Chapter 148 - Alabasta 17.

[Chapter Size: 2100 Words.]

Third Person POV

Alabasta, First Half of Grandline.

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In a corner of the sea, at Marine Headquarters, a tranquil atmosphere fills the air in the highest room of the imposing marine structure. Sengoku, the venerable commander of the Navy, is in his office when the shrill sound of a Den Den Mushi interrupts the silence. He answers, his expression already prepared for important news, as this line was first, filtered through other marines so that only the most important news would pass directly to him. However, nothing could have prepared him for what he is about to hear.

On the other end of the line, a marine with a trembling voice reports: "Sengoku-san, we have urgent news from Alabasta. Vice Admiral Momonga... he has been captured by the Straw Hats. Crocodile has also been captured by them, we engaged in conflict with the pirate crew, but we were completely defeated, even Vice Admiral with Crocodile against Luffy, they were defeated by the pirate captain alone!"

For a moment, silence reigns in the office. Sengoku, known for his control and composure, cannot believe what he has just heard. His normally calm face is now a mix of disbelief and irritation. "What did you say?!" he explodes, his voice rising in frustration. "Momonga, captured by pirates? And Crocodile too? That is inconceivable!"

The marine on the other end of the line continues, explaining the details they received, how Luffy and his crew managed to overcome both the Shichibukai and the vice admiral, a feat few could imagine being possible.

Sengoku rises from his chair, his mind racing with the implications of this news. "This is a disaster," he mutters to himself. "Not only has one of our vice admirals been captured, but this means that the Straw Hats have become an even greater threat than we anticipated. Using haki and all the members who fought using the six styles?!"

With a firm determination in his eyes, Sengoku begins to issue orders. "Mobilize the forces immediately in Alabasta, Smoker must be in the country too. We need to rescue Momonga and deal with the Straw Hats before they cause more havoc."

"Yes, Fleet Admiral!" The marine on the other side of the line responded.

As the call ends, Sengoku sits back down, pondering the next steps. The capture of Momonga by the Straw Hats is not just a significant blow to the Navy, but an alarming sign of the growing power and audacity of the pirates under the command of Monkey D. Luffy.

Sengoku looks at the only person in his room and frowns. "GARP! YOUR GRANDSON CAPTURED A VICE ADMIRAL AND A SHICHIBUKAI! YOUR FAMILY IS CAUSING TROUBLE AGAIN!"

Garp, in contrast to Sengoku's irritation, is sitting on the other side of the room, an almost paternal expression of pride on his face. Upon hearing the news, he explodes into a booming laugh, echoing through the walls of the office. "Buahahahahaha! That's right, Luffy! Show them what the Monkeys are made of!"

Sengoku looks at Garp with a mix of disbelief and irritation. "Garp, this is no reason to celebrate! Your family is turning the world upside down! Your grandson is a wanted pirate, and now he's capturing important figures of the Navy! How can you be so unconcerned?!"

Garp, still smiling, shrugs, clearly not sharing Sengoku's concern. "Ah, Sengoku, you know how it is. The young will be young. Luffy is just following his path, just as I followed mine, although I tried everything so that he could follow the same path as his sister. But you have to admit, capturing a vice admiral and a Shichibukai is not something just anyone can do! I'd say the boy has a bright future ahead."

Sengoku, clearly frustrated with Garp's laid-back attitude, shakes his head in disgust. "You are one of the heroes of the Navy, Garp. You should be concerned about the impact your grandson is causing. His actions are no joke. They have real consequences and are putting the Navy in a difficult position."

Garp laughs again, standing up and walking towards the door. "Ah, Sengoku, always so serious. I trust Luffy. He has a good heart. And as for the consequences, well, I think the Navy can handle a little upheaval." With a nod of his head and a smile, Garp leaves the room, leaving Sengoku alone with his thoughts and concerns.

Sengoku, still feeling the weight of the situation and the urgency to act swiftly, recognizes that he needs a firm and effective response to deal with the capture of Momonga and Crocodile by the Straw Hats. With a heavy sigh, he stands up, knowing that immediate actions are necessary not only to rescue the captured but also to maintain the authority and respect of the Navy.

"We cannot leave this unanswered. We need to send someone trustworthy and powerful enough to handle the Straw Hats and bring back Momonga and Crocodile," he murmurs to himself.

Sengoku picks up another Den Den Mushi and dials a specific number. The Den Den Mushi rings a few times before a familiar and calm voice answers from the other side.

"Hello?" A lazy voice comes from the other side.

"Kuzan," Sengoku begins, his voice carrying a grave tone of authority mixed with concern. "We have a situation. Momonga and Crocodile have been captured by the Straw Hats. We need you to go to the beginning of the Grand Line and bring the two back. I'll send all the data by fax."

On the other side of the line, Kuzan responds with a calm that almost seems misplaced given the gravity of the situation. "Understood, Sengoku. I will handle it."

Sengoku nods, even knowing Kuzan can't see him. "Your skill will be crucial. We know the potential of Luffy and his crew. Be prepared for anything."

Kuzan, in his typically succinct response, simply says, "Understood," before the call ends.

Kuzan receives the papers on his side, given by the marines who fought against the group in Rainbase, which included photos of all the crew members, and one catches his attention, Nico Robin. The child he spared almost 20 years ago as a favor to an old friend in Ohara.

