CHAPTER 20
New World – Unknown Sea Area
A colossal Marine battleship cut through the ocean, its hull gliding smoothly over the waves. This was no ordinary patrol ship—it carried four of the most promising young officers in Marine history.
On the deck, beneath the vast sky, four Marines sat together, sharing a meal as they braced for their next mission.
These were none other than the "Four Stars of the Marines"—Garp, Sengoku, Zephyr, and Tsuru.
Although their ranks were still at the level of Colonel, their true strength far surpassed the expectations of their positions.
This mission had been issued in haste, requiring them to set sail immediately. Their task: infiltrate the island where the Rocks Pirates had docked and gather critical intelligence. Due to the urgency, the four of them were the highest-ranking officers aboard this ship.
A Marine scout approached the deck, snapping into a sharp salute before addressing them.
"Colonel Garp, we are approaching the country where the Rocks Pirates are currently stationed."
At the news, Garp's grin widened, an eager fire igniting in his eyes.
"Finally! I've been waiting for this! I can't wait to see that so-called legendary pirate, Rocks!"
Even before reaching the New World, Garp had heard the terrifying tales of Rocks D. Xebec, the most infamous pirate of the era. He had long yearned for a firsthand look at the pirate whose name shook even the highest authorities.
But before his excitement could escalate further—
"Garp, don't forget the mission."
Sengoku's stern voice cut through the air, his brows furrowed.
"We are here for reconnaissance, not combat."
This wasn't the first time Sengoku had to remind Garp of their objectives. His comrade had many admirable qualities—he was fearless, immensely strong, and fiercely loyal. But there was one flaw that gave Sengoku a perpetual headache—
Garp was reckless.
Every time they encountered a powerful enemy, Garp's first instinct wasn't to analyze the situation—it was to fight head-on!
Tsuru, sitting beside them, nodded in agreement, her voice calm yet firm.
"Garp, this mission is far more dangerous than anything we've faced before. If you act on impulse, you won't just put yourself in danger—you'll jeopardize all of us."
Even Zephyr, the most composed among them, sighed and added, "We all want to test our strength against the Rocks Pirates, but this is not the time."
Garp folded his arms, his face filled with mock annoyance.
"Tch, you guys worry too much."
Sengoku exhaled sharply, placing a hand on Garp's shoulder.
"Alright, how about this—if you behave and follow the mission orders, I'll let you have as many senbei as you want when we get back."
At that, Garp's eyes lit up like a child being promised candy.
"Are you serious, Sengoku?!"
"Dead serious."
"HAHAHA! Sounds like a deal! Alright then, I'll hold back!"
Garp's love for senbei was no secret. No matter where he went—meetings, battles, or even casual strolls—he always had his favorite rice crackers in hand. Unfortunately, his loud, crunching noises annoyed the others so much that he had been banned from eating them around them.
Seeing his friend momentarily appeased, Sengoku sighed in relief.
"And no, I don't want a share of your senbei."
---
Near the Shores of the Rocks Pirates' Island
As the Marine battleship approached the island, they did not dock at the main port. Instead, they chose a hidden coastline, far from the prying eyes of enemy scouts.
The mission required absolute secrecy.
If the Rocks Pirates discovered them, they wouldn't be facing just any pirate crew. They would be dealing with monsters—men like Whitebeard, Big Mom, Kaido, Shiki, Captain John, and more.
Sengoku adjusted his glasses and reiterated the plan to the team.
"Listen up. Our objective is to gather intelligence, not engage in combat. We will split into four groups and position ourselves in the island's mountainous region. From there, we will use binoculars to observe and document everything we see."
Unlike the bustling port town, the back mountains were largely deserted—an ideal vantage point with natural cover from enemy patrols.
"Understood," the others confirmed.
But before they disembarked, Sengoku turned to Garp one last time.
"If we are spotted, we must retreat immediately. Do NOT engage. I don't want to repeat myself, Garp."
His piercing gaze locked onto his friend.
Garp groaned in frustration.
"Why are you always targeting me, Sengoku?!"
Tsuru smirked slightly. "Because you're the only one we can't trust to stay quiet, Garp."
Zephyr chuckled, nodding in agreement.
After a brief silence, Garp crossed his arms and sighed.
"Fine, fine. I'll follow the plan."
Sengoku narrowed his eyes at him. "Are you sure?"
"Trust me."
A moment passed.
Then, finally, Sengoku reluctantly nodded.
"Alright. Let's move."
The four silently dispersed into the shadows of the back mountain, accompanied by their Marine squads.
---
Elsewhere – The Rocks Pirates' Ship
The sun was already high when Ayr finally woke up, lazily stepping onto the empty deck.
Most of the crew had already left to enjoy themselves on the island. Unlike them, Ayr had no interest in festivities.
Stretching, he muttered to himself.
"I should go buy a new sword."
Ayr had switched weapons frequently since setting out to sea. However, none had truly satisfied him—they were all ordinary blades unworthy of someone striving for true strength.
This time, he wanted something different.
Something legendary.
With that thought, he headed toward the weapon shop in town.
---
Inside the Weapon Shop
As soon as Ayr entered, his gaze locked onto a single blade.
A famous sword.
"Now this… this is a real weapon!" Ayr whispered in awe.
It was no ordinary blade—it was one of the fifty "Skillful Grade" swords, a tier second only to the 21 Great Grade swords and the 12 Supreme Grade swords.
Originally, Ayr intended to buy it legally. Though expensive, he had more than enough money to afford it.
However…
The shop owner, upon noticing that Ayr was alone, greedily hiked the price.
"Ah, well… you see, this sword is our treasure piece. The price has increased."
Ayr's brows twitched.
He was not someone who liked to make trouble. He preferred diplomacy.
But if someone tried to scam him?
Well…
Moments later, the shop owner lay unconscious on the floor, bruised beyond recognition.
Ayr walked out, sword in hand, having not paid a single berry.
Smirking, he muttered, "Problem solved."
Now, with his new sword secured, he set off toward the back mountains—a perfect place to test his blade's power.
But more importantly…
It was time to test the Rasengan.
---
In the Shadows of the Back Mountain…
Unbeknownst to Ayr, four of the strongest future Marines were already there.
And soon…
Their paths would collide.
A storm was brewing.
—