"Ding! Colonel, shaken by the host's overwhelming aura. Evaluation: B. Reward: one ton of peach wine."
"Ding! Marine recruit A, stunned by the host's presence. Evaluation: B. Reward: one ton of sausages."
"Ding! Marine recruit B, floored by the host's pressure. Evaluation: B. Reward: one ton of spicy sticks."
…
Rorin D. Sol, still radiating his killing intent like a raging bonfire, froze mid-step as the system chimes rang one after another. His face darkened instantly.
"…System. Shut up. Do I look like a corner shop to you? Stop dumping snacks on me!"
With his command, the system finally went silent. Rorin peeked into his inventory and saw the mountains of food piling up inside. His lips twitched into a helpless grimace.
Meanwhile, sweat poured down Vice Admiral Mole's face, dripping from his jaw to the ground.
"You think a Vice Admiral like me has the authority to grant that?" he muttered hoarsely.
"That's why," Rorin replied casually, "all you need to do is report it. Sengoku's just taken the Fleet Admiral seat. I'm sure he'll agree."
"You've got some nerve." Mole studied him carefully. Sensing little actual killing intent, his shoulders loosened slightly.
"Colonel Karl, you watch him. I'll contact the Fleet Admiral myself."
"A-ah?! Y-yes, sir! I'll… I'll do my best!" The colonel's voice shook, his eyes glued to Rorin like he was staring at a tiger ready to pounce.
As Mole walked off, Rorin finally reined in his aura. He turned to Karl, whose legs were trembling, and flashed him a grin.
"Why so jumpy? Relax, I'm not gonna eat you. Right?"
"Y-you! Don't try to lower my guard! I-I'm very strong, you know!" Karl barked, eyes wide and glued to Rorin's every move.
Rorin chuckled. The man was so hilariously easy to spook it was entertaining. Unable to resist, he kept tossing in little fake movements to make Karl flinch, delighting in the man's twisted grimaces.
Off to the side, Vice Admiral Mole slipped into the corner of the square, pulling a Den Den Mushi from his coat. Every officer above Rear Admiral had an emergency line to the Fleet Admiral.
The snail blinked, its features morphing into Sengoku's face. His voice boomed through:"Mole. What's going on? Recruitment problems?"
"Fleet Admiral, recruitment has gone beyond expectations. More than smooth. However…"
"However what?"
"However, during the process, someone appeared. He wants to join the Marines—but refuses to start as a grunt. He's demanding at least the rank of Admiral."
Sengoku fell silent. The stillness stretched until his voice returned, calm but heavy."For you to call me directly… this person must be strong. Otherwise, you'd have already thrown him out."
Mole sighed inwardly at his superior's sharpness. "Yes, Fleet Admiral. By my judgment, he's at the very least a peak Great Swordsman. Possibly on the cusp of the Supreme tier. I can't even be sure he's not holding back."
"…I see. In that case, don't provoke him. Tell him to board your warship and bring him straight to Marineford. For a powerhouse like that, we'll gladly 'roll out the red carpet.'"
"Yes, sir. I understand."
—
Marineford.
After the line cut, Sengoku set the Den Den Mushi aside. Across from him, Garp munched happily on senbei, utterly ignoring the seriousness of the conversation. Sengoku's expression barely shifted, eyes unreadable.
"For those who sincerely wish to join the Marines, we welcome them with open arms," Sengoku said softly. His gaze hardened, steel flashing behind his glasses. "But for those who come to cause trouble… Garp, looks like you'll have work to do."