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If you want to read advanced chapters and support me at the same time, you can join my p@treon. I'm going to start uploading chapters of my two stories again, and if you have doubts about joining, you can try the trial mode—it's seven days of free reading.
I would say that at the latest next Saturday, the new chapters will be uploaded to p@treon, this week I finished with the chapters that are left in the draft of this novel, the ones for DImensional Wanderer are already finished so it's time to go back to editing and I'll leave the chapters scheduled for both novels so you don't think I disappeared again.
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Without further ado, enjoy the chapter.
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"Are you Ethan? I'm Marshal Sengoku!" The Den Den Mushi projected an image of Sengoku, complete with his characteristic glasses, exuding an air of elegance and authority.
His voice, deep and commanding, resonated with power and prestige, embodying the demeanor of a true leader, leaving a profound impact on all who heard it.
Shock rippled through the room.
At the mention of "Marshal Sengoku," the girls' expressions morphed into expressions of disbelief and awe. Wide-eyed and stunned, they seemed as though they'd seen a ghost.
"This... Marshal... Sengoku..." Carina gasped, her hand covering her mouth, eyes widened in disbelief, breath catching in her throat.
Honey Queen shrugged, a mixture of surprise and admiration evident in her tone. "A big shot like him calling us? That's something."
Nami furrowed her brow, puzzled yet convinced. "It's not a prank. This feels real."
"Definitely," Robin whispered, cautious not to attract attention. "I've seen images of Sengoku. It's unmistakably him."
As the realization sank in, Robin couldn't help but marvel at the significance of the call. To have attracted the attention of someone of Sengoku's stature spoke volumes about Ethan's power and influence.
Meanwhile, Baccarat composed herself, her crimson hair swept back as she maintained her composure.
With a gentle smile and poised demeanor, she addressed the Den Den Mushi. "Marshal Sengoku, please hold. I'll fetch Ethan for you."
Though Sengoku remained silent on the other end, his seriousness and gravitas were palpable, a testament to his leadership.
Baccarat wasn't surprised by the lack of response. Knowing Sengoku's demeanor, she considered it par for the course.
"Ethan, there's a call for you," she announced to the man with the sword, a smile playing on her lips. "It's Marshal Sengoku, from the Marines."
Alvida nodded in agreement. "Ethan will take the call. It's the respectful thing to do, especially given the caller's rank."
Carmen chimed in casually, "Of course. It's a sign of respect for his position and authority."
Desire, pausing her training, reflected solemnly, "I've never encountered anyone as significant as the Marshal. He's the epitome of power."
"The Naval Headquarters Marshal... he's on another level," she added with a sigh.
Finally, Ethan acknowledged the call with a wave of his blood-red sword, turning to face the Den Den Mushi with a measured calmness.
"Universal Pull!" He raised his right hand, splaying his five fingers as a white whirlwind silently formed in his palm, creating a powerful gravitational force.
The Den Den Mushi vibrated, then slowly lifted from the table, hovering in the air before swiftly flying towards Ethan.
Shock rippled through the room.
Witnessing this phenomenon, Robin was taken aback.
Her eyes widened in disbelief as she exclaimed, "What... What's happening?"
"It's unbelievable to see the Den Den Mushi fly like that."
Observing Robin's astonishment, Carina couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. With a sly smile, she explained, "Let me enlighten you on this."
"Ethan ate the Reberu Reberu no Mi, which endowed him with remarkable abilities and extensive knowledge in Devil Fruit development."
"Typically, the fruit grants repulsion, but Ethan has mastered the reverse—attraction. It's a skill of his creation called Universal Pull!"
Perona, floating in the air, giggled gleefully. "Whenever Ethan showcases this ability, it's always a spectacle."
"For some reason, seeing everyone's amazed faces makes me want to laugh," she added with a chuckle.
Honey Queen shot her a glare, her tone tinged with annoyance. "What's amusing about this? I fail to see the humor."
Reiju, crossing her legs, spoke generously to Robin. "Ethan holds many secrets, but you'll grow accustomed to them in time."
"Though we're not privy to all his abilities. Well, except perhaps Baccarat might know a thing or two."
Baccarat, stroking her dark red hair, remained silent, her gaze fixed on Ethan.
