---
Half an Hour Earlier
"Wait! That's a Marine ship!"
"What? Are they here to arrest the Uchiha Security Company?"
"They're Mr. Iceburg's saviors! Don't they know?"
Citizens at the port, who had recently read the news about their mayor signing a security contract with Uchiha Security Company, began to worry. The people of Water Seven had been skeptical at first, finding the idea of a new security force strange. However, after seeing the special Uchiha flags raised over city buildings and the fortifications along the island walls, they'd come to realize the partnership was real.
Iceburg hadn't hidden the truth; he told the citizens how the World Government betrayed him and how Uchiha Security had saved his life. Over the past few days, many pirates had attempted to cause trouble, only to be swiftly handled by the Uchiha operatives. The company had proven itself, and the citizens of Water Seven now felt safer than ever.
Suddenly, a cry rose from the crowd. "That's Vice Admiral Garp's warship!"
"Garp?! You mean the Marine hero who hunted down Gol D. Roger?"
"Someone, go warn Uchiha Security Company! Tell them not to come here!"
But it was too late. Three operatives from Uchiha Security, wearing their company uniforms, had already appeared at Dock 1.
"Is that you, Uchiha Security Company? You've been making quite the impression lately!" Garp's voice boomed, his eyes fixed on the operatives.
One of the Uchiha members, Inari, replied calmly, "I'm not sure what you mean. Are you here to talk about our president? Either way, a Company controls this dock, and we don't allow outsiders here—especially not those from the World Government."
Inari's tone was respectful yet firm. He understood the significance of the figure standing before him, but he held his ground, knowing they had not openly broken any laws. Uchiha Security was in a cooperative, not an occupying, role on Water Seven, and the World Government still had a presence on the island.
Besides Akira had told them they can't became enemies with the World Government, not make them think that Uchiha would be a threat to its rule.
Garp grinned, unfazed by the remark. "What if I insist on going in?"
Inari's eyes narrowed. "Then don't blame us for being rude."
Garp let out a hearty laugh. "Pfft hahaha! Alright, let's see what you've got! You two, clear the path."
Two young Marines rushed forward, using the Shave technique to move instantly, attempting to flank the Uchiha members. But Inari's team responded just as quickly, matching the Marines' movements and knocking them back with swift, coordinated strikes.
The Marine soldiers watching were stunned; these two Uchiha had countered the Marine Six Styles with ease. Garp's eyes widened slightly as he watched, sensing an unusual energy behind those red eyes.
"Six Styles, huh?" Inari said, dusting off his hands. "For us in the Uchiha clan, copying that level of skill is simple."
Garp raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You can't be serious. But those eyes of yours… they've got some strange power, don't they?"
Inari's confident smile remained. He knew they were drawing the Marine hero's attention, and in his heart, he relished the opportunity to test his strength. "Shall we?"
Without hesitation, Garp stepped forward. "Come on, Uchiha Security Company. Show me what you've got."
Inari launched forward, fist extended, clashing with Garp in a powerful shockwave that sent dust swirling around them. Garp, still smiling, nodded in acknowledgment of Inari's strength. But it was clear that he held back, testing Inari's resolve.
"Stand back!" Garp barked to his soldiers, eager to gauge Uchiha Security's true power.
Stepping back from the clash, Inari quickly formed hand seals. "Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!" He exhaled, releasing a two-meter-wide fireball hurtling toward Garp, flames roaring and illuminating the dock.
Citizens gasped as the massive fireball sped towards the Marine hero.
"Is this the power that all Uchiha clan can use?" Garp mused, amused. "Iron Fist of Love!"
He met the fireball head-on, punching it with such force that it dissipated in mid-air, flames scattering harmlessly around him. Inari's eyes widened momentarily, but he quickly steadied himself.
In a flash, Garp used Shave, appearing behind Inari and landing a powerful punch. Inari braced himself, crossing his arms to block, but Garp's strength forced him back toward the water's edge.
"I will send you to the sea!" Garp said with a smile, sending Inari skidding. But as he neared the water, Inari adjusted his stance and—much to the shock of the Marines and onlookers—stood firmly atop the water.
"What?! He's standing on the water!"
Inari's focus didn't waver. Channeling his Chakra, he maintained balance on the water's surface, something that was second nature for a shinobi. The citizens and Marines alike were astounded.
Garp's expression shifted to one of genuine interest. "You've got some tricks, kid. Maybe I underestimated you."
Inari regained his breath, feeling the impact of Garp's strength. Even with his best efforts, this Marine hero was unlike any opponent he'd faced.
