Afternoon.
The blazing sun slowly drifted westward.
As it sank, golden afterglow spilled across Foosha Village, painting rooftops and villagers in warm light—shadows stretching long and slanted.
A massive Marine warship sat anchored at the village's coastal harbor.
It was big… but bizarre.
The bow was shaped like a dog's head biting a bone, ridiculous enough to be memorable at a glance. Dark bluish-black patterns coiled along the hull, giving the entire ship a distinctive look.
"Vice Admiral Garp, you're here."
At the pier, a middle-aged man in Marine uniform stood straight-backed and saluted as Garp approached.
His name was Bogard—a Marine Headquarters Colonel under Garp's command, one of Garp's senior officers.
Among Garp's subordinates, his rank was the highest.
In other words, he was Garp's trusted aide—his right-hand man.
And someone who could serve as Garp's confidant at the rank of colonel… was obviously no weakling.
"Pass the order. We're setting sail for Marineford," Garp said with a casual wave.
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
Bogard immediately turned and began issuing commands to the crew.
"This is Bogard—my aide. A Marine colonel," Garp said, pointing at Bogard's back as he introduced him to Raifeng.
"Understood."
Raifeng nodded.
Not far away, Koby and Helmeppo jogged up as well, sweat on their brows, posture respectful and full of awe.
"Vice Admiral Garp!"
"Get aboard."
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
Many villagers came to see them off.
The atmosphere made Raifeng feel strangely warm—like saying goodbye to a place that had already become "home."
"Let's go."
Garp stepped onto the warship.
Raifeng followed, boarding the massive vessel without hesitation.
The ship's structure was unusual—refitted with the Marines' latest technology. The design wasn't just modern; its sailing speed ranked among the fastest on the sea.
"Mr. Raifeng, hello."
Bogard turned to Raifeng with a gentle smile.
As Garp's confidant, he naturally already knew Raifeng was Garp's grandson.
"Colonel Bogard."
Raifeng returned the greeting politely.
After a brief pause, Raifeng asked, "I've heard your swordsmanship is exceptional, Colonel. If there's a chance, I'd like to learn from you. I'm interested in swordsmanship as well."
Bogard's smile grew. "My swordsmanship is only entry-level at best. But if you want to spar or ask questions, I'd be happy to."
"Then it's a deal."
Raifeng's eyes flashed.
He'd already decided his main path of growth.
Devil Fruit?
He'd basically written it off.
With a system, why burden himself with a Devil Fruit's limitations?
A pure drawback.
If he ignored Devil Fruits, then among the remaining ways to grow stronger—
Swordsmanship was one of the best.
After chatting a bit, Bogard excused himself and returned to his duties, directing the helmsman, navigator, and crew into position.
Not long after, a flag bearing the seagull emblem was hoisted high.
The Marines' standard.
The seagull-and-scales emblem of the Marines.
The ship began preparations to sail.
"Raise sail!"
"Adjust heading!"
"Navigator—check the skies!"
The warship became a hive of coordinated movement.
Five minutes later, it finally began pulling away from Foosha's harbor.
At first, the speed was slow—then, within seconds, the ship picked up noticeably, cutting into the open sea.
Under the villagers' watchful eyes, the warship sailed toward the horizon, gradually shrinking into the endless blue until it disappeared entirely.
Foosha Village faded into a tiny black dot… and then vanished.
Raifeng stood by the rail on the deck, withdrawing his gaze.
He turned forward to the ship's heading, staring into the boundless ocean.
"This voyage's destination…"
"Marine Headquarters—Marineford."
The thought made his heart stir.
Koby and Helmeppo finished their tasks and joined him, their breathing slightly uneven.
"Mr. Raifeng, you'd better work hard," Koby said with a confident grin.
"Ten days isn't that long… with this warship's route and speed. It'll pass in a blink. If you don't push yourself, you won't meet Vice Admiral Garp's requirement."
Clearly, he hadn't forgotten the challenge.
Getting surpassed by a seven-year-old in ten days?
Koby imagined it and felt his pride screaming.
Seeing Koby's confidence, Raifeng decided not to crush it. Let the kid keep his motivation. It made things more entertaining.
"We're really going to Marineford…" Helmeppo's eyes were bright with expectation.
"Marineford…"
Koby wore the same expression.
To them, Marineford was the Marines' holy land.
"Careful," Raifeng said, patting Koby's shoulder. "Don't let me surpass you tomorrow."
Then he turned and headed back toward his cabin.
Koby watched him go, chuckling like it was a joke.
Tomorrow?
Yeah, right.
If he actually got surpassed tomorrow…
"…I'll swallow back everything I've crapped out this week."
Koby swore to himself.
…
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