Chapter 14: Garp as Mentor, The First to Form His Own Unit
Garp's words were like a bombshell, instantly drawing everyone's shocked attention. Especially from Admiral Kuzan, whose expression became complex and inscrutable.
Back in the day, Kuzan had wanted to become Garp's disciple, pestering him relentlessly to teach him more powerful combat skills. Garp had been thoroughly annoyed at the time and never formally agreed to take him on. It was only Kuzan's persistence and tenacity that gradually wore Garp down.
Compared to Ian... he was practically being handed to him on a silver platter! Garp had actually offered to personally guide Ian. Although he hadn't explicitly stated he wanted to take him as a disciple, his attitude was enough to reveal his intentions. Kuzan couldn't figure it out. Could this kid's talent possibly be better than mine was back then?
On the other side, among the Vice Admirals' seats.
Tokikake leaned close to Gion and whispered, "Gion, have you heard of Vice Admiral Garp actively requesting to mentor a young officer in recent years? He only defeated a Warlord's cadre with a bounty in the tens of millions, yet he's valued so highly?"
Gion replied with a cold face, "Perhaps Vice Admiral Garp doesn't value his ability, but his unwavering sense of justice, which resembles... a certain former naval hero from the past! And... stay away from me!"
Garp's initiative sparked heated discussion among those present.
Sengoku pondered for a moment. "Garp, I didn't expect you to volunteer to teach Ian the ways of Headquarters..." He then continued, with some difficulty, "...Aren't you the most unruly person in all of Headquarters?"
Ian: "???"
Garp's domineering statement almost made Ian laugh out loud.
Sengoku's words struck a chord with Garp, instantly bringing him back to reality. Immediately, Garp's face flushed red.
BAM!
He clenched his fists, strode over to Sengoku's desk, and slammed it hard. "Sengoku, you old ghost, what are you talking about?! Can't you just say that in private? Why say it in front of the younger generation? Huh? Such a majestic Fleet Admiral, putting on a show of authority for your subordinates, is that it? Don't think I won't pull your beard out right now!"
Fleet Admiral Sengoku showed no sign of backing down, immediately standing up and slamming the table in return. "Garp! I am your superior, and this is a group meeting! Watch your attitude!"
Garp: "Oh, you're so impressive! I'll break the rules today, just you try my 'Iron Fist'!"
Sengoku: "See? Look, everyone. Tell me if what I said is true or not."
The other officers present couldn't help but lower their heads: "..."
Despite the noisy scene, no one stepped forward to intervene. It was clear the two of them quarreled often. The main reason no one stopped them was... the only person who could truly suppress both of them was also present!
"Combined, the two of you are over a hundred years old. Even if this is an internal meeting, could you please act with a little more prudence? Do you want this meeting to turn into a farce that drags on into the afternoon? Have everyone join in on your nonsense?" A majestic and awe-inspiring aura emanated from her slender frame. Vice Admiral Tsuru rested her elbows on the table, appearing calm, but her anger was palpable, if brief.
Ahem! Ahem!
Sengoku and Garp both coughed tactically in unison and quickly regained their composure.
"Jock Ian," Sengoku said, turning his attention back, "it's rare for Garp to recommend himself. From now on, you will follow him and learn how to be a proper Headquarters Commodore. Do you have any objections to this?"
Personal guidance from Garp, and he's even asking for my opinion?
Of course, Ian agreed wholeheartedly!
Everyone knew that being part of Garp's family was worse than being his disciple. His fake grandson was left to be raised by mountain bandits and was forced to watch his brother's execution during the Summit War. His real disciple disobeyed orders, led his team into the enemy's lair, and fought a bloody battle alone in the heart of the pirate stronghold!
If he became Garp's disciple, and really got into major trouble in the future, it would be equivalent to gaining the unconditional support of an Emperor-level combatant. Why would he ever refuse?
"Thank you, Vice Admiral Garp! I look forward to your guidance in the future!" Ian saluted, his gaze firm, showing his attitude and determination.
Seeing Ian had no objections, Sengoku immediately stood up. "Very well. The circumstances today are special, so the promotion ceremony will be postponed for one hour. It will be held at Training Ground No. 1 in one hour. Ian, stay with Garp from now on and train diligently. His Haki and physical combat skills are second to none in all of Headquarters!"
After learning about Ian's situation, Sengoku pointed out his cultivation direction. From Ian's description of his battle with Gladius, everyone also understood that Ian was a physical fighter who had mastered Haki. This was also a key reason Garp had stepped forward and taken the initiative to recruit Ian. A young, talented Marine with an exceptional foundation in physical combat and Haki... one in a million!
Sengoku continued, "Once your training reaches a qualified standard, Headquarters will arrange for you to have the opportunity to form your own unit. Once you have your own Marine force, I will assign you missions directly from Headquarters. That is all for today's meeting. Ian, go and prepare to change into your formal uniform. Hina will take you to Training Ground No. 1. Meeting adjourned!"
Without giving anyone time to react, Fleet Admiral Sengoku spoke his piece in one breath. Everyone stood up, looking at Sengoku in surprise. Ian himself wasn't quite sure what was happening and followed Hina out of the conference room first.
After Sengoku, Garp, Chief of Staff Tsuru, and Admiral Kuzan left, only a few Vice Admirals remained in the conference room. Based on the situation, they began to discuss...
Gion spoke first, "It seems only Vice Admiral Garp is optimistic about Jock Ian, but in reality, Fleet Admiral Sengoku is even more so, right?"
Tokikake: "Form his own unit! Aside from Vice Admirals and a few exceptionally accomplished and capable Commodores, does anyone get the opportunity to form their own unit while still a Commodore?"
Momonga: "What an astonishing newcomer! What looked like a stern reprimand was actually just Fleet Admiral Sengoku's disguise."
Momousagi: "Hahaha, nothing wrong with a 'Supernova' with special privileges appearing in the Marines, right?"
Doberman: "Tch. Vice Admiral Garp voluntarily acts as a mentor, Fleet Admiral Sengoku grants the authority to form a unit... Why do I suddenly feel a little envious?"
...
Unaware of Fleet Admiral Sengoku's secret bestowal of authority, Ian still didn't fully understand the difference between ordinary officers and those authorized to form their own units. He simply focused on enjoying the high-level promotion ceremony.
A total of thirty-six Headquarters officers of Colonel rank and above attended the ceremony, with over a thousand elite Marines observing. The last time he'd attended such a grand ceremony was his university graduation. But that was for thousands of students; this award ceremony was just for him.
After the formal ceremony, Garp led Ian around, introducing him to the thirty-six Colonel-rank and above officers one by one. It was like a master introducing his apprentice to the department, getting to know the powerful figures within Headquarters.