Punishment

Next day,

Most of Blaize's injury healed to a certain extent that he can barely get out of his bed and walk. The only troubling thing is his arms, the recovery is quite slow. He still can't feel them.

Just as he was contemplating what he should next, Garp came to visit him. The old man had a grin on his face as if he was enjoying his predicament.

"Bwahahaha! Blaize brat, you look great!"

Hearing the sentence, Blaize's lips twitched. 'In what way I look great?'

"I want to learn Haki, can you teach me?" He asked without hiding his thoughts.

"You want to beat Sakazuki?" Garp asked narrowing his eyes.

"Yes...that bastard nearly killed me." Blaize calmly replied.

"Even if I want to teach you Haki, you are in no position to learn them. Your actions grabbed World Government's attention, they severely condemned Sengoku for supporting you." Garp said shaking his head.

Blaize wasn't surprised as he knew it would happen but he didn't expect that Sengoku would be implicated by it. It means the latter took the blame in his stead.

"But why? I am the one who did it!" Blaize asked.

"What you did is no small matter since involves the World Nobles. They want the slaves back but you helped them to escape.

If Sengoku didn't take the blame, you will definitely be dismissed from your position and sent to Impel down for your crimes."

Hearing this, Blaize was silent. He always thought Sengoku won't support his way of doing things but he didn't expect the latter would go so far as to protect him.

His actions stirred his heart as he knew what it means. Sengoku may even lose his promotion to become a Fleet Admiral.

"Still, you are not escaping this incident without any punishment. For your crime, you were demoted by two ranks while your merit points were subtracted to zero.

Now, you are just a Lieutenant commander. Furthermore, you will be sent to one of the four blues for few years to reflect on your actions."

Garp spoke about Blaize's current situation while inwardly he's displeased about the decision. In his opinion, this kind of punishment is a little heavy since it's equivalent to cutting off Blaize's future path.

By the time he comes back from the Four blues, he had to start all over again and advance his way forward in the ranks.

But no one can do anything since the punishment was decided by Fleet Admiral Kong after discussing with the World Government.

Blaize wasn't depressed by the punishment as Garp expected. To him, Marine ranks, merit points are just a way to get stronger, even without them he can become strong.

Once he becomes strong, he can get them back in no time.

After conversing with him for a few more minutes, Garp left the room. As for Blaize, he pondered for a minute and decided to learn Haki in his own way.

Since none in the Marines plan on teaching him, he will find a way on his own. His first choice is to visit Old man Magnus and ask him if the latter also rejects his request, he can only look for other ways.

After Garp left, Regis came to visit him. He told him the escaped World noble salves they carried to the Alabasta Kingdom were recaptured by the Marines.

It enraged Blaize but Regis's next sentence somewhat calmed his heart. "I safely sent Airi and Seia to their homes, after finding the marines are searching for them, I helped them relocate to a different Island."

Regis then recounted what happened after Blaize was taken away from Kuzan.

Unlike Regis, Jotto revealed the other three people's whereabouts and for his service, he was promoted by one rank. Blaize was disappointed by his actions but won't blame him.

Since his actions saved the other marine soldiers in his unit from any sort of punishment aside from Regis.

"What about you?" Blaize asked.

"Since I didn't reveal the location of the other two slaves, I was naturally punished and demoted to Ensign," Regis replied.

"Thanks, Regis." Blaize won't forget his help. Only in difficult situations, you will see the true faces of the people around you.

"Captain Blaize, I decided to follow you. I don't care about your rank or where you are sent. I believe in your strength and justice."

Hearing this, Blaize laughed. It feels good to have a trusted comrade beside you.

--

Blaize stayed in the healing center for another day before leaving the place against Fishbonen's instruction.

Exiting the healing center, he headed to Sengoku's office. He didn't thank him for taking the blame but he will by his actions in the future, Blaize can't let him down after what the latter had done.

"What are you doing here, you haven't fully recovered yet? Go back!" Sengoku frowned at his reckless action.

"Don't worry about them, Sengoku-san. They will heal in no time. I came to apply for a leave!"

"For what?"

"Personal reasons!"

"How many days?"

"Three months!" Blaize responded without batting an eyelid. Before Sengoku could question, he spoke again. "Personal reasons!"

Hearing his answer, Sengoku had the urge to beat him but suppressed his impulse considering the state of his injuries.

He didn't reject Blaize's request as his wounds need time to heal, especially his arms. After thinking for a moment, he granted them.

After getting Sengoku's permission, Blaize departed from the Marine Headquarters without saying goodbye to anyone. Only Garp, Sengoku and Regis know. Even they don't know where he was going.

As for his relocation, he was tasked to guard the East Blue but he will only take the post after three months. Neither Garp nor Sengoku stopped him as they thought Blaize was disheartened after his defeat.

But, in truth, he wasn't distressed by the loss. After all, losing is also part of a game. Accepting the loss is also a kind of win.

Leaving the Headquarters, Blaize headed straight to the volcanic Island where he met old man Magnus.

--

Sengoku's office,

"Do you know where he's going?" Sengoku asked, sipping a tea.

"Who knows," Garp nonchalantly replied without care. "But what I know is, he's searching for the strength to beat Sakazuki.

The next time we meet, he won't be the same person we know."

"So, why do you want him in East Blue?" Sengoku asked.

"East Blue is peaceful, he will like it there."

But Sengoku didn't believe in his answer, "Are you planning on teaching him Haki secretly?"

"Of course not!" Garp replied, looking elsewhere.

--

For Advanced chapters, Check out my P.A.T.R.E.O.N page. I have '30 Plus' advance chapters there.

Patre on.com/FanficMortal