Leaving Belle-mere to weigh her options, Krieg promised to return for her answer in a week. The Beatrice weighed anchor and set a course for Loguetown—the "Town of the Beginning and the End."
His destination wasn't arbitrary. A few months ago, Krieg had received a message at HQ from Paul, the father of the boy named Pearl whom Krieg had rescued from starvation on a deserted island years ago.
But first, duty called. As part of the "Four Blue Hegemony," a temporary Eastern Front Command Center had been established in Loguetown. Krieg decided to drop in to offer his greetings.
"Huh? Rear Admiral Maynard is absent?"
"Yes, sir. He set sail just a few days ago," the receptionist replied.
"Any idea where he went?"
"I heard he received word of a highly skilled ability user on Doinaka Island. The Rear Admiral went personally to scout them for the Marines."
"A skilled ability user, huh? What kind of power?"
"I'm afraid I wasn't told the details, sir..."
The receptionist looked apologetic. Krieg decided not to press further. Maynard was only recently promoted to Rear Admiral in this reshuffle, Krieg thought.
He's likely eager to prove himself by bringing in fresh talent. Since Krieg's current role was to support the various regional commanders, there was no need to interfere with Maynard's initiative.
Krieg left the office and headed into the bustling streets of Loguetown to meet Paul. While Krieg had given Paul his contact info "just in case they ever needed help," the nature of the request was unexpected:
"My son has become arrogant due to his Devil Fruit powers and is acting like he owns the streets, causing trouble everywhere. Could you please take him under your wing?"
Krieg and Gin arrived at Paul's residence without delay.
"Ah, Rear Admiral Krieg! It's been too long. I can never thank you enough for saving me and Pearl on that island." Paul bowed low the moment they met.
"Please, think nothing of it. Rescuing citizens is a Marine's duty," Krieg replied, his voice steady. "Now, tell me more about what's been happening with Pearl."
As they sat, Paul explained the situation with a heavy heart. Ever since Pearl realized that no ordinary attack could scratch him, his ego had inflated dangerously. He had begun leading a gang of delinquents, shaking down shops and intimidating citizens.
Fortunately, it hadn't escalated to serious bloodshed yet—mostly because Pearl's "defense" meant most fights ended before they really started—but Paul's warnings fell on deaf ears.
The boy would disappear for days at a time. At only 11 years old, he had become a force that the local adults simply couldn't handle.
"I understand. We will take him into our custody," Krieg said. "However, if he joins the Marines, he will be under strict discipline. You won't be able to see him often, and he'll be facing the dangers of the world. Are you prepared for that?"
Paul closed his eyes, his expression pained. "Yes. Ever since Pearl ate that fruit on the island, I knew a day would come when he would leave me.
I've thought about it a lot, Krieg-san... the boy has too much power for his own good. This island is too small for him.
That's why I want to entrust him to you—the man who saved his life and whom I trust most—so he can see the world properly."
Paul wiped his brow. "I just didn't think he'd be leaving the nest quite this early..."
Krieg nodded solemnly. He gathered information on Pearl's usual haunts and headed out into the city to track down the boy.
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