Garp

Half a month had passed.

At Marine Branch 155 in the East Blue, inside Colonel Rhode's office, Senga sat on the sofa, quietly reading a newspaper. Rhode stayed at his desk, staring at a Den Den Mushi on the table, his expression tense.

Today was the day Vice Admiral Garp of Marine Headquarters would arrive at the branch.

Rhode held deep respect for this legendary Vice Admiral—after all, the claim of having "once driven the Pirate King Roger into a corner" was intimidating, and Garp's strength was unquestionable.

But Rhode wasn't familiar with Garp's personality yet, and he feared making any misstep that might provoke this looming powerhouse.

Senga looked up and saw Rhode's constipated expression, finding it amusing. From the moment Rhode had called him into the office that morning, he'd been stuck in the same posture and expression, terrified of missing the Den Den Mushi's call.

"You don't need to be this nervous. I know a bit about Vice Admiral Garp—he's quite amiable. Just act naturally."

Senga closed the newspaper and said to Rhode.

Rhode's face darkened. Great, so this rookie knows more about Marine commanders than I do after decades of service?

But he didn't dare show any displeasure—this man before him was also someone he couldn't afford to offend.

Seeing Rhode unresponsive, Senga lost interest and stood up to get some fresh air. Suddenly—

"Brru-brru, brru-brru."

The Den Den Mushi, silent all morning, finally stirred. Rhode shot up like a camel finding water in the desert, grabbed it, and shouted excitedly, "Moshi Moshi! This is Marine Branch 155, Colonel Rhode speaking!"

"Yeah, this is HQ3 Battleship. We're about to dock at your base. Come out to receive us."

"Sir!"

Rhode saluted, stood up, called for Senga, and rushed toward the docking point. Senga followed silently.

At the docking point, rows of branch Marines stood in neat formation, eagerly watching the ship's hatch.

Under everyone's gaze, several Headquarters Marines emerged first, quickly forming ranks. Then a burly figure wearing a Dog Head Mask appeared at the hatch.

The one in the Dog Head Mask was naturally Garp. He glanced at the formation below, strode down the gangplank casually, ignoring the stares, and shouted, "Where's Colonel Rhode here?"

"Here! Vice Admiral Garp, I'm right here!"

Rhode jogged over to Garp. Garp sized him up, nodded, and continued, "Right, is Uchiha Senga here? I've been delayed back home, so I won't stay long. Bring him along, and we'll head straight back to Headquarters."

"I'm here." Before Rhode could answer, Senga responded from the crowd. Garp turned to look—a tall, lean youth with strange, eerie eyes stood among the Marines, standing out like a crane among chickens.

So this is the talented seedling Sengoku told me about? He looks really young, Garp thought, then waved at Senga.

"Good, come on over. Time to board—back to Marine Headquarters."

Senga nodded in acknowledgment. The surrounding Marines automatically parted to make way. He walked forward and stood beside Garp.

Up close, Garp studied the youth again, especially those purple eyes, sensing something extraordinary about Uchiha Senga.

Interesting. I'll have to properly test this kid's strength back at Headquarters. With that decided, Garp waved to the branch Marines below, then turned and led Senga back onto the ship.

Standing at the bow of Garp's ship, Senga waved at the branch Marines and Rhode below, thanking them for their hospitality over the past days.

The branch Marines, including Rhode, were moved. For such a prodigy to remember ordinary people like them just before taking flight was rare.

"Good luck, Senga! I look forward to hearing your name again!" Rhode shouted emotionally. On the ship, Senga gave him a thumbs-up.

Seeing Senga's gesture, Garp's opinion of him rose another notch. The ability to get along with others and show respect was, in his view, sometimes a more valuable quality than strength—later in the anime, Garp taking Koby as his apprentice was partly due to this.

In good spirits, Garp waved his hand and ordered the ship to set sail. The vessel turned its bow and headed toward the Grand Line.