The 77th Branch, eaten into bankruptcy by Garp

Garp was quite satisfied with the terms they had agreed upon.

He felt that Shazo had been taken advantage of this time, so he patted Shazo on the shoulder and promised, "Shazo Zuo, if you need any help, you can come to me anytime."

Shazo asked, "That's good, but do you have a dedicated Den Den Mushi? How can I contact you?"

What if I need your help but can't find you anywhere?

Garp chuckled awkwardly, "Don't worry, I'll go find Sengoku Marineford. He'll definitely have a solution."

Shazo asked suspiciously, "Vice Admiral Garp, you don't go to Fleet Admiral Sengoku every time you encounter a problem you can't solve, do you?"

This time, Garp wasn't embarrassed at all, and replied decisively, "Isn't it only natural?"

Shazo: "----, Ah, I envy you. Why don't I have a friend like Sengoku?"

Garp laughed smugly, "There's only one friend like Sengoku in the whole world. You'll never have one like him. Just be envious."

Garp is certainly enviable, but Sengoku is the opposite.

Garp, Sengoku's comrade-in- Sengoku, was clearly very intelligent and could see through all the conspiracies and schemes in the world at a glance, but because he saw everything too clearly, he chose to pretend to be stupid.

After decades of pretending, Garp's disguise was no longer a disguise, but was deeply ingrained in his bones, turning him into a completely mischievous old man.

He was like the Jiajing Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, able to see everything clearly, yet only concerned with his own leisure. Whenever he had the chance, he would seize it to vent his emotions, causing countless troubles for the Sengoku.

Shazo shook his head. Even as an outsider, he couldn't help but feel sorry for Sengoku.

By the way, Garp also concealed his Conqueror's Haki, leaving Sengoku to bear the brunt of the Celestial Dragons ' pressure while carrying the burden of Conqueror's Haki alone.

When Garp decides to reveal his Conqueror's Haki one day, the Sengoku will probably be "moved" to tears.

The two officers returned to the branch with bruises and swelling on their faces.

However, these superficial injuries were nothing to worry about. After enjoying a big meal, Garp's wounds were completely healed without even needing to sleep.

Shazo recovered even faster.

In fact, if he hadn't deliberately controlled his Haki and actively preserved Garp's remaining Haki from being dissipated, the wound would have healed the instant he was injured.

Preserving the wound is essential, otherwise Garp will feel like he's lost, and he'll fight harder and harder until both of them are using their full strength.

Shazo knew that if he fought with all his might, he would inevitably win, given his greatly increased strength.

Garp, as a naval the Superstar, is recognized as one of the World's Strongest fighters, subtly surpassing the Three Admirals.

Whitebeard is known as "the World's Strongest Man," Kaido of the Beasts is known as "the Strongest Creature on land, sea, and air," and then there's Big Mom, who could kill a giant at the age of five.

Before the Three Admirals of the Navy emerged, these three Emperor of the Sea, along with the Pirate King Roger, were all firmly suppressed by the Navy in the New World, relying on the wisdom of Sengoku and the Iron Fist Garp their two powerful warriors.

Pirate King Roger was chased relentlessly by Garp, fleeing all over the New World and nearly being caught several times.

If Garp the Hero were to be defeated by Shazo, it would be absolutely Big News Morgans that would shake the entire world.

Three veteran Emperor of the Sea, the dormant Revolutionary Army's Dragon, Marine Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Commander-in-Chief Kong, the Five Elders of the Celestial Dragons, and even the world's ruler Imu —everyone would cast astonished glances at Shazo.

At that time, Shazo will become the sole focus of everyone's attention on the world stage.

To be honest, he'll do it someday, but he's not really ready for it now.

He dared to beat up Red-Haired Shanks and Dracule Mihawk before because their reputations weren't strong enough.

Mihawk is not the World's Greatest Swordsman, Red-Haired Shanks is considered inferior to the three Gambit; neither of them are among the World's Strongest fighters.

Even if we beat them both up, it wouldn't attract much attention.

But Shazo didn't expect that his holding back this time would give Garp the visceral pleasure of each punch landing.

That old bastard immediately decided to extend his visit to the 77th Branch.

