Chapter 33: Set Sail, Grand Line Ahead!

"Commodore Sai..." Tashigi began, her voice warm and familiar, "No, now I should address you as Rear Admiral Saitama."

With a sense of pride and accomplishment, Tashigi stepped back from Saitama, releasing his arm from her gentle grasp. Adjusting her glasses with a smile, she reached into her jacket, retrieving an official document.

"Congratulations on your promotion," Tashigi continued, extending the letter of appointment to Saitama. "You are now a Rear Admiral in the Navy Headquarters."

"Ah, thank you..." Saitama's eyes scanned the document in his hand, the weight of the paper seeming to signify the weight of his new position. As he looked up, his gaze fell upon Smoker, a man whose chest seemed to puff out with pride.

"And who might you be?" Saitama inquired, his tone curious yet respectful.

"Allow me to reintroduce myself, Mr. Saitama. I am Smoker, and we crossed paths ten years ago," said Smoker with pride.

Saitama's memory was jogged by the familiar name, and he nodded in recognition. Smoker, though grateful for Saitama's help in the past, couldn't help but feel embarrassed for forgetting his savior's name.

"As you have been promoted to Rear Admiral, the task of guarding the seas now falls on the shoulders of officers of lower ranks. Therefore, it is time for you to report back to headquarters..." he continued.

Tashigi, sensing Saitama's confusion, took the opportunity to jump in. "But, Mr. Saitama, You're not going back, there's a more pressing matter at hand," she said in a hushed tone. "The Navy has begun the operation to eradicate the Shichibukai, and Garp has entrusted you with the task of investigating Crocodile, who is one of them."

"Crocodile?" Saitama scratched his chin, deep in thought. "The name rings a bell, but I can't quite place it. Who is he?"

"Crocodile, the Sand-Sand Fruit user, is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea," announced Tashigi.

Smoker's voice carried over the crashing waves as he looked out at the endless expanse of the ocean. "He has a good reputation," he said, his gaze never leaving the horizon. "They call him the protector of the kingdom, a hero who has repelled many pirate invasions."

Saitama and Tashigi stood beside him, both listening intently to his words.

"But recently," Smoker continued, his expression darkening, "The World Government received a distress call from someone claiming to be the Alabasta princess. She said that the country was being stolen by the Sand Crocodile..."

As Smoker spoke, his eyes flickered towards Tashigi. "Could it be that the headquarters are finally going to take action against the Shichibukai?" he asked with a hint of excitement in his voice.

Tashigi's eyes widened in surprise and she quickly covered her mouth. "How did you find out?" she asked, trying to keep her voice hushed.

"Don't worry, I know it's classified information. I won't let it slip," Smoker assured her, before letting out a small chuckle. "But between the recent Marine deployments, the frequent meetings at headquarters, and the name you just mentioned, it's not exactly hard to connect the dots, is it?"

"Oh... I see," Tashigi replied before turning to face Saitama. "The World Government refuses to act without concrete evidence. However, Vice Admiral Garp has requested your assistance in investigating the matter. Of course, it is not an order but rather a humble request. Would you be willing to help, Rear Admiral Saitama?"

Saitama, deep in thought, crossed his arms before finally nodding. "I have no problem going, but Tashigi, you must come with me."

"Of course, General Saitama," Tashigi responded eagerly, relieved to have the opportunity to work again alongside the legendary hero. "You have always said that it's just for fun and you won't accept orders. So, Vice Admiral Garp is worried that you might find it bothersome."

Saitama let out a small chuckle before his expression turned serious. "Heroes should never wait for tragedy to strike before taking action. Besides, there are almost no pirates left in the East Blue, and frankly, I'm growing quite bored here."

"What... bored?"

Saitama's agreement to Tashigi's request came unexpectedly, leaving her with mixed feelings. On one hand, she was relieved that they might have a chance at uncovering the truth about Crocodile and his suspicious activities. On the other hand, she couldn't help but feel uneasy about the nonchalant attitude Saitama had towards the investigation.

