect you all to fulfill your duties as marines—and not disgrace the word 'Justice' emblazoned across the cloaks on your backs."
"My eyes are the eyes of Headquarters. I do not wish to see any of you accompany that captain to Judicial Island for trial."
He paused, then added gravely:
"Remember this: if you seek wealth and power, look elsewhere. If you fear death and crave life, do not bear the name of Justice."
Finally, with a wave of his hand, he dismissed them.
"You've lingered here long enough. Return to your posts and carry out your duties."
Relief washed over the commanders like a second life granted. None dared remain a moment longer—they scrambled to their ships and sailed away.
Watching the eight warships disperse in orderly fashion, Ensign Hope frowned.
"Lord Yahn, are you really just going to let those other base commanders go? They clearly gathered here with ulterior motives."
Yahn answered calmly, "Hope, when the water is too clear, there are no fish. Of course they each have problems—but if I were to punish all eight at once, who would govern their seas in the meantime?"
Hope faltered, unable to respond.
"Better to kill a chicken to warn the monkeys," Yahn explained. "Instill fear in these far-flung commanders while maintaining stability. Then, one by one, we can deal with the worst offenders."
His reasoning was sharp, his strategy precise.
"For now, let's head to the base of the captain we just detained. We need to see exactly what issues plague his command."
"Yes, Lord Yahn."
Hope gave the order. The warship turned, setting course for the 521st Marine Base.
Yahn, meanwhile, absently played with Little Gold, his thoughts already drifting.
There was no denying it—the same rot likely infested every sea, East, West, South, and North. The further a base was from Headquarters' eye, the greater the unchecked power of its commanders, and the deeper corruption could take root.
It was a problem almost impossible to eradicate completely. And at its core lay the very nature of this boundless sea—countless islands scattered like stars, too many to monitor, too vast to govern. Isolation bred autonomy, and autonomy bred corruption.
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