After picking up the ship from Alabasta, Vice Admiral Dalmatian had officially collected all of his mission targets. As for Flevance, that was only an accident, and he had already reported it to Marine Headquarters.
After learning the situation, Headquarters decided to keep things simple and naturally handed the task of protecting the Kingdom of Flevance's ship to Dalmatian as well. They also tactfully told him not to worry about the infectious disease.
Next, all they had to do was sail full speed toward the Mary Geoise Holy Land.
Guided by the Eternal Pose, the route was essentially a straight line. Supplies for the warship were not much of a problem either, since Marine bases along the way had already made preparations.
Even so, sailing day and night, it would still take fourteen days to reach the Mary Geoise Holy Land, and that was assuming everything went smoothly, with no pirate interference.
But even if pirates did appear, there was no need to worry too much.
At thirty years old, Dalmatian was in the prime of his life. As someone capable of becoming a Vice Admiral at Headquarters, he looked down on most pirates in the first half of the Grand Line, apart from those super rookies.
Of course, not being afraid of trouble and not wanting trouble were two different things.
…
Three days later, another pirate ship appeared and blocked the warship's path, opening fire with a barrage of cannonballs.
"Boom... boom... boom..."
"They're asking to die."
Dalmatian immediately decided the fate of that pirate ship for its reckless arrogance.
A year ago, at least in the first half of the Grand Line, a pirate ship charging straight at a Marine warship like this would have been unthinkable. But ever since Roger, the Pirate King, set off the Great Pirate Era, these madmen had grown bolder by the day.
Especially now. Even though the Marines had long warned these pirates through the newspapers, it had only made them even more brazen.
After all, kidnapping a nation's king was extremely risky, but the reward was even greater. It could bring in an enormous ransom.
"Do we know who they are?"
"Yes, sir. According to the pirate flag and Marine records, the ones attacking us are the Iron Fist Pirates, born on the Grand Line, with a bounty of thirty million Belly. Their captain, Iron Fist..."
Dalmatian did not even wait to hear the rest of the name before asking in disbelief,
"What did you say this pirate crew was called?"
The intelligence officer froze for a moment.
"Iron... Iron Fist..."
Veins bulged on Dalmatian's forehead. He had not planned to step in personally, but now he could no longer hold back.
"Bastards. How dare they use Garp-san's title..."
As soon as he finished speaking, the Marine Justice cloak behind Dalmatian billowed. His whole body turned into a blur as he kicked off the air and sped toward the pirate ship.
Not far away, on the Kingdom of Alabasta's ship, Cobra saw this and said to the two guards beside him,
"You two should go help the Marines."
His two personal guards, Gaka and Peru, were startled and hesitated.
Cobra reassured them.
"Don't worry. There are still others here with me. I'll be fine."
The two looked at each other, then finally nodded.
"Protect His Majesty."
As soon as the words fell, their bodies transformed. One became a pitch-black jackal, while the other became a gray falcon, and both charged toward the pirate ship.
…
A little over ten minutes later, the battle was over, but Dalmatian had no time to deal with the pirates himself.
After tying up all the pirates, destroying the ship's main sail, and notifying nearby Marine bases to come take custody of the prisoners, Dalmatian prepared to continue leading the warship onward.
Before setting sail, however, Dalmatian still went over to the Kingdom of Alabasta's ship to thank Cobra.
With his strength, he had not needed help from Cobra's two guards at all, but their intervention had indeed reduced Marine casualties and allowed the battle to end quickly.
"There's no need for that, Vice Admiral Dalmatian. As a member nation of the World Government, Alabasta and the Marines should naturally help each other."
While the two were exchanging polite words, a guard walked over and said respectfully,
"Your Majesty, Philock VII wishes to board the ship and thank Your Majesty and Vice Admiral Dalmatian for your protection."
"Mm?"
Philock VII's sudden request surprised both Cobra and Dalmatian.
Because of geographical barriers, the member nations of the World Government rarely had much contact or exchange with one another, and they did not know much about each other. But judging by the temperament of most royal families, they were all extremely proud. Getting people like that to lower their heads was no easy thing, especially Philock VII. Just from his face, he certainly did not look like any wise ruler. For him to personally come aboard to express his thanks now, there was clearly more to it than it seemed.
As the owner of the ship, Cobra thought for a moment before saying,
"Invite Philock VII aboard."
In an instant, the other sailors and guards grew tense. They instinctively wanted to persuade Cobra against it, but Cobra stopped them.
"Don't worry. Since he was allowed to attend the World Conference, there shouldn't be any problem."
Dalmatian was also curious about what Philock VII intended to do, so he added,
"Marine Headquarters told me that Philock VII has not been infected with the infectious disease, and neither have his guards. They were allowed through only after being inspected."
Only then did the people on the ship relax.
Of course, what Marine Headquarters had actually told Dalmatian was that the royal family of Flevance had no risk of infection at all.
Before long, as the two ships drew close, Philock VII, looking foolish, short, and plump, boarded the Kingdom of Alabasta's ship under the escort of two guards.
Not far away, on the Goa Kingdom's ship, Outlook II and Queen Carly Strand both froze when they saw this. Then, seeming to think of something, Outlook II said viciously,
"That damned Philock VII. Is he trying to become a Celestial Dragon by sucking up to Cobra?"
If this had been the old Outlook II, he would have rushed out long ago. But at this moment, his fear of the infectious disease kept him obediently inside the cabin.
By then, Philock VII had already boarded the Kingdom of Alabasta's ship and arrived before Cobra and Dalmatian.
At Philock VII's gesture, two guards stepped forward, each holding a box.
"Thank you very much, King Nafirutali and Vice Admiral Dalmatian. This is a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it."
As he spoke, the guards opened the boxes, revealing a huge ruby before the two men.
Judging by its size alone, the gem was priceless.
However, both Cobra and Dalmatian remained calm.
After all, one was the ruler of a kingdom, and the other was a Marine Vice Admiral. A single gem was not enough to surprise them.
Dalmatian refused outright.
"No need, Philock VII. Protecting you is merely my duty as a Marine."
Cobra also shook his head.
"There is no need. The ones protecting you are the Marines, not me."
At that moment, Philock VII covered his mouth with one hand and laughed, his face unnaturally pale.
"Yoho. In that case, there is another matter I would like to discuss with you both. I wonder if you have time..."