Chapter 13: Journey to Navy Headquarters

Ten days had passed since Wood parted ways with the people of Red Maple Island and boarded the Navy warship.

The so-called "100 days to heal broken bones" clearly didn't apply in this world. Whether it was due to Wood's naturally strong physique or the ship's highly skilled medic, within just ten days, he was already back on his feet and able to move around.

During this time, their fleet of warships had also toured much of the first half of the Grand Line.

Perhaps because Zephyr was quite satisfied with having recruited Wood, the famously picky admiral had been notably more lenient during the rest of the conscription process. They managed to just barely meet the Navy's recruitment quota before returning to headquarters, much to the relief of Vice Admiral Kadaru.

Once he had recovered enough to move freely, Wood opted to give up his private cabin. He had never wanted special treatment to begin with.

However, the past several days of rumors aboard the ship had already caused the other new recruits to develop clear hostility toward him. Wood wasn't particularly bothered by it, nor did he try to explain himself.

Thanks to the Navy warships' use of the special route via the "Gate of Justice," the return trip didn't take long. Soon, they arrived at Navy Headquarters—Marineford.

At the enormous harbor, warships maneuvered carefully and docked at their designated positions.

Unlike most islands, Marineford was entirely developed—it had become the very heart of the Navy.

As Wood and the other new recruits disembarked, their eyes were immediately drawn to the massive building ahead. Thick fortress walls surrounded a multi-level tower. Carved into the wall were the bold characters for "Navy" along with the iconic symbol: a seagull clutching a balance scale.

There were many powerful nations along the Grand Line, but few could rival the scale and strength of Marineford's facilities.

And beyond the impressive architecture, it was the sheer number of heavy cannons on the walls and the guards stationed every ten steps that truly spoke to this fortress's strength—it wasn't for show.

Steel, uniforms, and cannons—symbols that stirred the hearts of men. Many of the new recruits had initially joined just to scrape by. But now, seeing the elite Marines drilling with military precision and the commanding presence of the officers, a spark lit in their eyes.

For the first time, they began to truly imagine themselves as part of this force.

As Zephyr and his group stepped off the ship, another warship docked nearby. From it emerged a tall, well-muscled man in a crisp white Navy uniform, wearing a distinctive dog-headed cap.

The moment he spotted Zephyr from afar, he let out a hearty laugh and strode over.

This older man looked to be about the same age as Zephyr. Like him, he wore a Navy dress suit with a "Justice" cloak draped across his back—a clear sign of someone in the upper ranks.

"It finally makes sense why the port's so lively today!" the man bellowed with a laugh. "You're back, old man, and you brought new recruits. Just look at all these cannons, polished and gleaming like they've never seen action! Hell, they even hauled them all out today!"

He shoved a rice cracker into his mouth and held the bag in one hand while gossiping with the ease of someone long past caring about formalities.

"I remember Sengoku complaining just last week about budget shortages. And now? They're putting on this military parade just to impress the newbies? Hah! I bet they blew the whole quarter's budget on this stunt!"

The Navy personnel nearby looked collectively speechless at his blatant mockery.

Normally, Marineford was well-guarded, but the level of preparedness today was… excessive. After all, this was Marineford—home to the Navy's top brass. It wasn't like any pirate would be foolish enough to attack here directly.

Clearly, this show of force and the military drills were deliberately arranged to impress the new recruits.

Those familiar with internal Navy affairs didn't even need to guess who had orchestrated it.

The reasoning was sound: a display of strength would inspire admiration and a sense of belonging among the new recruits.

But even if people knew, no one usually said it out loud.

Thanks to this loud-mouthed man, the whole presentation was now undermined. Not only had they wasted effort and resources, but Sengoku—certain to be livid—would probably storm in tomorrow looking to rip someone's head off.

"Garp, if you keep running your mouth like this, I'm sure Sengoku will be paying you a visit very soon," Zephyr said with a rare smile, his normally stern face relaxing a little.

And with that name, the new recruits around them finally realized: the carefree man in the dog-head hat was none other than the legendary Hero of the Navy—Monkey D. Garp!

Among the Navy's top brass, Zephyr was known as the most beloved instructor, the teacher of countless officers. But in terms of fame? It wasn't him, nor the Fleet Admiral Sengoku.

The most renowned of them all—among both Navy personnel and the public—was the man standing before them: Garp, the one Marine who had repeatedly forced even the Pirate King into a corner.

"Yeah, yeah, I guess you're right," Garp said, realizing maybe he had said too much. "These things probably aren't supposed to be said out loud…"

He paused for a moment—then grinned. "But hey! I already said it! Nothing to be done now! Just pretend you didn't hear it, alright? HAHAHAHAHA!"

Zephyr sighed and put a hand to his forehead. "You've been in the Navy for decades, Garp. You're a high-ranking officer. Would it kill you to think about the consequences just once?"

Nearby, Vice Admiral Kadaru tried to keep his face neutral—but deep down, he wanted to cry.

If we're talking about reckless behavior, he thought, Zephyr, you're not really much better than Garp…