For three whole days, every morning when Garp got up, he would drag Shazo to the reef for a sparring match, and then return to the branch with all his injuries for a big feast.

After taking a nap at noon, I dragged Shazo out for a match, then had a meal before reluctantly returning to the warship to sleep.

Because of Vice Admiral Garp's presence, the 77th Branch's training and patrols could not be carried out normally, the maintenance and upkeep of ships were greatly delayed, and even the mess hall's meal service was greatly affected.

Everything is in chaos.

Fortunately, on the third day, the Warship Bird flew in from headquarters, bringing two Den Den Mushi with special encryption capabilities, which were given to Shazo and Garp respectively.

Fleet Admiral Sengoku immediately called, praising Shazo's work and encouraging him to continue his efforts and contribute to the prosperity and stability of the East Blue.

Sengoku then called Garp, giving him a thorough dressing-down before finally ordering, "Garp, you're back in Marineford right now. I have something for you to do."

"Also, I've finished what you asked me to do; all that's left is for you to do the final touches."

Upon hearing this, Garp, who was casually picking his nose, immediately jumped up and shouted, "Okay, I'll go back to Marineford right away. You must hold him alive and wait for me to get back!"

After hanging up the phone, Garp told Shazo, "Keep an eye on Luffy and Ace for me. I'll owe you another favor!"

After saying that, he led his officers back to the Dog-Head Warship in a hurry, raised the sails, and set sail.

Faye, Major Borg, Lieutenant Bellemere, and other officers all breathed a sigh of relief; these old men were finally gone.

Faye asked curiously, "Commodore General, is Vice Admiral Garp in such a hurry because he has an important mission?"

Shazo countered, "Faye, this year is 1512 in the Sea Circle Calendar. What major event do you think will happen this year?"

Faye was slightly taken aback, then blurted out, "Reverie!"

Shazo Zuo nodded. "The Reverie is about to convene. As the face of the Navy, Vice Admiral Garp must make an appearance to demonstrate the Navy's strength and secure a higher share of the budget."

He turned to look at Bellemere, frowning, and said, "I was originally going to let you prepare in a few more days, but since we've brought it up today, I'll make things clear to you now."

"The Reverie is the largest event of the World Government, and the resolutions made at the conference have a huge impact on the entire world."

"The Navy, the World Government, pirates, Affiliated Nation, and ordinary kingdoms could all have their fates altered at this meeting."

"In the worst-case scenario, it could lead to the destruction of the kingdom, affecting the lives of millions."

"But this has nothing to do with our 77th Branch. We are just a small division under the Navy. Even if the sky were to fall over the Navy, Marineford to hold it up."

Shazo paused here, glancing at all his subordinate officers again, and said, "But that doesn't mean we can rest easy."

"If I remember correctly, during the Reverie, the Celestial Dragons in Holy Land Mary Geoise feel crowded and leave the Holy Land to relax."

"By then, the Sabaody Archipelago will also become extremely crowded, at least too crowded for the Celestial Dragons."

"Then these pigs will run off and roam freely all over the world."

Shazo casually referred to the Celestial Dragons pigs, and his subordinates reacted with strange expressions, mixed with fear.

Shazo noticed their expressions but continued unperturbed, "As everyone knows, the Celestial Dragons possess supreme privileges and are the greatest evil in the world."

"They might destroy or steal West City they see, so we must be prepared for anything."

"The loss of possessions is insignificant; broken items can be repaired, and lost items can be replaced. But a life lost can never be brought back."

He ordered Bellemere, "Lieutenant Bellemere, you are responsible for taking a count of all female naval personnel and their families, gathering all the girls together, and temporarily arranging for them to live in the closed branch base."

Bellemere stood at attention. "Yes, sir!"

Shazo then gave Borg orders. "Borg Major, you will lead the Marine Corps of the Special Mobile Fleet to expand the perimeter to 160 kilometers. You must ensure that the Celestial Dragons do not launch a surprise attack on my 77th Branch."

Borg solemnly accepted the order, "Yes!"

Next, Shazo gave the order to Faye, "Faye, you will arrange a centralized living area for the girls within the base and resolve all the difficulties they encounter in their lives."

