Chapter 46: Ripples of a Victory
This meant his Conqueror's Haki was no longer just a tool for mentally overwhelming the weak. It could now produce a tangible, striking effect on the surrounding environment and the will of stronger enemies.
Looking down at Cavendish's body lying peacefully on the ground, Ian muttered with a tone of mock regret, "I really must thank you for the generous gift you delivered. In your next life, maybe try being a little less handsome. And don't become a pirate."
…
One Hour Later – Fleet Admiral Sengoku's Office, Marine Headquarters
A fax machine whirred to life, delivering a report from the Sabaody Archipelago. Vice Admiral Garp and Chief of Staff Tsuru were in the office, helping Sengoku review dossiers on the "new generation of Marine officers."
BANG!
After reading the contents of the fax, Sengoku shot up from his seat so abruptly that his chair clattered to the floor behind him.
"You scared me, you old ghost Sengoku!" Garp yelled, clenching his fist. "What's going on? Can't you be a little steadier?"
"It's... it's the report from T-Bone on the Sabaody Archipelago!" Sengoku's tone was hesitant, his words deliberately intriguing.
BANG!
The chair behind Garp flew even farther than Sengoku's had. "Why didn't you say so earlier?! What happened? That kid... he's only been gone for two days!"
Garp snatched the intelligence document and began scanning it anxiously, all decorum forgotten.
"Bounty: 280 million... 'White Horse' Cavendish... Heh, this kid... Hahaha! That's my disciple for you!" Garp's boisterous laughter filled the room. "He just arrived at Sabaody and actually took down a Supernova! Ahahahaha! Tsuru, look! What did I tell you? He's definitely qualified for the title! Do you two still think it's too early? What's the big deal? I say we get it done sooner rather than later! Now those five old geezers in Mary Geoise will have nothing to say!"
Garp spoke rapidly, his excitement palpable.
Tsuru ignored his outburst and calmly read through T-Bone's report. The contents were straightforward, detailing how Cavendish had proactively provoked the Marines. After Ian evacuated the civilians, he engaged the pirate in a battle that lasted "half an hour," causing some collateral damage to the residential area. In the end, Ian emerged victorious, having slain Cavendish. Aside from the slightly exaggerated battle duration, everything else was factually correct.
"Your disciple just finished a tough battle. Aren't you the least bit concerned about his injuries?" Tsuru asked, her voice level. "Since this Cavendish set sail, he's destroyed many of our pursuit teams. Some were led by officers freshly promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral."
She made a rational analysis, not questioning the report's contents directly.
Garp waved a hand dismissively. "Pah! What are you talking about? That kid Ian is a Zoan-type user! He's ridiculously tough to kill! I couldn't even manage it! Give him a little time, and he'll be bouncing around on his own again!"
Tsuru: "…"
Sengoku: "…"
After all, Garp had personally trained Ian at Headquarters for a full month. How could he not know about Ian's recovery ability? He'd tried to inflict an injury that would require bed rest, but he'd never succeeded. That's why he'd come to the conclusion: Ian was incredibly difficult to put down.
"Regarding the title," Sengoku began, his voice firming with resolve, "I did think it was too early before. But now, it seems bestowing this title upon Ian might further inspire the new generation of Marines to strive for excellence. I'll go to Mary Geoise later and try to finalize this matter!"
The appearance of such an epoch-making genius at Marine Headquarters excited the Fleet Admiral as well. Just two days into his first major assignment, Ian had delivered results that far exceeded expectations! No amount of internal support for Ian within the Navy would be excessive.
The reason they needed to discuss and finalize it with Mary Geoise was that the title in question was no ordinary commendation. It was a title structured on the naming logic of [Color] + [Animal].
This meant they were preparing to place Ian on the same level of attention and expectation as the three Admiral candidates: Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru.
…
Sabaody Archipelago, Grove 13, Shakky's Rip-Off Bar
The wooden door creaked open, and an old man with long silver hair and glasses walked into the bar.
Leaning against the counter without turning around, Shakky spoke in a tone laced with feigned resentment, "So, you lost all your money? Finally decided to come back?"
The old man calmly took a seat at the bar, his eyes sharp behind his glasses. "I didn't lose much. It's just that the island has been so restless today. You can't stay holed up in a casino all the time; you have to come out and see what's happening now and then." He paused, his gaze steady. "Although I didn't witness the battle myself, I heard… that Supernova kid who landed on the island yesterday has been killed."
The old man was no unknown figure. He was the "legendary man" Ian most wanted to meet at the bar: Silvers Rayleigh, the former right-hand man of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger himself, the "Dark King."
Even with Shakky's composure, she was visibly shocked by the news of Cavendish's death. "This young Commodore really does what he says…"
Rayleigh, who had just begun pouring himself a drink, paused. "Does what he says? Has Jock Ian been here?"
Shakky, with a reminiscent look, recounted her conversation with Ian before he had left the bar.
…
(Flashback - Shakky's Bar, Earlier)
After receiving Nami's report via Den Den Mushi, Ian had taken some bills from his pocket. He counted out a few and placed them on the counter.
"Sister Shakky, thank you for the free information. This should cover the drinks," Ian had said. "I owe too many favors as it is. If a conflict arises in the future, it might make it hard for me to act. Since the other party came looking for trouble with me, I must deal with him swiftly and decisively!"
Shakky had been quite surprised by Ian's gesture of payment. She picked up the berry notes and lit another cigarette.
"Deal with him…" she mused, exhaling a plume of smoke. "You're such an interesting one to watch. Garp's apprentice, noticed by the 'Buddha' Fleet Admiral Sengoku himself… I thought you might be a moderate for the next generation. I didn't expect you to be such a hawk. It seems 'a world without pirates' isn't just an empty slogan." Her eyes held a new, measuring light. "Given Cavendish's strength, killing him was no easy feat."
(End Flashback)
Back in the present, Rayleigh listened intently, a thoughtful frown on his face as he absorbed Shakky's words.