Chapter 7: Logue Town
~clap ~clap
A sharp round of applause erupted from behind him.
"Ahha, Bruch, you single-handedly defeated the entire Ghost Fang Pirates. I am eager to see your performance upon reaching headquarters. "
A relaxed voice accompanied the sound of footsteps.
Upon hearing these remarks, Bruch's hand trembled slightly as he held the cigarette.
"I forgot this isn't Branch 52."
He quickly extinguished the cigarette, discreetly wiped the cold sweat from his brow, and turned around to acknowledge:
"Admiral Aokiji "
Aokiji approached with a casual demeanor, observing the extinguished cigarette and remarking, "Don't be so formal. By the way, was that your Devil Fruit ability just now? It was quite impressive! "
In response to Aokiji's inquiry, Bruch replied without hesitation, "Yes, Admiral Aokiji, that was my fruit ability—the blood bat form of the ancient animal species. "
Aokiji, with his hands in his pockets, remarked: "After passing through the New World, the Ghost Fang Pirates have significantly strengthened. If you could defeat them, it indicates that your capabilities have reached the level of a Captain at headquarters. "
After a moment, he continued, "However, don't get ahead of yourself. Advancement in the Navy primarily relies on merit, followed by strength. Additionally, strength is essential to earn merit. You'll understand this once you join the headquarters. "
He patted Bruch on the shoulder, expressing his approval with an encouraging expression.
Bruch, scratching his black hair sheepishly, replied, "Thank you, General Admiral Aokiji, for the compliment. "
Suddenly, Aokiji's demeanor shifted to seriousness as he stated, "Ah, I sense that if you do not return the sword at your waist, Commodore Hollis will become quite upset. "
With that, he entered the cabin without a backward glance, leaving Bruch perplexed.
Momentarily, Bruch sensed a threatening presence approaching from a towering commodore just two meters away.
"How long will you retain my cherished sword? Furthermore, how dare you use my favorite black cutter to deflect such an attack? You should know how to use Haki—what if you damage my beloved sword? "
A barrage of sharp inquiries from the usually taciturn Hollis rendered Bruch momentarily speechless.
If the sword isn't meant for resisting attacks, what purpose does it serve? I also lack the knowledge of how to utilize Haki, and there has been no one to instruct me.
Bruch could only mumble silently to himself before promptly removing the black cutter from his waist and presenting it to Hollis.
It became clear to him that commodore Hollis viewed Black cutter as his dearest possession and had lent it to him solely for Aokiji's benefit.
Failure to return it could certainly result in dire consequences.
Hollis took the black sword handed to him by Bruch and thoroughly examined it for any damage. Satisfied with its condition, he turned and departed.
Observing Hollis's retreating figure, Bruch reflected, "It appears I need to acquire a quality sword. This black cutter is quite effective."
Despite his past as a pirate hunter and current role as a marine, Bruch finds his finances often directed towards civilians or purchasing blood. Being a vampire, he can eat and drink like others, yet he must adhere to his nature. To quench his thirst, he frequents the local hospital to procure girl's blood when he can afford it, as he finds it to be the most exquisite.
As a lieutenant commander, his earnings are insufficient to satisfy his cravings, leaving him with only 76,123 Berriess currently. A decent sword can easily cost tens of thousands, if not more, which exceeds his financial means. He could only lament, "I'm so poor! "
He then returned to his quarters, retrieved a glass goblet, and a bag of bright red blood from his belongings. After pouring the blood into the goblet and savoring its aroma, he took a sip, exclaiming, "Ah, it smells delightful and sweet. Money and fine swords pale in comparison to the essence of life. "
Bruch continued indulging in the blood over the next three days. While resting, he noticed the ship had halted and overheard someone outside announcing, "Admiral Aokiji, we have arrived at logue Town in the East Blue Sea."
The sound of footsteps followed.
Upon exiting his quarters, Bruch joined the many marines and Aokiji standing on the deck. Those greeting the Admiral, specifically Smoker and Tashigi, were positioned at the center of the pier. After the helmsman secured the anchor, Aokiji and his associates disembarked, accompanied by Bruch, while Kiora and the remaining navy personnel were tasked with guarding the vessel, aware of the potential for pirates in lougge Town seeking to exploit the naval ship for their gain.
"Smoker, as the base director of Logue Town, you manage this place quite effectively. "
Upon disembarking from the warship, Aoki approached Smoker, surveyed the tranquil surroundings of lougge Town, and remarked.
In response to Aoki's comment, Smoker replied in a deep, measured tone, "As a member of the navy, I will ensure that pirates do not cause disturbances in the town I oversee. "
The two then proceeded toward the naval branch in Logue Town, following one another.
Before departing, Aokiji addressed the marines behind him, stating, "Be sure to replenish the warship's supplies promptly. We will not remain here long and will depart early tomorrow morning for Navy Headquarters. If there are any purchases needed, you may go now."
Having said that, he followed Smoker away.
At this moment, Bruch inquired Commodore Hollis, who was positioned nearby, "Commodore Hollis, may I explore the area? "
Hollis, maintaining his quiet demeanor, glanced at Bruch and gestured for him to proceed freely. He then instructed the remaining navy personnel to accompany him in procuring supplies.
Bruch wandered alone through the streets of Logue Town, inquiring about the location of the weapons store.
Although logue Town is renowned for its execution platform within the pirate community, Bruch found it of little interest. He preferred to make use of this opportunity to find a suitable weapon.
Ultimately, after some searching, he discovered the only weapons store in Logue Town.
"This should be the right place," he concluded.