THE ABSOLUTE HAKI IS COMPLETED

In the dormitory, Carl was just about to change into his Marine uniform when a knock came at the door.

"Who?"

"Carl Ensign, I'm here on the order of Colonel Josh to ask you to come over!"

A Marine's voice came from outside.

"Huh? Ensign?" Carl opened the dormitory door in confusion.

Outside stood a bearded Marine, his eyes filled with fervor. The impact of Carl's battle with Kingsley had shaken the entire base. Even the most seasoned soldiers had never seen someone take down a pirate of Kingsley's caliber with such ease.

"Carl Ensign! Colonel Josh asked me to invite you over!"

"Wait," Carl stroked his forehead. "You just called me Ensign?"

"That's right. Colonel Josh personally appointed you as Ensign," the bearded Marine nodded. "Please report to the Colonel with me first."

"Tsk, I knew it. Reckless," Carl smacked his lips, "Alright, lead the way."

They walked straight to Colonel Josh's office. The bearded Marine knocked, received permission to enter, then stepped aside after delivering Carl.

"Carl Ensign, welcome." Colonel Josh sat at his desk, his sharp gaze locked onto Carl.

"Colonel," Carl said with a headache. "When exactly did you appoint me as an Ensign?"

"Just now. I'm sorry, Carl," Josh said, shaking his head regretfully. "I only have the authority to promote you to Ensign directly. Higher ranks require military achievements."

Carl's mouth twitched. "Well… lucky me."

Though unexpected, the rank of Ensign was still manageable. It wasn't high enough to get him transferred to the Grand Line, and as long as that old man Garp kept his promise and didn't expose his true strength, Carl could continue laying low in East Blue.

"Carl Ensign, this is your new uniform," Colonel Josh said, handing him a long, flowing Marine coat.

Carl took it, his eyes brightening slightly.

The justice cape.

A symbol of Marine officers, adorned with the kanji for Justice (正義) on the back. It was the same kind worn by figures like Vice Admiral Garp, Admiral Aokiji, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku. While it wasn't exclusive to high-ranking officers, it carried an undeniable presence.

"Now this," Carl smirked, "I can accept."

He draped the coat over his shoulders but let it hang loose like a cloak, just like Garp.

"By the way, Carl, you don't need to worry about military achievements." Josh's eyes gleamed with determination. "I've already decided—the pirate extermination missions will be handled by you from now on!"

Carl's smirk froze. "…Huh?"

"With your strength, you'll rise through the ranks in no time!"

Carl felt like he was turning to stone.

"Well, that's really not necessary…"

"Nonsense! It's my duty as base commander to support promising Marines like you!" Josh interrupted with a laugh.

"You're an Ensign now. That means you're qualified to lead a team against pirates!"

Josh wasn't wrong.

Ensign wasn't a low rank—it was the first officer-level position, above all enlisted Marines. It even carried the title Marine Colonel in some contexts. It granted authority over squads of up to a hundred men.

Carl sighed. "So, I'm stuck with this, huh?"

Well, it's not like he actually had to work. As long as he took his team out to sea and let them handle the dirty work, he could continue slacking off.

The Next Day

East Blue's vast sea stretched endlessly, calm yet carrying the occasional ripple. The sun was high, and seagulls cawed as they glided past.

A Marine warship sailed steadily across the waves.

On the deck, Carl lay stretched out on a lounge chair, basking in the peacefulness.

Being a Marine is great. No random pirates trying to kill me. No small-time nobodies challenging me for no reason.

Back when he traveled in a dinghy, every weakling with a bounty thought they could take him down. It was exhausting.

And to make things worse, he once made the mistake of visiting Windmill Village.

That was where he first encountered the legendary future Pirate King, Straw Hat Luffy.

But even worse than Luffy was his grandfather—Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp.

Carl had been forced into a sparring match with Garp.

If he hadn't mastered Advanced Armament Haki (流桜, Ryuo) at the time, he wouldn't have stood a chance. That fight made him realize something crucial—

In this world, who really ruled the seas?

Kaido? Big Mom? Whitebeard? Red-Haired Shanks?

No.

It was Marine Headquarters.

Forget the Admirals for a second. Just look at Garp. Look at Sengoku. Look at the former Fleet Admiral Kong.

Even if the Four Emperors were mighty, none of them could face the full force of the Marines alone.

So Carl, a man who just wanted a peaceful life, made the smart choice.

He became a Marine.

Just as he was lost in thought, a Marine officer approached with a transponder snail.

"Carl Ensign, Colonel Josh is calling for you."

Carl sighed, grabbing the snail.

"Hello?"

The snail mimicked Josh's stern face. "Carl, we have an emergency order."

Carl's eyebrow twitched. "Emergency?"

"A distress signal came in from Branch 153. You're the closest warship, so you're being sent for support."

Click!

Josh hung up before Carl could argue.

Carl rubbed his temples.

"Branch 153…"

His eyes suddenly widened.

Wait… isn't that where 'Axe-Hand' Morgan was stationed?!

Which means…

That's where Straw Hat Luffy is right now?!

Carl groaned.

He had zero interest in dealing with Luffy. Not because he was afraid, but because that kid was a walking disaster. Wherever Luffy went, chaos followed.

But…

Carl sighed.

Since he had joined the Marines, he had a duty to uphold.

He wouldn't betray his own moral code.

If an allied base was in danger, he had to respond.

"Change course! Destination: Branch 153!"

The Marine helmsman saluted. "Aye, sir!"

As the warship adjusted its course, Carl leaned against the railing, his eyes unreadable.

No matter how troublesome this "Future Pirate King" might be…

Carl had taken up the Marine's flag.

He would see this mission through.