#18 - Chapter 18: Garp Arrives
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Dense and orderly footsteps echoed.
“Hahahaha!”
A cynical laugh reverberated through the street.
“Vice Admiral Garp! Slow down! This mission is simple; there's no need to rush so much!”
His subordinates, already left far behind, voiced their complaints.
They couldn't understand why their vice admiral had suddenly changed his personality. He used to be lazy and unhurried, but today he was acting completely out of character, rushing ahead.
“You wouldn't understand. It's rare to find a kindred spirit.”
Garp's heart was filled with irrepressible excitement. That kid, Jin An, really suited his taste.
He was already imagining partnering with that kid in the future, going to Sengoku to freeload meals together, and then infuriating Sengoku to the point of his beard bristling and eyes widening. The thought was incredibly amusing.
......
Still the same branch office.
Jin An had already taken over the office for his own use, while the colonel was assigned to another room.
It was a classic case of the cuckoo occupying the magpie's nest.
He lay on the genuine leather chair like a salted fish, his eyes slightly closed.
“Major Jin An, the pirates have all been taken into custody.” Fire Fist respectfully reported.
When he learned Jin An's identity, he was incredibly excited. This man was the idol of all the marines in the South Blue, without exception.
Many people had heard of Jin An's deeds and were inspired to join the Marines with unwavering determination.
Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. There were few people like Jin An in the Marines. Most people only cared about their own interests and didn't care about the life or death of others.
“But the other criminals are not cooperating.”
Fire Fist was a little angry. It was clear that those people had committed crimes, but they were still so bossy and didn't take them Marines seriously at all.
“You're talking about those nobles, right?”
Jin An could guess who wasn't cooperating with his toes. The nobles in this world were just that lawless.
“Don't bother with them. Lock them up directly, and release them after they've atoned for their sins. If anything happens, I'll take responsibility.”
The only way to deal with these people was to be even more ruthless than them. Once they knew fear, they would behave.
“It seems the people sent by headquarters have arrived.” Suddenly, Jin An noticed something. A cold and stern face revealed a smile, and he got up and walked towards the office door.
“Major Jin An?” Fire Fist's expression changed slightly.
“Let's go out and greet them. The people we've been waiting for have arrived...”
Garp outside the door raised an eyebrow. This little guy had pretty good perception. It seemed Sengoku was right; he was indeed a promising talent.
“I didn't expect Vice Admiral Garp to come in person. What an honor.”
Jin An was also a little surprised. He originally thought the headquarters would send a rear admiral at most, but he didn't expect this great god to come.
Since Garp defeated Rocks in God Valley four years ago in partnership with Roger, his fame had soared. He was worshiped by countless marines and was crowned with the title of "Marine Hero."
Jin An didn't expect his first meeting with this great figure to be in this situation.
Garp reached out and shook Jin An's hand: “I've been hearing Sengoku mention you, saying that a very promising newcomer has appeared in their South Blue. Now that I see you, Sengoku was indeed right.”
Jin An was neither flattered nor alarmed: “The superiors are too kind. I'm still far from it.”
He had climbed to this position step by step from the grassroots level, and he had seen too many such scenes. Now, using what he had learned was not awkward at all.
“I heard you have some friends whose strength is also very good. When will you invite them to join the Marines?”
Garp really hoped to enhance the strength of the Marines. Although he also hated some people within the Marines, he still wanted the Marines to replenish some fresh blood.
His strength had long exceeded that of a general, but he had been unwilling to increase his military rank because he looked down on those people in the World Government and didn't want to sell his life for those scum.
Jin An's eyes flashed, knowing that Garp was talking about Kuma and the others: “That depends on what they think. Besides, they are not adults yet. It's not too late to consider these things when they come of age.”
To him, Kuma and the others were his friends, and everyone had the right to choose their own life. Others didn't need to interfere.
“Is that so? Then let's talk about it later.” Garp didn't care and laughed heartily.
Jin An nodded and then said: “Vice Admiral Garp must have other things to do this time.”
“Hahaha, look at my memory.” Garp's face changed, and he suddenly became serious, “By order of Marine Headquarters Admiral Sengoku, Major Jin An, listen to the order.”
Jin An stood at attention and saluted: “Yes, sir!”
“After discussion by the headquarters, Major Jin An is now promoted to the rank of Marine Colonel and will be in charge of South Blue affairs.”
This appointment was completely beyond Jin An's expectations. He originally thought that with Sengoku's personality, giving him a promotion would be the most he would do, but he didn't expect to add something even better.
“Congratulations, kid.” Garp patted Jin An on the shoulder and encouraged him, “You have to work hard in the future and do more good things for the people of the South Blue.”
“No problem, I guarantee to make the South Blue the best sea area.” Jin An looked confident.
He not only wanted to make the South Blue suitable for living, but also wanted to make pirates never dare to set foot in this sea area.
With this appointment, he could finally open schools all over the South Blue, so that the younger children would have something to do, so they wouldn't just think about going to sea all day.
Let them feel the fear of being dominated by learning. Jin An was someone who had been rained on, so he chose to tear down the roof.
Suddenly, Garp quietly approached Jin An, whispering in his ear: “Kid, when you get to Marineford in the future, I'll take you to Sengoku to get revenge.”
Jin An didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He didn't expect that he would be seen in such a way in Garp's eyes.
“Vice Admiral Garp, it's better not to mention this kind of thing again. Admiral Sengoku is not easy either.”
Garp was a little suspicious: “I saw it last time. Sengoku was on the phone with you, and suddenly his face turned red and his neck became thick. Don't tell me you didn't do it.”
Jin An stiffened his neck: “I was arguing with reason and fully exchanging opinions with Admiral Sengoku. An occasional little excitement is also very normal.”
“Is that so?” Garp was still a little suspicious.
“I also said that we would go to eat senbei together next time, but you kid didn't give me any support.” Garp muttered.
“Forget it, let's not talk about these things.” Garp changed the subject, “Hand the navy and nobles over to me to take away, and just shoot the other pirates.”
“Ah?”
Jin An was a little unable to keep up with Garp's train of thought, but he quickly reacted.
He turned to Fire Fist and said: “Go and divide those people into three parts, and then let Vice Admiral Garp take them away.”
“Roger!”
Fire Fist, who was sitting on pins and needles, was greatly relieved after hearing the order. He quickly left this place, wiping a handful of cold sweat when he left. Vice Admiral Garp's tigerish words were too scary.
“Okay, then I'll go and walk around the island first. I'll contact you by Den Den Mushi later.” He had always been a restless person, and staying in the office would bore him to death.
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for triggering a special mission!]
Huh? Jin An was shocked. This was the first time he had encountered this situation.
[Have a sparring match with Garp and try to make him use half of his power]
[Reward: Training space Garp model (strength depends on the power Garp uses that the host makes him use). Training space usage time:? (Issued according to mission completion)]
[Additional reward: Armament Haki, Observation Haki awakening]