"Well, well, you're with them then..." He says calmly.

On Sengoku's side, now a bit more relieved to have one of his best on the case, he sits down again, but his mind continues to work frantically. Sending Kuzan is a significant move, and the consequences of this decision may reverberate throughout the world. However, he knows it is a necessary action to maintain the order and justice that the Navy strives to uphold.

Sengoku feels a growing frustration bubbling within him, a feeling uncommon for a man of his position and experience. He is accustomed to dealing with crises and threats, but the current situation seems to be unfolding on a scale and speed that even he did not anticipate. He paces back and forth in his office, his mind working at a rapid pace.

"First, we have two Yonko commanders sailing in Paradise. Ace from Whitebeard and Jack from Kaido," he murmurs to himself. "As if that weren't enough, now we're dealing with a rookie... but he's not an ordinary rookie. Garp's grandson has considerable strength and an impressively competent crew. This is becoming a worrying pattern. The worst part is that they have somehow gotten their hands on techniques taught to the elite of the navy, now they're even learning Haki on this side of the sea..."

Sengoku pauses for a moment, looking at the large world map hanging on the wall of his office. He observes the marked territories, the known routes of pirates, and the positions of the Marine bases.

"This isn't just about Luffy or the Straw Hats," he thinks aloud. "It's a reflection of the state of the world now. Powerful pirates are emerging everywhere, challenging the balance of power we've maintained. A new era is dawning, and it's bringing with it a wave of changes that we cannot ignore."

"We need to rein in this era of pirates, we need to do something grand, to show the world that even the most powerful cannot handle the justice of the Navy, we need to show our power to the world!" With these thoughts in mind, Sengoku begins to devise numerous plans, gathering his resources and intelligence. He is determined to create something to ensure that justice prevails in Alabasta.

Aboard the Black Pearl, the atmosphere is one of preparation and anticipation, with the Straw Hats training every day and every moment they can. Luffy, with his role as captain always in mind, is thinking not just about the next battle, but also about how to strengthen his crew. He knows that each member has a crucial role to play, and ensuring that everyone is at their best is essential for the group's success.

"Hugo! Come with me outside!" In the midst of his thoughts, Luffy calls Hugo, one of the most robust members of his crew in the middle of training. Hugo approaches, curious about what his captain might want to discuss.

"Hugo," Luffy smiles, his expression full of confidence. "You have been doing very well, and I know you have been working hard training and fighting, but I think you can benefit from something more... specific. I thought of something that can increase your abilities and give you an extra edge."

Hugo tilts his head, curious and slightly anxious. "I'm listening, Captain. What do you suggest?"

Luffy, with a confident smile, pulls something out of his pocket. It's a strange fruit, with spiral patterns and what looks like a monster's face on it and an exotic coloring that resembles rocks. Hugo looks at it, curious about what it could be.

"Captain, is that the fruit I found?" Hugo asks, looking at the fruit with interest.

"That," Luffy begins, "and it's not just any. It's the Eikon Eikon no Mi: Titan, as I mentioned before. You found it, and it wasn't by chance. Zoan has its own will, and it chose you. It's time for you to have what already belongs to you." Luffy declares.

Hugo looks at the fruit, surprised and a little hesitant. "It chose me?"

"Yes, let me explain its power." Luffy begins, tossing the fruit from one hand to the other, considering how to explain. "It will give you the ability to transform into a titan. Think of it as immense strength and enormous power. It's a rare and powerful fruit that only I and Nami have at this moment; I control the flames of chaos, Nami the wind, and your fruit will control the earth."

Hugo falls silent, absorbing the gravity of the decision before him. Eating a Devil Fruit is a lifelong commitment. He would lose his ability to swim, a significant disadvantage at sea, but in return, he would gain incredible powers.

"Captain, are you sure about this? It's a big change. What if it's too much for me to control, and I can't use this power to its full strength? I remember how Nami lost control of her fruit, and it caused great chaos in Cocoyasi." Hugo feared hurting people with this power out of control.

Luffy smiles, his confidence unshakable. "I wouldn't have offered it if I didn't believe in you, Hugo. You are strong, and with this fruit, you will become even stronger. And you won't be alone. All of us will be here to help you control and understand your new powers. Even if you lose control, I will help you as I helped Nami back then."

"By giving me a beating, captain?" Hugo joked, recalling how Luffy dealt with Garuda based on punches.

"You might say that." Luffy didn't lie, if he had to beat down Titan, he would do it.

Hugo looks at the fruit, then at Luffy. He sees in them not just companions, but a new family. With a deep breath, he makes his decision. "Alright, Captain. I trust you. I'll eat the Eikon Eikon no Mi: Titan."

With determination, Hugo takes the fruit as Luffy tosses it to him, and with a resolute movement, he bites. The taste is terrible, but the potential power he feels growing within him is undeniable. With the Eikon Eikon no Mi: Titan now part of Hugo, the Straw Hats have just gained a new power in their ranks, and it's colossal!

"I can feel it, captain, I'm getting much stronger!" He exclaims with euphoria.

"That's good..." Luffy said, observing Hugo's status at that moment growing.

Luffy smiles, satisfied and proud. "Welcome to your new strength, Hugo. Now, we are strongest"

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