Raising Legends in Roger's Shadow

Chapter 361: Nobody Asked for Your Opinion

This time, he didn't try to calm them with words.Instead, Buffon slowly raised his hand, palm facing the restless beasts. A gentle, invisible ripple spread outward from him, soft yet undeniable.

He closed his eyes, as if listening to something beyond human hearing.

"It's okay… I hear you. We can choose to trust them for now. I don't want you to get hurt again. Trust me, alright?"

Something miraculous happened.

The beasts that had been tense and feral moments ago gradually stopped growling. The violent crimson in their eyes faded, replaced by something calmer… something trusting.

They lowered their massive heads and nudged Buffon's hand, letting out low, almost affectionate whimpers, like children who had finally found someone to rely on.

Ritter blinked.

So this is a beast king in the making…

Buffon opened his eyes and gently stroked the jaw of the nearest creature. "Everyone, calm down. It's alright… they're not enemies."

As if they understood him completely, the beasts settled down without resistance.

The scene left everyone stunned.

Ritter couldn't help but think of a girl he once heard about in Wano, someone who could create small dumplings that tamed animals. Even Zoan users weren't immune. She had nearly turned an entire pirate crew upside down. Compared to that, Buffon's ability felt even more refined, more… natural.

Joy Boy's rubbery jaw dropped wide open. "Whoa! He can talk to animals! That's amazing!"

Even though Joy Boy could "hear" voices in his own way, this kind of direct communication and control still felt new to him.

Gales' eyes flickered with surprise, then deepened into something more serious.

This boy had just eaten a Devil Fruit, yet he had already adapted instantly. Not only that, he was displaying something close to awakening, communication, control… This fruit, and this boy, were anything but ordinary.

For a brief moment, Gales even felt the urge to recruit him on the spot. But he quickly dismissed the thought. After everything that had happened here, the Marines had already lost too much trust.

Still, this could not be left unresolved.

The corruption within the Marines had to be purged. And this boy's talent, combined with what he had suffered, made it impossible for Gales to simply walk away.

In this world, justice often depended on the conscience of the one enforcing it. And how much effort they were willing to put in depended on how much they valued what stood before them.

Without hesitation, Gales pulled out a special Den Den Mushi and connected directly to Fleet Admiral headquarters.

"Fleet Admiral."

No greetings. Straight to the point.

Ritter clicked his tongue quietly. No sense of tact at all. Wouldn't even make it to the table where I come from.

"The incident on Kacha Island has been preliminarily confirmed. It was not the work of Joy Boy or Ritter. Personnel within my command colluded with pirates, providing them protection while looting civilians. The crimes are severe."

His voice hardened.

"I request full authorization to investigate. Whoever is involved will be punished without exception."

There was a brief silence on the other end, as if weighing the consequences.

"…Are you certain?" the voice finally asked, hesitant.

"The evidence is conclusive. Victim testimony and a bloodstained Marine shoulder insignia. I stake my rank and name on it."

Another pause.

"…Approved."

The Fleet Admiral's voice carried a trace of fatigue, and perhaps… relief.

"You are authorized to handle this matter in full. Ensure justice is served and the victims receive an explanation. Also, prioritize your safety. By my authority, Admiral Black Hawk Gales is granted full operational discretion for the duration of this mission."

"Yes, sir."

The call ended cleanly.

Efficient. Decisive. No hesitation.

Ritter clicked his tongue again, visibly unimpressed.

"That's it? Boring."

He tilted his head toward the girl beside him and muttered, "Thought we'd get a real show. Some infighting, maybe a clash or two. Instead, it's over just like that. At this rate, we might actually end up with a proper hot meal."

The girl blinked her icy blue eyes, then quietly spoke, just loud enough for him to hear.

"Didn't you just say… you enjoy watching them struggle?"

Ritter froze for half a second.

Then he casually ruffled her hair as if nothing had happened. "Kid, some things are better left unsaid. You're making me sound like a villain. We're just spectators here. Watching the show, that's all."

She said nothing, but poked him in the side repeatedly.

Ritter ignored it with practiced ease.

Meanwhile, Gales stepped forward and stopped in front of Buffon.

He took a deep breath, his expression turning solemn.

"Buffon, as a Marine Admiral, Black Hawk Gales, I formally invite you to join the Marines."

His tone had never been more serious.

"The Marines need strength like yours. More importantly, they need someone with your heart. I cannot undo what you've lost, but I can promise you this. Under my command, you will have the chance to personally bring your enemies to justice. You will be able to protect others, instead of merely hiding and defending."

He paused, then added,

"The Marines… need to be healed. And you might be part of that change."

It was a sincere offer. One that revealed just how highly he regarded the boy.

Ritter, however, had other ideas.

A lazy voice cut in at the worst possible moment.

"Oh wow… here comes the sales pitch."

He rested his hand on the girl's head, grinning.

"Kid, if you ever hear something like this, be careful. The Marine system is complicated. You walk in, and you might end up as someone else's weapon. By the time you realize it, your revenge won't be done, and you'll have lost yourself instead."

The girl nodded seriously, playing along.

Gales' temple twitched violently.

He finally snapped, glaring at Ritter.

"Ritter! Shut up! Nobody asked for your opinion!"

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