Robin nodded approvingly, her eyes gleaming with admiration. "Indeed, my decision to follow Mr. Ethan was the right one. He's an exceptional captain!"
As the previous conversation resumed, Ethan casually lit a cigarette and addressed the Den Den Mushi. "Sengoku, this is Ethan. If you have something to discuss, let's hear it."
Ethan's composed demeanor infuriated the Marines, their faces contorted with anger.
Kizaru lounged in his chair, crossing his legs and tilting his head as he remarked, "Youngsters these days are truly something."
"Facing the Marshal with such composure—it's enough to give an old man like me the shivers!"
Akainu's tone was firm as he declared, "Another potential threat, this pirate!"
Aokiji, with a lazy yawn, remarked, "Even the Shichibukai would quake at the prospect of conversing with the Marshal."
"It's clear that this Ethan is either brazenly arrogant or supremely confident in his abilities."
Tokikake, maintaining a calm demeanor, opined, "He harbors great ambition. After years of planning before setting sail, arrogance is unlikely."
"Thus, his strength must be formidable; that's the only logical conclusion."
Garp's laughter reverberated as he pounded the table. "I find this young man quite intriguing! The audacity to defy even Sengoku—it's delightful!"
Staff Officer Tsuru remained contemplative, her wise eyes flickering as she continued her analysis.
"This initial exchange with Ethan is crucial. We must glean insights into his character and strength."
"Ethan, as you approach Alabasta, are you prepared to confront Crocodile?"
Sengoku's tone was grave as he continued, "We've communicated with Crocodile, and his power has significantly increased over the years."
"The might of the Logia Suna Suna no Mi is not to be underestimated."
"Ethan, with only a few years of practice, it's absurd to think you can challenge a Shichibukai head-on."
At Sengoku's thinly veiled sarcasm, the girls exchanged bemused glances, finding the situation rather amusing.
Carina's eyes sparkled with mischief as she quipped, "Marshal Sengoku seems to be employing psychological tactics, preparing to test Ethan."
Nami, with wide eyes, remarked casually, "Someone as formidable as Ethan wouldn't be fazed by such tactics. It's overthinking."
"There's a flaw in Sengoku's argument. A brief reflection reveals its inconsistencies," observed Robin, brushing back her ebony locks, her analysis delivered with intellect and generosity.
"If Ethan truly posed no threat to Crocodile, why would Marine invest such attention? And why would Sengoku bother calling him?"
"Once Ethan reaches Alabasta and confronts Crocodile, what unfolds next?"
"Hence, Sengoku's words amount to mere folly."
Kaya's admiration shone in her eyes as she praised Robin, "Sister Robin's intellect is truly remarkable. She unravels complexities effortlessly."
Makino nodded gently, acknowledging Robin's remarkable analytical prowess. "Robin's ability to decipher complexities is truly remarkable. She sees beyond the surface."
At that moment, Ethan took a drag from his cigarette, his demeanor remaining calm as he addressed Sengoku. "Sengoku, spare me your petty tactics."
"Staff Officer Tsuru is undoubtedly assessing my situation, probing my intentions thoroughly. Am I correct, Marshal Sengoku?"
Shock rippled through the office at Ethan's astute observation.
Garp's laughter boomed as he pounded the desk. "Sengoku, your stratagems won't work. We know what you're up to."
Kizaru reclined in his chair, crossing his legs lazily. "Ouch~~"
"These youngsters these days are too sharp, it's frightening~~"
Akainu, ever the advocate of force, urged direct action. "No need for empty talk. Let's issue a straightforward warning."
Doberman nodded in agreement. "Even if this rookie pirate shows potential, there's no need for trickery."
Aokiji, with a lazy yawn, remarked, "Seems he's not just powerful, but also composed and rational."
Tokikake observed the Den Den Mushi's demeanor, noting its air of indifference. "It's as if it's seen through everything already. Quite mysterious indeed."
"Ethan has discerned Marshal Sengoku's intentions immediately, just as I expected," Momousagi silently praised the young man's strength and wisdom.
Staff Officer Tsuru furrowed her brow, her expression solemn. She realized that Ethan was far more enigmatic than she initially thought—truly a complex individual.
Meanwhile, Sengoku sneered mockingly. "As expected of someone with long-term plans. You understand Marine well, Ethan."
"You've achieved remarkable strength at a young age, even defeating Smoker, a colonel of the headquarters."
