Chapter 41: The Call for Adventure

Vulcan wandered through the massive corridors of Marineford, his mind buzzing with ideas. He had already checked to see if Garp was around, and hearing that the Vice Admiral was off on another mission only fueled his determination. If he couldn't rely on Garp, he'd have to take matters into his own hands.

He needed a crew—people willing to join him on a dangerous mission into the Grand Line, specifically toward the Florian Triangle. But after asking around the barracks and speaking to a few Marines, the results were... disappointing.

"No thanks, I've heard stories about that place," one Marine said, shaking his head.

"Are you crazy? The Florian Triangle? You're out of your mind," another Marine laughed, waving Vulcan off.

Each rejection weighed on Vulcan, but it didn't deter him. The more people dismissed him, the more determined he became. His usual grin faded into a frustrated sigh as he paced through Marineford's vast halls, wondering who would be bold—or foolish—enough to join him.

"There's got to be someone who's up for this…" Vulcan muttered under his breath.

As he walked past the training grounds, an idea hit him. If he wanted to find people who had the courage to face dangerous pirates and unknown territories, why not go straight to the Marines in training?

With a renewed sense of purpose, Vulcan made his way to the center of the training grounds. It was packed with Marine recruits and officers, most of them either sparring or practicing their techniques. The hum of activity surrounded him, and Vulcan felt his pulse quicken.

Standing tall in the middle of the grounds, Vulcan cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled, "I'm putting together a crew! Heading straight for the Grand Line, hunting pirates and facing whatever comes our way! If you're looking for adventure, now's your chance to join me!"

The training ground fell into an uneasy silence. Recruits paused mid-swing, some dropping their training weapons while others stopped in the middle of exercises. For a moment, all eyes turned toward Vulcan, their expressions ranging from confusion to disbelief.

Then, the murmurs began.

"Did he just say the Grand Line?" one recruit whispered.

"He's gotta be kidding. Who goes into the Grand Line without serious backup?" another said, shaking his head.

"You'd have to be nuts to even think about it!" one of the officers muttered.

Vulcan could hear it all—the doubt, the skepticism, the disbelief—and for a brief second, he wondered if he had been too hasty. But no. This was the path he'd chosen. If no one joined him, he would go alone.

Still, after a few minutes, no one approached him. The murmuring continued, and with a sigh of resignation, Vulcan turned to leave the training grounds. Maybe he'd try again later.

But just as he was about to walk away, a voice cut through the noise. "Oi, Vulcan, wait up."

Vulcan stopped in his tracks and turned to see two familiar figures approaching him.

One was a tall man with a cigarette between his lips, the smoke trailing lazily into the air. His gray-white hair and stern expression made him instantly recognizable. Smoker, a Marine whose name was already becoming well-known among recruits.

Beside him, a striking woman with pink hair and a serious expression walked with calm confidence. She radiated authority and grace, yet there was an edge to her presence—one that said she wasn't someone to be trifled with. This was Hina, someone Vulcan knew well from earlier training sessions.

"You're planning on heading out already, Vulcan?" Hina asked, her eyes narrowing in that familiar, analytical way. "You don't do things halfway, do you?"

Vulcan grinned at the sight of her. "You know me. Always after the next challenge."

Smoker took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke before speaking. "You serious about this adventure? The Florian Triangle isn't exactly the kind of place you just visit for fun."

Vulcan, relieved to see someone showing interest, gave a firm nod. "Dead serious. There's something I want to check out, and I could use all the help I can get."

Hina crossed her arms, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Sounds like something Garp would approve of—sending you off to face something absurdly dangerous."

"Well, someone's gotta keep me sharp," Vulcan replied, his grin widening. "What do you say? You in?"

Hina glanced at Smoker, who was still puffing away casually. "Hina thinks this is reckless, but Hina has never turned down a challenge." She nodded once. "Count me in."

Smoker chuckled. "Well, I'm always up for a fight. And if you're serious, I guess someone's gotta make sure you don't get yourself killed."

Just as Vulcan was about to respond, a group of seven recruits came rushing over from the far side of the training ground. They were from the elite training camp, and their eyes gleamed with excitement.

One of them, a tall and muscular young Marine, spoke up first. "We heard what you said. We went to get permission from our instructor, and he agreed to let us go. We're in!"

Vulcan blinked, momentarily stunned by the sudden enthusiasm. He had expected resistance, not an eager group of recruits throwing themselves into the fray. A grin slowly spread across his face as he realized what was happening.

"You're serious?" Vulcan asked, though the answer was clear.

The group nodded in unison, their eyes full of determination. "We want to prove ourselves, and this sounds like the perfect opportunity."

Smoker grinned, clearly amused. "Looks like you've got yourself a crew."

Vulcan could barely contain his excitement. With Smoker, Hina, and this group of recruits, he had more than enough to make the journey to the Florian Triangle. It wasn't the elite force the Rear Admiral had mentioned, but it was a start.

Later that day, Vulcan, Smoker, and Hina stood at the docks, watching as the Marines loaded supplies onto the ship they'd been granted by the upper brass. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows over the water.

Vulcan, feeling a sense of pride and anticipation swelling in his chest, looked at Smoker and Hina. "Well, this is it. We're about to head into the unknown."

Smoker took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling slowly. "The unknown's where all the fun is."

Hina nodded, her gaze steady. "Hina hopes you're prepared, Vulcan. This won't be an easy trip."

Vulcan grinned, his excitement bubbling over. "If it were easy, I wouldn't be interested."

As the last of the supplies were loaded onto the ship, Vulcan glanced back at the recruits, who were chattering excitedly as they prepared for departure. He had to admit—he didn't expect this many people to join him. But now that they had, there was no turning back.

Vulcan watched the Marines board the ship, and for a moment, he felt a rush of adrenaline. An adventure into the unknown, with a capable group by his side. This was exactly what he had been waiting for.

He stepped onto the ship's deck, taking one last look at Marineford before turning his gaze toward the horizon. His destination was set. The Florian Triangle awaited, and whatever mysteries—and dangers—lay ahead, Vulcan was ready to face them head-on.

As the ship slowly pulled away from the docks, Vulcan leaned against the railing, a devilish grin spreading across his face. "Let's see what the Grand Line has in store for us."