The next morning.
Hyaku and the other marines returned to their warship, seen off by Vivi and the others.
Soon after, the warship set sail toward their next destination, leaving Arabasta behind.
Regarding the Poneglyph about the Ancient Weapon Pluton hidden beneath the Arabasta royal family's tomb — since Hyaku already knew the information recorded within, there was no need to examine it. Moreover, he couldn't translate the Poneglyph anyway.
In the end, he only briefly mentioned to Vivi that Crocodile had targeted Arabasta because of this matter, saying nothing more.
How she and the others would handle it was no longer under Hyaku's jurisdiction.
✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣
Back on the warship.
Early in the morning, as the ship sailed along its designated route, Hyaku stood alone on deck, swinging his great sword.
"500...600...700..."
With his growing strength, he could now easily swing the Beginner's Tachi despite its weight.
"2000!"
In just half a day, Hyaku had completed two thousand sword swings.
〘 Ding! Host Successfully Swung the Sword 2,000 Times! Reward: Azure Dragon Sword Intent Proficiency +5% | Three Colors of Haki Proficiency +1%! 〙
After two thousand sword swings, he received the system's reward notification.
The proficiency increase for Azure Dragon Sword Intent and Three Colors of Haki proved more challenging than Basic Swordsmanship and Rokushiki. It required two thousand swings to trigger one reward, and the proficiency increase was smaller than the previous 10%.
"Let's continue." Despite this, Hyaku persistently continued swinging his Tachi.
This was a world of the strong. Only by continuously becoming stronger could one ensure their survival.
"Hyaku!"
At this moment, the Master Chief Petty Officer came running over.
"Last night... you were alone with Princess Vivi at the end, weren't you?" He raised his eyebrows suggestively at his commander.
"It's not what you think." Hyaku said, stopping his sword swings.
"How do you know what I'm thinking?" The Master Chief Petty Officer chuckled.
"Looks like you're itching for trouble today. Come on — I need someone to warm up with. Practice with me." Hyaku gave him an annoyed look, speaking with mock seriousness.
"Please spare me! With my strength, I'm not even qualified to be your warm-up partner!" The Master Chief Petty Officer shook his head vigorously, backing away.
"Look at how pathetic you are." Hyaku said with contempt.
He returned to his sword practice.
"By the way, Hyaku — before we meet with Vice Admiral Garp, someone from Marine Headquarters will come to take Crocodile. They'll escort him to Impel Down." The Master Chief Petty Officer added before leaving.
It was understandable that Marine Headquarters would be anxious to send someone to escort a former Warlord of the Sea.
Without much thought, Hyaku continued swinging his sword.
✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣
As noon approached, just as the warship was nearing their destination — the island where Garp was located — a massive marine warship approached from the opposite direction.
Seeing this, Hyaku stopped his movement.
He ordered the marine soldiers to furl the sails and maintain position, waiting for the other ship to approach. Without doubt, this must be the unit sent by Marine Headquarters to take custody of Crocodile.
Soon, that massive marine warship stopped in front of Hyaku and his group.
Click, Click, Click...
A ladder was thrown over from the large warship, connecting the two ships.
A large group of marine soldiers crossed over.
Their leader had white hair and a cigar clenched between his teeth, thick white smoke continuously pouring from his mouth.
It was none other than the Logia Devil Fruit user — the Moku Moku no Mi user — Captain Smoker, the White Hunter!
Following beside him was his Master Chief Petty Officer, the "Sword Maniac" Tashigi.
"Captain!"
The marines behind Hyaku respectfully saluted at Smoker's approach.
As a Captain, Smoker's rank far exceeded theirs. Everyone knew the White Hunter's reputation, yet no one had expected Marine Headquarters would send him.
"Where's Vice Admiral Garp?" Smoker swept his gaze across everyone, finally stopping on the highest-ranking Master Chief Petty Officer, his voice cold.
"Sir! Vice Admiral Garp is carrying out a mission on a nearby island. We were the only ones sent to support Arabasta this time." The Master Chief Petty Officer glanced at Hyaku before explaining.
Having just arrived, Smoker clearly didn't know the specifics of the Arabasta situation.
He furrowed his brows slightly, his gaze sweeping across the scene again as if to confirm.
"You mean Vice Admiral Garp wasn't involved in this operation? Then who captured Crocodile?" He asked in confusion, noting the absence of any high-ranking marine officers.
For a Master Chief Petty Officer to capture a Warlord like Crocodile seemed impossible. That's why he had assumed Garp was responsible for this achievement.
"Sir! This time's success was all thanks to Commander Hyaku." The Master Chief Petty Officer gestured toward the man at the front.
Smoker shifted his gaze to Hyaku.
The young man wore the distinctive uniform of a marine recruit. He appeared to be no more than twenty, with fair skin that showed no signs of extended field experience.
The only remarkable feature was the massive Tachi on his back — a great sword longer than his own body that seemed almost absurdly large in comparison.
"Absurd! Do you expect me to believe this story?" After studying Hyaku's appearance, Smoker's skepticism only grew.
It was impossible that Hyaku had captured Crocodile.
"Falsifying military reports is a serious crime." Smoker said sternly, exhaling a cloud of smoke, "Tell me honestly — how many people were involved, and who really defeated Crocodile? Don't think you can use this for a promotion. Marine Headquarters will certainly send more people to verify."
"But—"
The Master Chief Petty Officer started to explain, but Hyaku silenced him with a raised hand.
Then, he met Smoker's eyes.
"I defeated him, and that's exactly what we'll tell Marine Headquarters when they arrive. I'll have a detailed report prepared. Captain Smoker need not concern himself." Hyaku's steady gaze and defiant tone made his feelings clear.
Smoker's condescending attitude had struck a nerve.
✣✣✣
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