"Hey! I want this Devil Fruit!"
Leaving the storage place, Atlas held a little wooden box in his hand. It was clear what was in it.
"But, this is what the higher-ups from the Holy Land desire..."
Who's-Who hesitated to talk. He couldn't defeat him, so all he could do was wish that the Marine in front of him would be scared of the Celestial Dragons.
"I'll inform Admiral Sengoku about this, so you don't need to stress about it."
After saying that, Atlas tossed aside Who's-Who and walked directly toward Baby-5 and the others.
"..."
Watching Atlas leave carelessly, Who's-Who secretly felt resentful, but he had to suppress his grievances. He couldn't help but feel upset because he was not as capable as others.
"You take those two to register for school first. I'll go to Admiral Sengoku."
Atlas instructed the on-duty colonel.
It's worth noting that the education system in the pirate world is chaotic, and one might argue that it barely exists. Many receive aristocratic private education. Atlas has only come across this type of public education in the Marines, but it's mainly for a specific group. Most attendees are children of military officers from the Naval Headquarters.
Therefore, education has a lot of progress to make, and the World Government seems to overlook the significance of education.
"Yes! Vice Admiral Hakuryu!"
The on-duty colonel saluted once more and then escorted Baby-5 and Perona away.
Observing several individuals depart, Atlas confidently walked with his long strides across the main square of the headquarters, heading towards Sengoku's office.
...
"Is Teacher Zephyr around as well?"
Pushing the office door open, Zephyr's muscular figure came into sight, causing Atlas a bit of surprise.
As an Admiral, Zephyr is already in a semi-retired state. Typically, he spends most of his time at the recruitment training camp and rarely visits Sengoku.
"Haha, the new recruit training camp is about to start. Come to Sengoku's office to discuss the necessary tasks."
Zephyr explained to Atlas with a smile.
"So, are there any recruits in this class that meet Teacher Zephyr's expectations?"
Atlas remarked as he pulled out the chair next to him and took a seat.
"There are two recruits showing promising potential, but they still fall short compared to Enel."
"Oh? Enel?"
Speaking of Enel, even though this guy has been under Zephyr's supervision for several months, Atlas gathered a general understanding from Zephyr's comments.
Initially quite eccentric, this guy became more humble after numerous beatings from Zephyr and Shuzo. His strength has undergone significant growth, especially in terms of physical fitness. Following Atlas's advice on fruit development, he applied the Lightning Release Chakra Mode in a commendable manner. (T/N: The method of Third Raikage)
"You little brat, causing such a commotion as soon as you returned!"
After quietly listening to the banter between Zephyr and Atlas, Sengoku couldn't tolerate it any longer and spoke with a slightly dissatisfied tone.
I didn't plan on it either. I just happen to run into Moria on the way and easily took off his head"
Atlas spread his hands, conveying his sense of helplessness.
"Moria..."
Sengoku pondered for a moment, "This guy seems to have been invited by the World Government to become a Shichibukai, you..."
"Indeed, I encountered CP9 members at Thriller Bark, but I took care of Moria beforehand. Shichibukai shouldn't show up. Even if they do, it should be under the control of our Marines!"
As he spoke, Atlas displayed a hint of a menacing look on his face.
Sengoku and Zephyr also nodded in agreement. Allowing a group of pirates to legally plunder, as a Marine, is undoubtedly a shameful act of righteousness.
"Marine has no authority to handle Shichibukai matters. Lately, the World Government has started searching for alternative candidates, and Marine is unable to intervene."
Sengoku also finds it troubling. The current strength of the Marine serves as an effective deterrent against scattered pirates. The motives of the other Shichibukai are evident to the three present, yet there seems to be little they can do about it.
"Forget it, let's stop discussing this."
Sengoku decided not to prolong the discussion on this futile topic and continued, "When do you plan to head to the New World base for garrison duty? We can't manage without you there at the moment."
"It will take a few days. I don't have my own exclusive ship yet. I plan to have the scientific team from my headquarters modify the Thriller Bark, and I'll use that as my ship."
It's not an unreasonable request. Atlas should have his own ship. Sengoku has mentioned it several times before, but Atlas rejected the offers because he wasn't satisfied. Now that he's willing to accept it, it's not to early for Sengoku to be pleased.
"Additionally, I brought back two children from outside. Both possess impressive fruit abilities. They are both Paramecia. One is a Arms-Arms fruit, and the other is a Hollow-Hollow fruit."
"Are you turning this headquarters into a kindergarten? Just bringing along a bunch of kids whenever you go out."
Sengoku rolled his eyes, but there was no hint of blame in his tone. Despite Atlas and Sakazuki sharing similar approaches to handling pirates, Atlas possessed a compassionate heart that Akainu lacked. Sakazuki was too cold.
"There's not much we can do about it. I'm also playing my part in shaping Marine's future. Didn't you do the same when you took in Rosinante?" Atlas pointed out.
"Alright, since you happen to be staying at the headquarters these days, feel free to drop by my place when you have time. You can also provide guidance to the recruits. There's a female swordsman among them this time."
Zephyr also seized the opportunity to extend an invitation to Atlas to visit the recruiting camp.
As a former student of Zephyr, Atlas certainly wouldn't refuse. Similar to Gion back then, he was tricked into becoming a swordsmanship instructor at the recruiting camp for several months.
Certainly, Atlas doesn't have a few months to spare for teaching at the recruitment camp. If he stays at the headquarters for a few months, Sengoku will likely transform directly into the form of a giant golden Buddha, wishing a shock wave could propel him to the New World.
"No problem. It just happens that it will take a few days for the science team to repair my ship. I'll come and have a chat with you, teacher."
In a few words, the two settled the matter.
"Oh, by the way, old man Sengoku, I just obtained a Devil Fruit on the World Government's transport ship. If the World Government gets involved, you'll have to handle it for me."
Atlas casually placed the Rubber-Rubber Fruit in his hand in front of Sengoku.
"It's just a Devil Fruit. Do you want to gain special abilities?"
Sengoku was surprised. Despite Atlas displaying abilities beyond comprehension, Sengoku had witnessed him swimming in the sea with his own eyes, confirming that Atlas was not an devil fruit user.
"No, it's for Luffy. He's highly suited for this fruit."
"Garp's grandson? Be cautious in case he returns to settle the score with you..."
It's just a Devil Fruit. Sengoku doesn't mind. Even if it's transported to the Holy Land, it's merely for the Celestial Dragons to amuse themselves. It's better to let Marine enhance its crucial combat strength.
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