Chapter 54: The Recruitment Discussion

"The reports I received said we sent quite a few people as well..." Garp said hesitantly.

Sengoku turned his head to look out the window. "But we lacked someone who could withstand the pressure. When the islands started falling, everyone I brought was too busy saving themselves to support me."

He had faced the entire Golden Lion Pirates alone...

"I think the Navy needs to recruit some fresh blood. From what I've seen recently, the up-and-coming pirates far outshine our side," Sengoku said, his expression somber.

Most kids these days dream of becoming pirates. The number and quality of pirates are constantly improving, while our Navy's growth is slow, and our elite talents mainly come from Navy families.

Right now, we're struggling just to keep up.

"Huh? Is it really that bad?" Garp looked puzzled. "I always thought our side was doing pretty well. Guess I was wrong..."

If he had known about the Navy's current difficulties, he would have tried to lure Renji over sooner.

"I can recommend some people," Garp muttered, stroking his beard.

Sengoku adjusted his frog-shaped glasses. "You're talking about Renji, aren't you?"

"That guy's strength and abilities are indeed impressive. He's a good prospect."

Sengoku paused, as if remembering something. "According to reports from the South Sea, it seems he's been slacking off lately, dumping all the South Sea's affairs on his deputy, Kuzan."

"That's not a good habit..."

Garp recalled his interactions with Renji and realized there had been signs of this behavior even back then.

"So I think it's best to have him come to headquarters for some training. But he's only been in charge of the South Sea for a short time. We should wait a bit longer..."

Sengoku wanted Renji to firmly establish himself in the South Sea before leaving.

Otherwise, if he didn't build up enough authority, the pirates might take advantage of the chaos and ruin the South Sea's current stability.

"..."

Just as the two had reached a decision, a deep, authoritative voice sounded outside the hospital room.

"I've also heard a bit about that young man. I agree with your opinions, but recruitment is indeed an urgent matter..."

Hearing this voice, both Sengoku and Garp's expressions changed. Garp even stood up straight, his usual smile disappearing as he adopted a respectful demeanor.

Sengoku, still recovering from his injuries, struggled to sit up despite the pain.

There was only one person in the Navy who could elicit such a reaction from both of them.

The current Fleet Admiral of the Navy... Kong!

The imposing figure pushed the door open and entered. Though his face showed deep exhaustion, he managed a faint smile for his subordinates.

"Sengoku, with your current condition, you should stay in bed. Don't get up and cause more trouble!" Kong scolded lightly.

"Fleet Admiral Kong!" Sengoku and Garp greeted in unison.

"Feeling better, Sengoku?" Kong nodded to them. "The Navy suffered heavy losses this time."

Sengoku's voice was bitter. "It was my mistake. I take full responsibility!"

"No, Sengoku. I'm not blaming you. Given the circumstances at sea, you did remarkably well," Kong reassured him gently.

"..."

Sengoku fell silent, his heart aching as he thought of the Navy soldiers who had died in the battle.

Many families had lost their breadwinners because of this incident.

Those families must hate me, the one primarily responsible...

Kong noticed Sengoku's expression. He, too, felt the pain, but time moved forward, and they had to prepare for the challenges ahead.

"I've discussed Navy recruitment with the Five Elders..." Kong began hesitantly.

Hearing this, Sengoku and Garp looked at him expectantly. "What did they say? Did they agree?"

Kong first nodded, then slowly shook his head.

"What do they mean? Stop beating around the bush, Fleet Admiral," Garp said impatiently.

Kong sighed heavily. "They agreed to let us recruit, but... they won't provide additional funds for the new recruits..."

"So it's the same as not letting us expand?!" Garp exclaimed, unable to comprehend the Five Elders' reasoning.

A bitter smile appeared on Sengoku's lips.

As expected, we shouldn't have placed too much hope in the World Government's decisions...

"Even though the Five Elders gave me such a disappointing response, I've decided to issue a global recruitment notice!" Kong declared, his eyes firm.

As the Fleet Admiral, it was his duty to make bold decisions and uphold the justice symbolized by the Navy's uniform.

"But... we have no money."

"Most people in this world dream of becoming the Pirate King. If we can't even pay the new recruits, recruitment is impossible..."

Even the most skilled housewife can't cook without rice. That was the Navy's current predicament.

"I'll find a way to solve the money issue," Kong said, lighting a cigar. "Right now, the main problem is attracting talented individuals to join the Navy."

The Navy needed leaders who could stand on their own. In a world overrun by pirates, it was a harsh truth that ordinary Navy soldiers could only do so much...

Talented individuals were hard to come by...

"I think we should brainstorm some ideas," Sengoku said, glancing at Garp.

Garp slapped his thigh. "Right! Renji might not be able to come to headquarters yet, but he's full of clever ideas. We can ask him for suggestions."

"Renji has that kind of ability?" Kong exhaled a puff of smoke, skeptical.

Sengoku also seemed unsure. "He might...?"

"That kid's full of ideas. Remember the stuff I brought back?" Garp said excitedly.

Thinking of the delicious food Garp had brought, both Sengoku and Kong swallowed. "Of course we remember. We'd never seen anything like it before."

Garp facepalmed. "I'm talking about the chairs and other things that improved our quality of life."

"What chairs?"

Sengoku and Kong looked completely lost. They had never seen the things Garp was referring to.

Seeing their reactions, Garp realized he had let something slip. He had shared some of the food with Sengoku and Kong, but he had kept the other items for himself...

"Those things aren't important. I'm just using them as examples to show how imaginative that kid is. He can definitely help us come up with some ideas..."

...

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