Chapter 43: 43. Security Officer Laffitte

The Kingdom of Margarita, a member nation of the World Government, was located on the outer edge of West Blue. It was a moderately sized kingdom, known for its stark social divide over a decade ago due to the heavy tributes required by the Celestial Dragons each year. Back then, poverty and unrest plagued the streets, with riots frequently disrupting the peace. To protect the nobility and royal family and keep order in the towns, the kingdom established a position of "security officer," granting these officers both authority and military resources. They essentially became the kingdom's personal enforcers, quelling any uprisings that poverty ignited. However, over the years, economic improvements—spurred by alliances at the World Summit with other member nations—helped stabilize the kingdom. With a healthier economy, Margarita gradually pulled back the reins on its forceful policing, reclaiming much of the power it had previously delegated to security officers. This reform stripped the position of its former influence and turned it into a simple patrol role, to the dissatisfaction of some, especially one officer in particular: Laffitte. Laffitte had joined as a security officer not to protect the people but to wield unchallenged power and intimidate those weaker than himself. Witnessing the fear he could instill in others during his early days, he had relished every opportunity to demonstrate his authority. But this recent change left him chafing at the mundanity of his new duties, reducing him to nothing more than a common patrol guard. As he strolled through the streets, cane in hand, Laffitte felt a surge of frustration with each monotonous step. Just then, a fellow security officer approached him. "I'll cover your patrol today," the officer said. "There's someone looking for you at Bar No. 5 in the Hunter's Tavern." Laffitte raised an eyebrow. "Someone important?" "Not sure, but he's got plenty of money," the officer replied, slipping some Berries into his pocket, evidently having been paid well to relay the message. "Well, I appreciate it." Laffitte tipped his hat courteously and made his way toward the tavern on the town's eastern edge. The Hunter's Tavern was a familiar haunt for Laffitte. Set far from the town's center, it attracted all kinds—mercenaries, criminals, and anyone who preferred to operate in the shadows. By nightfall, it was a notorious gathering place for the underworld's less savory elements. When his duties left him particularly irritable, Laffitte would often come here, concealing his identity, to indulge in a bit of unrestrained violence. As he pushed open the door, the chaotic din of the tavern washed over him like a familiar tune. Ignoring the noise, he navigated the lively crowd with practiced ease, heading straight to Bar No. 5. There, he spotted the figures waiting for him—a man accompanied by two young girls. The taller of the two, a striking blonde, was almost the size of a grown man, though still noticeably youthful. But what caught Laffitte's attention even more were the several patrons around them, bound tightly as if ensnared in spider webs. The cleared space around the group spoke volumes; it was obvious they were not to be disturbed. As he approached, he overheard the white-haired girl on the man's left ask, "Alex, what does the wine taste like? I want to try it too!" The man, Alex, chuckled and shook his head. "This is only for adults, Yamato. You'll have to wait until you're older." Just then, Alex turned slightly and met Laffitte's gaze, as if sensing his presence. Laffitte's pupils narrowed in surprise. Recalling how the girl had addressed him as "Alex," he stepped forward with a respectful nod. "I didn't expect the invitation to come from someone of such high standing." Alex looked at him calmly, his voice cool and even. "You recognized me?" "I tend to keep up with the news, especially on powerful figures at sea," Laffitte explained with a sly smile, clearly intrigued. Alex nodded, gesturing for Laffitte to sit. "Then you might have an idea why I'm looking for you?" Laffitte looked down, masking any excitement. "The famous Flying Admiral seeking me out? I can only imagine. It would be an honor if you'd enlighten me." Alex poured wine into Laffitte's glass, his gaze sharp, piercing. As the glass filled, Alex spoke in a steady voice, each word carrying weight. "I can see you're not content here. A kingdom like Margarita, a title like security officer—these don't satisfy your ambitions, do they?" He paused, letting the suggestion hang in the air. "Would you like to go to sea with me, to see a wider world?" Laffitte's eyes widened, surprised by the proposal, but he didn't question it. Instead, a sly grin crept onto his face as he asked, "Could you tell me what this wider world looks like?" "The strong thrive there. Power decides your worth. Just like this..." Alex's expression darkened as an overpowering aura erupted from him, radiating through the tavern like a wave. Bang! Bang! As though time had stopped, the wine bottles on nearby shelves shattered under the force of his Conqueror's Haki. One by one, everyone in the bar collapsed, eyes rolling back as they slumped to the ground—everyone except those seated at Bar No. 5. Laffitte's reaction was electric; he jumped to his feet, eyes wide with awe. "This... is this...?!" "This is Conqueror's Haki," Maria explained proudly. "Only one in a million can wield it. This is Shogun Alex, who commands an entire nation!" Alex gave a wry smile. "But never mind titles. Isn't this more thrilling than patrolling a town as an officer?" Laffitte's grin widened, and he struggled to control his exhilaration. "Ah! You're absolutely right. This is leagues more exciting than playing security officer." With a newfound sense of purpose, he drained his wine and stood, executing a dramatic bow. "I am honored. Please, Lord Alex, allow me to join you on your journey to sea." "Of course. That was my intent from the beginning," Alex replied with a nod. Gesturing to his two companions, he said, "This is Yamato, and her name is Maria. From here on out, we're all crewmates." Laffitte looked at the young girls, his keen instincts sensing something unusual. While they appeared young, he felt an underlying intensity he hadn't noticed at first. Sensing Laffitte's subtle doubt, Alex added, "Don't let their age fool you. Both of them will become my most trusted and capable allies." Understanding the significance of Alex's endorsement, Laffitte gave the girls a respectful nod. "If you trust them, then so do I. After all, I must have some merit to be chosen by you myself." With that, the decision was made. Alex got up, adjusting his coat, and turned to the others. "Well then, with Laffitte recruited, our purpose here is fulfilled. It's time to move on." The four of them exited the tavern, stepping out into the streets of Margarita. "Where to next, Captain?" Laffitte asked, now fully rid of his guard uniform, falling in step with his new captain. "I still have a few more objectives in West Blue," Alex replied. But he suddenly stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing as he overheard a pair of men nearby. Though he hadn't used Observation Haki, he caught one word clearly from their conversation: "Ohara."