"At the same time, you and your men will dig a secret passage in the concentrated living area, leading directly to that hidden port on the other side of the island. You'll set up a boat there, ready to escape with the girls at any time."

"If the Celestial Dragons don't come to the 77th Branch, then there's nothing to worry about. But if they unfortunately encounter the Celestial Dragons, this secret passage will be the girls' last chance to survive."

Faye calmly replied, "Yes, Your Excellency. Commodore rest assured, I will arrange everything."

Just as Shazo finished arranging everything and was about to leave, he was stopped by Bellemere: "Branch Department Head, there's one more thing I can't decide."

Shazo asked curiously, "Is there anything else?"

Bellemere spread his hands. "Our branch is broke. We're bankrupt."

Shazo, Faye, and Borg were all dumbfounded. "Huh?"

The mature woman rolled her Byakugan in a way that was unappealing but undeniably charming. "What do you mean, 'you guys'?"

"Our branch has expanded to less than 1,000 people, but Vice Admiral Garp's warship has more than 400 people. Not only are they all elite marines from headquarters, but they are also gluttons with huge appetites, able to eat more than our entire branch."

Major Borg said dismissively, "I know about this. It's just that his appetite has doubled and a half, what's the big deal?"

"

Bellemere glared at him. "What do you know, you little brat?"

"You don't know the cost of firewood and rice until you're in charge of the household. Their appetite has doubled and a half, and they've not only eaten all the food on our island, but also the surplus food from more than a dozen nearby islands."

"Starting the day before yesterday, I've had to buy groceries from hundreds of kilometers away, and the prices have increased several times over."

Shazo chuckled and said to Bellemere, "Lieutenant, you're increasingly taking on the air of a branch office manager."

"I know what's going on, Faye. Have your deputy take Lieutenant Bellemere to a more distant place to buy ingredients, buy a large quantity at once, so that prices in the area will come down."

"Bellemere, come to my office and get the money. Use my money to cover the branch's account deficit first."

Faye and the others were all taken aback. "Ah? Commodore General, you're subsidizing the branch's public accounts again? That's too much—"

Shazo said nonchalantly, "I eat and live at the branch office or on the warship, and my clothes are all paid for by the public account. My salary and such are useless to me, so what's the problem with taking them out?"

Borg's eyes reddened. "Waaah, no problem, it's just that you're too kind, Commodore General."

Bellemere remarked with emotion, "If I had a superior officer like you back then, I... I wouldn't have retired. I might be a lieutenant colonel now."

Shazo shook his head and laughed, "Why are you crying? I won't lose anything."

"These losses were all caused by Vice Admiral Garp. As long as I write a report and submit it, it will definitely be approved, it will just be delayed until the next budget approval."

"You can pay me back once the money arrives."

Faye suddenly spoke up, "Branch Department Head, you can't be too honest this time; you must write more."

Borg said, "Yes, the officers at headquarters also used our gym, and they broke a lot of the equipment. That needs to be written into the report."

Shazo asked doubtfully, "Really?"

Borg stated firmly, "Yes, we will have it once the funding is approved."

Shazo looked at Borg in disbelief, pleased with the child's growth, and nodded in satisfaction. "Okay, I'll write it down."

Bellemere added, "And the dormitories, Vice Admiral Garp took a nap in our dormitory and broke three beds and two doors in three days. We won't ask for more; just enough to replace all the doors and windows in the dormitory."

Shazo: "----, okay, write that down too."

Faye's eyes darted around, and he added with a sinister smile, "And then there are the warships. Our experimental ship, number six, has completed all its experiments. Next, we should build the seventh experimental ship. This money—"

Shazo couldn't help but ask, "Can this expense also be reimbursed by headquarters?"

Faye said with a grin, "Why not? If we can't reimburse you, wouldn't that mean Vice Admiral Garp doesn't have enough influence?"

"Just mention it to Vice Admiral Garp when you speak with him, and we won't have to worry about the rest. Our naval the Superstar will handle everything."

Shazo pointed at Faye and sighed repeatedly, "Faye, who did you learn all this from?"

Everyone looked at Shazo, saying nothing, yet seemingly saying everything.