THE ABSOLUTE HAKI IS COMPLETED

The Marine soldiers at the port finally reacted.

Monka's axe-wielding arm had been severed, leaving him powerless to resist. Amidst his screams, the soldiers swiftly subdued him. This time, there was no escape.

After all, Senbonzakura had sliced through his right hand, rendering him completely helpless.

Standing at the bow of the warship, Carl silently muttered, "Close."

The pink sakura petals scattered across the air dissipated like fleeting illusions, reforming into the pristine blade of his Zanpakutō.

So it consumes physical strength… Carl clenched his fists, mulling over the sensation. It's similar to Golden Experience Requiem.

That meant all the powers granted by the system likely functioned under the same principle—consuming stamina.

For Carl, that was actually good news.

After training in this world for over a decade, his greatest strength wasn't just Haki—it was his sheer physical endurance. His body had been tempered beyond normal human limits, rivaling the monstrous durability common in One Piece.

After all, in this world, the strongest battles often became wars of attrition.

Akainu and Aokiji's duel at Punk Hazard lasted ten days and ten nights—an insane clash between two Marine powerhouses.

And Carl?

A pure physical combatant, unaided by any Devil Fruit, had honed his body to an absurd degree.

His mastery of Armament Haki—especially his unique Madara-style hardening—was proof of his training.

Inside the 153rd Branch

"Carl Ensign! We cannot thank you enough!"

Lieutenant Colonel Lipa saluted with deep gratitude.

"The Monka incident is a disgrace to our branch, and yet it was only thanks to your efforts that we were able to resolve it."

One of the soldiers had already informed him of what happened at the port.

"Don't worry about it," Carl responded nonchalantly. "It's part of my duty."

Lieutenant Colonel Lipa, despite outranking him, showed an impressive level of humility—something Carl appreciated.

"In that case, please join us for dinner." Lipa didn't push the issue further and instead extended a warm invitation.

The meal was abundant, filled with fine food and drinks.

The Next Day – At the Port

"Carl Ensign, you're leaving already?"

Standing beneath the warship, Lipa looked reluctant.

"Are you sure? We haven't properly thanked you yet."

"No need," Carl waved a hand dismissively. "Besides, you've already resupplied our ship."

He had no desire to linger.

Especially since Vice Admiral Garp was supposed to arrive soon to handle Monka.

The last thing Carl needed was another run-in with that monster.

East Blue – Open Seas

A Marine warship drifted lazily across the tranquil ocean.

Carl reclined on a deck chair, enjoying the salty breeze.

Days had passed with nothing but peaceful sailing.

The generosity of the 153rd Branch had left them stocked with ample supplies, allowing them to roam aimlessly.

Suddenly—

"Report!"

Roy came running, holding a Den Den Mushi.

"What now?" Carl asked, not bothering to open his eyes.

"It's Colonel Josh, sir!"

Carl groaned. "Another call?"

He took the receiver.

"Hello? Colonel Josh?"

"Carl, listen carefully! This is important!"

The urgency in Josh's voice made Carl frown. "What is it?"

"It's Krieg! The Krieg Pirates have returned from the Grand Line!"

Josh spoke hurriedly.

"They were last sighted in your patrol area! Be on high alert!"

"Krieg…"

Carl furrowed his brow.

The name was vaguely familiar. He had trouble recalling much about minor characters, but… it definitely rang a bell.

After ending the call, Carl turned to Roy.

"Roy, who's Krieg again?"

Roy's expression turned grim.

"Carl Ensign… you're talking about Don Krieg, the so-called 'Overlord of East Blue'?"

"Probably," Carl replied, rubbing his chin. "Tell me more."

Roy swallowed before answering.

"Krieg is the most infamous pirate in East Blue," he said seriously.

"He has a personal bounty of 17 million Berries and commands a fleet of over 5,000 men and 50 ships."

"…Mmm." Carl's lips curled into a smirk.

"'Big Pirate,' huh?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.

A bounty of 17 million? Even some weaklings in Paradise had higher rewards.

Not worth worrying about.

The only real threats in this world were the New World monsters.

"Keep sailing," Carl instructed lazily. "Ignore it."

"Yes, sir!"

Roy saluted and returned to his post.

Carl exhaled and took a sip of juice.

This is the life.

Being a Marine was infinitely better than his past.

Gone were the days of training in solitude on a remote island, waiting for a chance to set sail.

Now, he had a fully equipped warship, an obedient crew, and the authority to do whatever he pleased.

No more petty pirates harassing him like mosquitoes.

Lying back, he closed his eyes in satisfaction.

BOOM!

Carl's eyes snapped open.

He teleported to the bow of the ship in an instant.

In the distance—

A massive pirate ship was speeding through the waves.

Artillery fire exploded behind it, as if it were firing randomly to bolster its own morale.

Carl's expression turned strange.

Don't tell me… that's Krieg's ship?

Aboard the Pirate Ship

"Boss! We've spotted a Marine warship!"

A disheveled pirate hurriedly reported to the massive figure slumped in the captain's chair.

"…Marine?"

Don Krieg groaned, lifting his head.

His once-pristine golden armor was tattered.

His entire crew looked emaciated, as if they hadn't eaten in days.

"We have no strength to fight them," Krieg muttered weakly.

"Leave them alone. Keep sailing."

"Yes, boss!"

The pirate rushed off.

On the Marine Warship

Carl folded his arms, watching the battered vessel sail past.

The Dreadnought Sabre—Krieg's flagship—was barely holding together.

It was clear they had been utterly devastated in the Grand Line.

Carl could tell at a glance—this wasn't a fearsome fleet returning to conquer East Blue.

It was a group of broken men, fleeing for their lives.

They weren't even heading toward his warship.

He simply… didn't care enough to pursue them.

"Carl Ensign, aren't we going after them?" Roy asked hesitantly.

"No need." Carl smirked, narrowing his eyes toward the horizon.

"The real show is just beginning."

"The real show?" Roy looked confused.

Carl said nothing.

His gaze remained fixed in the direction the pirate ship had come from.