Donald froze as he looked at Monkey D. Dragon, who had just kicked the office door wide open.
His mind went blank.
Had his identity been exposed?
Did Dragon know?
How could Dragon possibly know?!
Damn it.
Without concrete evidence, who would dare move against him? Who would dare?!
Donald's expression shifted rapidly through three emotions before he finally bellowed at Dragon, "Major Dragon, what do you think you're doing?! Breaking into my office and accusing me are you trying to start a rebellion?!"
"Yes."
Dragon nodded sincerely.
Seeing the swift change on Donald's face, Dragon was now certain: this old man had to be corrupt.
"!?!"
Donald was dumbfounded.
Why did he nod?!
He's really here to rebel!
Dragon dashed forward, then executed a move he jokingly called the "American Sheriff Crushes the Dark Lord."
Donald was slammed to the ground, the pressure on his knees making it hard to breathe. His face flushed crimson as he gasped, "Let me go… I… I can't breathe!"
The Marines following Dragon witnessed the scene and all drew in shocked breaths.
My God, he moves so fast!?
Although stunned, their instincts took over they blocked the doorway, shielding themselves from the eyes of the Bureau officers behind them.
"The Base Commander has committed egregious crimes. I have subdued him on the spot," Dragon said as he stepped over Donald, one foot pressing lightly on his head, moving toward the door. "You two, enter and search carefully. Don't leave a single piece of evidence unchecked."
"Yes, Major!"
Karl and Roman charged into the office, overturning drawers and cabinets like wolves hunting prey.
Dragon pulled open a desk drawer that contained only some branch files.
He casually picked up one document it was an order from Donald restricting fuel supply.
Dragon remained calm, pressing his foot a little harder.
"Ah!!"
Donald's face turned crimson, and his pain intensified.
"Major, Donald's criminal evidence is well hidden," Karl muttered cautiously after searching the office.
They were sweating nervously. Had they misjudged?
Dragon looked down at Donald and sneered. "Heh, you're not completely foolish. At least you know how to hide things."
"I have committed no crimes! Your actions will be judged by Headquarters!"
Donald's face twisted, his voice harsh despite the pain.
Dragon calmly picked a piece of paper from the pile on the desk and shouted, "Stop lying! I've found a letter detailing your collusion with the Tiger Shark Pirates, you bastard!"
"What did you say?!"
Donald's shock immediately turned to fury. "Nonsense!"
Although he had dealings with various factions, he had never interacted with the Tiger Shark Pirates!
"Whether this is true or not can only be determined through investigation. I will ensure that you have a chance to prove your innocence."
Dragon smirked and said to Karl and Roman, "Karl, take half the team to announce the Base Commander's arrest. We've already uncovered several major offenses embezzlement, dereliction of duty, and bribery but there are more crimes to investigate. Anyone reporting him will receive a bounty of one million Berries. Any accomplices who confess will have their sentence halved."
"Roman, take the other half to Donald and the Executive Officer's quarters." Collect evidence from William's residence. Anyone attempting interference will be detained!
Dragon was unconcerned about being discovered. In the Bureau, accusations like embezzlement, dereliction, and bribery are common. Once someone raises their voice, people will believe it.
"How dare you! I was personally appointed by Headquarters as Base Commander! You have no authority to investigate me!"
Donald screamed from the ground, terror written across his face.
If events unfolded as Dragon described, his secrets would almost certainly be exposed.
His collaborations with the Vinsmoke family and other criminal organizations could not have been achieved by him and his deputy alone.
He could not guarantee that all involved subordinates would remain silent.
In this base, many knew of his abuses of power. Most had no proof, but as soon as Dragon caught wind of anything, it would be pinned squarely on him!
"Just watch," Dragon said with a cold smile, shouting at the hesitant pair, "What are you waiting for?! Once the investigation starts, act decisively, no hesitation!"
"Yes, Major!"
Karl and Roman gritted their teeth, nodded, and rushed out.
Roman roared, "Left side, follow me! We're going to seize contraband!"
Karl shouted, "Right side, follow me! We're making the charges public!"
Immediately, both teams sprang into action, moving like a whirlwind.
The officers who came to observe were pushed aside in the chaos.
"Unauthorized personnel, step back! Unauthorized personnel, step back!"
Former Base Commander Donald had trampled the law for personal gain, accepted bribes, and committed multiple serious crimes! Anyone reporting or exposing him today would see their past offenses halved!
"Anyone caught shielding him will face even harsher punishment!"
The two teams of Marines shouted at everyone they saw, righteous indignation blazing.
Many guilt-ridden individuals turned to flee, only to be captured immediately.
Some officers froze, shocked and confused.
A few die-hard loyalists tried to storm the office to rescue Donald and overturn the case, but Dragon kicked each of them aside.
Karl and Roman found their search increasingly easy. The reactions proved a serious case existed in the base!
Roman discovered a ledger in a hidden spot in the Executive Officer's office at William's residence. Several junior officers voluntarily reported to Karl everything was arranged.
Karl and Roman returned to the office with the people and evidence. Seeing the documents, even their eyelids twitched involuntarily.
Originally, only Dragon, Donald, and William were in the office. Now it was chaotic, with people sprawled across the floor.
"Major, this was found at the Executive Officer's residence." William's residence contained detailed records of their dealings with criminal organizations, including collaboration with the Vinsmoke family.
"We also discovered one billion Berries in the base, likely part of their illicit earnings."
Roman handed over the thick stack of documents, glaring at Donald with disgust.
"Major, these are complete testimonies provided by officers who voluntarily contacted me, along with some evidence. More informants are coming forward."
Karl delivered a box containing written statements and valuable items as proof.
"Excellent. You all did very well. This month, everyone will receive a fivefold bonus," Dragon said, smiling at his Marines. "Karl, Roman, I will submit your promotion reports."
He knew Donald had done bad things, but he hadn't expected it to be so serious.
Smuggling weapons with the Vinsmoke family and collecting protection fees from various criminal organizations Donald was truly a local tyrant in this branch!
"Major, thank you for giving me this opportunity!"
Karl and Roman saluted together.
The elite Marines behind them were ecstatic.
This time, they not only captured a "big tiger" for the Marines but also earned the rewards from Major Dragon. A double victory.
Meanwhile…
Human joys and sorrows meant nothing to Donald; he only felt noise.
His face turned pale as he realized it was over.
He recalled the past, when he was a young man with ideals.
Back then, he never imagined he would end up colluding with pirates.
Until a cunning pirate gave him a gift…
That moment shattered his adherence to Marine discipline, dragging him deeper into corruption.
It was the consequence of relaxing his ideology, twisting his mind, and indulging his desires… Donald's eyes were hollow, filled with endless remorse.