One Piece - Life Choice Ask Me to Kiss Marine Goddes Hina

Under normal circumstances, he might have been scolded. 

But now, with the Five Elders focused on crushing the Revolutionary Army, they wouldn't risk angering one of their "strongest forces." 

They knew better than to upset him and would try to keep him on their side. The Five Elders had the same thought.

Many of the lines they had prepared to reprimand Lynch went unused. Instead, they had to apply subtle pressure, hoping Lynch would "get the message" on his own. 

The harsh scolding they'd held back for so long suddenly felt unnecessary, leaving the Five Elders feeling a bit uncomfortable themselves.

"Admiral Sun Candle, the Five Elders are ready to see you now," the CP member announced, rushing back in.

Satisfied that he had made his point, Lynch pocketed the last pigeon-egg-sized gem, gave the man a friendly pat on the shoulder, and said with a smirk, "I like your boldness."

…

"Master Five Elders." Lynch gave a casual nod when he saw them and stood calmly.

The room was silent except for the rhythmic tapping of the Five Elders' fingers on the wooden armrest.

"Lynch, you failed to protect the Celestial Dragons and were defeated by Dragon, along with Fast. Do you realize your guilt?" Saint Mars asked, his tone stern.

"Convicted," Lynch responded calmly.

Seeing his unexpectedly cooperative attitude, the Five Elders' sternness softened a little, and Lynch suddenly seemed more agreeable to them.

"Well, since you recognize your mistakes, as per the iron law of the World Government, crimes must be punished. You'll have to accept the consequences," one of them stated.

"Convinced," Lynch repeated without hesitation.

The Five Elders, who were used to him being more obedient, were momentarily taken aback by his sudden obedience—it was almost unsettling.

The Five Elders exchanged quiet glances and nodded in agreement. 

They appreciated someone who knew how to adapt to the situation.

Saint Marcus Mars cleared his throat, ready to deliver the prepared speech. After wielding the metaphorical stick, it was time to offer the sweet reward.

"According to the original punishment, you should be demoted to Vice Admiral. However, due to your loyalty and hard work, we will give you an opportunity," 

Saint Marcus Mars said with a smile.

"What kind of opportunity?" Lynch asked, clearly satisfied with the direction of the conversation.

Saint Marcus Mars smiled even wider. 

"If you pledge your loyalty to us, not only will you be exempt from punishment, but after you retire from the Marines, you and your descendants can join the Celestial Dragons and become one of them."

"Fast, you know, his full name is Saint Fast now. He and his family have become noble Celestial Dragons," Saint Marcus Mars revealed, dropping another bombshell.

No wonder Fast was still so eager to serve the World Government, even after retirement—it all made sense now!

"But... Fleet Admiral Sengoku..." Lynch feigned excitement, adding a touch of hesitation for effect.

"Sengoku works for the World Government, just like we do. There's no need to worry about that," Saint Marcus Mars said reassuringly.

Seeing Lynch's interest, he stepped down and patted Lynch's shoulder with a fatherly tone. "You're still young, with a long road ahead of you. Don't miss out on the huge wealth and power waiting for you."

"What's there to hesitate about? Only by joining us will you secure a more glorious future," the bald elder, holding the legendary sword Shodai Kitetsu, said, trying to sway him.

"Alright, I agree," Lynch replied calmly, "but I have one request."

"Explain," one of the Five Elders said.

"I'm still young and have no descendants. If I give up my chance to become a Celestial Dragon, can I instead choose ten items from the World Government's treasure house?" 

The Five Elders paused, considering his request. 

Allowing Lynch's descendants to become Celestial Dragons would tie their interests together and give them leverage over him. 

However, Lynch's request was unexpected and outside their plans.

"Okay, we agree, but you can only choose five items," the Five Elders finally relented. 

They realized that none of the current Marine leaders were on their side, and they desperately needed someone like Lynch. 

An agreement was made, and Lynch left satisfied.

As Lynch walked out of the room, he felt happy. 

"These old guys think they can control me," he thought. 

"Another round of negotiations, and I hope there are some good treasures in that vault." 

He soon will leave the Marines, leaving the Five Elders stunned. 

Before turning against the World Government, he figured he might as well take advantage of the situation.

'If I can solve problems and make a fortune through a bit of hypocrisy and compromise, why not?'

Just then, he was informed, "Sir, we have arrived at the treasure house." 

After going through a series of tedious procedures, Lynch finally entered. 

The World Government's treasure house was said to hold some of their highest treasures.

This treasure house didn't contain gold or traditional riches. Instead, the treasures here were unique. There were three rooms in total. 

Lynch entered the first room, where the attendant said, "Sir, this room to the east holds the Devil Fruits." 

Inside, seven Devil Fruits were displayed on seven marble stone pillars. 

The attendant opened each one and enthusiastically introduced them. 

The seven Devil Fruits were:

Zoan•Ancient Species•Cat Cat Fruit - Sabre Tooth Tiger Form

Zoan•Ancient Species•Dragon Fruit - Wind God Pterodactyl Form

Zoan•Ancient Species•Ape Fruit - Diamond Ape Form

Zoan•Ancient Species•Dragon Fruit - Deinonychus Form

Zoan•Ancient Species•Fish Fruit - Giant Crocodile Form

Zoan•Ancient Species•Dragon Fruit - Oviraptor Form

Zoan•Ancient Species•Bird Fruit - Big-Winged Bat Form

"They're all ancient zoan," Lynch thought to himself with a sneer.

The unified classification of these Devil Fruits suggests they were specifically organized this way. 

Notably, there isn't a single Mythical beast or Logia fruit among them, which indicates that this isn't a treasure trove of the highest standard. 

Those old Five Elders are as clever as ever. 

If they had actually given him a Logia fruit, Lynch would have questioned whether there was a hidden agenda behind it.

Even if it's not the highest-level treasure house, these ancient Zoan still make it a first-class collection. 

The Five Elders are willing to invest. 

With someone watching him, Lynch casually selected the Zoan·Ancient Species·Dragon Fruit in the Wind God Pterodactyl form, leaving the rest behind.

As Lynch left the room, he drop a hidden world transfer scroll in the corner. 

There were two rooms left to explore: one filled with rare materials and the other containing important land deeds and shares. 

Lynch made token selections from both rooms before exiting the treasure house and returning to Marine Base under the watchful eyes of his attendants. 

Meanwhile, in the room of the Five Elders...

"This boy knows how to read the situation. Those who are aware of their situation are truly wise," Saint Marcus Mars said, stroking his beard with a smile, feeling pleased. 

"I'm concerned he might be putting on a show while plotting something behind our backs," another Elder replied. 

"How dare he! Our treasures are not so easily taken!"

…

At night, the starry sky sparkled brightly. 

In the darkness, Lynch opened his eyes and used the world transfer scroll to return to the treasure house he had visited during the day. 

"You old fools, your thinking isn't as sharp as that mermaid girl Oppai"

.

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TO BE CONTINUED

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