"Don't be like that, Taro! As soon as I get back, I'll apply for a transfer to your ship!"
Sherman jumped up instantly. "Take me with you to fight Kuma!"
Taro couldn't be bothered with him. He had long heard that G5 Base was full of freaks and monsters; he had no desire to take in an arrogant fellow like Sherman. Otherwise, who knew when he'd stir up trouble?
Moreover, Sherman was Issho's student. After the Marine World Conscription, Issho would be promoted to Admiral and would need a core group of familiar faces. If Taro took Sherman in, wouldn't he be poaching from Fujitora?
"Don't waste your breath, I'm not taking you!"
Taro waved his hand dismissively. "Go, go, go. No fighting today, everyone disperse!"
Mike hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Uh, Vice Admiral, we've already arrived. Headquarters requested that you deter the pirates. Wouldn't it be a bit inappropriate to just leave it like this?"
"What you're saying seems to make some sense, but I don't feel like moving right now. Take them for a walk around, let the pirates know I've arrived."
Taro thought about it and realized that was indeed the case. He humbly accepted Mike's suggestion and gave a final instruction:
"Remember, do not use force. Understood?"
Mike took the order and quickly led Sherman away.
Not long after, signs were erected at the entrance of the most prosperous amusement park area, 30GR, and the entrance of the sightseeing area, 40GR, on Sabaody Archipelago.
On the signs, beneath the large 'Seagull and Wrench' pattern symbolizing the Marine, it was written:
"Sabaody Archipelago, Security Guarded"
Signed: Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral, Taro.
Finally, there was a conspicuous graphic—Taro's 'black dragon steps on four emperors' flag.
Mike was a very meticulous person; he had already drawn a red 'X' over the Jolly Roger of 'Four Emperors' Whitebeard.
As for the flag on Taro's flagship, because of its large size, it was still being rushed through production.
"Attention everyone, attention! From today onwards, Sabaody Archipelago is under the jurisdiction of Vice Admiral Taro of Marine Headquarters. This is a warning to all lawbreakers: do not bring ruin upon yourselves, or else, this will be your fate!"
Mike shouted through an amplification den den mushi, tapping the sign with his saber—specifically on the Whitebeard Pirates flag marked with the red 'X'.
The surrounding crowd instantly erupted into wave after wave of cheers.
"This is great! It's that Marine Vice Admiral who fought Whitebeard one-on-one!"
"Sabaody will be safe now. This is truly wonderful news!"
"..."
There were also some pirates in the crowd, their faces stiff with dread.
"Damn it, the Marine actually sent that guy here!"
"Quick, leave this place as soon as possible. If we're too late, it'll be over!"
"What should we do? Our ship's coating isn't finished yet!"
"..."
On a roof of a distant building, Rayleigh unscrewed a bottle of liquor, took a sip, and let a mysterious smile play across his lips.
Meanwhile, the completely oblivious Taro was still lying like a corpse on the ship.
With his Meridians severely damaged, Taro was a paper tiger; his internal injuries hadn't even recovered by twenty percent.
He was determined to wait until his injuries were mostly healed before showing his face. Otherwise, it would be disastrous if someone took the opportunity to kill him.
The news of 'ink dragon' Taro guarding Sabaody Archipelago spread rapidly, soon reaching every corner of the island.
For a time, pirates fled in all directions. Those whose ship coatings were ready didn't dare stay for a second, leaving immediately for Fish-Man Island.
Those whose coatings were unfinished and who lacked courage also withdrew from Sabaody one after another.
The few who remained became much more well-behaved, terrified of provoking the Marine and drawing out that god of slaughter.
Just like that, the public security of Sabaody Archipelago became unprecedentedly good, and the civilians grew even more respectful of this Marine Vice Admiral.
"Vice Admiral, the pirates heard you arrived and were so scared they've almost all run away!"
The next day, as Taro continued to laze on the ship, Mike came over once again to report.
"The pirates ran away?"
Taro was stunned for a moment, then looked at Mike with a smile. "If they've run, then so be it. As long as no one is causing trouble, it's fine. Our mission is to deter pirates, and this is working out great!"
"But, Vice Admiral, don't you want to earn merits?"
"Earn merits? What for? Life like this is quite nice!"
Taro had finally managed a day of leisure and immediately transformed into a salted fish. Since joining the Marine, it felt like he hadn't had a moment's rest; it simply wasn't a life for humans.
Mike grew anxious. "Vice Admiral! Fleet Admiral Sengoku has already announced he's resigning. How can you not be worried at all?"
"If he resigns, he resigns. You don't actually think I could take over, do you? Don't be silly, it won't be my turn."
"The successor will definitely be one of the Three Admirals. Everyone knows that."
"Everyone?"
"Yes! Regardless of which of the Three Admirals takes over the Fleet Admiral position, an Admiral spot will open up. Whether it's the Headquarters Marines or the various branches, everyone supports you for promotion to Admiral!"
Now, the salted fish Vice Admiral Taro could no longer sit still. He suddenly bolted upright from his lounge chair.
"Hey, don't you guys do anything reckless! I have no intention of becoming an Admiral!"
Taro knew that to be promoted to Admiral, besides having sufficient strength, one also needed very high prestige within the military.
'Tokikake' Kake remained an Admiral Candidate precisely because his prestige in the military was insufficient, despite his high popularity among civilians.
As for Fujitora and Aramaki, who eventually took the Admiral seats, they did so through the World Conscription, defeating experts from all walks of life and earning the genuine respect of the Marine officers.
"Ah? Vice Admiral, this..." Hearing Taro say he didn't want to be an Admiral, Mike was surprised and even more disappointed.
Taro was nearly traumatized by this guy's 'backstabbing.' No, this time he had to make things crystal clear to him!
"Mike, look into my eyes!"
Taro stared dead at Mike. "I'm saying this solemnly once more: I do not want to be an Admiral. Don't you dare do anything reckless."
"I just want to be like Vice Admiral Garp, understand?"
Seeing Taro speak so formally, Mike was dazed for a long time. In the end, he could only nod in obedience, though he still felt some regret.
"Sigh, we've already contacted so many people, this..."
Taro felt a wave of lingering fear upon hearing this. Thank goodness he caught it early; this guy's backstabbing skills were really improving. The Marineford War had only ended a day ago, and he was already plotting this.
Becoming an Admiral means working directly for the World Government and the Celestial Dragons. I'm damn well not doing that!
"This matter ends here. I can overlook you taking initiative on other things, but on this, there is no room for discussion!"
"Also, all Marines on Sabaody Archipelago will take three-day rotating leaves starting today. During this period, do not disturb me unless it's urgent."
"Especially that guy Sherman. Before he leaves, don't let him appear in my sight!"
Mike was a bit confused by Taro's last order, but seeing Taro's serious expression, he immediately pulled himself together, saluted, and took the command.
"Understood, Vice Admiral!"
Taro's expression finally softened slightly, and he waved his hand. "Very good, go get busy!"
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