OP: My Aircraft Carrier Evolves#78+79: Marine Vice Admiral Gion! The Guild's Expansion

Jin watched as the 600 million Berries were transferred to his account. He immediately converted it into 600 million Berries' worth of goods and specialties from the Kano Country.

One more flip, and he was looking at a profit of at least tenfold. Of course, there would be overhead costs—storage, unsold inventory—but the massive profit margin was due to the simple fact that the Red Line and the Grand Line cut off the Four Blues from the rest of the world, creating a transportation monopoly.

But the real money was in the arms trade.

"Damn, arms dealing is a fucking gold mine," Jin sighed.

No wonder Kaido and Big Mom were all involved in it.

Jin's production cost was less than one percent of the selling price. It was all thanks to the rational application of his Devil Fruit abilities.

In truth, a thousand rifles a month was nowhere near the factory's maximum capacity. But he had to be careful not to flood the market.

And an influx of too many advanced weapons would inevitably attract unwanted attention and could destabilize the entire region.

A smart arms dealer knows restraint. And knows who to sell to.

—————————

"So, how do we handle future transactions?" Chinjao asked, his tone now much warmer. "The Winter Blossom Kingdom is in the first half of the Grand Line, isn't it?"

For them, Jin was a major client. He was both a seller and a buyer. The 600 million Berries' worth of goods... the Happo Navy would make at least a ten percent commission on that.

Everyone walked away feeling like they'd gotten a good deal.

"We can cross the Calm Belt from the West Blue to get to the second half of the Grand Line, the New World,"

Chinjao explained. "But to cross the New World to get to the North Blue, or to go over the Red Line to the East or South Blue... it's a huge pain. The World Government's transit taxes are exorbitant, and it's incredibly dangerous. It's just not worth it."

In Chinjao's mind, Jin must have come from the Sabaody Archipelago, taken the coating ship up to Mary Geoise, and then crossed over to the West Blue.

"If only we could just break through Reverse Mountain and connect the Four Blues," Chinjao joked.

Jin just smiled.

If they did that, how would anyone make a fortune—ten, a hundred times their investment—on logistics?

Those who had the power to do it wouldn't. And those who didn't, couldn't.

At least, not now. Jin needed to accumulate capital. He wasn't about to go breaking down barriers and bringing prosperity to the masses. He wasn't that noble.

Besides, the timing was wrong. Anyone who tried to do that would be messing with the livelihoods of a lot of powerful people.

Not only would the World Government come after you, but the Four Emperors would probably be pissed off too.

You'd have enemies everywhere.

"If you need anything, just contact me," Jin said. "I'll handle the transactions and the transportation."

After leaving the waters of the Kano Country, Jin fell into thought. Chinjao had a point. He couldn't personally handle every transaction.

"Once the Bounty Hunters' Guild is established," he mused, "I'll set up a warehousing center in each of the Four Blues, the New World, and the Grand Line. From those points, I'll build a logistics network."

"Sea transport is expensive and dangerous? I need to think bigger. We'll use air freight. Once Judge and Wolf's fighter jets are developed, we'll research cargo and passenger airships or large planes. And there's the Sky Sea. If we can use that, we'll have a four-dimensional logistics network: sky, space, land, and sea. The costs will be higher, but it will create jobs and, more importantly, it will bring more factions into my circle of interest."

"I need to make more friends. Relying solely on the demonic carrier is putting all my eggs in one basket."

—————————

Lunia Port.

"Extra! Extra! The West Blue Bounty Hunters' Guild is officially open for business! All are welcome to join!"

"The Bounty Hunters' Guild! A home for all bounty hunters!"

"Tired of corrupt Marine officers skimming off your hard-earned rewards?"

"Having trouble finding suitable missions?"

"Are you strong, but don't know where to apply your skills? Come join us!"

News of the Bounty Hunters' Guild was spreading like wildfire through the West Blue.

"Did you hear? If you get approved and become a member, you get a base salary!"

"Really?"

