One Piece: Trying 200 times harder, but being too overbearing.

Tsk tsk.

Lily's body stiffened slightly as she felt the burning gaze behind her. Her face immediately flushed, and she cursed inwardly.

"You little pervert!"

Loya has been back for several days. Perhaps because he is now a big shot, he looks at her more and more brazenly, especially enjoying looking at her from behind when she is cleaning.

As for where to look.

Lily blushed and pretended not to know anything. While wiping the tables and chairs, she unconsciously chose to face away from Loya and lowered her upper body even further.

"Gulu~~"

Hearing the sound of swallowing behind me, my body grew increasingly hot.

After finishing all her work, Lily was covered in sweat, her hair was wet and stuck to her neck, and her clothes were sticking to her body with sweat.

It's sticky and uncomfortable.

"Phew, it's so hot."

Even though I wasn't very tired, my body felt so hot that I could hardly breathe.

Lily tugged at her collar to let in some fresh air, her cheeks flushed as she walked toward the stairs. As she passed Loya, she paused slightly and spoke in a barely audible voice.

"I went to take a shower."

"Ah, oh."

Loya paused for a moment, watching Lily rush upstairs, and quickly understood the hidden meaning in her words.

Things are different now. He is no longer the ordinary boy he was six months ago. At least in this town of Shells, he is considered a big shot and has the unique "charm" of a strong person.

How could one not respond to a lady's invitation?

Damn it, what's with all the patience?!

"Sister Lilixiang, let me scrub your back!"

Chapter 32 Loya's Team

The food pub was closed for a whole week.

When the business reopened, Loya returned to Branch 153, clutching his aching back. It wasn't that his body couldn't take it, but rather that he feared that staying a few more days would wear down his steely will.

The allure of a gentle, loving home is terrifying.

He now finally understands why those ancient emperors indulged in wine and women, ultimately neglecting state affairs and squandering their fortunes.

Damn it, which old comrade can withstand this test?

I too yearn for a life of wine, women, and meat!

Tower, Colonel's office.

"Lieutenant Loya, reporting for duty!"

"You actually dared to come back, kid."

Colonel Rhodes looked Loya up and down, his eyes full of mockery. Shells Town is only so big; it's not easy to keep some things a secret.

The rumors have been circulating for ages.

Bah, you brat!

Colonel Rhodes said with a look of regret, "You little rascal, you're quick to act. It's a pity, I was originally planning to introduce my daughter to you."

"Colonel, you have a daughter?"

Loya looked shocked.

Is it strange to have a daughter?

Colonel Rhodes glared at Loya with annoyance.

His daughter is twelve years old this year, about the same age as Kaya. Although she is a little younger, Loya is not much older either, only five years younger.

In his eyes, Loya was a very suitable son-in-law, but this brat was clearly a troublemaker who even dared to knock on the door of the pretty widow.

Damn, I’m so envious!

Loya chuckled, skillfully sat down on the sofa, picked up an apple from the fruit plate, and took a big bite.

"Colonel, what are the work arrangements for next?"

"Of course."

Colonel Rhodes picked up a stack of wanted posters and handed them to Loya.

"After the Black Cat Pirates were defeated, all sorts of pirate crews, big and small, jumped out, and now the area under the branch's jurisdiction is in complete chaos."

"That sounds serious."

Loya stopped smiling and began to carefully read through the bounty posters.

A thick stack, at least twenty sheets.

Furthermore, all of these wanted criminals are pirate captains, meaning there are at least twenty pirate crews active.

"The Vajra Cudgel" Alvida, "The Iron Hammer" Bejar, "The Skinner" Ramus

The bounties are mostly between 500 million and 1000 million Berries, with a few exceeding 1000 million Berries.

"Hey, this guy."

Loya saw a familiar face.

Bucky the Joker has a bounty of 1500 million Berries!

Rhodes, seeing the bounty poster in Loya's hand, solemnly advised, "Don't mess with that guy for now."

“I understand, Colonel.”

Loya nodded slightly.

After Roger's death, "The Joker" Bucky began to be active in the East China Sea, and has been there for more than a decade. He is one of the old powers in the East China Sea, and the Navy has had a lot of headaches for him.

The opponent is very strong!

Although under his planning, Branch 153 defeated Kro, it was with the combined strength of the entire branch.

Defeating Baki will be no easier than defeating Kuro.

Colonel Rhodes said in a deep voice, "Loya, the 153rd branch will join forces with the 32nd branch to form a patrol team to wipe out the rampaging pirates. You will be in charge of this mission!"

"I?"

Loya looked astonished.

"Colonel, is it appropriate for me to be entrusted with such an important mission?"

"It has to be suitable, even if it's not!"

Colonel Rhodes shrugged helplessly: "I originally planned to have Lieutenant Monca lead the team, but his personality is too rigid and he is likely to have disagreements with the junior officers of the 32nd branch. Compared to him, you are more flexible in your thinking."

"I understand."

Loya nodded in understanding.

In terms of experience in fighting pirates, Morgan is definitely more experienced than him, but he is indeed more stubborn and not very good at handling interpersonal relationships.

He had dealt with the 32nd branch during the Glass Pearl Island incident, so at least there's not much to worry about regarding trust.

"When does it begin?"

“Recently, the 32nd branch has dispatched personnel who will arrive in the next few days. You will then work together.”

The pirates who caused this riot were active not only in the area under the jurisdiction of the 153rd branch, but also in the 32nd branch, which is why there was a joint patrol.

Similar situations are actually quite common, since pirates roam around everywhere and there's no such thing as them staying in any particular sea area.

Colonel Rhodes smiled and said, "You can decide on the personnel selection yourself. A maximum of twenty-five people can be deployed. Now that you are a naval ensign, it's time to cultivate some trustworthy personnel."

"Thank you, Colonel!"

Loya felt grateful.

Being sent on missions represents merit and also allows one to cultivate trusted subordinates, which is a real benefit for a captain.

They're grooming him to be their successor!

Colonel Rhodes added with a smile, "There's one more thing. Go to Xirob Village tomorrow; there's a surprise waiting for you."

"understand!"

surprise?

Loya felt a sense of unease.

Could it be that the Sirob couple have taken a liking to his handsome appearance and are planning to choose him as their son-in-law?

Although he is only a minor branch lieutenant now, which is nothing special, his youth is his greatest asset, and his future is promising. He is worthy of Koya.

Hehe, that was a real surprise!

"correct!"