UTBW: Ch. 34

As the transfer order was written, the once-promising future of Tokikake instantly collapsed halfway.

Elite personnel from headquarters were typically only sent out when they reached the rank of Rear Admiral. This was because ranks at headquarters were considered one level higher than those in branch divisions, so a Rear Admiral at headquarters was equivalent to a Vice Admiral in a branch.

However, this hierarchy was an unspoken understanding. Officially, it didn't exist.

So through external transfers, a Rear Admiral from headquarters could be "reasonably" promoted to Vice Admiral. Then, after a few years, when they were transferred back to headquarters, it was only natural for them to return as a Vice Admiral there.

But right now, Tokikake was only a Commodore at headquarters. Once transferred, he'd just be a Rear Admiral at a branch, which was significantly behind his peers.

One step behind, every step behind.

From now on, it would take him at least another ten years to have any chance of becoming a Vice Admiral at headquarters.

"This is your own doing." Sengoku shook his head, his face full of regret.

Tokikake couldn't possibly protect a 15-year-old master swordsman. And on top of that, it was him who provoked the situation.

So the only option was to send him away. This was already showing him some consideration.

That sharp, sword-like force just now… was that Conqueror's Haki? Sengoku furrowed his brows, recalling the feeling from earlier.

His Observation Haki had picked up a sharp aura bursting from Junichi. Then Tokikake was struck and weakened immediately.

No… it didn't feel like Conqueror's Haki. But it wasn't a conventional slash either. It felt more like a direct attack on the mind?

He fell into thought.

He himself had Conqueror's Haki and knew its effects well, it was a spiritual intimidation. But Junichi's attack just now felt more like a spiritual blade strike.

There was a clear difference between the two.

A Devil Fruit? Or some special ability? He didn't overthink it but mentally noted it.

He wasn't the type to pry into others' secrets unnecessarily.

---

At the docks, Tokikake was holding his eye, being supported toward the medical unit.

"Come with me," Gion sheathed her blade and said to Junichi, "You heard it too, the Fleet Admiral wants to see you."

"Alright." Junichi gave a slight nod.

With Gion leading the way, he headed toward the core of Marineford. Seeing this, the others secretly sighed in relief. This young Swordsman was seriously dangerous, he took Tokikake down with just a stare.

Though it was provoked, they couldn't help but feel that Junichi was hard to get along with.

For a while, their eyes were filled with caution.

---

Junichi didn't pay attention to their attitudes.

He didn't join the Marine to play politics or make friends. He was there to become stronger.

"The top floor is the Fleet Admiral's office."

Gion brought Junichi into the elevator, heading straight to the top.

As they stepped out,
she went directly to the office door and knocked.

Knock knock—

"Fleet Admiral, I've brought him."

"Come in," Sengoku's voice came from inside.

Junichi raised his eyebrows slightly. In his Observation Haki, the office appeared completely empty, as if no one was there.

Clearly, Sengoku was very skilled at concealing his power and presence.

"Excuse us." With the response, Gion opened the door.

Junichi followed her inside.

Looking up, he saw a burly man wearing glasses, with a braided goatee hanging from his chin, rising from his chair.

"Gion, wait outside for a moment," Sengoku said.

"Yes." At his words, Gion left the office and closed the door behind her.

"Welcome to the Marine family. Let's put aside the unpleasantness just now. I've already issued transfer orders for Tokikake, he's being sent to a branch in the Four Blues," Sengoku said slowly.

After a pause, he added, "By the way, he is the one you injured earlier."

"Is that so?" Junichi was inwardly surprised, he didn't expect Sengoku to act so quickly, and so decisively. Sengoku was almost openly taking his side.

Although he understood Sengoku's character, as Fleet Admiral, he would always prioritize the Marine's interests over personal feelings. Just like his hesitation during Ace's execution.

"That's right, so you don't need to worry about any trouble coming from this," Sengoku nodded, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. As he spoke, he had been carefully observing Junichi.

He is a Great Swordsman! Sengoku marveled inwardly.

"Thank you," Junichi replied politely, accepting the gesture.

"Now that the side issue is settled, let's get to the main business," Sengoku's expression turned serious. "Reizo praised you highly in his letter to me. I was skeptical at first. But now that I've seen you in person, I believe it, and I think he may have even understated it."

He adjusted his glasses, a smile appearing on his face.

"So, I don't intend to put you through the regular new recruit process. Instead, I'm placing you directly into this session's Elite Training Camp. I'm sure you've heard of it. Top graduates from the program start off as Commodore at headquarters, their futures are limitless."

As he spoke, he took out a prepared document and handed it to Junichi, who reached out and took it.

A glance confirmed, it was the official paperwork for joining the Elite Training Camp.

"You can take a day to rest and explore Marineford," Sengoku said. "Tomorrow, I'll have someone escort you to the camp."

"Understood," Junichi agreed smoothly.

"That's settled then," Sengoku smiled, stepping forward and patting Junichi on the shoulder. "I look forward to your performance in training."

"I won't let you down, Fleet Admiral Sengoku," Junichi replied with a smile.

He had now officially taken on the role of a Marine soldier, graciously accepting mentorship and recognition from his superior.

"Oh, almost forgot," Sengoku added suddenly. "That move you used on Tokikake just now, don't use it on your comrades again. It's too dangerous."

"Got it," Junichi agreed naturally.

Tokikake had been an exception. That guy's sudden malice had triggered his nerves.

With others, he wouldn't respond so harshly.

"That's all then. On your way out, ask Gion to come in," Sengoku said with a smile.

"Take care." Junichi stood politely, document in hand, and left the office.

---

Outside, Gion was sitting in a nearby break area, sipping a drink. Seeing Junichi come out so quickly, she was a little surprised.

"The Fleet Admiral wants to see you." Junichi gestured behind him with a thumb toward the office, then turned and walked off.

Gion was momentarily thrown off. He didn't even let his gaze linger on her for a second?

Was this guy really a boy? Maybe gay? Or… was her charm ineffective on minors?

"..."

Feeling inexplicably annoyed, she entered the office with a blank expression.

"Gion, what's with the sour face?" Sengoku glanced at her, surprised.

"I…"

Only then did she realize something was off. She quickly composed herself, returning to her usual calm, gentle smile. "Apologies. Do you have any orders, Fleet Admiral?"

"Yes. I don't want things to stay tense between the trainees," Sengoku said, looking at her seriously. "You've got great social skills. I'd like you to take the lead in getting along with Junichi. Do your best to help erase any negative effects from the incident."

With that, he also filled her in on how Tokikake had been dealt with.

Hearing that, Gion's eyes narrowed slightly.