"Ding! The Marine Captain was shocked by the host's presence. Evaluation: B. Reward: One ton of peach wine."
"Ding! Recruit A was stunned by the host's aura. Evaluation: B. Reward: One ton of sausage."
"Ding! Recruit B was overwhelmed by the host's presence. Evaluation: B. Reward: One ton of spicy strips."
…
Jacob Bovan, who was still freely radiating his aura, heard the system's food-obsessed notifications and scowled even deeper.
"System, shut up already! Do I look like some mobile snack bar to you? What's with all the junk food?"
At his command, the system finally quieted down. Glancing at the overflowing warehouse packed with all kinds of snacks, Jacob couldn't help but let out a wry smile.
Rear Admiral Mole stood drenched in sweat, cold droplets trailing down his cheek and hitting the ground with faint splashes.
"You think I, a rear admiral, have the authority to approve that?"
"Exactly. That's why all you need to do is report this to your superiors. I'm sure the newly appointed Fleet Admiral Sengoku will agree."
"You're awfully confident." Though Mole could tell Jacob wasn't truly hostile, he remained on guard.
"Captain Karl, stay here and keep watch. I'll contact the Fleet Admiral."
"Huh? Y-yes sir! I'll do my best!" Captain Karl was clearly shaken, his wide eyes locked on Jacob, terrified that he might make a sudden move.
As Mole walked off, Jacob began to suppress his overwhelming aura, though his mood was still soured by the system's nonsense.
Noticing Karl's trembling legs, Jacob chuckled lightly. "Why so nervous? I'm not going to eat you. Relax, alright?"
"Y-you! Don't try to lower my guard! I-I'm really strong, you know!"
Karl kept his wary gaze fixed on Jacob, following every movement like a hawk.
Jacob found the timid captain entertaining. Every so often, he'd deliberately twitch or lean forward suddenly, just to watch Karl flinch and panic. It was childish, but oddly satisfying.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Mole reached a secluded corner of the plaza and pulled out a Den Den Mushi from inside his coat. Officers of his rank had access to the emergency line directly to the Fleet Admiral.
He dialed.
The snail slowly transformed, mimicking Sengoku's face and voice.
"Mole, something wrong with the recruitment?" Sengoku asked calmly.
"Fleet Admiral, recruitment is actually going very smoothly. But…"
"But what?"
"We encountered someone… someone who wants to join the Marines, but he refuses to start at the bottom. He demands the rank of admiral."
There was silence on the other end.
Then Sengoku spoke, his tone steady. "For you to call me directly, this person must be extremely powerful. Otherwise, you would've handled him already."
Mole exhaled softly. "Yes, sir. From what I can sense, he's at least at the peak of Greatsword Master level. Possibly even a Supreme Blade Master. I can't be sure if he's holding back."
"I see. Understood. Grant his request for now. Bring him back to Marineford on your ship. We always 'welcome' strong individuals with open arms."
"Yes, sir. I'll handle it."
———
At Marineford, Sengoku slowly set down the Den Den Mushi. Beside him, Garp sat unbothered, loudly crunching on senbei with his usual lack of decorum.
Sengoku shook his head, half in resignation.
"For those who sincerely want to join the Marines, we naturally welcome them." He looked calmly at Garp, his gaze like still water. "But if anyone comes to cause trouble…"
He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them with a sharp glint.
"Garp, you're about to get busy."