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For a branch Colonel like Eveya, her tall, muscular superior officer seemed like a legendary figure stepping into reality. Her young heart was undeniably shaken.
From the moment she received the order, Eveya had been in a daze, unable to believe that such a powerful Vice-Admiral, highly respected within the Marine, would be assigned to a backwater like West Blue.
Compared to Vice-Admiral Kojin’s capabilities, the position of G-18 Commander was clearly beneath him. He deserved a brighter future.
“Tell me about the situation here,” Kojin said softly, his gaze sweeping over the female officer before him. “And have them disperse.”
He chuckled lightly, his eyes looking down at her. She seemed somewhat dazed, her delicate features and crisp uniform reminding him of Tashigi, the female officer who would later serve alongside Smoker.
“Yes, sir!”
Eveya snapped out of her daze, her cheeks flushing crimson as she realized the senior official was watching her.
She turned to her colleagues, giving them a subtle nod, and then hurried after the senior official, who was already striding toward the base’s main complex.
“G-18 Base houses approximately 13,000 Marines,” Eveya explained calmly, taking a steadying breath.
“It has a fleet of 35 battleships of various sizes, small, medium, and large.”
“The base is circular in layout, with the main structures built on a barren islet and surrounded by city walls.”
As Eveya spoke, Kojin scanned his surroundings.
At the same time, his field of perception rapidly expanded, enveloping the entire fortress in an instant.
True to Eveya’s description, the base was indeed circular. The western sector housed the main facilities, including the mess hall, training grounds, recreational areas, residential quarters, and armories, while the eastern side featured the imposing main gate.
Towering watchtowers stood guard in all four cardinal directions.
The only way to enter the fortress was through the eastern gate, making it exceptionally easy to defend and difficult to attack.
“Vice-Admiral Johnny is nearing retirement, so until you arrived at the base, I was temporarily in charge of all affairs here,” Eveya said cautiously.
Hearing this, Kojin smiled. “In that case, you must be an excellent administrator.”
“N-no, not at all,” Eveya quickly replied.
“From today onward, I’d like you to serve as my adjutant, Eveya,” Kojin suddenly announced.
“Ah?” Eveya was stunned by the unexpected declaration.
“Crocodile, Bullet, Evans, and the others will handle all other matters perfectly,” Kojin added.
Eveya’s heart skipped a beat as she immediately understood.
Turning her head, she noticed for the first time that several new figures had joined the group at the rear.
“Their auras are terrifying!”
“As expected, Vice-Admiral Kojin is surrounded by monsters!” Eveya thought nervously.
While the others casually strolled through the base, Eveya acted as their guide, explaining everything.
Notably, Rouge had also changed into a Marine uniform and was trailing at the back of the group.
“The total number of Marines in the West Blue is approximately 280,000,” Eveya explained with a smile.
“That includes forces stationed on various islands, in cities and towns, and patrolling the seas. All 280,000 Marines are under your command.”
“When major incidents occur, other branches will request assistance from us, and you will decide whether to provide support.”
“280,000?” Kojin murmured, slightly taken aback by the figure.
He was somewhat surprised, yet it also felt natural.
The Four Seas, after all, covered an immense area, occupying nearly a quarter of the planet’s surface.
The Marine’s control over the world stemmed from the vast number of rank-and-file Marines under their command.
Although the 280,000 branch Marines were mostly ordinary, low-ranking soldiers with limited individual combat strength, easily defeated even by Kojin alone, their sheer numbers were still staggering, causing his heart to race.
It was precisely this ordinary mass that formed the foundation of the World Government’s global dominance.
Similarly, countless Marine officers, Colonels, Generals, even Admirals, had risen from these very ranks.
“To truly control these 280,000 Marines is to indirectly control the entire West Blue Sea,” Kojin thought, his eyes narrowing slightly.
He glanced back at Crocodile, Bullet, and the others.
The group was visibly shaken by the staggering number, their excitement palpable.
Kojin understood their intentions perfectly.
A helpless smile suddenly appeared on his face.
They were Marines, yet it felt as if they were infiltrating the Marine ranks, plotting to usurp control like a cuckoo taking over another bird’s nest, a group with sinister intentions.
But the truth, it seemed, was precisely that.
Ever since overhearing the conversation in the Fleet Admiral’s office that day, Kojin had been pondering his next move.
His initial plan was to go to the Four Seas, seize control of the local military forces, gradually consolidate his power, and eventually establish a loyal army that would obey only his commands.
He wouldn’t become a pirate or lead a revolution. Instead, he would act like a slender worm, slowly devouring the colossal Marine organization until it was entirely his own.
After touring the entire base, Kojin had gained a thorough understanding of the fortress where he was stationed.
“Crocodile, Lieutenant Commander, effective immediately, you are promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and will command the First Division.”
“Bullet, you’re also promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and will command the Second Division. You’ll also serve as the base’s Chief Instructor, responsible for training outstanding and promising soldiers.”
“Evans, Lieutenant Commander, will command the Third Division.”
“T. Penn, Lieutenant Commander, will command the Fourth Division.”
“Kaien Jūbei, Fifth Division.”
After assigning the first five divisions, he paused slightly before continuing.
“Slo, Sixth Division.”
“Kira, Seventh Division.”
“Mina, Eighth Division.”
“The Ninth to Thirteen Divisions will retain their highest commanding officers.”
“As for the remaining former officers, any who object may challenge my appointed representatives. If they win, they will be reinstated to their original positions; otherwise, they will serve as deputies.”
After delivering these remarks, Eveya’s expression shifted slightly.
“Yes, Vice-Admiral Kojin.”
“I will relay your orders immediately.”
She keenly sensed her new superior’s decisive and uncompromising approach. His commands brooked no questioning.
Moreover, his intentions were crystal clear: to seize complete control of G-18, leaving the former division commanders no room for maneuver.
“I entrust this fortress to you all,” Kojin said, glancing at his subordinates.
“I expect you to deliver satisfactory results in the days ahead.”
“Rest assured!” Bullet grinned savagely. “I’ll forge the personnel of this base into a razor-sharp blade in your hand.”
Crocodile exhaled a plume of smoke. “I have no objections.”
“T. Penn, I will act according to your will. Senior Official, please have no worries!” T. Penn declared earnestly.
The others echoed with solemn assurances.
Kojin nodded, dismissing them.
Guided by Eveya, he proceeded to his new residence.
Compared to the villas at Headquarters, the Branch Base’s accommodations were far more opulent, spacious, and even extravagant. Before him lay a sprawling courtyard, complete with lush trees, vibrant flowers, a serene pond, and a veritable work of art.
“The previous Senior Official Johnnsen was a man who knew how to enjoy life,” Eveya remarked. Eveya smiled faintly.
Kojin understood immediately.
The near-retirement old man was clearly a hedonist.
(End Of This Chapter)
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