In the Marine Headquarters, with its many factions, the only ones who truly supported Cage were Admiral Akainu and his sensei, Zephyr.
Garp and Aokiji could be considered to be in one faction, Kizaru was neutral, and Akainu was in another. However, Zephyr had also aligned himself with Akainu, all because of Cage.
Akainu had not been shy about voicing his support for Cage.
Of course, Sengoku also had high hopes for Cage, believing him to be a promising talent. Sengoku wouldn't punish Cage over a pirate. He wasn't so old-fashioned. What was done was done, and in some special circumstances, fighting violence with violence was not a bad idea.
Three days passed in a flash.
The news of Chinjao's gruesome death was known all over the world. While people sighed with emotion, they also became curious about Cage.
There were even newspaper reporters who tried to interview Cage, but he refused them, citing "a busy schedule."
As Cage's reputation soared, it also brought immense pressure, especially on the pirates of the West Blue. Upon hearing the name of this great demon king, they all felt a chill inexplicably run down their spines, their necks feeling cold as if a sniper rifle were aimed at them from a distance.
The method of stopping killing with killing had worked. Many pirates went into hiding because the Happo Navy of the Kano Country was considered a dominant force in the West Blue. When such a powerful figure was taken down by Cage, and their leader Chinjao was even hung up to dry, many pirates were so terrified that they vanished.
Cage was given not only the nickname "Marine Mad Dog" but also "Marine Devil." Many pirates secretly cursed Cage as a devil in a Marine uniform.
"Rear Admiral Cage, your previous strategy has worked. Various countries in the West Blue are reporting that there are far fewer pirates. They used to have pirates invading their port cities all the time, but now the kings say there are many fewer pirates."
"Some kings even said they will speak well of Rear Admiral Cage at the upcoming Reverie."
In Cage's office, Ain reported on the events of the past few days. While Cage's extreme actions against pirates had caused dissatisfaction among many, the countries that had long suffered from pirate oppression were filled with gratitude for him.
"Those kings are considerate," Cage said with a faint smile. He looked up at the ceiling, lost in thought. He didn't expect others to understand his actions, as everyone had their own values. He just wanted to live his life with a clear conscience.
For example, some people thought that pirates, who committed all sorts of evil, deserved to be killed without exception. But others believed that pirates embraced adventure, pursued freedom, and liked an unrestrained life, which wasn't inherently wrong.
"Right..."
As if a thought had suddenly occurred to him, the sharpness returned to Cage's eyes. He looked at Ain and asked, "How's the matter I asked you to handle coming along?"
"You mean Capone Bege and Lafitte?" Ain quickly replied, "I've looked into both of them, and neither are good people!"
"That Capone Bege is a mafia godfather who almost controls the entire underworld of the West Blue. His organization is very powerful, he has committed countless crimes, and he has a lot of blood on his hands."
"As for Lafitte, he isn't a good person either. He's currently a sheriff, but he's been heavily criticized for his excessive use of violence."
After giving her report, Ain looked at Cage with a confused expression, wondering why he was asking about these two.
It was normal for the Marines to go after Capone Bege since he was a mafia godfather who had done many evil things. As for Lafitte, although he liked to use violence to solve problems, he hadn't done anything too outrageous yet.
Cage met Ain's clear gaze and asked calmly, "Ain, do you think there's anything wrong with stifling danger in the cradle?"
"Of course not. Taking out an enemy before they become a threat is undoubtedly the most sensible approach," Ain said without a second thought.
"You think so too. Then go get ready. Let's take care of these two guys in advance."
Cage's eyes glinted with a cold light. These two were already notorious. Capone Bege, in particular, was a mafia boss who did everything, and his shadow could be seen in human trafficking, arms dealing, and drug businesses.
Although this guy wasn't a pirate yet, he was just as detestable.
As for Lafitte, he would go on to become one of the commanders of Blackbeard's crew.
"Understood!"
With Cage's order, Ain immediately went to carry it out.
Pere pere pere...
Not long after Ain left, the Den Den Mushi on Cage's desk rang. His expression immediately became more respectful. "Zephyr-sensei."
"It's been almost half a year since we last saw each other, Cage. After you've taken care of things in the West Blue, come to Marine Headquarters to catch up," Zephyr's voice was full of a lifetime of experience.
"I will. When I come, I'll bring the best liquor from the East Blue and West Blue to show my respect," Cage said with a gentle smile, always grateful to Zephyr.
"Hahaha... You're the only one who truly knows me."
A cheerful laugh came from the other end of the Den Den Mushi. Zephyr fell silent for a moment before continuing, "You really should come to Marine Headquarters. Your extreme methods have made many people unhappy, including Kuzan and Garp. Over the past half a year, Sakazuki has helped you out of a lot of trouble. Otherwise, even if Sengoku thought highly of you, I'm sure you would've been punished."
"I understand. Once I've finished up in the West Blue, I'll make time to go back to Marine Headquarters."
Cage knew he owed Akainu a favor, but with his current low rank and limited authority, he couldn't do much to help him.
'Akainu, Akainu... If I ever rise up, I'll be the first to agree to you becoming the Fleet Admiral,' Cage thought to himself.
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