One Piece: Signing In as a Pirate Begins with Roger's Execution

"Hahaha! Captain Jerry is incredible! Our operations have even expanded into the Grand Line now!"

"Even though there are fewer Marines and mafia in the West Blue these days, once we've established our foothold on the Grand Line, money is no longer an issue!"

"That's right! Following Captain Jerry is the only way to enjoy the spoils. Look at the other Marine branch bases—they're struggling to survive. Some are even forced to sell arms just to keep going. Pathetic! Hahaha!"

"Pity those fools don't realize that the weapons they're smuggling always end up in our hands. Then we resell them for triple the profit. Even if Headquarters investigates, they'll only trace it back to those unlucky idiots. None of it points to us! Those dimwits don't even know they're being played! Hahaha!"

The large hall within the Marine base was filled with rowdy laughter. Dozens of Marines were feasting and drinking, boasting about their recent extortions or profits from arms deals.

Normally, such underhanded dealings wouldn't be discussed openly. But this brazen crowd had clearly forgotten where they were, convinced that their actions were beyond reproach. Their banquet resembled more of a pirate gathering than a Marine assembly.

"Alright, everyone, quiet down."

A deep voice suddenly silenced the crowd. The roughly hundred or so people in the hall stopped their chatter, setting aside their food and drinks to pay attention to the speaker.

"Capone Bege has become too bold, and his Devil Fruit ability is a real pain to counter. Items like Sea-Prism Stone are tightly controlled by Headquarters, making it hard for us to acquire them. For now, we're avoiding direct conflict with him.

"However, with the West Blue under control, the peace there will be credited to us. Headquarters will undoubtedly issue a significant reward, which will be distributed to all West Blue branches.

"Of course, as long as we don't inform the other branches, they'll never know about their share. That means more money for us. But that's just pocket change. The real opportunity lies elsewhere. You've all heard about the attack on Mariejois, right?"

The man paused, his sharp gaze scanning the room before continuing.

"Over a month ago, nearly all of the Celestial Dragons' slaves were killed. Now, they're in dire need of replacements. I've already established a supply route to the Grand Line.

"Your task is to capture the most beautiful women and unspoiled youths from the West Blue. Deliver them to the Celestial Dragons, and they'll fetch a high price. What do you think of this new venture?"

"Captain Jerry, how much can one slave be worth?" A Marine asked nervously, swallowing hard.

Jerry smirked and raised a single clenched fist.

"Ten thousand berries?"

"Think bigger!" Jerry shook his head, disappointment evident.

The Marine gulped again, hesitantly guessing, "One million berries?"

Jerry shook his head again, ready to correct him, when a young voice cut through the room.

"The minimum price for an adult slave is ten million berries. For unspoiled youths, it starts at thirty million, with no upper limit. Am I wrong, Captain Jerry?"

"Bwahaha! Exactly right! You're new here, aren't you? A fresh recruit?" Jerry laughed, motioning for the young man to approach. "You're sharp! Whose unit were you under before? If you want, you can join me. I could use someone like you to handle the books."

The other Marines exchanged uneasy glances. None of them recognized the newcomer.

"Captain, he's not one of ours," a burly Marine suddenly said.

Jerry's face darkened. The Marines quickly drew their weapons, aiming them at the stranger.

"Who are you? How dare you trespass in my base! Do you know the punishment for impersonating a Marine? Seize him!"

Jerry's command echoed through the hall.

Suddenly—

A wave of Conqueror's Haki exploded through the room!

Nearly all the Marines collapsed, leaving only Jerry standing, albeit shakily.

Jerry was horrified. "Y-you… what are you?!"

The stranger smiled faintly. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Commodore Karl of Marine Headquarters. I have a habit of keeping my Den Den Mushi active when I walk around. Unluckily for you, everything you've said was heard by Admiral Sengoku himself. Now, do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Before Jerry could respond, Karl's foot shot out, sending him flying.

Karl casually activated his Den Den Mushi. "Admiral Sengoku, what's your verdict on this?"

"Hmph! What else is there to say? Handle it! I don't care if you kill them all!" Sengoku's voice, laced with fury, boomed from the Den Den Mushi.

Even Sengoku, a seasoned Marine, was enraged by the corruption revealed today. The thought of Marines trafficking slaves was a disgrace beyond measure.

Karl chuckled, his foot pinning Jerry to the ground. "Don't worry, Admiral. I won't kill them. They'll all be sent to Impel Down to face military tribunal. There's no need for me to dirty my hands."

"Hah! You're planning to use them to meet your mission quota, aren't you?" Sengoku grumbled, quickly catching on.

Karl grinned. "You're as sharp as ever, Admiral. That's exactly my plan."

"Fine, do as you see fit. The situation in the West Blue is entirely in your hands. I'll report this to Fleet Admiral Kong—it might be the perfect opportunity to reform the Marines' internal structure."

Sengoku ended the call abruptly.

Karl smirked, glancing down at the trembling Jerry. "Jerry, tell me—do you know someone named Tom?"

Jerry's eyes widened in panic. "What have you done to my brother?!"

Karl blinked in surprise. "You're actually related to Tom? I was just joking since I've watched Tom and Jerry cartoons, but this is an unexpected twist!"

Amused, Karl pulled out another Den Den Mushi and contacted Capone Bege. "Bege, look into the connection between Tom and Jerry. I need answers—fast."

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