"T-There were seven hundred and thirty-two people… and only sixty-one can return home?"
After receiving the final numbers, Tina murmured in deep sadness.
"You've already done very well," General Louis comforted gently.
"At least sixty-one families will be reunited. And at the very least, the rest will no longer live as slaves."
"Little Tina," Rear Admiral Adergin added, "this is already a spectacular victory.
Unlike ordinary pirates, slaver-affiliated crews always use their captives as shields.
Most of the time, we can't push too hard—otherwise the hostages get hurt.
We usually have to settle for forcing them to release a portion of their slaves before regrouping."
Adergin sighed, though he didn't hold back his praise.
"We know this approach indirectly encourages slave-hunters… but balancing safety and results is incredibly difficult.
Your mission, however, delivered a massive blow to their arrogance.
Once you officially join the Marines, I'll make sure your contribution is recorded."
"M-Me? But Tina didn't do anything! This was all Longinus-nii's achievement!"
Tina waved her hands frantically.
"Don't worry, I won't forget Longinus's share."
Adergin chuckled. "He's probably being interviewed by reporters right now."
As a Rear Admiral, even he had only been mentioned in newspapers a handful of times—and those few mentions were because he happened to be standing next to Longinus in reports.
He couldn't help it:
With his rugged looks, average strength, and ordinary achievements, he simply didn't attract attention.
But Longinus was different.
Just putting his face on the front page increased sales by several tiers.
And for readers who didn't care about appearances, his impeccable record left no room for criticism.
In G–2, he had become every parent's favorite "ideal child."
"An impeccable performance, Major Longinus. I look forward to our next cooperation."
A humanoid big bird tipped his top hat politely.
"Vice President Morgans, your questions were sharp and strategic.
I believe we may well cooperate again in the future."
Despite the man being a giant bird, Longinus didn't show the slightest discomfort.
"I have the same feeling. With your potential, Major Longinus, our cooperation will not end here.
May my reports carry your name across the entire Grand Line."
Shaking his round belly, Morgans waddled calmly out the door, ignoring the laughter directed his way.
"The future president of the World Economy News Paper, hm?"
Longinus watched Morgans leave, then lowered his gaze to his half-closed palm.
"Only by mastering the power of public opinion… can 'justice' reach farther."
Night fell.
One by one, the kings of the other nations arrived.
This was why they demanded Marine supervision—a symbol of Absolute Justice.
Without the Marines present, none of the kings would dare set foot on a rival nation's land.
"The most troublesome in this Four-Kingdom Mediation is Alabasta," Adergin explained at the reception banquet.
"They're the strongest and benefited the most from the previous war.
If they give up now, they'll still be the biggest winner… but they'd lose many long-term advantages."
While greeting assorted nobles and politicians, Adergin continued:
"Also, the old man ruling Alabasta is cunning as a fox.
He always bites off the fattest chunk from his enemies.
Dozens of wars under his reign—that's how Alabasta expanded to its current size.
Honestly, I'm shocked he agreed to attend the summit at all."
"As for the other three kingdoms, watch out for King Azka.
He's greedy and stupid—dangerous combination.
Even in defeat, he probably fantasizes he can negotiate profit with his 'brilliant' negotiation skills.
Make sure his stupidity doesn't ruin the meeting."
Longinus twitched at the corner of his mouth.
"Are we here to mediate… or babysit?"
"Those who can, work more," Adergin said without shame.
He scanned their surroundings and lowered his voice.
"To be honest, Saintin Island is just a mess.
My jurisdiction is the largest among G–2's Rear Admirals, not because I'm strong—but because I have the least seniority, so I was stuck with this place."
"According to my predecessor, Marine officers stationed here for generations have noted traces of World Government intelligence agencies operating frequently on this island.
Apparently, this place is of high interest to them."
"So we all agreed on one rule:
Don't let Saintin Island fall into chaos, or those Government agents will meddle."
"Because of the Nefertari family's former royal status…
or because of the Poneglyph they guard?"
Longinus thought, recalling memories from his otherworldly soul.
"It should be the former… otherwise the Government wouldn't have let Crocodile run rampant in Alabasta for so many years."
Just as Longinus pondered, Adergin slapped his shoulder and winked.
"Looks like I'm getting in your way. I'll leave the great Marine hero to show off his charm!"
Sure enough, once Adergin—this thick-eyebrowed brute—left, flocks of women quickly swarmed in.
"You're Major Longinus, the hero who freed those poor slaves? You're just as handsome as in the papers—I mean, just as kind!"
"Kindness? Don't kid yourself.
You're here for his looks.
But I'm different—I'm drawn to Major Longinus's soul!"
"You're so shameless!"
"Major Longinus, could you share your heroic battle stories with us?
If it's inconvenient here… we can go somewhere more private."
"You old hags in your twenties, stop hogging Major Longinus!
Shouldn't you be looking for an uncle that matches your age?"
"You little brats don't know anything!"
"Auntie, you're so noisy!"
"What did you call me?"
"Sorry, then—grandma."
"You damn brat! I'll tear your mouth apart!"
"Come at me! I've had enough of you old grandmas!"
As the battle escalated, Longinus was shoved out of the crowd, totally bewildered.
At that moment, a face both familiar and unfamiliar appeared before him—eyes trembling with excitement.
"M-M-Major Longinus! Meeting you here is… it's simply my greatest joy!"
"Right! Allow me to introduce myself.
I am the Crown Prince of Alabasta—Nefertari Cobra!
And also your most loyal admirer!"
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