When Tashigi got involved, Hyaku and Smoker exchanged a knowing glance.
Hyaku sheathed his sword while Smoker retrieved his fallen Jitte, his body returning to solid form.
"I lost." Smoker paused briefly after they separated, "I apologize for doubting your claim about defeating Crocodile."
True to his straightforward nature, he offered his apology without hesitation.
Their exchange had proven Hyaku's capabilities beyond doubt. His superior swordsmanship and mastery of Haki — which counters Logia Devil Fruit users — was indeed sufficient to defeat Crocodile.
"It's fine, I'm not the type to hold grudges." Hyaku said, waving his hand dismissively.
In fact, he thought, he should thank Smoker. The Marine had arrived at the perfect time to provide "experience" for upgrading his sword.
"Hey, hey, hey! You still haven't answered my question!" Tashigi interjected, seeing the two were no longer at odds.
"..." Hyaku broke into a cold sweat.
True to her sword-obsessed nature, she wouldn't let this go until she got to the bottom of it.
"My sword was forged by a reclusive master swordsmith. It's natural that it's not recorded in the famous sword registry. As for the changes in my sword during battle... That's classified." He explained to Tashigi.
He simply concealed the system's existence and gave a different explanation.
"Oh, I see. No wonder I've never seen this sword before. Can you give me that swordsmith's address?"
"..."
True to form, once the topic turned to famous swords and forging, Tashigi couldn't be stopped.
"Captain Smoker, it's getting late. Let's complete the handover of Crocodile quickly." Hyaku ignored her and turned to Smoker.
"No problem. I'll report truthfully that you defeated Crocodile single-handedly. I trust you understand the implications." Smoker, well aware of Tashigi's persistent nature, agreed promptly.
Hyaku nodded.
He ordered several Marine soldiers to bring out Crocodile, and they transferred him to Smoker's custody.
The handover concluded swiftly, and Smoker's group returned to their warship.
"Hyaku, when we meet again, I'll be stronger — and we'll have another match." Smoker called out before departing.
"And don't forget about me! You have to tell me that swordsmith's address next time!" Tashigi added enthusiastically, waving from the deck.
Under Hyaku and his group's watchful eyes, Smoker's team set off along their original route toward Impel Down prison.
"Phew... finally got rid of them. Let's go — we need to head to the rendezvous point."
After Smoker's group had vanished from sight, Hyaku breathed a sigh of relief and ordered everyone to proceed at full speed toward their meeting point with Garp.
✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣
By nightfall.
Hyaku's group arrived at the shore of a small island where Vice Admiral Garp's team had completed their mission and were packing up.
"Old geezer Garp! Get out here!" Hyaku shouted at the top of his lungs as he boarded Garp's battleship.
"Who dares to speak to me like that?!" Garp lazily emerged from the cabin, munching on a bag of rice crackers.
"Oh! If it isn't Hyaku? Not bad, kid — you even took care of Crocodile! As expected of someone I chose, you haven't disappointed me!" Garp said with a grin.
His tone made it clear he already saw himself as Hyaku's mentor.
"Don't try to change the subject. You remember your promise, right?" Hyaku silently cursed the old man's shamelessness.
"How could I be someone without credibility? Tell me what you want, as long as it's within my power." Garp readily agreed, as if he'd anticipated this.
Hyaku was caught off guard by the old man's quick agreement.
"It's simple — I don't want to participate in Marine recruit training anymore. I want more freedom, within acceptable limits." Hyaku said after some thought.
This had been his goal from the start: to avoid complicated and meaningless recruit training, and to have more personal space to practice sword techniques and earn rewards.
"Of course, I won't refuse any missions when needed." Hyaku added.
He could practice sword techniques daily, take on occasional missions, and perhaps even trigger some system tasks.
"I've already thought about this. You'll be my nominal disciple. I'll report your achievements to headquarters with my endorsement. You should be able to get a special promotion." Garp said, clearly having prepared for this.
'As expected!' Hyaku thought to himself.
After everything, the old man still wanted him as a student — just with a slight change, publicly announcing him as a nominal disciple.
"Can't help it, the Marines don't belong to me alone. To have more freedom, you need a certain rank. With my strong recommendation, you'll definitely rise quickly!" Garp explained further.
A personal recommendation from the Hero of the Marines, Monkey D. Garp, meant even a newcomer would receive significant attention from Marine headquarters. His prestige within the organization carried that much weight.
After he finished speaking, Hyaku fell into deep thought.
"Fine, we'll do it your way." He finally agreed after careful consideration.
Rank within the Marines was necessary — it would give him more freedom and ensure he wouldn't have to take orders from others. Besides, he had his own plans.
Just like that, they settled the matter.
Afterward, as promised, Garp personally wrote a letter to Marine Headquarters, strongly recommending his disciple Hyaku.
✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣
The next day.
Early in the morning, Hyaku came to the deck to practice his daily sword techniques. Before he could begin, Garp approached.
"What's this? Just caught a Warlord and still so diligent?" Garp said half-jokingly, watching him prepare to practice.
"Something you need?" Hyaku asked casually without looking up.
"We're about to head back to Base 188 for recruit training. Didn't you say you didn't want to participate? I've already applied for a week's leave for you. You still haven't told me where you're going!" Garp continued.
Such quick efficiency!
Hearing this, Hyaku immediately perked up.
The leave request was something he had discussed with Garp just last night. His purpose was to visit Water 7!
Familiar with the original story, he knew that the blueprint for the ancient weapon — Pluton — was currently in Franky's possession in the Capital of Water!
✣✣✣
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