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In this world, Saitama had risen through the ranks of the Marines and now held the esteemed position of Rear Admiral. He was known for his incredible strength and unwavering determination, traits that had earned him the respect of his fellow Marines and the fear of his enemies.

As he stood on the deck of his warship, Saitama surveyed the Reverse World, his eyes taking in every detail. The upside-down mountain loomed in the distance, a symbol of the perilous journey that lay ahead.

Tashigi, stood by his side. She had always admired Saitama's dedication to his duty and his unyielding sense of justice. Together, they had faced countless challenges and emerged victorious every time.

Meanwhile, Saitama had ordered Bulin, to stay behind in Loguetown and assist Smoker in protecting the town. Bulin had always looked up to Saitama and was determined to prove his worth as a Marine.

As they approached the entrance to the Grand Line, Tashigi turned to Saitama and said, "Rear Admiral, before we enter the Grand Line, there is a tradition that all Marines and pirates must observe. We place our foot on this barrel, make a wish, and then toss it into the sea. It is said that our wishes will come true."

"No... I'll pass!" Saitama shook his head. "I don't believe in such traditions."

Tashigi looked crestfallen. "Don't you have a wish you want to come true, Saitama-san?"

After a moment's hesitation, Saitama stepped onto the barrel. "Well... if it really works, then listen up. My wish is to go home."

The weight of those two simple words was palpable. Even the strongest man in the world longed for a place to call home.

Tashigi couldn't help but wonder if Saitama, with all his power and might, ever felt lonely in this world. Despite all its wonders, it was still not his true home.

Perhaps on his world, Saitama had a family, a career, children... a place to truly belong.

As Saitama noticed Tashigi's peculiar expression, he asked curiously, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell, Tashigi?"

"Oh, no! It's nothing," Tashigi said, quickly coming back to her senses.

She hesitated for a moment before finally making up her mind, stepping onto a barrel of booze with determination. "I... I want to follow Saitama-sama! To bring justice and fairness to those who are powerless against evil! Whether it's in this world or another, I will always be by Saitama-sama's side, forever and ever!"

As Tashigi's small but powerful oath floated over the sea, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. Was she really ready to embark on this journey? To face whatever challenges lay ahead, no matter how daunting?

Saitama chuckled dryly at Tashigi's words, imagining the potential clash between her and his trusty sidekick, Genos. He couldn't deny that Tashigi's fierce determination was admirable, but he also knew that the path ahead was filled with danger and uncertainty.

Suddenly, there was a loud -plunk- as the barrel Tashigi was standing on fell into the sea, carrying her wishes away with it.

As the crew continued their journey, crossing the treacherous Reverse Mountain with a thrill that was like riding a rollercoaster on water, Tashigi couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the world around her. So many strange and wonderful things coexisted in this world, and she was determined to discover them all.

Perhaps, Tashigi mused, this great voyage would be the key to rediscovering the feeling of fighting to her heart's content, a feeling that had long been forgotten. With Saitama by her side, she was ready to face whatever the world had in store for her, with a fierce determination and an unshakable belief in the power of justice.

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As Saitama's battleship cruised down the Grand Line, another pirate ship quietly docked at the port of Loguetown.

Luffy, the goofy captain with a straw hat, stood at the bow excitedly scanning the horizon.

"Be careful, Luffy!" cautioned Zoro, wrapping his swords in cloth. "That bald monster we talked about earlier is the town's guardian, and we're no match for him yet. If we get caught, we'll be in deep trouble!"

"What?! Is it really him?" Luffy turned around, shocked. "Don't worry, Zoro! I'll make sure I don't get caught by that baldy."

-Pffft!-

Before Luffy could finish his sentence, a pair of seemingly delicate fists had already landed on his and Zoro's faces, leaving them with swollen noses.

"Who do you think you're calling a baldy monster?!" Nami scolded them, holding a fistful of cash in one hand. "Saitama is a true hero! If I hear you badmouth him again, I won't lend you any money to buy stuff in town, got it?!"

Intimidated by Nami's financial power, Luffy and Zoro nodded obediently.

"Got it..."

"Got it..."

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Thank you!