Chapter 18: The Arrival of Garp

Tap! Tap! Tap!

The sound of dense, orderly footsteps echoed through the streets.

"Hahahaha!"

A carefree laugh reverberated through the air.

"Vice Admiral Garp! Slow down! This mission isn't urgent, so there's no need to rush!"

His subordinates, who had long been left behind, complained loudly.

They didn't understand why their vice admiral had suddenly changed his demeanor. Normally lazy and laid-back, today he was charging ahead at full speed.

"You don't understand. It's rare to meet someone who shares my spirit."

Garp was brimming with excitement. Renji was someone who truly resonated with him.

He was already imagining the future—teaming up with Renji to mooch meals off Sengoku, then watching Sengoku get so angry that his mustache would twitch. It sounded like a lot of fun.

Meanwhile, at the naval base.

Renji had already taken over the office, while the colonel had been relocated to another room. He had essentially claimed the place as his own.

Lying lazily on the leather chair, Renji's eyes were half-closed.

"Major Renji, all the pirates have been detained," Yama, a naval officer, reported respectfully.

When Yama learned of Renji's identity, he was beyond excited. Renji was a figure admired by all naval officers in the South Blue—no exceptions. Many had joined the navy after hearing of Renji's deeds, inspired by his unwavering resolve.

Unfortunately, reality often fell short of expectations. People like Renji were rare in the navy. Most only cared about their own interests, completely disregarding the lives of others.

"However, the other criminals aren't cooperating."

Yama was clearly frustrated. Despite their crimes, these individuals still acted arrogantly, as if they were above the law.

"You're talking about the nobles, right?"

Renji didn't need to think hard to figure out who was causing trouble. The nobles of this world were notoriously lawless.

"Don't worry about them. Just lock them up. Once they've paid for their crimes, we'll release them. If anything goes wrong, I'll take responsibility."

The only way to deal with such people was to be tougher than them. Once they realized they couldn't bully their way out, they'd fall in line.

"It seems the people from headquarters have arrived," Renji suddenly said, sensing something. A smile appeared on his usually stern face as he stood up and walked toward the office door.

"Major Renji?" Yama looked puzzled.

"Let's go welcome them. The person we've been waiting for is here..."

Outside, Garp raised an eyebrow. This kid's perception is impressive. Sengoku was right—he's definitely a promising talent.

"I didn't expect Vice Admiral Garp to come personally. This is truly an honor."

Renji was genuinely surprised. He had assumed headquarters would send at most a rear admiral, not this legendary figure.

Garp had become a household name after teaming up with Roger four years ago to defeat Rocks at God Valley. He was revered as the "Hero of the Marines," and Renji hadn't anticipated meeting him under these circumstances.

Garp shook Renji's hand. "I've heard a lot about you from Sengoku. He said the South Blue has produced another promising talent. Seeing you now, I can tell he wasn't exaggerating."

Renji remained humble. "You flatter me, sir. I still have a long way to go."

Having climbed the ranks from the bottom, Renji was no stranger to such praise. He handled the situation with ease.

"I've also heard you have some friends with impressive skills. When are you going to invite them to join the navy?"

Garp genuinely wanted to strengthen the navy's forces. While he disliked some individuals within the navy, he still hoped to bring in fresh talent.

His strength had long surpassed that of an admiral, but he refused to be promoted, unwilling to serve under the World Government and its corrupt officials.

Renji's eyes flickered, realizing Garp was referring to people like Kuma. "That depends on their wishes. Besides, they're still minors. We can discuss this once they're older."

To Renji, Kuma and the others were his friends. Everyone had the right to choose their own path, and he wouldn't interfere.

"I see. We'll talk about it later, then," Garp said with a hearty laugh.

Renji nodded, then added, "Vice Admiral Garp, you must have other business here, right?"

"Ah, right! My memory's slipping," Garp said, his expression suddenly serious. "By the order of Admiral Sengoku of Marine Headquarters, Major Renji, listen carefully."

Renji stood at attention and saluted. "Yes, sir!"

"After deliberation at headquarters, you are hereby promoted to the rank of captain and appointed as the overseer of the South Blue."

This appointment completely caught Renji off guard. He had expected, at most, a promotion from Sengoku, but this was far beyond his expectations.

"Congratulations, kid," Garp said, clapping Renji on the shoulder. "You've got a big responsibility now. Make sure to do good for the people of the South Blue."

"Don't worry. I'll make the South Blue the best sea there is," Renji said confidently.

He didn't just want to make the South Blue a better place to live—he wanted to ensure pirates would never dare to set foot in these waters.

With this appointment, he could finally establish schools throughout the South Blue, giving children something productive to do instead of dreaming about going to sea.

He wanted them to experience the fear of being overwhelmed by studies. Having endured hardships himself, Renji chose to tear the roof off for others.

Suddenly, Garp leaned in and whispered, "Kid, when you come to Marineford, I'll take you to get back at Sengoku."

Renji couldn't help but laugh. He hadn't expected Garp to see him in such a light.

"Vice Admiral Garp, let's not bring that up again. Admiral Sengoku has it tough enough as it is."

Garp looked skeptical. "Last time, I saw Sengoku on the Den Den Mushi with you, and he turned red with anger. Don't tell me that wasn't your doing."

Renji straightened up. "I was just presenting my arguments and having a thorough discussion with Admiral Sengoku. A little excitement is normal."

"Really?" Garp still seemed doubtful.

"I even said we'd eat senbei together next time. You're not holding up your end of the deal," Garp muttered.

"Anyway, let's drop that," Garp said, changing the subject. "I'll take the nobles and the navy personnel with me. As for the pirates, just execute them."

"Huh?"

Renji was momentarily caught off guard but quickly recovered.

Turning to Yama, he said, "Divide the prisoners into three groups. Vice Admiral Garp will take them with him."

"Understood!"

Yama, who had been sitting on pins and needles, felt relieved and quickly left the room, wiping sweat from his brow. Garp's bold words were too much for him.

"Alright, I'll take a stroll around the island. We'll stay in touch via Den Den Mushi," Garp said, always one to avoid staying in one place for too long.

Ding! Congratulations, host, for triggering a special mission!

Renji was startled. This was the first time something like this had happened.

Special Mission:

Spar with Garp and force him to use at least half of his strength.

Rewards:

Garp's training model in the cultivation space (strength depends on how much power Renji forces Garp to use).

Cultivation space usage time: ? (to be determined based on mission completion).

Additional rewards: Awakening of Armament Haki and Observation Haki.