Governor Karl was furious — this was a kidnapping, and the victim was a kingdom's princess.
But Karl paused. Something didn't sit right.
"Wait — I remember the Crown Princess of Nasia is only ten years old this year, isn't she?"
"Governor, that's exactly why the King of Nasia is worried…"
"You mean Brian's into little girls? That can't be — I thought he preferred mature women…"
"Governor, are you sure he won't change tastes?"
The adjutant's words had Karl scratching his head.
Indeed, Brian was an unstable variable.
If Brian had truly slept with the Crown Princess of Nasia, the King would bring the case before the World Government. Then it wouldn't just be Brian who faced punishment — Governor Karl himself would be held accountable.
On the other hand, Brian was deeply favored by Admiral Zephyr; sooner or later, Brian would be recalled to Headquarters.
"What do we do? If we punish him now, we make an enemy of him. But if we don't handle it, how do we answer the King of Nasia?"
While Karl deliberated, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
The knocking was urgent and loud.
"Come in!" Karl hurriedly gathered the scattered papers on his desk and shouted toward the door.
Click. The door opened again and a beautiful officer in a white naval uniform strode in — both her figure and face were flawless.
Her name was Anna; she was Karl's niece and the Chief of Offices at the West Blue Governor's Mansion.
Because of her relation to Karl, she walked straight up to him and reported, "Uncle, we just received word — Astona has appeared in the Gattle Strait."
"Astona? How could he be in the Gattle Strait?!"
Karl's eyes went wide. For now, he pushed the Brian matter aside — compared with the notorious West Blue pirate Astona, Brian's scandal could wait.
"Uncle — this time we don't have the luxury to ask why Astona is in the Gattle Strait. We need to consider how to capture him."
Anna's face had gone ashen. Her brother had been killed by Astona; she burned to avenge him. But Astona was not only brutal — he was cunning. The Governor's Office had launched over ten manhunts, and Astona had escaped them all.
"Anna, rest assured. This time, we will catch him."
Karl ground his teeth and turned to his adjutant. "Notify the commanders of nearby branches immediately — order them to assemble at the Governor's Mansion within twenty-four hours. Anyone who fails to show will be dismissed!"
The adjutant was about to leave when Karl called out, "Wait!"
The adjutant turned. "Governor, anything else?"
Karl said, "Send one more telegram to Colonel Brian. If he can catch Astona, I'll promote him to Fortress Commander."
The adjutant stared, dumbfounded. "Governor, didn't Admiral Zephyr specifically demand that Colonel Brian must not be promoted?"
"Make him a fortress commander? Uncle, you—"
Not only the adjutant was stunned; Anna went pale as well.
To her, Brian was the very embodiment of a disgraceful soldier — someone who trampled military discipline.
"I know what you're thinking," Karl raised a hand to cut her off. "But remember this: Astona and his crew are vicious — and Brian is strong."
"Come on, have fun — there's plenty of time…"
Brian was roaring drunk, slurring off-key lyrics as he sang, surrounded by four woozy songstresses and dancers.
Having lived in this world for twenty-three years now, Brian had long discarded his old name and identity. He had adapted to the world of One Piece, learned the Navy's rules, and understood the unwritten laws of power.
He wasn't a noble idealist aiming to save the world or to establish equality and freedom. Brian wanted absolute power, the strength to dominate everything. Wealth and women were simply the natural byproducts of that power.
In short, Brian's life goal was simple: live better than anyone else.
"Sir… sir…"
A messenger ran to the door and shouted.
"Speak." Brian lazily grabbed a cigar from the nightstand.
"The Governor requests you come to the Governor's Mansion within two days…"
"Tell him I'm busy mopping up pirates. No time."
"The Governor also said — if you can catch Astona, he'll promote you to Fortress Commander."
"Ready the ship. We leave now."
Brian shoved the women aside and, amid their half-complaints, threw on his clothes.
Outside the barracks, Brian kicked open the gate with a single boot. The women inside screamed in surprise; the drunken, half-asleep sailors began to blink awake.
"Sir, wasn't today supposed to be a day off…?"
A sergeant's good-natured complaint was cut off when Brian slapped him to the ground, breaking five or six of his teeth.
"You lot are idiots who only know how to fight and chase women. Listen carefully — you've got five minutes to put on your uniforms and grab your weapons. Anyone not at the docks in five minutes, I'll skin and throw to the fish!"
"Yes, sir!"
The soldiers immediately sobered, scrambling for uniforms and gear. The women gaped.
Within seconds, the men were dressed, armed, and their demeanor had shifted entirely — the drunken slobbery had vanished, replaced by the appearance of a fierce, battle-ready unit.
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