78 The Wanted Poster #78

I entered Fleet Admiral Sengoku's office. The room exuded an air of authority and gravitas. Paintings depicting Marine victories and heroic acts adorned the walls. Fleet Admiral Sengoku, known as the Buddha, sat behind his desk, a stack of papers and reports neatly organized on the table. He looked up as I entered, his wise eyes studying me intently.

"Commander Strode, please have a seat," Fleet Admiral Sengoku said, motioning to a chair opposite his desk. I sat down, a mix of anticipation and curiosity swirling within me.

"I have news that requires your immediate attention," Fleet Admiral Sengoku began, his voice carrying the weight of command. "As you realize... I have frozen your rank as punishment for your actions in the Reverie. Today I will remove the restrictions on your promotions and give you a proper punishment..." He calmly stated.

I raised an eyebrow at the fleet admiral's words but said nothing. I knew Sengoku didn't care about Wapol, so whatever this is, it's probably just an excuse to unfreeze my rank.

"As punishment for your behavior, I am assigning you a crucial mission," Fleet Admiral Sengoku continued his tone stern. "But before we delve into that, I want to show you something..." He added, trailing at the end of his sentence.

He reached into a drawer and pulled out a wanted poster. He slid it across the desk, and as I looked at it, I felt a mix of surprise and recognition. It was the wanted poster of a red-haired man, unmistakably Shanks.

"Do you know this man?" Fleet Admiral Sengoku asked, his gaze fixed on me.

I studied the wanted poster, memories flooding back. "Yes, Fleet Admiral," I replied, my voice steady. "That's Red-haired Shanks, one of the most prominent and powerful pirates in the Grand Line..." I added after a momentary pause.

Fleet Admiral Sengoku nodded. "You're correct. However, I have more recent information to share with you. Shanks has recently ascended to the position of Yonko, one of the four most powerful pirates in the world." He said in a grave tone.

A strange smile tugged at the corners of my lips. The knowledge I kept from my past life allowed me to foresee this development, but the revelation still felt weird.

"With his newfound power and influence, Shanks has become a focal point for other pirates, inspiring them to emerge and cross the Grand Line," Fleet Admiral Sengoku explained. "This has resulted in a disruption of peace, particularly in Sabaody Archipelago and Fish-Man Island..." He went on.

Understanding began to dawn on me. Fleet Admiral Sengoku's choice of punishment suddenly became clear.

"I am deploying you to Sabaody Archipelago to reinforce the local Marine base," Fleet Admiral Sengoku continued. "Consider it a punishment for your actions and an opportunity to understand the gravity of your impulsive behavior. Your unique knowledge of the pirate world will be invaluable in maintaining order and keeping the balance in check..." He added, trailing as he gave me a meaningful look.

I didn't know whether to take Sengoku's words as a compliment or an insult, but I straightened my posture as I prepared to accept the mission. This assignment, disguised as a punishment, was an opportunity finally make my move and leave the Marines.

"Thank you, Fleet Admiral," I replied, my voice laced with resolve. "I will carry out this mission with utmost dedication and ensure that the Marine presence in Sabaody remains strong. I understand the consequences of Shanks' rise to Yonko status and the importance of maintaining order in the face of increasing pirate activity..." I added, almost believing myself as I spoke.

Fleet Admiral Sengoku nodded, his expression firm. "Make no mistake, Commander Strode. The task is of great importance. I expect you to rise to the challenge and prove your worth as a Marine..." He concluded, wordlessly dismissing me as he turned to the paperwork on his desk.

I calmly saluted the fleet admiral and left his office.

...

I made my way to the training grounds where Vice Admiral Garp was overseeing the rigorous training of Marine soldiers. As I approached him, he glanced in my direction, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

"Our training session ended for the day, brat," Vice Admiral Garp said with a grin. "What brings you here? Did you come back for more?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

I bitterly chuckled, vehemently shaking my head. "Actually, Vice Admiral Garp, I came to inform you about my upcoming deployment. Fleet Admiral Sengoku has assigned me to reinforce the Marine base in Sabaody Archipelago..." I said, pausing as I studied the vice admiral's expression.

