"Getting into such big trouble on your first trip away... I don't know what to say about you."
West Blue, Navy Branch 179.
Doll leaned against the doorframe with her arms crossed, watching Griffin pack his things. Her eyes held some reproach, but more than that, concern.
Griffin covered the suitcase filled with jewels and gold with clothes, speaking indifferently: "Can't help my bad luck. Of all times for that guy to die, it had to be during my watch."
The cigarette in Doll's mouth trembled as she cautiously glanced around: "Watch your words. If outsiders hear this kind of talk..."
Turning his head, Griffin gave a faint smile: "There are no outsiders here."
Doll's cheeks flushed slightly as she scolded angrily: "You're about to go to prison, and you still have the leisure to joke around!"
"What joke?" Now it was Griffin who seemed confused: "We're in a close superior-subordinate relationship, of course we're not outsiders."
"You..."
Griffin turned back to continue packing. Having experienced poverty in his earlier years, he couldn't feel at ease traveling without bringing several cases of treasures.
"Originally, I needed to serve at least a year to qualify for Headquarters transfer. Being able to go early might actually be a good thing."
"Hmm... not exactly good. I haven't even properly enjoyed the privileges of being Base Commander yet."
"After I leave, keep collecting protection money from the gangsters as usual. I believe in your capabilities."
"You can take a little from my share. I know you like Gothic-style accessories. Remember, just a little - I'll be back to check the accounts later."
...
"Tch... such a stingy man."
"Just noticing now?"
After finishing packing, Griffin lifted several large cases with one hand and patted Doll's shoulder: "You'll be acting Base Commander from now on. Haha, if not for me, this position would have been yours from the start."
...
...
"Do you really have to go?"
Watching Griffin's retreating back, Doll asked this unexpectedly.
Griffin stopped and turned back, smiling as he said: "The Lieutenant Colonel Doll I know wouldn't say something so weak."
Tch...
Doll spat very unladylike: "Don't think hiding at Headquarters means you'll have it easy! I'll catch up to you soon!"
Turning to leave, Griffin waved back at her without looking.
...
In the shadows of the harbor corner, Capone puffed on his cigar, watching the scene.
"Boss..."
"Hmm?!"
Facing Capone's cold gaze, the subordinate quickly corrected himself: "Godfather!"
"That... Godfather, now that guy's leaving, won't we have to pay such high protection fees anymore?"
As the second-in-command of the Capone gang, he deeply resented Griffin's seventy-thirty split. Even his monthly earnings were barely enough for trips to the red-light district.
Being a gangster at Branch 179 was truly suffocating!
Capone took two deep drags from his cigarette, curling his lips: "Do you know who came to pick him up?"
"Who?"
"Naval Hero Garp's contemporary, the Navy Headquarters Vice Admiral who once chased the Celestial Demon into fleeing at the sight of her - Tsuru!"
"That guy... his future is limitless!!"
Nearly everyone knew about the incident involving the Celestial Dragons, but only a handful were aware of Griffin's connection to it—Capone had no means of obtaining such information.
After a moment of silence, Capone spoke in a low voice, as if having resolved himself.
"Even if we could unite the underworld of the West Sea, it would be meaningless."
"In this world, the underworld is nothing more than an insignificant force..."
...
"Godfather, are you suggesting..." The second-in-command's eyes lit up.
"You're going to lead us to join the Marines!"
"I'm setting sail to become a Pirate—"
They spoke almost simultaneously.
Capone glared coldly at him, a murderous intent gradually rising. "Bastard... Didn't I say it before? I will never become a dog of the World Government!"
"A man like Whitebeard is the true legend worthy of admiration!"
Bang—
The gunshot in the alley echoed like a farewell firework.
...
...
"Finished giving instructions so quickly?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru had been waiting on the warship.
Griffin carried the box aboard and nodded. "Pretty much. The area under our base's jurisdiction isn't large, so there wasn't much to discuss."
