Two events unfolded in different seas.
While Mihawk was meeting with Shanks, Creed had already arrived at Marine Headquarters with Garp.
Walking through Marineford, Creed continuously scanned the passing marines for their abilities.
But the results puzzled him—the marines here were surprisingly weak.
Most only possessed Beginner Swordsmanship, Beginner Marksmanship, or Beginner Martial Arts.
That didn't make sense. This was supposed to be the Marine Headquarters, a place teeming with powerful figures. Why were they so weak?
"Old man, why do I feel like the marines walking around here all have such weak auras?" Creed asked.
Garp cleared up the confusion. "That's because this is the recruit training ground. The massive square in front of the fortress is for new recruits. The officers are all stationed behind the fortress."
Creed looked up, his gaze landing on the colossal fortress that dominated the center of Marineford. It loomed like some ancient beast, a symbol of marine might.
This was the very place that, during the Paramount War, was almost completely destroyed.
…
They passed through the fortress's massive steel gates, making their way straight to the top floor—where the Fleet Admiral's office was located.
Garp simply pushed open the door, plopped down onto a sofa, crossed his legs, and casually picked his nose, ignoring the black lines forming on Sengoku's forehead.
"Sengoku, sign some papers. Let my grandson join the marine training camp."
Creed also took the opportunity to size Sengoku up, scanning him with his system.
[Abilities]: SSS-Rank Mythical Zoan – Great Buddha (Non-Extractable), SSS-Rank Armament Haki (Non-Extractable), SS-Rank Marine Seven Styles (Non-Extractable), SS-Rank Observation Haki (Non-Extractable)
[Overall Strength]: SSS-Rank
Compared to Garp, Sengoku's abilities were a bit inferior—two SSS-rank abilities and two SS-rank abilities.
But as a Devil Fruit user whose SSS rank meant his fruit was fully mastered, his powers compensated for any physical gaps.
Besides…
Sengoku was known as "Sengoku the Strategist." His greatest strength wasn't just combat ability—it was his mind, akin to a brilliant military tactician.
And ever since becoming Fleet Admiral, stationed at headquarters, his lack of battle had caused a decline in combat sharpness.
…
Sengoku sized Creed up and nodded. It was a small matter, and since his old comrade asked, he'd give him this favor.
"Then report to the Basic Training Camp tomorrow."
"No—Advanced," Garp said, grabbing a rice cracker from a nearby plate.
"Advanced? Are you serious?"
"Yeah. I remember that the day after tomorrow, that guy Zephyr will be picking students from the advanced camp. So, put him there." Garp grinned smugly.
Sengoku's brows rose. From the way Garp was talking, it was clear he wanted Creed to enter Zephyr's Elite Training Camp. Those who qualified for the elite camp were future marine leaders—the pillars of the organization.
Only the most exceptional marines were admitted.
Garp might look carefree, but he knew his limits. If he wanted his grandson to get in, it meant the boy's strength could match the challenge.
Sengoku gave Creed another long look, clearly intrigued.
"Very well. Report to the advanced camp tomorrow. And Garp… I'll be watching the elite camp selection the day after. I want to see for myself the strength of this grandson you're bragging about."
"Hahaha! You won't be disappointed."
Taking the signed approval for the Advanced Training Camp, Garp led Creed out of the Fleet Admiral's office.
…
The next day came quickly.
"You said you're new here?"
Colonel Gest, the instructor of the advanced camp, looked at Creed in confusion. "You've got the wrong place. The recruit training camp is in the square in front of the fortress."
"No, not the recruit camp. Advanced training."
Creed handed him the documents.
Gest looked them over, stunned—it was real. The Fleet Admiral's seal was there, and the recommender's name was: Vice Admiral Garp.
"What's your relation to Vice Admiral Garp?"
"He's my grandfather."
"…Right. I see."
Definitely not someone to mess with.
"Alright, join the formation. Last row, all the way in the back," Gest instructed.
Creed nodded and glanced over the group of roughly forty trainees. Among them, he saw faces familiar from his previous life—Smoker, Bins, Ain, Tashigi, and Tina…
Most of them looked to be four or five years older than Creed. He was probably the youngest here.
Just then…
"I object! Why should he be allowed in here?!"
…
(End of Chapter)
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