Vice Admiral Garp's eyes widened, and a broad smile split his face. "Ah, so the old man finally took my advice, did he?" he exclaimed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I've been telling him you need some real action to toughen you up. Looks like he finally listened..." He added, his grin widening.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by Vice Admiral Garp's reaction. "You knew about this deployment, Vice Admiral?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

Garp laughed heartily. "Of course, I did, kid. In fact, it was my idea," he confessed, his expression becoming more serious. "I've been training you for a while now, but there's only so much I can teach you. You need to experience the unpredictable nature of the world, face challenges head-on, and adapt. Sabaody Archipelago is the perfect place for that." He added with a shrug.

I nodded, realizing the significance of Vice Admiral Garp's words. He had always pushed me to my limits, but he recognized that there were limits to what he could teach me within the confines of the training grounds.

"Thank you, Vice Admiral Garp," I said sincerely, a mix of gratitude and determination filling my voice. "I understand the importance of gaining practical experience and honing my skills in real-world situations. I won't let you or Fleet Admiral Sengoku down..." I added, my back straitening unconsciously.

Garp grinned, patting me on the shoulder. "That's what I like to hear, brat. The world out there is full of surprises and challenges. Embrace them and show everyone your metal..." He added, giving me another pat that almost dislocated my shoulder.

I saluted Vice Admiral Garp, feeling a bit of joy and guilt for his guidance and trust, which I, unfortunately, didn't deserve as I planned to leave the Marines as soon as I had the chance and a proper excuse.

As I turned to leave the training grounds, a mix of excitement and anticipation coursed through me, overpowering the guilt. Sabaody Archipelago awaited, and I was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

...

Cedric stood at the bustling port, with Chuchun, the super Sparrow landing behind him. Chuchun's towering figure drew curious gazes from the surrounding Marines and civilians, but the two had grown accustomed to the attention.

The duo, one human and one giant predatory bird boarded the ship bound for Sabaody Archipelago. Cedric felt a mixture of anticipation and excitement. The wind carried the scent of salt, and the rhythmic creaking of the vessel underfoot hinted at the adventures ahead.

With each passing moment, the distance between Cedric and Marineford grew, and the weight of his impending departure settled upon him.

As the ship sailed through the vast expanse of the ocean, Cedric and Chuchun stood at the bow, their eyes scanning the horizon. The vibrant blue waters stretched out before them, a canvas of possibility. But their tranquility was soon shattered by a disturbance beneath the surface.

Four massive sea beasts emerged from the depths, their enormous forms breaking through the waves. Unlike everyone else on the ship, Cedric smiled. This unexpected encounter would be a chance to put his training and skills to the test.

Drawing his spear with practiced ease, Cedric stepped forward. The sea beasts thrashed in the water, their monstrous forms dwarfing the ship. Without hesitation, Cedric launched himself into action.

With swift and calculated movements, he utilized his mastery of the six powers. His body blurred as he employed Soru, appearing in multiple places simultaneously, confounding the sea beasts. He struck with Geppo, leaping through the air to deliver devastating kicks and punches that rattled their thick hides.

The spear in Cedric's hand became an extension of his body. With every thrust and deflection, he targeted the sea beasts' vulnerable spots. His strikes were a symphony of speed and power. His movements were honed through countless hours of training.

The sea beasts roared and lashed out with their massive limbs, but Cedric's agility proved his greatest asset. He evaded their attacks with well-timed dodges and acrobatic flips, always staying one step ahead.

But Cedric's arsenal didn't end with his spear and physical prowess alone. Drawing his revolvers, he unleashed a barrage of expertly aimed shots, each bullet finding its mark with deadly accuracy. The first sea beast recoiled, its monstrous forms writhing in pain as the bullets tore through its thick hide and pierced its heart.

Before it could sink, Cedric lunged on the next one with Geppo, thrusting his spear into its eye, destroying its brain, and causing it to fall into the seawater.

Using Geppo, the young marine remained in the air and turned to the last remaining sea beasts, spinning his body and unleashing two Rankyaku flying slashes that decapitated the creatures. Then with an acrobatic flip, he landed on the marine warship, snapping the soldiers out of their daze.

The crew and fellow Marines who had witnessed the battle erupted into applause, their cheers mingling with the sound of crashing waves, and Cedric merely laughed it off as he headed for his cabin.

...

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