Bufeng didn't try to calm them with words. Instead, he raised his hand toward the restless beasts. A gentle, invisible wave radiated from him.
He closed his eyes, as if listening.
"I'm listening. We can trust them for now. I don't want you to get hurt anymore. Please trust me."
The beasts' growling stopped. The rage in their eyes faded, replaced by warmth. They nuzzled his hand, whining softly.
Rhett: A beast master! For real!
Bufeng opened his eyes and stroked the largest one. "It's okay. They're not enemies."
The beasts calmed completely.
Rhett recalled the beasts he knew — mules and chests. These were different.
Everyone stared. It reminded Rhett of the girl in Wano who could feed animals rice balls and control them, even Devil Fruit users. She nearly tore the Beasts Pirates apart.
Joy Boy's jaw dropped. "He can talk to animals! Amazing!" He could do something similar, but direct communication was still fascinating.
Gale's eyes narrowed. This boy had just eaten a Devil Fruit and was already showing signs of awakening. His talent was extraordinary. Gale wanted him for the Navy. But he knew it was impossible. The boy's impression of them was too poor.
Gale's resolve hardened. The Navy's corruption had to be purged. And this boy's pain couldn't be ignored.
He pulled out a special Den Den Mushi and called the Fleet Admiral directly.
"Fleet Admiral," Gale said, skipping pleasantries. "The Katcha Island incident has been preliminary investigated. It wasn't Joy Boy or Rhett. The perpetrators were Navy personnel from my jurisdiction, cooperating with pirates. I request full authority to investigate and punish everyone involved, regardless of rank."
The Den Den Mushi was silent for a moment.
"...Is this confirmed?"
"Evidence, witnesses, and a blood-stained shoulder patch. I stake my honor and rank on it."
"...Approved." The voice was tired, but firm. "You have full authority. See that justice is done. And be careful. Admiral Gale is now authorized to handle all internal Navy matters during this mission."
"Yes, sir."
Rhett watched, unimpressed. He'd expected a bigger show. But the Fleet Admiral's words seemed to carry hidden meaning.
"Boring," Rhett muttered to the girl. "No drama. They might actually solve this."
The girl blinked and whispered back, "But you said you liked watching them struggle."
Rhett froze. He patted her head. "You're not supposed to say that out loud. It makes me look evil."
She covered her head. He poked her. Repeatedly.
Gale stood before Bufeng. "Bufeng, I formally invite you to join the Navy. We need your strength and your integrity. I can't undo what happened, but I promise you'll be able to hunt down the criminals. You can protect others instead of hiding. The Navy needs to be fixed. You could be part of that change."
Rhett: You've never met a man named Garp. If my captain hadn't been so reliable, I'd be Fleet Admiral Rhett right now.
But then came a lazy interruption.
"Oh~ recruiting speech. Careful, kid. The Navy's full of politics. Don't get used as a tool and lose yourself."
Rhett was petting the girl's head. She nodded.
Gale's eye twitched. "Rhett! Shut up! No one asked you!"