"The Guild aims to solve problems for all parties. They take on all kinds of missions—escorts, bodyguard work, you name it."

"I heard the Guild is backed by all the nations of the West Blue."

"Not just that! At the opening ceremony, Rear Admiral Enru from the local base and representatives from the Five Families of the Underworld were all in attendance!"

"The Guild takes missions from the World Government, the Marines, various national governments, and private corporations, and then contracts them out to its members."

"And they promise to pay out an insurance fee, based on the risk of the mission, whether it's successful or not."

Laffitte listened to the chatter, sipping his coffee elegantly.

The news of the Bounty Hunters' Guild had been on the front page of the West Blue papers for days.

Bounty hunters and other strong individuals from all over the West Blue were flocking to the island, making the "final island" of the West Blue even more lively.

—————————

Inside the port's Marine base.

In the commander's office, the aging Rear Admiral Enru looked out over the port he had commanded for twenty years.

Lunia had once been a lawless place, overrun with pirates. It was only after he had arrived and implemented his reforms that it had begun to prosper.

He had tacitly allowed pirates to dock, as long as they didn't cause trouble. And in return, he had fostered a thriving commercial hub.

He had been criticized by the hardliners at Headquarters, led by Akainu, who had accused him of corruption and consorting with criminals.

But as Lunia had grown more and more prosperous, the tax revenue it sent to Headquarters had surpassed that of any other branch.

His position was secure.

"Sir, a message from the inspection team. Vice Admiral Gion will be arriving this afternoon."

The old man turned. Though he was nearly seventy, he still stood tall and straight.

"Vice Admiral Gion is coming to discuss the transfer of power," he said. "Our time is over."

"Sir, Lunia can't afford to lose you," the Colonel said.

"Heh. I'm not saying I'm leaving. Just... that it's time to retire. I've poured my heart and soul into this place. I can't let those fools at Headquarters mess it up. I've recommended you to take my place. So, Vice Admiral Gion is really here to inspect you. You'd better be ready."

A flash of joy crossed the Colonel's face, but he quickly suppressed it. "I understand, Father."

The old man frowned. "How many times have I told you? At work, you call me by my rank."

The Colonel snapped to attention. "Yes, Rear Admiral!"

<><><><><><><><>

The sky was a brilliant blue, the sea dotted with clouds.

The demonic carrier was cruising at a steady 30 knots, the waves it kicked up like mounds of white snow.

On the deck, under a large parasol, Jin was lounging in a chair, reading the newspaper and enjoying a massage.

Crocodile was more competent than he'd given him credit for. He'd managed to negotiate with all the powers of the West Blue and get the Guild up and running in no time.

He'd test the model in the West Blue, then expand. If it was successful here, he'd have no shortage of bounty hunters wanting to join.

The class system in the pirate world was rigid. As the seas grew more chaotic, life for the average person became more and more difficult.

As long as there was money to be made, there would be no shortage of people willing to do the work.

"Master, we're approaching Lunia Port," Ai reminded him. The ship slowed to a "crawl" of about 8 knots, which, to any other sailing ship, was still incredibly fast.

Jin stood up and walked to the rail. In the distance, a speck of green appeared on the blue horizon.

As they drew closer, an island rose from the sea.

Sailing ships came and went. A white sand beach, a grove of green coconut trees, and a winding bay that cradled a bustling port.

This was the last stop in the West Blue before the Grand Line.

Marine warships patrolled the waters, protecting the port and the merchant vessels.

A lighthouse, perched on a reef, guided the ships into a safe channel marked by buoys.

As they lowered their sails, the ship slowed. They followed the buoys through an S-curve and riding the waves, guided into the docks by the port staff.

After paying the docking fee, Jin looked around.

Not far away, a row of pirate ships was neatly lined up, with dedicated personnel watching over them.

"This is a naval port, isn't it?" Jin asked. "They allow pirate ships to dock here?"

