Chapter 41: A Bountiful Harvest

Walking through the corridors of the naval base, Garen silently brewed his emotions and contemplated his role. He naturally understood Nami’s purpose.

By the time Major Hammer greeted them with a smiling face and invited Garen and Nami into a finely decorated meeting room, Garen’s expression had already assumed a cold, lofty air.

“Colonel Smoker, please take a seat!”

Hammer, still smiling, walked over to the rectangular table, personally placing the chair at the head for Garen.

Without changing his expression, Garen nodded slightly and, with no hesitation, sat down at the head seat under Hammer’s attentive service, his demeanor arrogant and domineering.

Hammer, however, showed no sign of annoyance. He then walked to Garen’s left and placed a chair for Nami, inviting her to sit with utmost humility.

He had seen through Nami’s hidden identity beyond that of a “low-ranking marine,” so naturally, he treated her with respect.

Nami’s performance was impeccable, her acting skills being her bread and butter. She walked over with her gaze fixed ahead, took a seat beside Garen, then shifted comfortably in the plush leather chair, appearing utterly relaxed and unconstrained, showing none of the nervousness a subordinate should display before a superior.

Such behavior only confirmed Hammer’s previous suspicions, making his attitude even more respectful.

Once both were seated, Major Hammer directly produced a delicate small leather case and placed it respectfully on the table before Nami and Garen.

Now that he knew the true nature of “Smoker,” Hammer dispensed with pleasantries and spoke bluntly:

“Colonel Smoker!”

“These are some local specialties prepared to welcome you, I hope you’ll accept them with a smile!”

Garen remained unmoved, not even bothering to lift his eyelids.

Hammer cursed inwardly, but his face betrayed nothing.

Nami slowly reached out, gently opened the bulging leather case; the lid sprang open, revealing neatly stacked Beli banknotes.

Nami did a quick estimate—the case held about ten million Beli in crisp cash.

Had it been any other day, Miss Nami would have been drooling over the pile of money, her eyes sparkling.

But now, Nami appeared utterly indifferent. She glanced at the box for a moment, then calmly closed it and spoke with pointed politeness:

“Major Hammer, we appreciate your kindness.”

“However, let’s focus on the security matters of Loguetown first, shall we?”

As she spoke, Nami quietly slid the small leather case closer to herself, finally taking it off the table and placing it beside her seat.

“Cough, cough…”

Garen cleared his throat, adopting an official air to match Nami’s performance:

“Major Hammer!”

“As the chief officer of Loguetown Naval Base, it is your duty to protect the public, suppress bandits, and oversee the East Sea.”

“But today, I saw those pests—flies, mice, cockroaches—parading through Loguetown, outrageously bold!”

Garen’s gaze sharpened, his face filled with righteous indignation:

“What is going on here? Can you explain yourself?”

Hammer’s heart sank. He could easily tell that the man was about to make some outrageous demands.

“My deepest apologies!”

“Being busy with troop rotation and handover, I regret to say there have been some inevitable lapses in security…”

Hammer offered a feeble excuse.

It was utterly unconvincing, and even a fool wouldn’t believe it.

But Hammer knew what “Smoker” truly wanted—sincerity of a different kind.

Another exquisite wooden box was placed gently on the table by Major Hammer.

“That was just some local produce…”

He smiled apologetically.

“I’ve also prepared a few trifling handicrafts for you, Colonel Smoker.”

Garen’s expression remained unchanged, but Nami’s delighted smile reassured Major Hammer.

Nami promptly drew the wooden box towards her, opening it without any courtesy right in front of Hammer.

As soon as the lid was cracked, a dazzling golden light flashed before Nami’s eyes.

Jewels, jade, gold coins piled densely, sparkling and gleaming.

Nami casually picked out a sapphire ring the size of a pigeon egg, admired it under the bright meeting room lights, and her face broke into a thoroughly satisfied smile.

The box contained so much treasure that even the seasoned thief “Cat Burglar” Nami couldn’t immediately estimate its value.

