159. Vice Admiral Hakuryu

Atlas casually took the roster handed over by Sengoku and scanned it with his eyes. He had no trouble making a choice, pointed to the name at the top, and then handed it back to Sengoku.

"Oh? Hakuryu? That's excellent. It seems Tsuru's naming skills are very fitting for you!"

Sengoku glanced at the codename chosen by Atlas and couldn't help but chuckle.

"Tsuru, Vice Admiral? Isn't she currently at the headquarters? I just passed by her office and didn't seem to spot anyone."

As the Chief of Staff of the headquarters, Vice Admiral Tsuru's office is located not far from Admiral Sengoku's office. When Atlas entered the office building, he had already noticed that Vice Admiral Tsuru herself was not in her office.

"Tsuru went to North Blue to hunt down a pirate."

Sengoku refrained from providing detailed explanations. The issue of Rosinante's undercover mission within the Donquixote Family was originally highly confidential. The fewer individuals aware of it, the better ensured Rosinante's safety would be.

"I see. By the way, I've also recruited a Marine with the Rumble-Rumble Fruit ability. I'll report to you and have him registered."

Observing that Sengoku had no inclination to elaborate, Atlas chose not to press further, even though he speculated that it was linked to Doflamingo. The fact that Vice Admiral Tsuru personally went to North Blue for a hunt hinted at the connection to the only pirate in that region, Doflamingo.

Taking advantage of the moment, he also reported to Sengoku about Enel. While it might be acceptable for an ordinary soldier, Enel, possessing a formidable Logia Devil Fruit power, needed to be registered on the Marine side. This was also a World Government regulation. It was crucial to precisely assess the high-end combat capabilities within the Marines.

"Oh, just recruiting another Marine. You're quite adept at handling these matters..."

"Wait, which Marine did you say you just recruited?"

Sengoku almost thought he misheard. The legendary Rumble-Rumble Fruit hadn't surfaced in the sea for nearly a hundred years. This top-tier Logia Devil Fruit could potentially create a formidable fighting force for anyone. How could it be such a coincidence that Atlas encountered it?

"Ah, a Rumble-Rumble Fruit user."

Atlas replied calmly. He's just a Rumble-Rumble Fruit user. Fast as Kizaru and as destructive as Akainu. What's the big fuss?

"How strong is the new recruit?"

"It's not that impressive. He recently consumed the fruit, and his body is weak."

Atlas briefly commented that it might be due to the extensive ostracism and bullying in Birka, coupled with challenges in getting enough food every day. As a result, Enel's body wasn't particularly robust and even appeared slightly thinner than average. Otherwise, his initial encounter with Atlas might not have been as challenging.

After hearing this, Sengoku pondered for a moment, then lifted his head and said to Atlas, "How about allowing the recruit to train under Zephyr for a period? Such exceptional talent shouldn't go to waste."

After all, that is a top-tier ability within Logia. If cultivated properly, even if it starts off weak, in a few decades, it could reach the level of a Admiral and undoubtedly contend with other top powerhouses.

"Hey, hey, hey! Old man Sengoku, what are you saying? Are you suggesting I am wasting a valuable talent?"

Atlas' tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction. The growth path he adhered to was known as fighting. A little thrashing each day and a thorough beating every three days – even a pig could grow under such conditions.

"Alright, alright. As you said, the recruit's foundation must be quite poor, but he lucked out by consuming this powerful fruit. If placed under Zephyr, he might become another Marine akin to Kizaru..."

"Indeed..."

Atlas nodded in agreement. Currently, the priority for Enel is to establish a solid physical foundation. This would make it easier to develop his Rumble-Rumble Fruit abilities in the future, and undoubtedly, the training camp of this department is the most suitable for the task.

"Furthermore, your current position is no longer suitable for remaining in the Sabaody Archipelago. After some time, the headquarters will arrange for you to go to the New World to guard a Marine Base."

Generally, Marines stationed in Sabaody have the rank of Rear Admiral. The reason Atlas went to the New World before was because the situation there was relatively stable, and for strategic planning considerations. However, now Atlas possesses both strength and position, making it no longer suitable for him to stay in Sabaody and continue garrison duty.

"Alright, then I'll await orders from headquarters at Sabaody."

After stating this, Atlas left Sengoku's office with the three youngsters.

Regarding the living arrangements for the three of them, it is naturally left to Bogard. Marine generals at the Vice Admiral level are provided with a residence in the Marineford family area. In any case, Garp is often not at home, so the space is more than sufficient for the three youngsters.

...

After Atlas and the others left.

Knock...knock...knock...

A rhythmic knocking echoed in the office, intensifying the already somber atmosphere. Neither Sengoku nor Garp uttered a word; they simply exchanged glances.

"Tell me, what do you plan to do about that child?"

Sengoku was the first to break the silence, his tone carrying an indescribable emotion.

"You know? But that child is innocent..."

Garp appeared troubled.

Back then, he had promised Roger to raise Ace. Unexpectedly, Atlas suddenly brought Ace to Naval Headquarters. Although he had always hoped for Ace to become a Marine, it seemed like it was too early now.

"During the CP purge operation, you uncharacteristically volunteered. If I hadn't stepped in to help you cover it up, do you think your actions wouldn't have been noticed by the World Government?"

"But the World Government's approach is flawed from the start. Are we, as Marines, going to repeat the same mistake?"

Garp abandoned his usual aloof demeanor and looked genuinely saddened. To think they had merely suspected the existence of Roger's bloodline, and yet, they ruthlessly massacred all the pregnant women in the vicinity. It was utterly unconscionable!

"I understand that you may see this as a mistake, but Marine can't distance itself from the World Government at this point. You have to realize that when you occupy my position, sometimes you can't prioritize short-term happiness."

"So, what are you planning to do about Ace?"

"Let's conceal his identity from the World Government for now. Lineage has never been the foundation for determining guilt. As long as the child joins the Marines in the future, I believe there won't be an issue even if the identity is eventually revealed. Isn't it a powerful symbol for the son of the Pirate King to become a Marine?

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