Karp Arrives

Tap! Tap! Tap!

Dense, orderly footsteps rang out.

"Hahahaha!"

A carefree laugh echoed through the street.

"Vice Admiral Karp! Slow down! This mission is simple—there's no need to be in such a hurry!"

The subordinates he had long since left behind complained one after another.

They had no idea why their vice admiral had suddenly changed personalities. He had always been so lazy and laid-back before, yet today he was acting completely out of character and charging ahead at the front.

"You wouldn't understand. It's rare to meet someone who shares my outlook."

Karp could barely contain his excitement. That kid Jin An really suited his taste.

He was already imagining teaming up with the kid in the future, going to Sengoku's place to mooch meals together, and angering Sengoku until he blew his top. Just thinking about it was entertaining.

It was still that same branch base.

Jin An had claimed the office for himself, while the colonel had been assigned another room.

He had made himself completely at home.

He lay in the leather chair like a salted fish, his eyes half-closed.

"Major Jin An, all the pirates have been detained," Huo Shaoshan reported respectfully.

When he learned Jin An's identity, he had been thrilled. This man was the idol of every Marine in the South Blue, without exception.

Many people had heard of Jin An's deeds and, inspired by them, strengthened their resolve to join the Marines without hesitation.

Unfortunately, reality fell short of expectations. There were still very few people like Jin An in the Marines. Most only cared about their own interests and had no regard for whether others lived or died.

"However, the other criminals aren't being very cooperative."

Huo Shaoshan was somewhat angry. Those people had clearly committed crimes, yet they still acted so high and mighty, showing no respect at all for Marines like them.

"You mean those nobles, don't you?"

Jin An did not need to think hard to know who was refusing to cooperate. The nobles of this world were simply that lawless.

"Don't bother with them. Lock them up directly and release them after they've atoned for their crimes. If anything happens, I'll take responsibility."

The only way to deal with people like them was to be harsher than they were. Once they learned fear, they would behave themselves.

"Looks like the people from headquarters have arrived." Jin An suddenly sensed something. A smile appeared on his stern face as he rose and walked toward the office door.

"Major Jin An?" Huo Shaoshan's expression changed slightly.

"Let's go welcome them. The person we've been waiting for is here..."

Outside the door, Karp raised an eyebrow. This kid's perception was quite impressive. It seemed Sengoku had been right—he truly was a promising talent.

"I never expected Vice Admiral Karp to come in person. What an honor."

Jin An was also somewhat surprised. He had originally thought headquarters would send, at most, a rear admiral. He had not expected them to send such a major figure.

Ever since Karp and Roger had joined forces to defeat Rocks at God Valley four years ago, Karp's fame had soared. Countless Marines admired him, and he had been given the title of "Hero of the Marines."

Jin An had not expected his first meeting with this important figure to happen under such circumstances.

Karp reached out and shook Jin An's hand. "I've heard Sengoku mention you often. He said the South Blue had produced another highly promising newcomer. Now that I've seen you, Sengoku was right."

Jin An remained unruffled by praise or disgrace. "My superiors flatter me. I still have a long way to go."

He had climbed step by step from the bottom to his current position and had seen far too many scenes like this. Putting what he had learned into practice now did not feel forced at all.

"I heard you have several friends who are quite strong too. When are you going to invite them to join the Marines?"

Karp genuinely hoped to strengthen the Marines. Although he also disliked certain people within the organization, he still wanted it to gain more fresh blood.

His strength had long surpassed that of an admiral, yet he had always refused promotion because he despised the people in the World Government and did not want to work for scum like them.

Jin An's eyes flickered as he realized Karp was referring to Bartholomew Kuma and the others. "That depends on what they want. Besides, they're still underage. It won't be too late to consider such matters after they come of age."

To him, Bartholomew Kuma and the others were friends, and everyone had the right to choose their own life. Others had no need to interfere.

"I see. Then we can talk about it later." Karp did not mind and burst into laughter.

Jin An nodded, then continued, "Vice Admiral Karp, you came here for other business as well, didn't you?"

"Hahaha, look at my memory." Karp's expression changed, and he suddenly turned serious. "By order of Admiral Sengoku of Marine Headquarters, Major Jin An, receive your orders."

Jin An stood at attention and saluted. "Sir!"

"After discussion by headquarters, Major Jin An is hereby promoted to the rank of headquarters colonel and placed in charge of all affairs in the South Blue."

This appointment completely exceeded Jin An's expectations. He had thought that, given Sengoku's personality, getting promoted would be the most he could hope for. He had not expected an even better benefit to be attached.

"Congratulations, kid." Karp patted Jin An on the shoulder encouragingly. "Work hard from now on, and do more good for the people of the South Blue."

"No problem. I guarantee I'll make the South Blue the best sea in the world." Jin An looked utterly confident.

He would not merely make the South Blue suitable for living—he would make pirates too afraid to ever set foot in these waters again.

With this appointment, he could finally open schools across the entire South Blue, giving young children something to do so they would not spend all day dreaming of setting sail.

He would let them experience the terror of being ruled by studying. Jin An had once stood in the rain, so he chose to tear off the roof.

Suddenly, Karp quietly leaned close to Jin An's ear. "Kid, once you get to Marineford someday, I'll take you to get revenge on Sengoku."

Jin An did not know whether to laugh or cry. He had not expected Karp to see him this way.

"Vice Admiral Karp, it's better not to bring up such things again. Admiral Sengoku has it hard too."

Karp looked suspicious. "I saw it last time. Sengoku was talking to you through a Den Den Mushi, and suddenly his face turned red and his neck swelled up. Don't tell me that had nothing to do with you."

Jin An held his head high. "I was arguing based on reason and thoroughly exchanging views with Admiral Sengoku. A little occasional excitement is perfectly normal."

"Is that so?" Karp still looked doubtful.

"I even said we could go eat rice crackers together next time, but you really let me down, kid," Karp muttered.

"Forget it, let's not talk about that." Karp abruptly changed the subject. "Leave the Marines and nobles to me. Execute the other pirates on the spot."

"Ah?"

Jin An could not quite keep up with Karp's train of thought, but he quickly understood.

He turned to Huo Shaoshan and said, "Divide those people into three groups, then let Vice Admiral Karp take them away."

"Understood!"

Huo Shaoshan, who had been sitting on pins and needles, felt as though he had been granted a reprieve upon receiving the order. He quickly left the area, even wiping away a cold sweat as he went. Vice Admiral Karp's savage words had been far too terrifying.

"Alright, then I'll take a look around the island first. Contact me through the Den Den Mushi later." He had always been someone who could not sit still. Staying in an office would bore him to death.

[Ding! Congratulations, host, a special mission has been triggered!]

Hm? Jin An was startled. This was the first time he had encountered such a situation.

[Spar with Karp and strive to make him use half his strength.]

[Reward: Training Space Karp Model (its strength depends on how much power the host makes Karp use). Training Space usage time: ? (awarded based on mission completion)]

[Additional reward: Armament Haki and Observation Haki awakening]