But it was clear that this chest of jewels and gold was the true prize, worth far more than the ten million Beli in cash.

Even the always composed Major Hammer couldn’t help but betray a hint of pain when he saw Nami playing with the treasure.

“Excellent.”

Nami hugged the box to herself, smiling at Hammer:

“Major Hammer, you truly are a dedicated officer.”

“It seems all those negative rumors about you in Loguetown are unfounded!”

Two veins bulged faintly on Hammer’s forehead:

The young lady not only failed to change her tone after accepting the bribe, she even aired more of his dirty laundry right in front of him…

Clearly greedy, she wanted to squeeze more benefit from him!

Nami paid no mind to Hammer’s grim expression and continued, her words pointed:

“These ‘local specialties’ are lovely, but rather conspicuous.”

“Keeping such things nearby might tarnish Colonel Smoker’s reputation for integrity.”

“Tell me, Major Hammer—do you perhaps have more discreet treasures to offer?”

This was no longer a hint—it was open solicitation.

Nami even specified the preferred form of payment.

Compared to cash and jewels, nothing was more discreet than a bank check.

To keep the aggressive “Smoker” appeased, Hammer had indeed prepared a variety of gifts, checks among them.

Major Hammer’s face darkened further, his composure slipping.

Still trying to extort money by threatening my secrets?!

Hammer’s anger turned to a cold smile in his heart:

Fine! I’ll let you take the money, but you won’t live to spend it!

Without a word, Hammer took out a pre-prepared East Sea bank draft from his breast pocket and placed it gloomily on the table.

This draft differed from ordinary checks—it bore no payee or payer information, only an anti-forgery mark and an amount, redeemable for cash at the bank.

These easily transferable, hard-to-trace drafts were a black market service offered by banks to pirates, corrupt officials, and underworld groups when the government couldn’t regulate them.

Nami took the draft without ceremony, her gaze quickly fixing on the amount:

Fifty million Beli.

Even Nami, with her acting prowess, was momentarily stunned by the staggering sum.

Money had come so quickly and easily that even the crafty Cat Burglar found it hard to accept.

In just three days with Garen, she had achieved a “small goal” she'd spent years working toward.

“Major Hammer truly is a pillar of the navy!”

Nami beamed, gripping the check tightly.

These were all stolen funds…

Carrying boxes of cash and jewels was too conspicuous—if Smoker confiscated them later, it would be a total loss.

So Nami deliberately played the role of a greedy extortionist, coaxing this hidden, valuable draft from Major Hammer.

“Tell me, Colonel Smoker, are you satisfied with my efforts?”

Major Hammer forced a strained smile, leaning closer to Garen.

“Hahaha…”

Garen laughed brazenly, “Satisfied, very satisfied!”

He was indeed pleased with Major Hammer’s generous offering.

But now, the time had come for the real confrontation.

Garen quietly steeled himself, preparing to strike.

Before making his move, Garen cast a sly glance at Major Hammer, his eyes landing on Hammer’s wrist, where a luxurious watch glimmered with diamond light.

Hmm…

If you’re going to slaughter a pig, you’d best shave it clean first…

So Garen joked half-seriously:

“Major Hammer!”

“As a disciplined officer, don’t you think wearing such an expensive watch sets a bad example?”

“If the people of Loguetown saw it, it might damage our navy’s righteous image!”

“Yes, yes!”

Hammer nodded, bowing even closer, then “thoughtfully” began to remove his watch:

“Colonel Smoker’s lesson is well taken!”

“I’ll correct it immediately!”

Just as Hammer feigned humility, presenting the watch, a small revolver slipped silently from his sleeve into his hand.

A gunshot rang out.

A Sea Prism Stone bullet burst forth, striking Garen’s chest at point-blank range.

Garen fell instantly.

“Damn it!”

Hammer, wild-eyed, brandished the revolver and cursed furiously:

“You want to take even my watch?”

“You’re greedier than I am!”