Chapter 35: Just Turned Eighteen~

The dog-headed warship was still docked in the harbor. A large number of Marines were assisting the island's residents with basic reconstruction work and tending to the wounded.

But that was about all the Marines could do. As a military force, they were used to fighting—not rebuilding. Besides, this island wasn't even under the jurisdiction of the World Government.

Inside the cabin, Garp was holding a Den Den Mushi, chatting with Chief Staff Officer Tsuru.

"Yeah, Benn Ortoren. Don't know if that's his real name or an alias—I got it from the innkeeper where he was staying. As for his age, he looks about twenty-three or twenty-four, hard to say. Stands at 3.24 meters tall. Hmm… he's a Goro Goro no Mi user, quite rare. Anyway, look into him as soon as you can and see what we're dealing with," Garp said casually, chuckling.

"Got it, got it. Though I already know the answer, I'll ask anyway—what about Roger?" Tsuru asked on the other end.

"If you already know, don't ask! Let me keep a shred of dignity, won't you? Isn't that part of being a lady, Tsuru-chan?" Garp said with a laugh.

"With someone as rough as you, why bother talking about dignity?" Tsuru shot back, then added, "The Fleet Admiral and the top brass have finished their meeting. The operation plan for the New World has been finalized, and Sengoku's in charge. If you've got nothing else to do, stop lingering in the New World and come back."

"Already? That fast? So what's the plan?" Garp asked with interest.

"To fully secure the sea zone at the gateway to the New World and solidify our hold there—further shrinking the pirates' territory. After that, let them wear each other down with infighting," Tsuru explained.

The so-called "gateway to the New World" referred to a stretch of sea extending from the Red Line and Mary Geoise toward the New World. The Marines had always called it the "gateway zone," as it served as the entrance to the Holy Land.

Originally, this region had been firmly under Marine and World Government control. But during the Rocks era, the Navy lost part of its hold. Later, during the age of Shiki, in a bid to elevate his status among pirates, he invaded the area even further, seizing islands and pushing the Marines back significantly.

Before the Battle of Edd War, the Navy had already been planning a counteroffensive to reclaim the gateway zone—but that wasn't necessary anymore. Shiki had dug his own grave, and there was no need for a full-scale war.

"How lacking in ambition. Shouldn't we take this chance to beat down the scum in the New World?" Garp joked offhandedly.

"Sengoku's analysis is that easing the pressure will keep them fighting among themselves. But if we push too hard, it'll force them to set aside their differences and unite against us," Tsuru responded.

After a brief pause, she added, "Besides, you know we're short on manpower and fighting strength."

"Bwahahaha! Which brings me to the promising kid I just picked up! If we can get him to join the Marines and train him right, he could one day rival Sakazuki, Kuzan, or Borsalino!" Garp said with a laugh, clearly pleased.

"We'll have to see if he's really got what it takes," Tsuru said pointedly, then continued, "I'll start looking into it. You get back here soon."

"Yeah, yeah, I got it," Garp replied, then hung up the Den Den Mushi.

He sat back down at his desk and studied the strategic sea chart of the New World. It was covered in markings—up-to-date intel, speculation about possible pirate movements based on gathered information, and the Marines' own plans and deployments.

After moving a few strategic pieces and simulating the current situation, Garp rubbed his chin and muttered, "Big Mom and Kaidou, huh? If we just sit back and do nothing, those two might end up as the biggest winners on the pirates' side… Looking at it now, with Shiki out of the picture, are the top pirate forces in the New World going to be split between the Big Mom Pirates, the Beasts Pirates, and the Whitebeard Pirates?"

He slid a few more pieces across the board and continued to ponder. "From the current outlook, the Whitebeard Pirates still have the overwhelming edge. Charlotte Linlin comes next, and Kaidou's the weakest of the three…"

Just as Garp was mulling this over, the door swung open. A Marine wearing a hat stepped inside—it was none other than Garp's adjutant, Bogard.

Bogard was a formidable fighter. He'd once fought alongside Garp in the legendary battle at God Valley, where he held his own among a field of elite warriors and came out alive. In short, he had the strength to compete at the highest level.

By all rights, with his strength and experience, he should've been a Vice Admiral by now. But whether due to Garp's influence or his own outlook, Bogard kept a low profile in the Marines. Many younger officers weren't even aware of how strong he really was.

He also showed little interest in climbing the ranks. For years, he remained a Commodore by choice, staying by Garp's side and repeatedly turning down promotion orders.

Because the two knew each other so well, there was no need for formalities. As soon as Bogard entered, he went straight to the point.

"The guy you brought back—the ship's doctor says he's waking up."

"Is that so?" Garp tossed his chess piece onto the table, stood up, and headed toward the door. "How's he doing?"

"Nothing serious. Just some superficial wounds on his arm. The doctor says his body's incredibly tough—he'll recover fast. If I hadn't used Armament Haki to help, they wouldn't have been able to get a needle into his skin. He's just a little drained mentally, but that's normal with a Conqueror's Haki awakening," Bogard replied calmly.

At the door, Garp picked up the warhammer lying on the ground.

"You try lifting this thing yet?" he asked.

Bogard glanced at the weapon and shook his head. "No."

"It's ridiculously heavy—like lifting a damn warship. I wasn't paying attention earlier, just grabbed it, and nearly pulled my back trying to lift it!" Garp grumbled.

Bogard, of course, didn't believe a word. He knew full well Garp was a monster when it came to strength.

Then again, most pure physical fighters skilled in Haki were all ridiculously strong. After all, if you didn't even have the power to hit someone properly, how could you call yourself a martial arts master?

Soon, Garp and Bogard arrived at the medical ward. Garp pushed the door open and found Ortoren sitting up in bed, chatting with the ship's doctor.

The moment Ortoren saw the warhammer in Garp's hand, his tense expression eased noticeably. It was clear he'd been worried about losing his weapon.

After a few quick follow-ups, the ship's doctor turned to Garp.

"Vice Admiral Garp, he's fine now. Just needs a couple days of good rest to fully recover his energy."

With that, the doctor left. Garp plopped himself into a chair across from Ortoren and grinned.

"Kid, what's your name?"

"Benn Ortoren," Ortoren replied, glancing at Garp.

He had thought about this before—if he wanted to join the Marines, having a high-ranking officer vouch for him would solve most of the problems, including any issues with his identity or background.

But back then, it had all been wishful thinking. Who was he to even dream of meeting someone that high up?

People of Garp's or Sengoku's level were shrouded in secrecy. Only officers with high clearance or those involved in their missions had any idea where they were.

There was no way Ortoren could casually track one down—unless they happened to be on leave, in which case their names might pop up in the papers or something.

He'd even considered heading to Foosha Village in East Blue to try and spot Garp once, but never imagined he'd actually run into him here on Liqueur Island!

If Garp was willing to lend him a hand, then joining the Marines wouldn't be a problem anymore!

"Ortoren, huh? That's a good name. How old are you?" Garp asked with a friendly smile.

"Eighteen. Almost nineteen," Ortoren replied honestly.

Garp blinked, then his grin widened in surprise. "You're only eighteen? I thought you were twenty-three or twenty-four!"

Eighteen—that meant he was still young. Which also meant his potential was even more impressive. And someone that young would be far more open to embracing the Marines' beliefs and ideals. Definitely worth training.

Never underestimate a five- or six-year age gap. At that stage of life, the experiences and challenges one faced could shape their entire future, personality, and ambition.