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"By the way, since this mission is relatively simple, I've decided to let you gain some experience by leading the team yourself. Let me see... taking a hundred men should be enough."
Garp was clearly unaware that Hyaku already knew the hidden details. He continued to elaborate.
Lead the team personally — and with only a hundred men!
Hearing this, Hyaku wanted to rush up and fight this old geezer!
Moreover, due to Garp's special status, most of the marines left at this naval base were of low rank — merely untrained rookies. Even the few veteran subordinates wouldn't provide much combat strength.
"From what you're saying, you're not planning to go along?" Hyaku asked, suppressing his anger.
"Of course I'm going. However, I need to deal with something else first. Probably... I'll be about two or three days behind you." Garp explained.
"..." Hyaku was completely speechless.
"How about it? If you really think you can't handle it, then don't take this mission. I understand. Just stay by my side and learn quietly." Seeing his silence, Garp said with feigned generosity, laughing inwardly.
" Ding! Special Mission detected - Alabasta Unrest "
" Hint: If the host personally leads the team to assist in suppressing the Alabasta unrest, a generous reward can be obtained! "
At this moment, a system prompt sounded in Hyaku's mind.
A special system mission had been triggered: quell the civil unrest in Alabasta. Such missions typically came with substantial rewards.
"Who says I don't dare? I'll take this mission!" Hyaku declared, immediately accepting the special mission.
The conditions Garp offered were tempting enough, and now with a special system mission added, he had no reason to refuse.
"Hahaha... Good guts, kid! Then let's not delay — set off now! Pick the people you need yourself; the ship is already prepared and waiting at the port." Garp laughed, surprised by the kid's sudden acceptance.
This courage alone was very much to his liking.
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A short while later.
Hyaku and the twenty marine soldiers he personally selected arrived at the port where the small naval warship was docked.
Before boarding, he inspected his crew. The selected marine soldiers were all robust individuals. Although their ranks were not high, they had decent physical qualities.
Among them were three Petty Officers, two Chief Petty Officers, and one Master Chief Petty Officer. There wasn't even a Warrant Officer.
The naval ranks are divided into: Seaman (Apprentice and First Class), Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer, Master Chief Petty Officer, Warrant Officer, Ensign, Lieutenant Junior Grade, Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander, Commander, Captain, Commodore, Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral, Admiral and Fleet Admiral.
Actually, the lowest ranks include the cannon fodder Seaman Recruits, divided into Recruit 1st Class, Recruit 2nd Class, and Recruit 3rd Class, but we won't mention them here.
{T/N: Here he gave a broader expansion of the lower military rank, but basically it was just this increase in classes.}
Just as Hyaku understood, the few he managed to select with ranks were only at the Seaman level...
"Better than nothing, I suppose." He sighed lightly.
Then, he ordered everyone to board the ship and set off immediately.
"Hoist the sails, set sail! Depart, destination: Alabasta!"
And so, under Hyaku's command, the small warship set sail, leaving the naval base behind.
At the same time, Garp stood on the roof of a building at the port, watching the gradually departing warship. A glint flashed in his eyes as he muttered under his breath.
"Alabasta... Pluton... Kid, you'd better not die there."
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That evening.
The small warship carrying Hyaku had left Garp's naval base far behind. According to the navigator, it would take two more days to reach Alabasta.
Making the most of this time, Hyaku remained on deck, practicing his swordsmanship.
His goal was straightforward: reach 100% proficiency with his current techniques before arriving in Alabasta.
Huff... Huff... Huff...
He swung his beginner's tachi in measured, deliberate strikes.
Tap Tap Tap...
Footsteps approached from the nearby cabin, and the Master Chief Petty Officer hurried over.
"Um... Commander, do we have any battle plans for this mission?" After a moment's hesitation, he addressed Hyaku as 'Commander'.
It was an awkward situation — Hyaku was technically still a rankless newcomer. Only someone like Garp would dare put a rookie in charge.
"Plans?" Hyaku stopped mid-swing, his expression turning sheepish.
He hadn't planned anything!
"Do you have any suggestions?" He cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure.
Battle strategy wasn't something he'd given much thought...
"Commander, I've discussed this with the Chief Petty Officers and Petty Officers. When we reach Alabasta in two days, we should first contact the local garrison who requested support. Once we understand the situation on the ground, we can plan our next move."
The Master Chief Petty Officer explained eagerly, already reaching for a map to illustrate his point.
Tap Tap Tap...
More footsteps echoed from the cabin as several Chief Petty Officers and Petty Officers emerged onto the deck.
"Hyaku Shiro! We all think you should hand over your command to the Master Chief Petty Officer!"
Their unified declaration rang across the deck.
They were demanding he relinquish his command?
Faced with this sudden challenge, Hyaku paused briefly. The situation made sense — in their eyes, he was nothing but an inexperienced rookie.
With Hyaku leading a hundred men into battle, these soldiers would never truly accept his authority. The experienced Master Chief Petty Officer, with his official rank, commanded far more respect.
"This is Vice Admiral Garp's order."
You think I want to lead you guys?
Hyaku shot them all a contemptuous glance as he spoke. He kept that last thought to himself — this was a group mission, after all, and there was no need to create unnecessary tension.
"I understand your concerns." He said, "I'll make you an offer. Fight me. If you win, I'll transfer command to you, and all operations will be under your direction."
Whoosh!
His words sparked an immediate uproar.
All eyes turned to the Master Chief Petty Officer.
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