"Is it... Really over just like that?"
"It's definitely over. A truly delightful cooperation!" Dande let go of his sidearm and stretched comfortably. He looked at Nami, who was still standing there with a blank expression, unable to process how a life-or-death inspection had turned into a business meeting.
"It's a cause for celebration, isn't it?"
"But... that was a Marine Hero!" Nami finally found her voice, her tone bordering on a shriek. "He just... compromised? For a fifty-percent bribe?"
"That old man isn't looking at a simple bribe." Dande shrugged, his gaze deep and knowing. "I told you, Nami—there is no such thing as Absolute Justice on this sea. Every gift has its price tag already attached."
Had it been Akainu, Dande would have been halfway across the ocean by now. Had it been Kizaru or Aokiji, they might have talked, as those two had their own idiosyncratic versions of "Justice" that allowed for slacking off.
And Sengoku? Before he retired, he would have crushed a "Marine failure" like Dande. But once retired? He'd be right there next to Garp, fishing for rice crackers.
This was the reality of the Navy: a sea of people just trying to stay afloat in the mud.
"Marines really don't have a single good person!" Nami huffed, her mind flashing back to Nezumi. But seeing Dande's pointed look, she puffed out her chest defensively. "Except for me and Bell-mère, obviously! We're good Marines. What, am I wrong?"
"..." Your thick skin makes you a perfect subordinate, Dande thought. He nodded solemnly. "Of course. And me too. I'm a very good Marine."
Nami stared at him, speechless at his audacity. Then, her eyes twinkled as a thought occurred to her. "Are they staying the night?"
She balled her tiny fist, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Then let Petty Officer Nami of the 16th Branch show them some... hospitality."
She turned and marched out before Dande could stop her.
"Hey! Be careful with them!" he called out to her back.
"Got it~!"
Dande shook his head, sighed, and walked toward a room in the back. He pushed the door open.
Inside, Robin was sitting by the window, elegantly reading a book. She wore a crisp white shirt and a professional pencil skirt, her dark hair pulled back into a neat bun.
She occasionally adjusted her fashionable glasses. As she shifted her legs, the light caught her in a way that would have distracted any lesser man.
She noticed Dande's unashamed gaze but didn't look up immediately. She flipped a page, then offered an elegant smile. "Dear BOSS, do I look good?"
"Not bad. Ahem." Dande cleared his throat to dispel the slight awkwardness and moved his gaze to her book. "I thought you might have run for it."
"Ara, ara... I haven't resigned yet." Robin brushed a stray hair from her forehead and looked at him. "Is the Boss trying to fire me now that the base has developed? How cold-hearted."
"..." Is she being extra sarcastic today?
Before he could respond, Robin lowered her book, her expression turning unreadable. "Tell me, Boss... if one day, someone tried to take me away—like Arlong tried to take Nami—would you keep me here the way you kept her?"
"No," Dande said simply.
Robin's eyebrows twitched, a shadow of disappointment flickering in her eyes. She started to put on her mask-like smile again.
"But," Dande continued, his voice turning serious, "unless you choose to leave of your own accord, no one has the power to force my employees to go anywhere."
Robin froze. A genuine smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. She rested her chin on her hand, her bright eyes looking at him with a different light than before.
"Then... I look forward to our continued cooperation, Boss."
"Likewise, Secretary-ko."
While Dande was "re-negotiating" with his secretary, the inspection tour had officially ended.
Garp had led a fuming Smoker and a dazed Tashigi toward their quarters. The lockdown on the 16th Branch had been lifted via Den Den Mushi.
They were to spend the night in town and leave tomorrow on Moke's ship (which was now "escaping" under Garp's watchful eye).
Moke, acting as the temporary tour guide, was still in a state of shock. He had thought his life was over, but now he was rubbing shoulders with a Marine Hero. The Boss is incredible! He can even buy off the legends of the Navy!
"Hey! Pirate kid!" Garp's booming voice snapped Moke out of his reverie. "Your Boss said you'd take care of us. Come on, show me the 'interesting' parts of this town!"
"Ah! Yes! Grandfather Hero!" Moke scrambled to attention. He clapped a hand on Smoker's shoulder. "Come on, Brother Smoker! We're partners now, stop looking so grumpy!"
"Get lost! The Navy does not partner with pirates!" Smoker's face was black. He glared at Moke. "If I catch you doing anything illegal, I'll arrest you myself! And I'm reporting everything Garp did today to Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
"Don't worry, unless the Boss orders it, I won't do anything bad," Moke promised. He ignored Smoker's twitching eyebrow and thought for a moment. "Interesting places... oh! I know!"
A mischievous glint appeared in his cow-like eyes. "I know exactly where to go. It's a place for true relaxation, and since it's getting late, it's the perfect time."
He turned and gestured for them to follow. "Let this Uncle show you a good time!"
They soon arrived at a luxurious, sprawling building. It was decorated with an opulence that stood out even in the well-built town.
Tashigi blinked, her innocent face filled with curiosity. "It looks a bit like the parks on Sabaody..."
However, the entrance was lined with beautiful women in alluring outfits. Inside, through the dim evening light, one could see the pulsing of red, blue, and pink neon lights.
Tashigi's face flushed red. "But... it looks a bit... improper."
Smoker's hand holding his cigar began to tremble. Garp, meanwhile, looked on with great interest, laughing heartily.
"Improper? No way!" Moke laughed. "This used to be Arlong Park, the paradise built by the fishmen. But the Boss renovated it. Now it's called..."
He pointed to the glowing red sign.
"Red Romance Private Club."
Moke winked at Smoker. "This is the place for ultimate 'relaxation,' if you know what I mean."
"Where the hell are you taking us?!" Smoker roared, his cigars nearly falling out of his mouth. "Are you trying to corrupt the Justice of the Navy with... with this?!"
Even Tashigi was panicking, her face beet-red. "This isn't allowed for Marines! And I'm a girl!" Yet, despite her words, her eyes kept darting toward the glowing entrance with hidden curiosity.
Moke didn't listen. He had the Boss's credit card tonight, and he intended to use it. He grabbed Smoker's arm and started dragging him in. "What 'this' and 'that'? This is a respectable place! Come on, enjoy yourselves!"
"Stop!" "Damn it!" "Gahaha!"
Moke ignored their protests and shouted into the lobby with a voice that could shake mountains: "Babydoll! Cutie! Come out! We've got guests!"
"..."
Those names... the three Marines thought simultaneously. They sound very, very 'improper'!
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