Just as they finished hauling supplies aboard, Ritter's blood mist stirred.
He looked up.
A powerful black eagle landed on the Marine mast.
Sharp eyes. Watching.
Then the warship moved closer.
At the front stood Admiral Gales, the Black Hawk.
"Hey, rubber brain."
Ritter poked Joy Boy.
"Stop counting. Your old friend's here."
Joy Boy stretched his neck out.
"Oh! Gales! Long time no see!"
The warship stopped at a safe distance.
Gales crossed his arms.
"I'm not here to fight."
Ritter raised an eyebrow.
Gales scanned the group, then focused on Ritter.
"I'm here to invite you."
"Join the Marines."
"With your strength, you're wasting time out here. The seas are chaotic. We need power."
"You can be appointed Admirals directly."
Ritter blinked.
"Don't you need approval for that?"
Gales replied flatly.
"The World Government has no authority over Marine appointments."
Ritter gave him a silent thumbs-up.
Bold.
This reflected a time when the Marines still held independence.
But Joy Boy immediately refused.
"No! I don't want to!"
"I want freedom! Adventure! Helping people!"
"And we're already pirates!"
Gales nodded slightly.
"As expected."
Then his tone shifted instantly.
"Then let's fight."
"I've got a new move to test."
Ritter laughed.
"So that was the real goal."
Gales did not deny it.
Joy Boy stretched excitedly.
"I'll go first!"
Ritter waved him off.
"Go ahead. I'm too lazy."
He leaned back, arms crossed.
"Alright. Sit down and watch."
The sea breeze continued.
The sun shone.
And as always, a casual conversation between friends ended in a fight.
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