Chapter 87: Marines and CP0
"Nereuland, long time no see!"
Before long, Gancho came to the surface surrounded by a group of Tontatta members.
"-land" was a special honorific used by this tribe, closely related to "Mont Blanc Noland" the Liar. Many years ago, the Tontatta Tribe had received Noland's help.
After that, Noland was revered as a great hero of this tribe. Others who helped them would sometimes be given this honorific as well.
Hearing that Nereus asked them to help cultivate these few seeds, Gancho patted his chest and declared that the Tontatta Tribe would spare no effort to ensure these seeds sprouted and grew smoothly.
"It doesn't matter if it fails; these are experimental products anyway, so success isn't guaranteed. There's only one similar tree in the entire world. If these don't work, maybe I'll bring some new seeds in a few years."
"No, Nereuland, you don't understand our Tontatta Tribe well enough. This is a living seed. With such a seed in our hands, we naturally have ways to awaken it from its slumber."
Sensing plants, even the life and death of a seed, counted as a racial ability of the Dwarves. However, only the Dwarves knew the specific methods.
Only with their size could they achieve things in the miniature world that Big Humans couldn't do.
After exchanging a few simple pleasantries, Nereus declined Gancho's invitation and left Green Bit.
Although the Dwarves were hospitable, they were too small.
A single Giant's daily ration would be enough to cover the expenses of the entire Tontatta Kingdom for a day. letting them host him would be quite a burden for them.
"I have an appointment with Dold, so let's talk next time."
"Hmm, true. You visited suddenly, so we didn't prepare anything in advance. When this seed sprouts, we will contact you again."
Meanwhile, in the Royal Palace of Dressrosa, Nanamo had already arrived at the reception hall with ease. She was even responsible for handing over those pirates from the ship, who were being exchanged for bounties, to the Dressrosa Royal Army.
"Scarlett, a gift for you. A natural coral tree from the deep sea. It's pink, just like your hair."
"Thank you... But why does it feel wet?"
"Well... Dressrosa is a Summer Island, and the weather has been humid recently. It's normal for coral to accumulate some moisture."
"Is that so?"
"Of course!"
This was indeed a coral tree from the deep sea, just not as deep as Fish-man Island. Scarlett was still young, and seeing Nanamo's certain tone, she didn't doubt it further.
"Nanamo, is that the gift you prepared?"
As Scarlett and the palace guards took the coral tree away, Nereus also appeared beside Nanamo.
"Why do I feel like it was fished out of the sea not long ago? That base belongs to the ship's table clock, doesn't it? Being able to combine them... your hands-on ability is quite strong."
"Papa, see through it but don't say it. I forgot, didn't I... Next time I'll make it up to her with a better one..."
Nereus said nothing as he watched the direction Scarlett left. Actually, Scarlett being seven or eight years old now was something that surprised Nereus.
After all, according to the original timeline standards, Scarlett shouldn't have been born yet.
His appearance had vaguely changed quite a few things. Perhaps it was precisely because the battles in the Coliseum made Dold leave there earlier, leading to him marrying and having children sooner.
In the banquet hall, Nereus and Dold chatted about the situation on the sea and some major changes appearing in nations.
Nanamo was introducing others to Scarlett, such as Luna of the Mink Tribe.
However, Luna just waved her hand. She had no time to respond to others for now; her mouth was stuffed full of food.
"By the way... does this bandaged young lady need a doctor?"
Looking at Amphelite, who was still in her mummy style, Dold asked tentatively.
"She's not injured. It's a personal habit; don't mind it."
"I see. Styles on the sea are really diverse... Guest rooms are ready. I contacted the nearby Marine branch earlier. They will send someone to receive those pirates, and the bounties will be delivered together.
It'll just be a day or two. If there's no urgent matter, please wait a bit."
Being a member nation after all, Dressrosa was close to Marine bases, and there was more than one.
The G1 and G5 branches were not far from here. Patrolled by warships from multiple Marine branches, Dressrosa wasn't plagued by severe pirate problems.
...
The next day.
On the sea near Dressrosa, an empty transport ship carrying a large amount of Berries was heading towards Dressrosa.
Dressrosa often exchanged pirates for bounties in the past, so these Marines were no strangers to this task. However, they were intercepted halfway by a ship flying the cross flag of the World Government.
"You are the ship going to Dressrosa to receive pirates, right?"
"Yes. Why intercept us? What do you want?"
Seeing the agents in black suits on the ship, the Vice Admiral leading the Marine ship spoke impatiently. Although both served the World Government, the Marines and the CP agencies were two different systems.
Under normal circumstances, if CP agents wanted Marine assistance, they had to get the World Government to issue an order, which would then be passed down by Headquarters.
Being stopped suddenly like this felt quite disrespectful.
"Don't misunderstand, Vice Admiral. We also have a mission to go there. Someone reported spotting traces of a suspected Lunarian in Dressrosa.
We need Marine forces to assist in investigating this matter. Please cooperate. You will also get a share of the credit."
An agent in a white suit walked out on the World Government ship. Clearly, he belonged to CP0.
Although it was only a suspicion, because it was news of a suspected Lunarian, they decided to send someone to check.
The reason they temporarily asked these Marines for assistance was just to increase the manpower for the search. After all, Dressrosa was large, and their single ship of agents didn't have the ability to blockade the whole island.
"Alright, we will assist you."
The biggest disparity within the Marines lay in the rank of Vice Admiral. There were numerous Vice Admirals in the Marines, and the paths to becoming one varied greatly.
Some were promoted through accumulating a large amount of military merit over time; some were promoted early after their strength met the standard; and some refused promotion or had no promotion channel because the Admiral positions were full, so they were temporarily classified within the Vice Admiral range.
This led to a huge difference in combat power within the Vice Admiral rank.
Using a fantasy classification, one could easily divide them into nine realms, half-step to perfection, and so on.
The Vice Admiral of this escort ship relied on military merit and valued merit more heavily.
Attracted by the merit, he quickly agreed to the cooperation invitation from the CP0 agent before him.
After all, regardless of the path to becoming a Vice Admiral, they were high-ranking officers of the Marines and had a certain degree of independent decision-making power when executing missions externally.
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