Branch 179 governs three towns and twenty-seven island villages, with a standing force of approximately five thousand Marines.
The branch's combat fleet consists of two destroyers, four frigates, and supply ships.
The so-called destroyers, also known as small warships, are equipped with ten to twenty ship cannons.
Medium warships and above are allocated to officers, while those deployed for a Buster Call are large warships—the highest level of armament in the Navy.
...
For the past few years, Griffin has been responsible for new recruit training and military fund allocation within the branch, effectively acting as the regent of Branch 179.
After Smoker was reassigned, Griffin took over without any resistance.
His intelligence isn't exceptionally high, but it's more than sufficient compared to the average thick-skulled Marine.
...
Two weeks after Smoker's transfer.
On this day, Griffin had Capone gather the bosses from several towns for a meeting at the Marine base.
To Capone's surprise, he had expected these unruly individuals to cause some trouble upon being summoned by a Marine colonel.
Instead, many of the gang bosses looked at him with complex expressions, as if saying...
'You, with those thick eyebrows and big eyes, have switched sides too...'
He quickly realized.
Damn it, so I was the last one to know!
—
Beneath the "Justice" plaque at the Marine base sat a group of hardened criminals who lived by the sword.
Griffin sat upright in the main seat, his stern gaze sweeping over the bosses from various towns and villages seated on both sides of the long table.
Some looked nervous, while others feigned composure.
...
Tapping his finger lightly on the table, the fierce-looking bosses waited quietly for the handsome young man in the main seat to speak.
"Just listen to what I have to say next."
It wasn't a tone of negotiation, but a pure command.
"I've called you here today to standardize the rules for protection money collection."
These people were the targets of Griffin's 'abuse of power for personal gain.'
Unlike lowlifes like Arlong who bullied women and children—what fun was there in that?—the minimum level he exploited was that of neighborhood bosses.
"Let me emphasize the basics one last time."
"Businesses like brothels, casinos, taverns, and arms dealing are permitted. Harassing law-abiding civilians is forbidden. Anyone involved in human trafficking will die."
"From today onward, have the money ready by the 15th of each month. I'll send Doll to collect it."
As he spoke, Griffin picked up a document from the table and waved it.
"I've also set the fee standards, clearly categorized based on each area's prosperity, foot traffic, and business types."
Smack—
He tossed the document.
"Read it carefully when you get back. If you're illiterate, you might as well kill yourself—what kind of boss can't even read?"
...
Everyone turned their attention to the woman standing behind Griffin.
She appeared to be in her early twenties, with delicate features, black hair, blue eyes, and a tall figure.
Dressed in a black short-sleeved top and dark leather pants, she wore a spiked collar around her neck and had blue flower tattoos on her arms, giving off a strong rock-and-roll vibe.
Holding a cigarette in her mouth, she casually scanned the crowd: "Hey, look forward to working with you all."
Doll, originally from the West Blue, currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander in a Marine branch. She trained at Branch 179 since childhood, and her father was also a Marine.
According to the original timeline, roughly twelve years later, she would become a Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters, serving as the Base Commander of G-14 branch and participating in the pursuit of the Straw Hat Crew on Egghead Island.
If not for Griffin's presence, she might have been the one to succeed Smoker as the Base Commander of Branch 179.
...
Seizing a pause in Griffin's speech, Capone couldn't resist speaking up: "Base Commander Griffin, will you intervene in our disputes over business and territory?"
His words drew sharp glances from the other bosses.
What are you trying to pull, man?
Griffin's eyes narrowed sharply as he responded with a faint smile: "As long as the payments don't fall short, I couldn't care less how you scum fight among yourselves."
"Remember, don't cause street shootouts that harm civilians, otherwise..."
"Whichever crew kills civilians, I'll make you pay a hundredfold. If that's not enough, I'll take your heads to make up the difference."
A boss standing nearly five meters tall trembled and bowed obsequiously: "We understand the rules... um..."
"Lord Griffin, what should we do if Pirates cause trouble in our territories?"
...
Griffin pointed at himself: "Dealing with Pirates is the Marines' responsibility. Why should you worry about that?"
Just as he was about to conclude the meeting, a Marine rushed in with a panicked expression.
The soldier glanced at the oddly-dressed mafia members and hesitated to speak.
Griffin looked at him and waved dismissively: "Go ahead, what's happened?"
The Marine took a deep breath to steady himself.
"Red... Red... Red... Red-Haired Shanks! The Red-Haired Pirates have docked at Rogue Town harbor!!"
He nearly screamed the last words.
Everyone present reacted with dramatic changes in expression.
Red-Haired Shanks.
Former apprentice on the Pirate King's ship, strong contender for World's Greatest Swordsman, currently a super rookie with a 1.92 billion berry bounty!!
Why would this guy... appear in the West Blue!
No...
Shanks originally hailed from the West Blue. Probably similar to how Garp fostered Ace and Luffy, Roger—who found Shanks at God Valley—had the young Shanks fostered in the West Blue...
Even so, since setting sail, he'd primarily operated in the Grand Line, rarely setting foot in the four seas.
Before Griffin could ponder further, a Den Den Mushi erupted with noise.
When connected, the snail grew bull-like horns and transmitted an urgent voice.
"I'm Who's Who of CP9! Red-Haired Shanks is currently in your jurisdiction! I order you to mobilize all forces immediately! Even if you all die, you must stop him!!"
CP9... the secret intelligence agency directly under the World Government. Normally, they wouldn't be so blatant in their communications.
This clearly showed that this CP officer's situation had made him lose all discretion.
Hearing this name, Griffin carefully searched his memories and recalled...
This guy was imprisoned for failing to escort the Gomu-Gomu Fruit, later escaping prison to become one of Kaido's Flying Six.
So that's it...
This has become one of Shanks' escape routes, meaning...
Did he succeed in obtaining the Gomu-Gomu Fruit!
...
That fruit, also known as the Human-Human Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Nika Model, was the beginning of everything, and possibly the end of everything—truly significant.
Griffin had no interest in the fruit itself, but...
He was very interested in Red-Haired Shanks himself.
...
"So you're Who's Who."
"I am Uchiha Griffin. Remember this name."
...
"Bastard, what are you talking about! I don't care what your name is! Hurry up and move, you Navy dogs!"
Griffin gave a faint smile.
"Because of your rudeness, I've decided to kill you the next time we meet."
"Don't disappoint my goodwill..."
"When you hear this name, tuck your tail and hide far away."
Hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Griffin grabbed his Justice Coat and put it on.
"Let's go..."
"I told you, dealing with Pirates is our business."