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Admiral level! A person with such power is not to be underestimated.
These individuals have been through countless battles, honing their bodies or Devil Fruit abilities to their absolute limits.
In the Marines, a warrior of this calibre could be considered a reserve for an Admiral position.
However, Sengoku found it hard to believe how long Arashi had been with the Marines. A month? Two?
Lost in thought, Sengoku glanced down at the documents on his desk, his brow furrowing.
"The Noble Blood Case."
"The Celestial Dragons."
After a moment of contemplation, Sengoku opened the file on the Noble Blood Case and looked at the last line, written in blood-red ink.
"Prime suspect: Arashi, former gardener of the Bokan family."
"Arashi: Male, 17 years old."
"Said to have been purchased for 1 million Berries by Bokan Yongle at the Sabaody Archipelago auction ten years ago." Sengoku continued to scan the report.
"Place of birth: West Blue, uncertain."
"Hometown: Ohara, uncertain."
"Parents: Believed to have been killed by the Bailey Pirates twelve years ago."
The detailed intelligence depicted Arashi's background, information the Marine intelligence network had gathered within the past month.
Arashi himself might not even know some of it. After silence, Sengoku picked up his red pen and heavily crossed out the suspect's name.
Then he wrote his approval.
"A gardener? How could he have possibly killed the entire Bokan family? Ridiculous!"
"Continue the investigation!"
Afterwards, Sengoku let out a scoff. "What does Gardener Arashi have to do with Marine Arashi?" he muttered.
"Garp, you old fool, you owe me big for this!"
He tossed the file aside and casually tore up the report about the Celestial Dragons' offence, showing no concern.
Such incidents involving the Celestial Dragons had happened countless times, and the Marines couldn't keep up with them all.
A moment later, another file was placed in front of Sengoku.
"Crime Investigation Report by Commodore Karen, stationed at the Sabaody Archipelago."
Sengoku glanced at it briefly and then smiled faintly. "Let Arashi handle this one himself; it might produce surprising results."
As an experienced Marine, especially one who often assisted Fleet Admiral Kong in handling affairs, Sengoku was skilled at managing interpersonal relationships.
Ordinarily, such matters wouldn't have held much importance in his mind.
But after the black-haired youth demonstrated his frightening potential and power, everything changed.
Saul's voice continued over the Den Den Mushi.
Still, Sengoku was already deep in thought, considering how to make this immensely talented young Marine feel the warmth and justice of the Marines.
Discovering talent, nurturing it, helping it grow, and, in turn, aiding the Marines—this was what set them apart from pirates.
They had a well-established system for training talent.
...
Meanwhile, the battle between Arashi and Rayleigh continued.
The fight lasted seven days and nights, ending when the commotion in the island's centre ceased.
"Hey, kid, aren't you going to check on your teacher?" Rayleigh asked, breathing heavily, his body covered in wounds, his face showing fatigue.
"If you want to check on your captain, hurry!" Arashi laughed.
"You brat!" Rayleigh chuckled, shaking his head as he sheathed his sword.
After fighting and watching Arashi grow, Rayleigh felt like he had somehow become Arashi's teacher, personally guiding his growth.
At the same time, he developed a sense of mutual respect that only comes from facing an opponent of equal calibre.
Looking around the battlefield, Rayleigh noticed that, aside from a few people still standing, most were either unconscious from their injuries or simply too exhausted to continue, lying down and sleeping soundly.
Seven days and nights of intense combat was something few could endure.
"Let's go together; those two must be at their limits by now," Rayleigh called out.
Arashi nodded and glanced down at his tattered clothes, barely holding together. He tore them off, revealing his bare upper body.
His bronze skin and sharply defined eight-pack abs created a striking visual impact as the sunlight streamed down.
When he turned to follow Rayleigh into the island, his back muscles, which resembled a mountainous terrain, hinted at the terrifying power contained within.
The only drawback was that Arashi's body was still somewhat lean after joining the Marines not long ago.
When they reached the island's interior, they immediately spotted Roger and Garp, both fast asleep.
The numerous scars crisscrossing their bodies testified to the intensity of their battle.
"Well then, kid, until we meet again," Rayleigh said with a smile. "I look forward to our next fight."
"Next time, you won't be a match for me, Rayleigh!" Arashi replied with a grin.
"Hahahaha! You arrogant brat, you've got a long way to go!" Rayleigh laughed, shaking his head as he hoisted Roger over his shoulder and walked away.
Arashi did the same with Garp, slinging him over his shoulder.
The battle was over. With an unspoken understanding, both sides began to carry their wounded comrades back to their respective ships.
"Roger's condition is serious," someone murmured. "This might have been Vice-Admiral Garp's last intense battle."
As the last injured were carried aboard, Bogart leaned against the ship's rail and sighed.
"Yeah," Arashi muttered, glancing at Garp, who was snoring loudly, his chest covered in bloodstains but still smiling. Arashi nodded silently.
"You should get some rest, too!" Bogart said. "Fighting Rayleigh must have been exhausting."
"It was!" Arashi chuckled.
The adrenaline from the fight had masked his fatigue, but now it was crashing over him like a tidal wave, making it hard to keep his eyes open.
A moment later, he slumped over and fell asleep instantly.
Seeing this, Bogart smiled, then went into the cabin. When he returned, he carried thick blankets and covered everyone.
That sleep lasted for a full three days and nights. The warship was already docked at the G-5 fortress when everyone finally woke up.
As Arashi slowly opened his eyes to the noise around him, he first saw Garp, his body wrapped in bandages.
He was happily eating meat and drinking sake with a big grin.
"Hahaha, you brat, you're finally awake!" Garp laughed. "Once we resupply here, we'll head back to headquarters!"
"This time, you've outdone yourself. And those three brats, Kuzan and the others did well too!"
Garp continued laughing as he stuffed another piece of meat into his mouth. Still a bit dizzy, Arashi was soon pulled into the group by Kuzan and began eating heartily.
"By the way, Sengoku just informed me that due to your performance in this mission, headquarters has decided to promote you to the rank of Rear Admiral," Garp said, his words slightly muffled by the food in his mouth.
"As for your position, that will be decided after you graduate from the Marine Academy."
"Marine Academy?" Arashi asked, puzzled.
"Of course! Did you think being a competent Marine officer was just about being strong?" Garp replied.
"That's only part of it! You also need to learn and acquire sufficient knowledge!"
Arashi was at a loss for words.
"And one more thing." Garp paused, swallowing the food in his mouth before speaking more seriously.
"Before we head back to headquarters, you must stop at the Sabaody Archipelago."
Arashi looked at his mentor in confusion.
"Evidence of Karens' crimes has been fully collected," Garp said.
"Headquarters wants you to deal with him and his subordinates!" Arashi was momentarily taken aback, but then his eyes sharpened with determination.
"Understood!" he replied.
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