The Impatient Sengoku

Marine Headquarters, Marineford

In the Marshal's office, Sengoku was propping his forehead with a hand, staring at the military deployment map on his desk, his brows tightly knit.

Ever since the Pirate King Roger's dying words, a flood of pirates had surged into the Grand Line, and Marine forces were already stretched thin.

At the top tier of combat power, the three Logia Admirals stood guard, but each of them was clearly a problem case—Kizaru clocking in for his monthly paycheck, Aokiji lazing about most of the time, and Akainu, who at least got things done compared to the other two.

Still, Akainu's actions were too extreme. Sengoku wasn't fond of his brand of absolute justice.

As for the pirates, The Four Emperors in the New World were watching hungrily, each one capable of casually destroying an entire nation, not to mention the powerful pirates under their command.

"The Marines need an injection of fresh blood right now, especially talents with immense potential!" Sengoku sighed again at the thought.

"Talents are hard to come by!"

Knock, knock, knock.

A knock sounded, and a Headquarters Soldier entered, saluted, then produced a Den Den Mushi and said gravely, "Reporting to the Marshal! Colonel Rhode of Marine Branch 155 in the East Blue has sent word that he has major information to report to Headquarters!"

"The East Blue? Could it be that Brand Pirate Group has started causing trouble? Damn scum of the sea!"

Sengoku's mood soured further. He nodded to dismiss the soldier, then connected Rhode's Den Den Mushi.

"Moshi Moshi, this is Marine Headquarters. I'm Marshal Sengoku. Colonel Rhode, what important information do you have to report?"

Rhode's Den Den Mushi immediately mimicked an excited expression and spoke, "Marshal Sengoku, this is Rhode. Our branch's recruitment office has taken in a new recruit with extraordinary talent! His name is Uchiha Senga!"

"An extraordinarily talented new recruit?" Sengoku felt a stir of excitement. Hearing news like this in such times was like rain in a drought.

But then, thinking it was from an East Blue Marine branch, he couldn't help but doubt it. After all, the weakest sea was hardly a place to produce a recruit of exceptional talent. He figured Rhode had been in the East Blue too long and was overreacting to a slightly capable newcomer.

With that thought, Sengoku's rising spirits sank back down.

"Mm, I understand. Can you describe what this extraordinary talent specifically entails?"

"This Uchiha Senga has many abilities. First, his physical fitness is top-notch. He also seems to have the power to control gravity and repulsion. He can fly, easily lift the entire Marine branch building into the sky, and set it down gently!"

"What!?"

Hearing this, Sengoku lost his composure. As the highest-ranking officer at Marine Headquarters and one of the few at the top of this world's power scale, Sengoku knew quality when he saw it.

Flight, control over gravity and repulsion—either ability alone was incredibly powerful. Could it be a Paramecia Devil Fruit?

And this Uchiha Senga could already lift an entire Marine branch building into the sky with ease, meaning his ability was already well-honed.

Had they really struck gold? Sengoku could hardly believe it.

Then Rhode's voice rang out again, "The Brand Pirate Group has been annihilated by him alone! The captain turned into a charred corpse, and the other pirates were compressed into a black sphere by him. He says he also has the ability to control flames! And..." Rhode paused, "He's only sixteen!"

"..."

Silence.

"Marshal... Marshal Sengoku?" Rhode, hearing no response for a while, thought the Marshal might find his report too exaggerated, and spoke up cautiously.

"I'm here!"

Sengoku snapped back to reality. His face flushed as he shouted into the Den Den Mushi, "Colonel Rhode, you've done well! Headquarters will immediately dispatch a warship to retrieve him. In the meantime, make sure he feels the sincerity of the Marines!"

"Understood, Marshal Sengoku!"

After disconnecting the Den Den Mushi, Sengoku let out a long breath and began arranging the dispatch of a warship to the East Blue.

The door was shoved open roughly.

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

In walked the legendary Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral, Garp. Picking his nose, he charged up to Sengoku's desk and bellowed at him.

Sengoku winced at the sight of his old friend. This guy never did any real work, had led Aokiji astray with his bad habits, and loved to pester him and steal his rice crackers!

Just as he was about to scold the nuisance, a thought struck Sengoku.

He could use this chance to send Garp to pick him up. Garp might be unreliable, but his reputation was widespread. Wouldn't he better convey the Marines' sincerity?

How brilliant of me!

A warm smile spread across Sengoku's face.

"Fine, I approve!"

"Man, it's been ages since I saw my grandson. This time you'd better— Huh?!"

Garp was about to argue. Usually, he'd put up a righteous refusal, and Sengoku would have to coax, threaten, and wheedle him into giving in.

But this time, it went so smoothly?

Sengoku's unusual behavior threw Garp off, and for a moment, he just stood there frozen.

Sengoku also realized his own actions were a bit off. He coughed awkwardly, then said seriously, "I'll approve your leave, but you'll have to pick someone up along the way. He's at Marine Branch 155 in the East Blue."

"Pick someone up? Who?"

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

If you're enjoying this book and don't want to lose track of it, remember to add it to your bookshelf.