Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
At the East Blue's 155th Marine Branch, inside Colonel Roderick's office, Kane Uchiha sat casually on the sofa, reading a newspaper with quiet focus. Across from him, Roderick sat stiffly at his desk, eyes glued to the transponder snail in front of him, anxiety practically written across his face.
Today was no ordinary day. It was the day when the legendary Marine Vice Admiral Garp was scheduled to arrive.
To Roderick, the "Hero of the Marines" was a figure of awe and deep respect. After all, this was the man who once drove the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, into a corner an accomplishment that echoed across the seas. Garp's power was undeniable, and his reputation alone could silence entire fleets.
But admiration didn't make Roderick any less nervous. He didn't know much about Garp's personality, and that uncertainty was worse than facing a sea king. What if he said something wrong? What if he somehow offended the legendary vice admiral before he even stepped through the door?
From the sofa, Kane glanced up and couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Roderick's expression tight, constipated, and frozen with tension. Ever since morning, when Roderick had summoned him to the office, the man hadn't moved an inch, staring at the snail like it was a ticking bomb.
"You really don't have to be that nervous," Kane said mildly, folding the newspaper. "From what I've heard, Vice Admiral Garp's a friendly man. Just be yourself. No need to overthink it."
Roderick nearly choked. Be myself? He stared at Kane in disbelief. So this recruit, who had joined less than a month ago, knew more about the upper brass than a veteran colonel who'd served for decades?
Of course, he didn't dare voice any complaint. Not after seeing Kane casually lift a building into the sky and flatten an entire pirate crew on his own.
Kane, seeing no reaction, lost interest. He stretched, stood up, and walked toward the door for some fresh air when suddenly,
"Buru buru… buru buru…"
The transponder snail on the desk sprang to life, its eyes widening, the sound breaking the tense silence like thunder.
Roderick jolted upright like a man in the desert who'd finally found water. He snatched the snail and nearly shouted, "Moshi moshi! This is Colonel Roderick of the 155th Branch!"
A calm, authoritative voice replied through the snail, "This is Headquarters warship HQ-03. We're about to dock. Prepare to receive us."
"Yes, sir!"
Roderick saluted instinctively, then spun toward Kane. "He's here!"
Grabbing his cap, Roderick dashed for the door, Kane following quietly behind.
By the time they reached the docks, the entire branch was already assembled in neat formation. Lines of marines stood at attention, gazes fixed on the massive silhouette of the approaching warship.
The hull loomed like a steel fortress, its polished emblem of justice gleaming under the sunlight. The air buzzed with anticipation.
As the ship docked, marines from Headquarters disembarked first, lining up with precision. Then, from the ship's gangway, a tall, broad-shouldered man stepped into view, his presence immediately commanding attention.
A dog-headed mask covered his face, but everyone knew who he was the living legend himself.
Vice Admiral Garp.
He looked over the assembled ranks with a grin so casual it almost broke the tension of the moment. Hands on his hips, he strode down the ramp and called out loudly, "Where's Colonel Roderick?"
"Here, sir! Vice Admiral Garp, welcome!" Roderick sprinted forward, saluting sharply.
Garp eyed him briefly, nodded with mild approval, and asked, "Good. Now, where's Kane Uchiha? I spent a bit too long visiting home, so I won't be staying. Once he's aboard, we'll set sail for Headquarters immediately."
Before Roderick could answer, a calm voice rose from the ranks. "I'm here."
Garp turned toward the sound. Standing among the assembled marines was a tall, slender young man with sharp features and an air of quiet composure. But what truly drew Garp's attention were his eyes deep violet, swirling with a strange, hypnotic pattern unlike anything he had ever seen.
For a moment, even Garp was taken aback. The boy stood there like a solitary blade amidst a field of reeds graceful, yet unmistakably dangerous.
"So this is the prodigy Sengoku told me about," Garp muttered to himself. "He really is young…"
Then his grin returned, broad and unrestrained. "Alright, kid! Come on over. Time to head to Headquarters."
Kane nodded respectfully. The marines parted instinctively, clearing a path for him as he walked toward Garp.
Standing face-to-face, Garp studied him up close, his instincts as a warrior sharpening. Those eyes there was something ancient, almost divine, lurking within them. He could feel the power radiating off the boy.
"Interesting," Garp thought with a spark of curiosity. "Once we get back, I'll have to test just how strong this kid really is."
With that, he turned and waved casually to the crowd. "Alright, that's enough staring! Back to your duties!"
He motioned for Kane to follow him, and together they boarded the warship.
From the deck, Kane looked down at the marines gathered below. He raised his hand in a quiet gesture of thanks. "Thank you for taking care of me these past weeks."
The gesture hit harder than words.
Roderick felt a lump in his throat as he watched the young man standing beside a living legend. Even the rank-and-file marines couldn't help but feel moved. It wasn't every day that someone destined for greatness paused to acknowledge those behind him.
"Go get 'em, Kane!" Roderick shouted, his voice full of pride. "We'll be waiting to hear your name echo across the seas!"
Kane smiled and gave him a thumbs-up.
Garp, watching from the corner of his eye, nodded approvingly. Not bad, he thought. Strength was important, yes but to Garp, a sense of camaraderie and respect for one's comrades was what truly defined a great marine. It was the same quality he would one day recognize in a certain pink-haired boy named Coby.
Feeling uncharacteristically pleased, Garp clapped his hands. "Alright! Set sail!"
With a deep groan, the massive warship turned its bow toward the horizon. The sun glinted off its sails as it began its journey toward the Grand Line and the next chapter in Kane Uchiha's rise was about to begin.