"Hahaha, it's really you, you brat! I didn't expect you to become a big shot in this department after not seeing each other for so many years!"
Randall greeted him excitedly. Atlas's prestige was immense, and for him, the former commander, it was an honor as well.
The gangway was lowered from the side of the docked ship. Atlas was dressed in a pristine white suit, and the cloak of justice behind him fluttered in the wind. Smoker and Vergo followed on the left and right, while rows of solemn sailors emerged from the ship behind them. As they ascended, they appeared to be elite soldiers and officers from the headquarters.
"Yo! Not bad, Smoker is back too!"
Seeing Smoker accompanying the ship, the smile on Randall's face became even broader.
The two original Logue town twins have finally grown up, and the two individuals he had high hopes for are now crucial combat forces in the department.
"Colonel Randall of the Logue town Marine branch greets Vice Admiral Atlas! Welcome to inspect our Marine Base!"
Suddenly, Randall's expression straightened, and he delivered a standard military salute to Atlas.
Randall, being a traditional old Marine, naturally maintains proper respect for his superiors after the necessary pleasantries.
"Hey Old man Randall, you've disappointed me by doing this."
Atlas' expression changed; he pretended to be a little displeased, stepped forward, and put his arm around Randall's shoulders, smiling affectionately.
"By the way, Vergo, you take the Marines on the ship to get it repaired. I'll catch up with my old boss here, and you should follow, Smoker!"
"Yes, Vice Admiral Atlas!"
...
Inside Logue town Marine Base.
Vergo and a group of soldiers had already begun their meal under Randall's arrangement, while Atlas and Smoker went to Randall's private residence.
The table is laden with wine and food, and the most eye-catching item is the enticing Sea Beast barbecue.
Seated around the table were Atlas, Smoker, Colonel Randall, and Major Wright.
Five years have passed, and Wright is still a major. Don't assume that Marine's promotion in military rank is simple. The primary factor is personal strength. In this world of extraordinary power, without strength to match the status, one is ultimately just cattle or sheep left to be slaughtered.
Secondly, meritorious service plays a crucial role. Despite the rapid promotion of Atlas's military rank, it was due to the wars Atlas participated in and the pirates he captured, which were enough to offset any gaps in seniority.
Unless there is a significant change in the Marine, like the events after the Summit War more than ten years later, where Marine's three Admirals were promoted and one was eliminated. There was no one to fill the two vacant positions. The strength of Gion and Tokikake is still a bit less, so they had to resort to a path of global conscription.
It's different now. Although Marine is currently missing two Admiral positions, the strength of three logia Vice Admiral has reached a level sufficient to assume the role of an Admiral. This is only the outcome of the deliberate suppression by the Five Elders.
"Unknowingly, Atlas, you've already grown so much."
"I still remember when you first came to the base. I personally recruited you. At that time, you were just a little like this."
Wright's face expressed emotion as he gestured at Atlas's height when he was ten. In just five years, Atlas had transformed not only in height but also in strength and temperament.
"Hahaha, Smoker, you have to work harder. Don't aim to be as high as Atlas, and you definitely can't catch."
Randall laughed upon hearing this.
"..."
Smoker smiled bitterly and shook his head. His current height has basically been determined. He is stuck at 209cm. Compared with Atlas's towering height of 2.8 meters, there is indeed a noticeable gap.
"Alright, don't just chat. We won't call it a night until we're all completely drunk!"
Seeing that the atmosphere was getting lively, Randall raised the wine glass on the table and shouted loudly.
Atlas did not refuse. With his current physical condition, it was impossible to knock him down, even if Smoker and the other two took turns fighting him.
After three rounds of wine and a variety of delicious dishes.
"Atlas... Let me tell you, I believe the best decision I've made in my life is... bringing you into the Marine!"
Wright rested his elbows on the table, cradled his inebriated face in his palms, and laughed with a thick tongue.
The other two didn't look much better; their faces were flushed, and their eyes were blurry.
"Atlas and Smoker can be considered the most outstanding young individuals I've come across in my Marine career, huh? Oops, I accidentally included Smoker in the mix."
Randall also hurried to express his sentiments.
"Okay, okay, you're right!"
Atlas had no choice but to agree.
It was Smoker who became silent after getting drunk, simply lying on the table motionless.
Snore~Snore~
A sudden snoring sound emerged, and Atlas traced the source of the noise.
Smoker!
"You're all a bunch of scoundrels, and now I have to send each of you back. This is such a hassle..."
In this way, many Marine soldiers who were out for a walk witnessed a peculiar scene.
Atlas held Colonel Randall on his left and Major Wright on his right, and he carried Smoker, who was still snoring, on his shoulder.
...
It was already late at night when Atlas returned to his residence, the scent of alcohol lingering around him.
The night is serene, and a gentle evening breeze wafts through the air.
After Atlas finished washing up, he was about to lie down on the bed and rest for a while.
Pere~Pere~Pere~Pere~
Suddenly, a phone bug rang in the pocket of his white suit.
"Moshi Moshi~ This is Atlas."
Logically speaking, few people knew his phone number. Who would call him late at night?
"Hahaha! It's me, Garp!"
Garp's boisterous voice resonated through the phone.
"Old man Garp, what can I do for you?"
"Listen, kid, have you returned to East Blue?"
"Yes."
"That's great. Help me go to Foosha Village to look after my grandson! I'm not free in the New World right now. I heard that Luffy got into trouble again! Help me give him a good beating!"
"Luffy? Not Ace?"
Atlas asked, pretending to be confused.
"Hahaha, both of them are my grandsons. You can go and see them together."
It has to be said that Garp is still so shameless; Atlas just asked, and the task volume was doubled.
"Okay! Then I'll take care of it!"
Atlas agreed immediately. It happened that he had already planned to pull Ace out of his pirate ways. He also wanted to see if there was any possibility of treating Luffy's brain, which was probably damaged by the old guy Garp since he was a child.(T/N: Do you think he would be successful?)
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