One Piece: Start Building a High Wall From East Blue

"Ah, is that so? I understand. Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

"You've been promoted to Rear Admiral? Congratulations, Captain Sean—no, Rear Admiral Sean now! Will you be reassigned to the New World next? What great news! We might see each other in the New World someday. So, the new Captain of Loguetown, huh? Got it, don't worry, I'll handle it."

Dande Chacher tossed the receiver of the Den Den Mushi to Robin beside him and furrowed his brows, falling into deep thought.

The call was from his partner, the former Loguetown base commander, Rear Admiral Sean.

While Sean wasn't particularly strong, he wasn't a rigid follower of "Absolute Justice" either. Nor was he excessively corrupt or greedy.

As Sean saw it, he was just an ordinary man doing the best he could. As long as he protected his jurisdiction and the civilians within it, that was enough.

Chacher had worked with Sean for years, and to be honest, he felt a bit reluctant about Sean's departure.

As for the so-called Inspection Team…

According to the information Sean had shared, it seemed they'd been sent because Sean had spent years requesting military funds under the pretense of fighting a dangerous pirate crew—the Mok Pirates.

The Navy Headquarters was well aware of the situation in the East Blue.

Thanks to a certain naval hero frequently visiting his hometown, this sea was devoid of truly powerful pirate crews.

And what about their 16th Branch?

For years, they hadn't captured a single pirate crew. They'd spent nearly three years chasing the same pirate crew, watching their bounty grow from zero to 30 million berries.

Throughout these years, they constantly complained about being underfunded, suffering heavy losses, and having outdated equipment—requesting military funds year after year.

So, what had they been doing all these years? Chasing one pirate crew? And such a powerful pirate crew—why weren't the other branches having trouble, but the 16th Branch was?

And why hadn't they entered the Grand Line despite having the strength to do so?

What was this grudge?

After repeated requests for military funds, the higher-ups had started to suspect something was amiss. Discussions within the relevant departments had led to a serious accusation: the 16th Branch might be embezzling military funds!

"What do we do? What do we do? I heard the Navy Inspection Team has already arrived at the 16th Branch!" Nami paced back and forth anxiously, glancing at Chacher, who remained deep in thought.

After hesitating for a moment, she finally bit her lip and said, "Let's go to sea! Why don't we become pirates? I'll steer the ship, and we'll escape together. With my skills, I'm sure we can evade the Navy's pursuit!"

As she spoke, she tilted her head back in despair.

"I don't want to end up locked in prison at such a young age~"

However.

Hearing Nami's words, Chacher gave her a peculiar yet reassuring look and said, "Don't worry. Even if someone gets arrested, it would only be me. You're just a Commander from a branch, and you haven't even been registered with the headquarters. The Navy probably doesn't even know you're a Commander from the 16th Branch."

Robin and Nami were not officially registered—Robin, due to her... unique background, and Nami because there hadn't been time to report her status yet.

Besides, to the headquarters, a branch Commander was completely insignificant. Reporting it or not made no difference, especially since she wasn't attending any headquarters training.

With that, he finished speaking.

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Seemingly angered by Chacher's words, Nami grabbed him by the collar in frustration. 

"I've been so worried, and you're still talking like this! Weren't you the one who invited me to be your partner? Ugh, I never wanted to be a pirate either, but now there's no other choice!"

As she spoke, she glared at Chacher standing in front of her.

This guy...

He was utterly infuriating. If he kept this up, she might just quit right here and now. Next time he asked her to board the ship, she'd refuse.

"That's right, Captain Chacher. We know you're not a bad person, but now..." The captain of Cocoyashi Town's security team, Genzo, sighed inwardly as he glanced at the fuming Nami. 

Then, with concern, he added, "If things really get out of hand, follow Nami's advice and make a run for it! We'll hold off the Navy to buy you some time."

"Yeah! Captain, you should escape! I heard that a so-called naval hero is coming too."

"Don't worry about us. We'll protect Cocoyashi Town, and everyone will always remember your kindness."

"Alright, alright, no need to worry." Chacher patted Nami's hand, stopping the crowd's persuasion with a helpless tone.

He understood everyone's concerns.

But right now...

"It's not as dire as it seems." Scanning the group, Chacher tapped his five fingers on the table, one by one. Once the room fell silent, he spoke again with a blank expression, "I'll take care of it. All of you, go back to your work."

He paused slightly before continuing.

"If it really doesn't work, I'll escape as everyone suggested."

Hearing this, the crowd finally let out a sigh of relief.

The sudden appearance of the Inspectorate had made everyone extremely nervous. They couldn't bear the thought of their benefactor being captured just like that.

Captain Chacher was clearly a good man. He had driven away the pirates and the despicable marines, ensuring everyone had enough to eat. How could he be arrested?

Since Captain Chacher had spoken so confidently, they had no choice but to accept it. Although they still felt uneasy, they quietly returned to their work, fearing they might further trouble him.

"Do you really have a plan?" Nami rubbed her slightly reddened hand, blowing on it before glaring at Chacher. 

"You hit so hard—it really hurt! If nothing else works, we should just run! That's a Marine hero after all. Robin, try to talk some sense into the Boss!"

However—

"The Boss is a smart man. He doesn't need our advice." Unlike the others, Robin, who was leisurely sipping tea and reading a book nearby, seemed unbothered. 

With a faint smile, she looked up gracefully and said, "Besides, I'm just a humble secretary. Why would the Boss listen to me?"

She sighed softly, shaking her head.

"If it really doesn't work out, I guess we'll just have to find a new boss."

"..."