One Piece: Mandala Swordsman

Chapter 117 Taking it out on someone doesn't mean you'll suffer the consequences.

The aroma of food fills the air; it's a rare moment of relaxation during the day—lunchtime.

After a morning of hard work, most of the navy personnel were already starving and couldn't resist indulging in a hearty meal.

Roman was not surprised.

Today she ate a full three portions of curry rice plus two thick chunks of sea king meat.

After all, it takes a lot of mental exertion. Working in Sakazuki's office every day is extremely physically demanding. At the same time, she didn't forget to stay hydrated in the hot environment, so she drank three more bottles of coconut juice.

"It seems your work is very tiring." Tina made her judgment based on Roman's sudden increase in appetite, but she was obviously not intimidated by this amount of food. You know, even in the Navy, Roman's appetite is not among the largest.

"It's alright, but my brain is really tired every day."

Sakassky had high standards, so Roman put his heart and soul into reviewing the documents that needed to be submitted to him.

“But I’ve heard that Lieutenant General Sakazuki is very strict. He basically changes his adjutant several times a year. If Lieutenant General Sakazuki blames you, I think it’s probably not your fault. You’re the only person in our training camp to be granted the rank of lieutenant officer. Don’t underestimate yourself. Besides, you were personally requested by Admiral Sengoku. Even Lieutenant General Sakazuki has to be more respectful to Admiral Sengoku.” Tina seemed a little worried about Roman under Sakazuki’s command and quietly comforted him.

Incidentally, Tina's current rank is Sergeant, and she works under Tsuru.

Seeing Tina's slightly worried face, Roman smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'm not that easy to defeat."

Although Sakazuki is strict and has a fiery temper, working under him means doubling the workload and extending overtime hours. However, his terrifying aura can temper Roman's own Haki at any time, keeping Roman's Haki in a state of constant tension and restraint. If this continues, Roman's Haki will become stronger and stronger, which is a good thing.

"Oh, by the way, I'll let you in on a little secret: I went to the finance department to apply for overtime pay," Roman whispered with a sly look in his eyes.

"What?" Tina's eyes widened in surprise.

“Otherwise, I’d be losing out if I had to work from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day,” Roman said with an air of self-righteousness.

Sakazuki can be called the "King of the Modern Era".

Roman admired him greatly for his willingness to work six hours of overtime every day for the Navy Headquarters without pay and for his commitment to completing tasks on the same day. If Roman were not his adjutant, he would admire him even more.

To maximize his own interests, Roman even studied the "Naval Manual" and discovered that there were subsidies for working overtime.

Upon seeing this, Roman acted swiftly, immediately submitting his work schedule to the finance department.

Because she was the adjutant of the "corporate slave" Sakazuki, her working hours were never questioned. The finance department simply confirmed her identity and gave her overtime pay, which moved Roman to tears.

"As expected of you, Roman, you always do things we never expect."

"Sure, sure. How's Smoker lately? I don't think I've seen him in a while."

“He…” Tina’s eyes immediately showed a look that was hard to describe.

"Let me guess, he angered his boss again and got kicked out of the team." Roman thought about Smoker's temper and made a reasonable guess.

"Not only that, he punched his superior right in the face." Tina sighed, her face full of helplessness.

As a Logia-type Devil Fruit user, Smoker was completely helpless against his superiors who lacked charisma, which led to him being driven to the hospital in frustration.

"Although Smoker has a bit of a temper, there must be a reason why he would assault his superior," Roman said, stroking his chin.

"It seems that it was because his superior forced a girl from the pleasure quarters, and Smoker couldn't stand it, so he took action."

Roman knew very well what the pleasure district was: it was a place where people sought pleasure, especially men.

The lantern district in Marineford's commercial street is arguably the most bustling area in Marineford, and also the area with the most brothels.

In this era, such behavior, while not encouraged, is extremely common in the navy. In a naval camp filled with male hormones and virility, having a place to relax is perfectly normal.

Navy personnel fighting on the front lines naturally need ways to release stress.

It could be cigarettes, fine wine, gambling, or women.

In short, you can indulge in eating, drinking, gambling, and prostitution as long as it doesn't affect your work; few people will interfere with your hobbies.

Especially in places like the entertainment district, a significant portion of the navy's personnel contribute a large portion of their salaries.

The three future generals will naturally be no exception.

In fact, not only men, but even Roman himself wanted to go and see it.

But when she thought of Queen Stussy of Pleasure Street, she suppressed her thoughts.

Stussy will remain loyal to the World Government until Vegapunk gives the order; she is also the only female emperor in the darkness.

Who would believe that someone like him didn't have a few spies planted in the pleasure quarters, especially in Marineford?

The world government will naturally monitor the navy as a weapon.

Then the flower girls under Stussy's command are naturally useful pawns.

When the restaurant is full of distinguished guests, the atmosphere is lively, and beautiful women are acting coquettishly, one might vomit up any secret mission information when their mind is clouded.

Of course, judging from Roman's perspective, Sora and Sengoku should also be fully aware of the World Government's countermeasures.

However, they still maintained a facade of harmony.

After all, the Navy needs the World Government, and the World Government needs the Navy.

You can do whatever dirty things in secret, but in the open you have to be an ironclad fortress.

Roman's thoughts had already wandered far away, but he still couldn't help but ask about Smoker's fate.

"His military rank will be retained for now, and a decision on how to deal with him will be made based on his performance over the next six months."

"It's already considered very light."

It's important to know that assaulting a superior is no small offense. Smoker wasn't severely punished, probably because he was a top student at Zeff's training camp. Otherwise, Smoker's punishment would have been far more severe.

In slightly more extreme cases, such as Onigumo and Doberman, they would probably kick him out of the Navy immediately.

"His actions were inappropriate. Even if the superior had misconduct, he should have reported it to his superiors. Taking direct action would have turned a just cause into an unjust cause."

"That's right, Roman, when you see him again, you should give him a good talking-to."

Of course, she would teach Smoker some more practical methods.

For example, in a secluded place, put that bastard boss in a sack and beat him up.

You can vent your anger without suffering the consequences.