Even so, twenty-one consecutive salute shots rang out from the leading super-large warship in response. Vice Admirals Comil, Momonga, and Doberman couldn't help but twitch their lips in speechless exasperation.
They weren't such important figures to warrant this ceremony, and they had known Luffy well during their time at Headquarters. Was this really necessary?
"Let's go meet the future of our Marines," Comil remarked to his companions with barely concealed sarcasm.
"Indeed. It's been a while since I last saw this kid," Momonga agreed with a thin smile.
Doberman merely nodded, saying nothing.
When the warship docked, Comil was first to disembark, followed by Momonga and Doberman. In terms of raw strength, Momonga was actually the most powerful of the three and would normally lead. However, Headquarters had initially planned to send only Comil, and the leadership role had already been assigned to him. The other two were added later as escorts due to recent unrest in the New World. Though Yamakaji was originally supposed to come, he was replaced by Momonga at the last minute.
As they appeared, the officers lined up on both sides stood at attention, saluting in welcome. Luffy stepped forward to greet them, his Marine coat billowing behind him, quite different from the straw hat-wearing pirate in another timeline.
"Uncle Comil, Uncle Momonga, Uncle Doberman," Luffy called out with practiced cordiality, "it's been a long time since we last met. Welcome to Onigashima Sub-base under the jurisdiction of G-66. Thank you for your service."
"Haha, Luffy, it has been quite a while," Comil responded with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. His gaze occasionally flicked to the Marine officers standing in formation. Based on their insignia, they were at least Captain, with the two leaders holding the rank of Rear Admiral.
To be honest, Comil had visited many Marine branches, but Luffy was the first to greet him with nearly two hundred Lieutenant-level officers. He recalled Fleet Admiral Sengoku mentioning that Luffy had been conducting large-scale recruitment, expanding his forces to 10,000 troops in a short time.
My goodness, Comil thought, is this still a Marine branch? Most branches only have a few hundred or at most a thousand personnel. Even the permanent Marine force at Headquarters only numbers 50,000. This branch has existed for less than a year! Is he trying to build his own army?
From another perspective, though, the G-66 branch was clearly flourishing. Such expansion would only be possible with substantial resources, especially during this critical period when the Marines faced pressure from all sides. The fact that Luffy had transformed Onigashima so quickly demonstrated remarkable capability.
With this in mind, Comil couldn't help but probe Luffy with a pointed question.
"Well, Luffy, if I remember correctly, the World Government originally ordered you to serve as interim governor in Wano until they elected a new Shogun." He paused, studying Luffy's face. "I've heard Wano still hasn't elected a new leader, and your G-66 branch is essentially governing the entire country."
Realizing how this might sound, Comil quickly added, "Don't misunderstand—this inquiry isn't my idea. The Fleet Admiral asked me to look into it."
Hearing this, Momonga and Doberman behind him visibly darkened. Well played, they thought simultaneously. The Fleet Admiral trusts you enough to make this inquiry, and you immediately deflect responsibility onto him. Impressive.
They complained silently but said nothing aloud. After all, having risen to the rank of Vice Admiral, they weren't foolish enough to speak without thinking. Besides, Sengoku had assigned this task to Comil, not them—why should they concern themselves?
Doberman, who had recently been reprimanded by Sengoku, had grown more cautious. He quietly turned away, pretending to know nothing of the conversation.
After hearing Comil's slippery words, Luffy didn't rush to answer. Instead, he glanced at Momonga and Doberman, noting their minimal reaction. Then he sighed dramatically, his expression one of rehearsed helplessness.
"There's nothing we can do about it," he lamented. "Uncle, you don't know how corrupt the previous rulers of Wano were before we Marines arrived. The residents were starving and desperate—farming fertile land year-round but unable to feed their families."
Lightning subtly crackled around Luffy as he continued his performance. "Since I came here, I've done nothing but restore what rightfully belongs to the people. I've had Marine officers and soldiers assist civilians by working alongside them and offering support."
He placed a hand over his heart, the very picture of noble sacrifice. "They've been so impressed by the excellent character of the Marines that they've rejected their former rulers and voluntarily accepted our guidance. They even call me 'ShogunSeagull' in private, treating me as Wano's true leader."
Luffy's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "Now, forget about electing a Shogun—the moment they hear the Marines might withdraw, hundreds of thousands of Wano citizens threaten to revolt. They insist the Marines must stay and lead them toward prosperity, even if it means rebellion."
He concluded with another heavy sigh, his face a mask of sorrow, as if the burden of ruling an entire country against his will was almost too much to bear.