"With your growing faction, heading to Alabasta will inevitably lead to Crocodile's downfall."
Sengoku paused, his voice deepening. "But becoming a Shichibukai isn't as simple as defeating Crocodile."
"There are conditions you must meet. Otherwise, Marine will never acknowledge you."
Upon hearing Sengoku's words, the girls exchanged puzzled glances, furrowing their brows in anticipation of the stringent conditions he would likely propose.
They remained silent as Vivi fixed her gaze on Ethan, listening intently.
"Sengoku, spare me the nonsense and get to the point," Ethan retorted, exhaling smoke calmly. "I'm not a child anymore; there's no need for roundabout tactics or psychological warfare. They're useless to me."
Observing Ethan's composed demeanor, the girls collectively shook their heads, impressed by his unwavering resolve.
Queen Sweetheart ran her fingers through her light blonde hair, smiling. "Ehan always behaves like this, no matter who he faces. Even the highest-ranking Marine officials can't ruffle him."
Betty took a drag from her cigarette, her tone even as always. "He's unflappable. Don't expect to see any other expressions on his face."
Alvida, leaning on her large iron rod, chuckled wryly. "An ordinary person would've been terrified facing the Marshal, but he remains cool and collected."
Nami admired Ethan's confidence, expressing her admiration. "That's the self-assurance of the truly powerful."
Princess Vivi nodded in agreement. "Master Ethan isn't putting on an act; this is truly who he is, and it's admirable."
Robin, brushing her black hair, chimed in, "As a pirate, everyone would fear facing Marshal Sengoku. Ethan's strength gives him that confidence."
In the office, Ethan's blunt response irked the generals, stirring anger.
Doberman's gaze hardened as he exclaimed, "A mere rookie pirate, putting on airs like this. He thinks highly of himself!"
Momonga's posture stiffened as he spoke coldly, "Ethan is playing with fire, disrespecting the marshal like this."
Yamakaji, puffing on his cigarette, squinted slightly. "The lad's got some guts, but he needs to learn some respect."
Ignoring Ethan's defiance, Sengoku got to the crux of the matter. "Ethan, Marine has one condition: After defeating Crocodile, you must await Vice Admiral Onigumo's inspection in Alabasta."
"If you prove strong enough, then we'll consider making you a Shichibukai."
"But remember, this condition is non-negotiable. If you're not interested in being a Shichibukai, just ignore me."
Upon hearing Sengoku's request, the girls exchanged glances, discussing and advising Ethan to tread carefully and weigh the risks.
Carina furrowed her delicate brows and voiced her doubts, "Sending Vice Admiral Onigumo to assess your strength? I doubt it's that straightforward."
Desire nodded in agreement, "As pirates, we can't expect Marine to be friendly. There's likely some ulterior motive."
"I suspect the strength assessment is just a façade," Robin asserted, reclining in her chair with crossed legs. "Their true aim is likely to thwart Ethan."
"Having evaded Marine pursuit before, I've encountered high-ranking officers. Vice Admiral Onigumo is formidable, a typical elite."
"So his true purpose in Alabasta is likely to neutralize Ethan and prevent him from becoming a Shichibukai."
Robin met their gazes, her eyes brimming with insight. "After all, a Shichibukai wields significant influence over the sea. Marine won't want a replacement."
"To maintain sea order, they'll oppose Ethan's appointment as a Shichibukai, undoubtedly."
"But they've underestimated him. Ethan's strength surpasses their expectations."
"In the end, we'll witness Ethan's ascension to Shichibukai status, unstoppable."
Reiju, crossing her legs, delicately rested her chin on her jade hand, praising Robin's intellect. "Your intelligence is remarkable. Hailing from a sacred place of archaeology, your perception far exceeds the norm."
"As a woman, I deeply admire you."
Baccarat brushed her crimson hair, smiling, "Robin's intellect and strength are unparalleled. That's why she's entrusted with managing Alabasta's affairs, contributing to the branch's growth and development."
The others nodded in agreement, with Vivi gazing at Robin with evident admiration
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Titles of the next chapters. (Spoilers)
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108-109: Gorosei: Let Ethan be a Shichibukai!"
110-111: Dorry and Broggy Appear!!
112-113: The Black Sun Pirates Arrive at Arabasta.