"Of course," the official replied. "Lunia is a tolerant, cosmopolitan port. We offer a place for every ship to dock. But don't worry, the port is divided into a pirate section, a merchant section, and a dedicated Marine section. With Rear Admiral Enru in charge, the pirates don't dare to cause any trouble."

Interesting.

Unlike Loguetown under Smoker's command, this place was thriving. Smoker was a hardliner, arresting any pirate on sight, which had caused a great deal of resentment among the residents of Loguetown.

Rear Admiral Enru, on the other hand... was running a happy family of Marines and pirates.

As a Marine, he was derelict in his duty.

As the administrator of Lunia, he was a great success.

HOOOOOOONK!

Suddenly, the sound of a steamship's whistle, accompanied by a cannon salute and the festive music of a brass band, echoed through the port.

Jin looked over and saw a Marine steamship, the same model as the Salamander, pulling into the naval docks.

"What's that?"

"Oh, I heard a Vice Admiral from Marine Headquarters is coming for an inspection. Rear Admiral Enru is welcoming them."

A Vice Admiral from Headquarters?

Rear Admiral Enru, along with his son and his officers, were there to greet her. Marine soldiers had cordoned off the area.

First, a squad of rifle-wielding soldiers disembarked and formed a line.

Then, a tall woman emerged. She stood at the top of the gangplank and surveyed the port. Her eyes fell on the pirate ships, and her brow furrowed slightly.

But Gion had been briefed on the situation at Lunia. Headquarters had tacitly approved of it. There was no point in making a scene.

She turned a blind eye.

—————————

Vice Admiral Gion descended the gangplank, her hair styled in an elegant updo.

A standard-issue Justice coat was draped over her shoulders, revealing a rose-pink blouse beneath.

A black spider tattoo adorned her exposed left leg.

The overall effect was one of sharp, sensual elegance—a true femme fatale.

Her left hand rested on the hilt of her sword, a clear warning that beneath the stunning exterior was a deadly threat. It was a combination the bold often found irresistible.

"Vice Admiral Gion!"

Rear Admiral Enru called out, snapping to attention with a sharp salute. The base officers behind him followed suit, their formation immaculate.

Gion smiled graciously. "It's nearly the end of the year, Rear Admiral. I'm here on behalf of Headquarters to extend our gratitude for your long and distinguished service."

Though Enru was only a Rear Admiral, she addressed him with formal respect.

He was, after all, a veteran of the same generation as Garp and Sengoku. A little respect was due.

"Thank you, Vice Admiral!" Rear Admiral Enru replied.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku speaks of you often, Rear Admiral."

"He says your accomplishments are worthy of a Vice Admiral's rank. If not for your repeated refusals, he would have transferred you to Headquarters long ago."

"Ah, you flatter me, Vice Admiral," Enru said, though the praise clearly pleased him.

"I've only done my duty. The real credit belongs to you young heroes fighting on the front lines."

"I'm getting old. The rank of Vice Admiral... I'll leave that to the next generation."

Despite his words, Gion's praise had clearly boosted his ego.

It gave him face.

"By the way, Vice Admiral," he said, turning.

"This is the base's second-in-command, Captain Onoran. My energy isn't what it used to be these past couple of years. He's been a great help with my duties."

Captain Onoran puffed out his chest and saluted sharply. "Vice Admiral Gion!"

He was in his thirties, tall and well-built, with handsome features. He wore his own Justice coat with an air of righteous dignity.

Gion offered a polite smile, but her eyes saw right through him. Behind the captain's facade of integrity, she caught the unmistakable glint of greed—and possessive desire.

He wanted her. And he was not a man content with his station.

Gion made her judgment in an instant. She was adept at reading people, and her combination of beauty and power had earned her no shortage of admirers in the Marines.

She smiled faintly. "A promising young officer, Captain Onoran."

"I'm nothing compared to you, Vice Admiral!" he immediately gushed.

Rear Admiral Enru chuckled. "It's windy out here on the docks. I've already arranged a welcome banquet. Vice Admiral, please, this way."