Free Web NovelChapter 5: Chapter 5
Chapter 5
The sudden, straight-to-the-point invitation left Rorschach completely stunned for a second.
But he had his own goals. There was no way he was joining the Marines. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
The restrictions were way too tight — zero freedom. Everything he had done since crossing over into this world was so he could live exactly the way he wanted. He had already been worked to death in his last life. No way was he signing up for another 9-to-6 grind.
"No thanks," Rorschach shook his head. "I’ve got my own dreams and goals. The Marines aren’t the place for me."
Colonel Bark frowned. The refusal was so blunt that there was clearly no point in pushing further.
When Charlie had described Rorschach’s strength earlier, Bark had immediately realized this young swordsman was no ordinary rookie. Letting a powerhouse like this roam free in the East Blue was dangerous. If he ever turned pirate, he could cause serious trouble.
Still, Rorschach hadn’t committed any crimes, so Bark could only hope the kid really was just an ambitious adventurer.
Sensing the awkward tension, Charlie quickly jumped in with a laugh.
"Hahaha! See, Colonel Bark? I told you — Lord Rorschach is a talented young man with dreams of traveling the entire world!"
"Plus, with his strength, the East Blue is way too small for him. If he ever did join the Marines, it would be on the Grand Line. Who knows? He might even become an Admiral someday!"
Thanks to Charlie’s smooth save, Colonel Bark could only sigh softly.
"Very well. I won’t force you. But if you ever change your mind, feel free to come find me anytime. The Marines would welcome you with open arms."
With that, Colonel Bark and his squad returned to the naval base.
Rorschach didn’t think much of the little interruption.
Back at the base, Colonel Bark sat down in his office chair. One of the Marines beside him finally couldn’t hold back.
"Colonel Bark, should we report this to Headquarters?"
Bark closed his eyes and didn’t answer right away.
A powerful swordsman had appeared in the East Blue — one who had apparently eaten some unknown Devil Fruit. He had knocked out an entire pirate crew in an instant and casually cut down a 13-million-berry pirate with a single slash. That kind of strength would stand out even on the Grand Line, let alone in the weak East Blue.
Bark didn’t realize it wasn’t a Devil Fruit. What he had witnessed was actually Conqueror’s Haki. In his experience, only a Devil Fruit could do something that bizarre, so he assumed that was the case.
He opened his eyes and looked at the Marine.
"Bring me the Den Den Mushi. I’ll contact Headquarters myself."
"Yes, sir!"
...
Marine Headquarters – Marineford
In the Fleet Admiral’s office, a Marine was reporting to Sengoku.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, we just received a report from East Blue Branch 19."
Sengoku pinched the bridge of his nose. He had finally finished his paperwork and was looking forward to a quiet moment with some tea and senbei crackers.
Before he could even take a sip, more trouble arrived.
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.
Next to him, Garp was happily munching on senbei without a care in the world. Sengoku had gotten used to it over the years, but it still gave him a headache every time he was trying to work.
"Hand it over."
The Marine passed the report and quickly left the room.
The deeper Sengoku read, the more serious his expression became.
Garp noticed the change and leaned over curiously.
"What’s up, Sengoku? It’s rare to see you this serious."
Sengoku rubbed his forehead again and tossed the report to Garp.
"Read it yourself."
Garp took the paper and scanned it. After a few seconds he burst out laughing.
"Ha ha ha ha! Conqueror’s Haki? Now that’s rare!"
"It’s been a while since I went back to the East Blue. Didn’t expect a swordsman who can already control Conqueror’s Haki to pop up there."
Colonel Bark didn’t know about Conqueror’s Haki, but veterans like Sengoku and Garp had faced it countless times. Whitebeard, Shiki, even Pirate King Roger had all possessed it. Hell, both Sengoku and Garp were Conqueror’s Haki users themselves.
"Say, Sengoku... I haven’t been home to see my grandson in a long time. How about you give me some time off so I can head back to the East Blue?"
"While I’m there, I can check out this kid. If he’s promising, I’ll drag him back here for training."
Garp grinned like a mischievous kid.
"You bastard! You still dare ask for vacation?!" Sengoku exploded. "All this extra work is because of the mess your grandson caused! And now you want time off?!"
"Ha ha ha! You guys are already planning to recruit Ace as one of the Seven Warlords anyway. That’s not my problem. I haven’t had a real break in ages."
"Yep, time to take some well-earned leave."
Garp completely ignored Sengoku’s shouting, stood up, and strolled toward the door.
"Garp! I’m the Fleet Admiral here!" Sengoku slammed his fist on the desk. "Without my approval, you’re not going anywhere! All three Admirals are out on missions right now — I need you to stay and guard Headquarters!"
"La la la~ Can’t hear you~"
Garp plugged his ears and pretended to be deaf as he walked out.
SLAM.
The door shut. Only Sengoku remained in the office.
His fist tightened until his knuckles turned white. Veins popped on his forehead. Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore and punched the desk.
"GARP!!!!!!!!"
His roar echoed across Marineford.
Nearby Marines training on the grounds turned their heads toward the highest building.
"Hey, what’s got the Fleet Admiral so pissed this time?" one asked.
"Who knows? Probably Vice Admiral Garp messing with him again. Happens all the time." freeweɓnøvel.com
"Whatever, just focus on training. If Instructor Zephyr catches us chatting, we’re dead."
As if on cue...
"You two idiots slacking off over here?! Run ten laps around Headquarters right now! No dinner until you’re finished!"
Zephyr appeared behind them and bellowed.
The two Marines jumped, spun around, and saluted.
"Yes, Instructor Zephyr!"
Zephyr watched them sprint away, then looked up at the top of Headquarters with a puzzled expression.
"Seriously... what the hell is Sengoku doing? This is the third time this month."
Meanwhile, Rorschach had no idea that simply using Conqueror’s Haki for convenience had put him on the radar of two of the Navy’s top brass.
Oblivious to everything, he was still inside the merchant ship, sitting cross-legged and training his Observation Haki.
After so many days of intense training, he could feel his spirit hitting a bottleneck — like he was on the verge of a breakthrough at any moment.
