In a certain island owned by the World Government, a large-scale joint training between the Navy and Cipher Pol (CP) is scheduled to take place today. The island, which serves as the venue, is bustling with the presence of numerous marines and officials.
The Navy and CP members are gathered, each group waiting, and amidst the marines, a man with two cigars in his mouth, wearing a grumpy expression – Navy Vice Admiral Smoker – is approached by another Vice Admiral from the Navy, Hina.
"Surprising to see you here, Smoker-kun. Hina is amazed. Even though you don't seem interested in this kind of training."
"Yeah, not interested at all. But Admiral Kuzan told me to participate... that's why I've come all the way from the East Blue."
"If only you had obediently followed higher-ups' orders, you wouldn't have ended up in the East Blue..."
"I don't care. I am who I am."
These two, who share a history and are also both avid smokers, have a certain camaraderie despite their differences. When Smoker was on the brink of being dismissed from the Navy due to his misconduct, Hina stood up for him. So, they engage in light banter while waiting for the training to begin.
A little distance away from them, Admiral Aokiji, also known as Kuzan, wears an expression of mild astonishment as he talks to someone in front of him.
"Oh... that's right. Garp-san? Weren't you told by Sengoku-san not to participate?"
"Hahaha! I was indeed told! That's why I'm not participating in the training; I'm just here to watch! Wahaha!"
"Well, you see, Sengoku-san is glaring at you from over there with a really stern face. Please spare me, I don't want to get scolded too!"
"What?! How did you figure it out!?"
"Well, if you're laughing that loudly, it's kind of obvious."
Garp, who was told not to participate in the joint training by Admiral Sengoku, came here on his own accord to observe. His carefree attitude leaves Kuzan exasperated.
Sengoku notices that Garp is present and it's almost certain that a lecture will follow later.
There's still some time until the start, and the atmosphere at the venue is relaxed. However, immediately after that, everyone present at the venue experiences an illusion as if the sky has been painted black. In unison, they turn around.
Where the CP members are gathered, officials stand in neat rows, creating a path. Walking through that path are individuals led by a man with black around his eyes and nose, his purple hair slicked back – CP9 Commander-in-Chief Spandam. Behind him, the other members of CP9 follow suit.
"That... that's the... Nightmare..."
"What a presence. Just looking at him feels like my body's being crushed..."
Hina murmurs with a pale expression at Spandam's overwhelming presence, and even Smoker starts to sweat. Spandam's presence, deliberately magnified to keep the CP members on edge, is formidable. The marines, who are feeling an extraordinary power instinctively, are greatly disturbed.
"Hey, hey, hey... this joke is too much. What's with that monster... he's way too frightening."
"...Sengoku's words weren't lies, huh? Without even using Haki, just his presence... it's like he's transcending human boundaries."
Even Kuzan, a high-ranking officer and powerful individual, is unable to stop his trembling body in the face of such overwhelming presence. Garp's observation that Spandam is indeed a fearsome figure proves to be true.
After walking a bit further, Spandam reins in his pressure, releasing those around him from the oppressive aura. He proceeds to approach Vice Admiral Sengoku, who represents the Navy, for a greeting, while the CP9 members remain in place.
"That... that's CP9, the government's strongest assassination team..."
"That's true. It's just a first impression, but they all seem powerful at least at the level of a Vice Admiral. Hina, shivering."
"Especially that short woman... she's terrifying."
"It's likely she's Chelsea-san, the right-hand of the Nightmare, as they call it."
Spandam's impact is overwhelming, and although everyone's attention was initially on him, each CP9 member exudes an aura of power, giving them an air of composure.
"Hey, Kuzan. I bet that woman will be your opponent."
"Come on, give me a break. She might have a cute face, but she looks incredibly strong..."
"Even that one is formidable. It might be tough even for me at my prime."
"Well, I guess I'll have to give it my all. If not, I might be defeated instantly... I'm scared, I'm scared."
Looking at Chelsea, who stands out as undoubtedly stronger than the rest of the CP9 members, Kuzan realizes that she will likely be his opponent in the mock battle. He places a hand on his head and looks up at the sky, as if acknowledging the challenge that lies ahead.
***
The joint training is of considerable scale, with a significant number of officials participating from CP as well. After exchanging a brief greeting with Sengoku, I stand before the neatly arranged officials. Sensing a somewhat relaxed atmosphere upon arriving at the island, I had walked a bit to project an aura to tighten things up, and it seems the effect was quite effective.
Many faces reveal a moderate tension, and I think this will lead to a productive training. Tama, the Chief of CP0, appears with a microphone on a loudspeaker and hands it over to Spandam, the representative.
"Now, Lord Spandam, please say a few words."
"..."
I must emphasize again that formally, Tama, being the Chief of CP0, holds a higher position. However, sighing lightly as it's something that happens frequently, I receive the microphone and address the officials.
"Both CP and the Navy may not have had many chances to work together, though things are not outright hostile. So, I don't expect everyone to become instant friends. However, make sure not to end this valuable opportunity without gaining something from it. In the future, there will be more opportunities for the Navy and CP to collaborate on missions. The experience gained today should prove useful in those situations."
Both the CP and the Navy, while not openly disdainful of each other, are aware of the subtle barriers that exist between them. I believe the relationship should be improved, but it's not something that can change overnight. First, understanding each other's work and abilities is a good starting point.
"It's good to take pride in your own work. But belittling and not recognizing your counterpart's abilities is foolish. The Navy and CP have their own strengths and weaknesses. Even if you can't become friendly right away, acknowledge each other's strengths and cooperate. Everyone gathered here has the capacity and ability for that. The next opportunity may be uncertain, so this joint training is invaluable. Each of you should take this as a valuable lesson... Now, get ready."
Rather than prolonging the speech before the training, I conclude briefly, allowing everyone to begin their preparations for the training.
The movements are quite coordinated, which is a good sign.
"You are free until the mock battles, but if you're interested, you're welcome to participate. You may also have opportunities to carry out missions with officials...."
"I see. Well, then, I might give it a shot."
"Indeed, Fizz. Your leadership skills are commendable. It might be a good experience for you to command in this mixed situation of Navy and CP. I'll talk to the Navy side, go ahead and participate."
"Understood."
I highly value Fizz's leadership skills, and there's certainly merit in his participating in this training. Moreover, his proactive thinking and initiative are favorable qualities, reflecting his desire for improvement.
"You all should also take this chance to observe and learn. There are various types of information gathering and communication methods. Additionally, identify where you might be prone to mistakes or potential troubles, and learn from those aspects."
"Roger!"
Beyond combat experience, enhancing skills like information gathering and leadership through this training could be immensely valuable. CP members also seem quite enthusiastic, making for promising expectations.
With a slight smile, thinking along these lines, I head towards the central tent, which serves as the headquarters for overseeing the entire training, in my capacity as the CP representative.
***
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