Kai stood on the deck, watching the approaching dog-headed battleship, his heart churning.
He knew that he was no match for a monster like Garp right now.
Luffy's grandfather felt even more terrifying than Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman, whom he had encountered before.
He was definitely one of the top-tier powerhouses in this world, and Kai, still unevolved, was no match for him.
Even if Garp had no killing intent, the oppressive feeling was still suffocating.
Garp landed on the battleship's deck from the air, a wide, carefree smile on his face, and called out in a relaxed tone, "Kid, come over, let's talk."
Kai's heart stirred; the other party was also Luffy's grandfather, so it was not good to forcefully resist anymore.
Steadying himself, Kai leaped onto the dog-headed battleship, his feet landing with a crisp, powerful sound. "Old man, what do you want to talk about with me?"
Garp looked Kai over, his face full of admiration.
He laughed heartily and said, "Not bad! You, kid, have guts, strength, and can even use Conqueror's Haki coating!
How about it, come join our Marines! A monster like you is too wasted as a pirate."
Having exchanged a move with Kai, Garp was well aware of Kai's terrifying power.
To master Conqueror's Haki coating at such a young age, a skill only the world's strongest could wield, made him a monster among monsters.
This meant that Kai would at least become one of the strongest people in this world, and in the near future, he would influence the global situation.
That's why Garp attached such importance to Kai, to see if there was a glimmer of hope to bring him into the Marines.
Kai raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised, but quickly shook his head:
"Sorry, old man. I don't want to be bound by the Marines. To be honest, I came out to train and explore.
Then to see this world properly; I like a life of freedom."
Garp heard this, as if he had expected it. He sighed, patted Kai's shoulder, his gaze profound:
"Just as I thought! People with Conqueror's Haki are all men with their own spiritual will, not easily changed by others.
However, I have another suggestion; listen to it."
Kai stood quietly, not speaking, but his eyes already conveyed his intention to listen carefully.
"That kid Luffy is my grandson." Garp's tone carried a hint of helplessness:
"You've seen his personality, right? To be honest, as his grandfather, I didn't raise him well, letting him run off to become a pirate.
Actually, he was lured by Shanks, which is why he went down this path.
However, Luffy is different from those pirates who burn, kill, and plunder; he's a good kid.
He just sees piracy as a form of freedom, an adventure! He has his own dream, how could I truly stop him?"
Kai was silent for a moment, then nodded. He knew Luffy's character all too well; that pure yet persistent spirit was indeed completely different from ordinary pirates.
Garp continued, "So, I hope you can help me look after Luffy.
This Grand Line is full of dangers, and although he has potential, he is still young.
I can apply to Sengoku to give you a Marine Captain position, answerable only to me and Fleet Admiral Sengoku, with your identity kept completely secret.
Your Straw Hat Pirate Crew can still sail under the pirate flag and adventure everywhere.
In fact, the bounty pirates you defeat and kill can even accumulate military merits.
The headquarters will also provide you with various resources!"
Kai was somewhat shaken upon hearing this.
These conditions were simply perfect; not only were there no disadvantages, but they could even bring him a large amount of cultivation resources.
More importantly, the other party was Luffy's grandfather, a favor he couldn't easily refuse.
Kai pondered for a moment, then finally nodded. "Okay, I accept. Thank you for your trust, old man."
Garp saw this and showed a satisfied smile.
He laughed heartily, "Haha! I knew you were a smart person! Don't worry, this is my Garp's promise, Sengoku will definitely not refuse!
Especially for a genius like you, destined to become a powerhouse!"
Garp sighed inwardly, there were more and more pirates on the Grand Line now, and the Marine's forces were stretched thin.
Recruiting a young powerhouse inclined towards justice would be very beneficial to this Grand Line, and Sengoku would be happy to do so.
Kai took the opportunity to ask, "Old man, can I ask a question? What was that black power on your fist just now?"
Kai thought of the indestructible black power on Garp's fist earlier and was very interested.
Garp was stunned for a moment, then laughed. "That's Armament Haki! Almost all powerhouses on the Grand Line can use it.
But since you've agreed to join the Marines, I can't be stingy." He turned to his adjutant, Bogard, and said:
"Go, bring the secret scrolls for Rokushiki and Haki training."
"And my one-way Transponder Snail!"
Kai's heart was filled with joy when he heard that the power was the Armament Haki that Mihawk had mentioned before.
Kai had been wondering where to learn Armament Haki, and now it had come to him so easily.
Not long after, Bogard walked over with several books and a Transponder Snail, handing them to Kai.
Kai opened them and his eyes immediately lit up.
These secret scrolls detailed the training methods for Armament Haki and Observation Haki, and even descriptions of the techniques for the Marine Six Powers.
"Thank you!" Kai solemnly accepted them, his heart filled with emotion, sighing that there were indeed many benefits to joining the Marines.
Garp then smiled and asked, "You can contact me through this Transponder Snail in the future. Do you have any other needs? Just say it, as long as I can do it, I won't hesitate!"
Kai thought for a moment and said, "It would be great if I had a handy long-handled weapon, preferably sturdy and heavy."
Garp stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, then waved his hand. "Go to the warehouse and get that dusty halberd."
Led by Adjutant Bogard, several Marines moved in unison, carrying a four-meter-long polearm out of the warehouse.
Kai's gaze was instantly drawn to it; it was a completely black halberd.
The shaft was carved with exquisite patterns, and the blades on both sides gleamed with a cold light, as if they could tear through the air. The entire weapon exuded an ancient and heavy aura.
Garp looked at Kai and said with a smile, "I captured this halberd from a great pirate when I was young.
It's forged from extraterrestrial meteorites and special craftsmanship, incredibly heavy, most people can't even swing it. It's been gathering dust in the storeroom, so I'll give it to you."
Kai reached out and grabbed the halberd, his arm muscles tensing, and he actually felt a hint of strain.
This made him sigh at the weapon's weight, but the heavier it was, the more he liked it.
He swung it a few times, and the blade tore through the air, emitting a whistling sound, shaking the mast on the battleship.
"Good heavens! What a divine weapon!" Kai couldn't help but exclaim, "It's just a bit too big!"
However, Kai's height was still growing, and he would definitely fully master it in the future.
"Satisfied?" Garp asked with a smile.
"Extremely satisfied! Thank you, old man!" Kai said excitedly.
"Hahaha! Good! With this weapon, you'll have to do more righteous deeds for this old man in the future!" Garp laughed heartily and patted Kai's shoulder.