Anxious Sengoku

Marine Headquarters, Marineford

In the Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku held his forehead as he stared at the military deployment map on his desk, his brow deeply furrowed.

Ever since Pirate King Roger's final words before his death, huge numbers of pirates had begun flooding into the Grand Line, and the Marines' forces were already being stretched thin.

Although the three Logia Admirals stood guard as the Marines' top combat power, all three were clearly troublesome figures: Kizaru, who clocked in and collected his monthly salary; the mostly idle, lazy Aokiji; and Akainu, who, compared to the other two, at least got things done.

However, Akainu's methods were far too extreme. Sengoku did not particularly like his brand of Absolute Justice.

Then there were the pirates.

The Four Emperors of the New World watched like tigers eyeing their prey. Every one of them possessed the power to casually destroy a nation, not to mention the powerful pirates under their command.

"The Marines need an influx of fresh blood right now, especially talented people with great potential!" Sengoku thought, then sighed.

"Talented people are hard to come by..."

Knock, knock, knock.

A knock sounded at the door. A Headquarters soldier entered, saluted, then took out a Den Den Mushi and said solemnly,

"Report, Fleet Admiral! Colonel Rhode of Marine Branch 155 in the East Blue has sent word that he has important information to report to Headquarters!"

"The East Blue? Could it be that Brand Pirate Group from a few days ago has started causing trouble? Damn garbage of the sea!"

Sengoku's mood worsened. After nodding and dismissing the soldier, he connected to Rhode's Den Den Mushi.

"Moshiboshi, this is Marine Headquarters. I am Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Colonel Rhode, what important information do you have to report?"

Rhode's Den Den Mushi immediately mimicked an excited expression and opened its mouth.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, this is Rhode. An incredibly talented new recruit has arrived at our branch recruitment office! His name is Uchiha Senga!"

"An incredibly talented new recruit?" Sengoku became somewhat excited. Hearing such news at a time like this was like receiving charcoal in a snowstorm.

But when he remembered that it was a Marine branch in the East Blue, he could not help but grow suspicious. After all, it was difficult for the weakest sea to produce any exceptionally gifted recruits. He figured Rhode had spent too long in the East Blue and had simply become overly excited upon seeing a newcomer with a little strength.

With that thought, Sengoku's rising spirits sank again.

"Mm, I understand. Can you describe exactly what makes his talent so exceptional?"

"This Uchiha Senga possesses many abilities. First, his physical abilities are extremely strong. He also seems to possess the ability to control gravity and repulsion. He can fly, and he can easily lift the entire Marine branch building into the air, then gently set it back down!"

"What?!"

Upon hearing this, Sengoku could no longer remain calm. As the highest-ranking officer of Marine Headquarters and one of the world's strongest people himself, Sengoku naturally knew the value of such abilities.

Flight and the ability to control gravity and repulsion—either one was an exceptionally powerful ability. Could it be a Paramecia Devil Fruit?

Furthermore, the fact that Uchiha Senga could effortlessly lift an entire Marine branch building into the sky showed that he had already mastered his abilities to an extremely high degree.

Had they really found a treasure? Sengoku could hardly believe it.

At that moment, Rhode's voice sounded again.

"Brand Pirate Group has already been wiped out by him alone! Their captain became a charred corpse, while the other pirates were compressed into a black sphere. He said he also has the ability to control flames! And...!" Rhode paused.

"He is only sixteen years old!"

"..."

Silence.

"F-Fleet Admiral Sengoku?" After receiving no response for a long while, Rhode assumed Sengoku thought he had exaggerated too much and cautiously asked,

"I'm here!"

Sengoku suddenly snapped back to his senses. His face flushed red as he shouted at the Den Den Mushi,

"Colonel Rhode, you have done very well! Headquarters will immediately dispatch a warship to receive him. During this time, you must make sure he feels the sincerity of the Marines!"

"Understood, Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"

After ending the call, Sengoku let out a long breath and prepared to arrange a warship bound for the East Blue.

The door was violently shoved open.

"Sengoku! I'm going back to the East Blue to see my grandson!"

The one who entered was Garp, the legendary Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters. Picking his nose, he charged up to Sengoku's desk and shouted at him without restraint.

Sengoku looked at his old friend with a headache. Not only did this guy never do proper work, he had even led Aokiji astray. He also loved coming here to bother him and steal his senbei!

Just as he was about to scold this annoying fellow, Sengoku's eyes suddenly lit up.

He could use this opportunity to have Garp pick him up. Although Garp was usually unreliable, his reputation was renowned. Wouldn't sending him better demonstrate the Marines' sincerity?

I truly am wise!

A kind smile immediately appeared on Sengoku's face.

"Fine, I approve!"

"Ah, I haven't seen my grandson in so long. This time, you'll... Hm?!"

Garp had just been about to make excuses. By convention, Garp would definitely refuse righteously first, and then, after Garp wheedled and threatened him for a while, Sengoku would compromise.

Yet this time, it had gone so smoothly?

Sengoku's unusual behavior left Garp utterly confused, and he stood frozen in place for a moment.

Sengoku also realized that his behavior had been somewhat abnormal. He coughed awkwardly twice, then said seriously,

"You can take leave, but you have to pick someone up for me along the way. He is at Marine Branch 155 in the East Blue."

"Pick someone up? Who?"

"A Marine recruit. His name is Uchiha Senga!"

If you think this book is good, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you do not lose it next time.