All negotiations are built upon a foundation of power—
and between nations, this principle is absolute.
At the renewed three-kingdom summit, it was Longinus—radiating the prestige of having crushed Felix—whose every word became law.
The nobles hung onto each syllable as if it were a divine revelation.
Of course, they knew a Marine officer would never truly threaten them.
But the thought that this very man had, in less than a day,
sent an 80-million bounty pirate
and a World Government–affiliated king
to prison…
Their bodies trembled on instinct.
And involuntarily—
they agreed with everything Longinus proposed.
Alabasta was even more extreme.
Cobra, now crowned as king, had always been Longinus's die-hard admirer.
And after Longinus personally apprehended the man who murdered the former king,
the entire court revered him like a living legend.
Every proposal he put forward—
approved without hesitation.
In barely half an hour, the three countries completed diplomatic negotiations that normally dragged on for half a month.
Rear Admiral Adergin could only stare blankly as he received a joint ten-billion-berry funding pledge from all three kingdoms.
"The difference between men," Adergin sighed, "is greater than the difference between a man and a pig…"
The Marines behind him exchanged looks.
Rear Admiral… that sounded kind of wrong.
But none of them dared correct him.
—
When the meeting finally came to an end, Cobra—now wearing the dignity of a king—forced away the herd of noblewomen who were practically in heat, finally earning a few minutes alone with his idol.
"Major Longinus," Cobra said with newfound solemnity,
"I truly do not know how to thank you.
You restored the shattered honor of our royal family,
and saved the fate of the entire kingdom of Alabasta."
For the first time that day, he actually sounded like a king.
"King Cobra, I only did what a Marine should do.
If the ideals of peace and justice can spread farther because of it—
that alone is the greatest reward I could ask for."
Longinus's gentle smile radiated warmth, like a spring breeze.
Cobra shook his head firmly.
"Major Longinus, I know how deeply you adhere to justice.
To thank you with mere coin would be an insult to your noble character!"
He glanced back.
A servant stepped forward, holding a velvet box.
Longinus sighed internally.
Fortunately, I don't have some system that forces me to swallow treasure… otherwise he really might end up insulting my character.
Cobra carefully opened the box.
Inside lay a cross-shaped medal, encrusted with gold and diamonds.
Under the brilliant sunlight, it shimmered with dazzling radiance.
Even the nobles behind Cobra couldn't hide their envy.
It was the Highest Honor of Alabasta—a medal awarded only a handful of times in eight hundred years.
Had Longinus merely avenged their king, it wouldn't be enough.
But his proposals for the future of the three nations—
those were genuine, tangible strategies that could reshape Alabasta's destiny.
So even the most conservative nobles raised no objections.
Longinus knew very well what the medal represented—
and was quietly impressed by Cobra's decisiveness.
And, truthfully… tempted.
Fame mattered far more to him than wealth.
Pirates relied on fear to climb.
Marines relied on justice as the ladder to ascend higher.
He had appeared in newspapers many times these past years—
but this was different.
This was the honor of a national hero.
Still—
he could not appear eager.
That would break the image he so carefully maintained.
Thus Longinus said calmly:
"I have only done my duty.
If I accept an honor beyond what I deserve,
it would be unfair to my fellow Marines.
If possible, I would like this glory to be shared with all who fought."
The Marines around him trembled with emotion.
"Major Longinus… he actually wants to give up the highest honor—
for our sake…"
Cobra fortunately did not disappoint.
"You are right, Major Longinus.
I neglected the valor of the other Marines.
Then let us do this—
please do not reject my gratitude just yet.
If no one is in a rush to return,
I will personally conduct a ceremony
to award medals to all Marines present!"
The medals wouldn't be at Longinus's level—
but for the long-neglected mid- and lower-rank Marines, it was the greatest gift imaginable.
For those who joined the Marines believing in justice,
there was nothing more precious than being recognized.
Even if this ceremony wasn't held by Marine Headquarters—
a medal given by a recognized World Government kingdom
was enough to make them ecstatic.
"W-We… we get medals too?"
"Long live King Cobra!
Long live Major Longinus!"
Hearing the cheers rising in waves,
Longinus allowed a faint, hidden smile.
He knew very clearly—
no matter how bright his reputation shone outside,
his true foundation was always within the Marines.
So, whenever there was any benefit—
he made sure the Marines shared it.
After years of this,
his standing in G-2 had already surpassed many Rear Admirals and even Vice Admirals.
That was why young Tina learned to "win hearts" from him,
and why even commanders like captains and colonels willingly stepped behind him during Louis's welcome ceremony—
to elevate his position.
Watching their king restore the prestige of the Alabasta royal family with nothing more than a few medals,
the nobles who once scolded Cobra for being reckless
now smiled with pride.
It seemed their king, through accident or instinct,
had stumbled upon a path far more fitting for Alabasta's future.
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