He smirked, though, adrenaline fueling him as he steadied himself. "We Uchiha are full of surprises. If you want to see more, I'll gladly show you."
The crowd was stunned.
"How can he stand on the sea?"
"Is he using some kind of strange power?"
Even Garp, the Marine hero, was taken aback. His intention was to test if these Uchiha Security members would be vulnerable to seawater, like Devil Fruit users. Yet, Inari didn't fall into the water but stood on it like solid ground.
The realization hit Garp: if members of the Uchiha Security Company could stand on the sea, they'd have an enormous advantage. For a Marine, constantly battling against the ocean, this was a game-changer.
Inari, meanwhile, felt a mix of frustration and determination. His debut match against Garp had been brief, and he had hardly shown what he was capable of. His hand moved to the long knife at his waist, preparing for another round.
Garp grinned, intrigued. He had heard about AKira's sword skills from Aokiji, who rarely called anything "terrifying." Now, seeing a young Uchiha prepare for a sword fight, he was curious to see if the stories were true.
Garp was thinking about getting a little serious.
Suddenly, a commanding voice called out, "Stop!"
Everyone turned. There, standing tall and confident, was Uchiha AKira.
"It's Mr. Uchiha AKira!" the citizens whispered excitedly.
The people of Water Seven had come to idolize AKira. Destroying Enies Lobby, fending off the Buster Call, and even holding his own against two Marine Admirals—this young man had done the impossible, and the citizens had come to see him as their hero.
When the Marine soldiers saw AKira, their expressions shifted to alarm. This was no ordinary criminal; he was a super-powered threat with a 3 billion Berry bounty. Few men in the world could face two Admirals without flinching, yet AKira had done just that. To them, he was practically unstoppable.
"President! I can still—" Inari began.
AKira raised a hand, stopping him. "I know you haven't shown your full skills, but do you really think he has? This is Garp, the Marine hero who chased the Pirate King himself. A serious punch from him wouldn't just send you flying—it could easily kill you. I always said to you all to know when to fight and when not to."
The warning and teaching settled heavily on Inari, who realized how much more there was to learn.
"Train hard. You've got great potential," AKira encouraged, clapping Inari on the shoulder. AKira saw Inari's talent, envisioning a future where he might even unlock the legendary Mangekyō Sharingan. The Uchiha clan's mastery over Breathing and Haki was still developing, but with time, they would reach new heights.
Garp, observing AKira standing on the sea as though it were solid ground, realized that every member of this clan seemed capable of it. This confirmed what he suspected: Uchiha Security members could move across the sea with ease.
Garp let out a hearty laugh. "So, kid, you're the one who injured my apprentice, huh?"
AKira smirked. "What injury?, he only got some scratches and now the teacher's here for revenge?"
"You're a bold brat," Garp chuckled. "And you're young, too! Kuzan's already in his forties, but you… only Eighteen?"
AKira replied with a mischievous grin. "What are you here for, old man? Don't tell me you're actually trying to arrest me. I don't exactly enjoy roughing up old folks."
"You little punk! But educating cocky brats like you is my favorite thing!" Garp roared with laughter.
AKira shrugged. "If you were here to arrest me, you wouldn't be chatting. You wouldn't have bothered bringing an entire squad, either."
Garp sighed, still smiling. "It's a pain dealing with someone as smart as you. If you were just some reckless idiot, that'd be one thing. But someone as sharp as you, opposing the World Government… you're bound to be trouble."
AKira raised an eyebrow. "Trouble? We're not targeting the World Government. We only fought back after they attacked us. Actually It could be said I'm in your side, I'm catching pirates too, giving it to you."
AKira continued with a slight smile, "Our Uchiha Company's goal is simple: to become the world's largest security company. We treat everyone equally. Anyone who meets our price can hire us—even the World Government."
Garp's eyes widened. "You've got guts, kid. But are you saying you'd actually do business with the World Government?"
"As long as they're willing to pay. We're all just trying to make a living here."
Garp chuckled, though slightly exasperated. This young man had nerve. "And how much would it cost to hire you?"
AKira held up a finger. "A hundred million Berry a day."
Garp nearly choked. "What? A hundred million a day? That's outright robbery!"
AKira smirked. "Nah, that's faster and safer."
Garp shook his head in disbelief, but the citizens of Water Seven laughed. They were familiar with AKira's price—100 million a day had practically become his trademark.
"Forget it," Garp said, sighing. "You should continue to fight against the World Government. Sengoku will never hire you."
.
.
.