"Thank you, Vice Admiral Tsuru, for accompanying me on this detour."
"Technically, this isn't allowed. If you want to thank anyone, thank Lucci. We came to the West Sea under the pretext of investigating the Saint Luo's death."
...
Griffin called out to Lucci, who stood proudly at the bow of the ship. "Thanks! I'll treat you to a meal when we reach Headquarters!"
Lucci turned his head away. "Headquarters is crowded and full of prying eyes. It's better if we keep our distance."
...
The warship set sail. Taking the Red Port route, Griffin's base was roughly three days away from Headquarters.
As the sea breeze blew, Vice Admiral Tsuru began explaining the precautions and the structure of Headquarters to Griffin.
As the undisputed dominant force on the seas, the Marines' most crucial components are Headquarters and its branches.
Marine Headquarters, located in the central part of the Grand Line, is guarded by the Marine Fleet Admiral and Admirals, and is known as the world's most impregnable fortress.
Marine branches are divided into two types: those in the Grand Line, designated with a "G" prefix, are commanded by Navy Headquarters Vice Admirals as Base Commanders.
The other type is the Four Seas Branches, where Griffin was stationed. These are typically led by Colonels as Base Commanders, with some remote branches possibly having even lower ranks.
It should be noted that ranks in the Four Seas Branches are three levels lower in authority compared to their Headquarters counterparts.
In other words, Griffin, a Colonel in the branch, would only be equivalent to a Lieutenant at Headquarters.
...
Aside from Headquarters and branches, there are also special units.
For instance, the Science Unit, overseen by Admiral Kizaru, is responsible for updating the Marines' warships and weaponry.
...
There is also an exceptionally powerful unit, with a minimum combat strength equivalent to a Headquarters Vice Admiral—the Giant Unit, composed of giants.
This unit was initially proposed by Garp, who also worked tirelessly to see it established. It serves as a crucial force for the Marines in intimidating the seas.
...
Another department known to the outside world is the 'Crime Investigation Bureau.'
This internal investigative bureau of the Marines primarily handles crimes instigated by the Revolutionary Army and addresses organized crime in affiliated nations.
The recent Saint Luo incident was classified as a Revolutionary Army crime and taken over by the Crime Investigation Bureau.
Two months ago, Vice Admiral Tsuru served as the concurrently held head of the Crime Investigation Bureau.
After Sengoku was promoted to Fleet Admiral, Vice Admiral Tsuru took on the additional role of Chief of Staff, and the bureau now has a different director.
On the surface, these are the five departments. Of course, Vice Admiral Tsuru wouldn't mention confidential units like 'Sharp Blade' to Griffin.
...
"When we arrive at headquarters, you'll need to report to the Crime Investigation Bureau first. The current director is... somewhat difficult to deal with."
"Stay put for a while, and we'll get you out as soon as possible."
"Originally, he was supposed to pick you up, but I was afraid you might overthink things, so I went through great effort to take over this task."
Vice Admiral Tsuru spoke with profound concern.
Griffin frowned slightly: "You were the former director, and your current position is technically a promotion. Why does it sound like the new director doesn't show you much respect?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru shook her head with a bitter smile: "You're a smart kid. You should understand that in an organization as large as the Navy, it's impossible for everyone to share the same ideology. We all have different interpretations of justice."
"The Conservative Faction, the Radical Faction, the Neutral Faction - you understand, right?"
"The current director... leans more toward the Radical Faction."
"That faction believes that some sacrifices among innocent civilians are acceptable in the fight against crime..."
Vice Admiral Tsuru sighed and patted Griffin's shoulder: "You're someone who cares deeply about civilians. I've just made some visits - the civilians in your jurisdiction speak highly of you."
"It must be dif
ficult for you to work with them."
"Just endure it for a while. It will pass."
...
Griffin finally understood why Vice Admiral Tsuru had come to pick him up.
So it seems they want to pull me into the Conservative Faction after seeing how I protected civilians against Red Hair...