The Greatest Disgrace in Marine History-Chapter 78: The Baptism Ritual

"Godfather... Byrnndi World came to me."

Darren froze mid-puff, the cigar hovering between his fingers as his expression twisted into something unreadable.

He had just received orders from Sengoku to track down Byrnndi World—and now, not even two minutes later, the infamous pirate had marched straight to his godson's doorstep?

Across the desk, Momonga blinked in disbelief. His lip twitched, and only when the ember of his cigar almost singed his lip did he jolt fully back to awareness.

Their eyes met. It felt absurdly convenient.

"What does he want?"

Darren exhaled a slow stream of smoke, his mind already racing.

"Weapons. A huge stockpile of them."

Doflamingo's voice crackled through the Den Den Mushi, taut with fury:

"That lunatic nearly razed Rubeck Island to the ground. He gave me three days—three—to build him a supercannon."

A supercannon...

Darren's pupils narrowed. A dangerous light flickered deep in his eyes.

"So Sengoku really backed him into a corner..."

He muttered, brows furrowing in contemplation.

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"Is he injured?"

On the other end, Doflamingo supported himself with bloodied hands, struggling to stay upright. His voice rasped:

"Yeah."

A long pause. Then—

"Godfather, what should I do? If that man gets his hands on something like a supercannon... with that Devil Fruit of his—"

"Then give it to him."

Darren's interruption came with a calm, almost cheerful tone.

"Give him everything. Guns, bombs, cannons—whatever he wants. If he thinks he can swallow it all, let him. The more, the better."

Doflamingo fell silent.

Before he could question it, Darren continued:

"That's how we'll handle this. Doffy... the fact that you called me first—I appreciate that."

A cold smile tugged at Darren's lips.

"Don't involve yourself further with Byrnndi World. If he asks for weapons, supply them. That's all."

"As for the damage to Rubeck... rest assured, he will pay for it."

"And remember this, Doffy—insults come unannounced. In this world, you either endure them or drown in them. Don't let revenge blind your judgment."

"But I promise you this..."

Rogers Darren, Supreme Commander of the North Blue Marines, stood from his chair. He reached for the white cloak marked "Justice" hanging on the rack and draped it across his shoulders.

"Byrnndi World will not leave the North Blue alive."

---

Deep into the night.

Waves surged beneath a lightless sky. The stars were faint, swallowed by dark clouds.

Yet the fortresses of Germa 66 blazed with festivity.

Today was the baptism of the Vinsmoke family's firstborn daughter.

To mark the occasion, King Vinsmoke Judge had organized a resplendent celebration, inviting dignitaries and royal envoys from across the North Blue.

"This is so boring... Do we really have to attend this baptism thing?"

As the Marine warship glided into port, Tokikake yawned openly from the deck.

"This sea isn't just about warfare. It's about diplomacy, too. Germa's been a consistent partner to the North Blue Marines."

Darren replied with a faint smile.

Both Tokikake and Gion rolled their eyes in unison.

Anyone less familiar with Darren might've believed him.

"Captain Darren, His Majesty is waiting for you in the main hall."

A butler in a black tailcoat approached and bowed as Darren descended the gangplank.

"King Judge is gracious as always. It's an honor to witness the baptism of Princess Vinsmoke."

Darren's tone was measured and diplomatic.

Following the butler's lead, the group made their way into Germa's banquet hall.

It was magnificent—gilded walls, a crystal chandelier glittering from the high vaulted ceiling. Servers in formal wear weaved through the crowd, offering trays of fine wine and exquisite food.

Tokikake noticed them—North Blue's power players.

There were merchants in embroidered coats, nobles dripping in gold, royals from various kingdoms. Their whispers drifted just under the noise—talk of government policy, trade routes, land acquisitions, noble titles, scandal, and shifts in the balance of power.

Deals were being sealed with handshakes and wine glasses.

Every look, every smile, could shift the region's fate.

But as Darren and his unit stepped into the room, the atmosphere shifted.

All motion and murmur ceased.

Eyes turned. Conversations died mid-sentence. A heavy silence settled.

Unlike the others in ceremonial robes, Darren wore a crisp black suit. His tie hung loose, and over his back, the pristine white cloak of the Marines billowed like a banner.

His dark eyes were unreadable, his features sharp. Slicked-back hair added to the aura—wild and refined, dangerous and magnetic.

Behind him marched twenty elite Marines, deadly and disciplined. They didn't look like guests.

They looked like apex predators walking into their own territory.

Men regarded him with cautious reverence. Women... with hunger.

"Tch. All show," Tokikake grumbled.

Still, even he couldn't deny it—Darren radiated dominance.

Men wanted to be him.

Women wanted to be with him.

"Hahaha! Captain Darren, welcome to Germa!"

The tension broke as a voice boomed out cheerfully.

Vinsmoke Judge, clad in regal battle-wear, stepped forward from the crowd, hand outstretched.

"Your presence here for my daughter's baptism is a great honor."

Darren accepted the handshake with a smile.

"An occasion this meaningful? I wouldn't miss it for the world."

---

To be continued...