"Huh? Sir, are you not letting me join this operation?"
After a brief encounter with the Red-Haired Pirates, Hailan found Kuro and devised a new operational plan.
Buggy was dissatisfied with Hailan's new arrangement.
"I was the one who found these pirates, so why can't I participate in the operation?"
Hailan smiled and said, "If you still had the strength to match that red-haired straw hat kid, I wouldn't stop you from joining this operation. I'd even make you a main combatant. Do you think you can handle it?"
Buggy sighed, feeling a bit unwilling. He wasn't a match for Shanks anymore.
The companion he used to be on par with had now left him far behind.
How frustrating!
Hailan assigned Buggy a new task, "But you won't be idle. You'll be in charge of security in the capital of Alabasta."
Buggy was surprised, "Isn't Alubarna supposed to be under Rear Admiral Gion's protection?"
Hailan's expression turned serious, "You've seen it, Buggy. Not only has the Red-Haired's strength increased significantly compared to before, but even his first mate, Ben Beckman, is a top-notch fighter. I might not even be a match for him.
To capture the Red-Haired Pirates, we need Rear Admiral Gion's support. But Alubarna can't be left unprotected, so you'll take charge there."
"Me?"
Buggy was shocked, "Can I really protect Alubarna?"
Hailan continued, "Not just you. Besides Wagner, Kuro, Morge, and the lion Richie, all other soldiers are under your command."
Gathering many navy soldiers wouldn't be ineffective against a small, elite force like the Red-Haired Pirates.
Especially since the opponent possesses Conqueror's Haki.
Rather than wasting naval forces, it would be better to gather a few elites to launch a surprise attack on the Red-Haired Pirates.
Gion, Wagner, Kuro, the beast tamer Morge, and the lion Richie were Hailan's chosen candidates.
Kuro suggested to Buggy, "I remember you performed a magic trick recently, disguising yourself as a 'giant' using your Split-Split Fruit abilities and a large cloak. You can do the same this time to intimidate the troublemakers in Alubarna."
Buggy anxiously sniffed, "What if I get exposed?"
Hailan patted Buggy's shoulder, "Rear Admiral Gion and my soldiers will temporarily assist you. Even if you're exposed, the risk is minimal. Just go ahead and do it boldly."
With meticulous arrangements, Rear Admiral Gion, initially stationed in Alubarna, hurried to Hailan's location overnight after hearing about the Red-Haired Pirates' immense potential.
Hailan was already the most promising newcomer among the new generation of marines. If the Red-Haired Pirates' captain grew faster than Hailan, special attention had to be given to them.
Dressed in civilian clothes instead of her navy uniform, Gion smiled and said, "Hailan, you're so serious about this because you heard there's a pirate with greater potential than you, and you're feeling a bit unwilling?"
"What's there to be unwilling about?"
Hailan's eyes showed confidence, "Although he grew faster than me in the past five years, he's also older than me.
I'm 17, and that straw hat kid is 21. Five years ago, I was 12, and he was 16. When I turn 21, I'll be more potent than he is now!"
"Good, that's the spirit!"
Gion praised Hailan, "Admitting that you're not as good as the opponent, instead of pretending, is the attitude a rising marine star should have.
At the same time, never bow down and admit defeat, no matter who the opponent is. Nothing can stop you as long as you have an invincible belief in your heart."
Gion unexpectedly gave Hailan a motivational speech.
Being young has its advantages, but it also means elders will often treat you like a child.
However, Hailan still thanked Gion.
"Sister Gion, that Ben Beckman is really strong. I gave it my all and couldn't do anything to him. You must not underestimate him."
"Little one, you're worrying about me now."
Gion smiled calmly, "Don't underestimate my sword, Kinpira."
The famed sword Kinpira was Gion's constant companion.
In Sanskrit, Kinpira means "crocodile," here, Kinpira is the name of a sea guardian deity.
There are countless famous swords worldwide, especially the well-known "Quick Swords."
The Fifty Fine Grade Swords, the Twenty-One Great Grade Swords, and the Twelve Supreme Grade Swords are all world-renowned.
In fact, these so-called "Quick Swords" include not just swords but also spears, rapiers, and other weapons.
Kinpira is one of the Twelve Supreme Grade Swords.
In the "Holy Land" Mariejois, there are still 20 King's Swords before the Empty Throne.
But whether those weapons are famous or more potent than the Supreme Grade Swords.
"Don't worry about me. What about your informant? Has he been exposed?"
Gion was referring to the beast tamer Morge.
With the observational skills of Ben Beckman and Yasopp, ordinary marine scouts couldn't track them.
But Morge had his special tracking techniques.
His tamed lion Richie was brilliant (for an animal) very understanding, and Morge could even communicate with Richie.
And being an animal, Richie could naturally communicate with other animals.
Desert camels, banana crocodiles, kung fu dugongs... through Richie as an interpreter, they all became Morge's invaluable aides in gathering information.
No matter how intelligent Ben Beckman was, he couldn't imagine that the animals of Alabasta had become marine scouts.
Not just the people, but the power of the animal masses, when combined, was considerable.
Hailan circled a spot on the map of Alabasta, "Rest assured, the Red-Haired Pirates are now in a city called 'Catletta.' We just need to deliver a seagull express."
The seagull is an essential element of the navy's flag.
"Kuro, the detailed execution of this plan is in your hands. Don't disappoint me."
Kuro adjusted his glasses, "Rest assured, sir. When have I ever let you down?"