One Piece: Curse of Immortality

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For someone like Captain Eveya, seeing this tall, muscular superior officer before she felt like a legendary figure had stepped into reality. 

Her young heart was truly shaken. 

From the very moment she received the command, Eveya had been in a daze, almost unable to believe that such a powerful, highly respected Marine Vice Admiral would come to a minor location like the West Blue. 

Compared to Arashi's capability, the role of G-18 Commander seemed undoubtedly beneath him. He had a much brighter future.

"Tell me about this place," Arashi said with a soft smile, looking down at the female officer before him. 

Eveya, who seemed slightly distracted, had an elegant appearance and attire that reminded Arashi of a certain future Marine officer named Tashigi, who would one day stand alongside Smoker.

"Yes, sir!" Eveya snapped out of her daze, blushing slightly as she noticed her superior's gaze. 

She turned and signalled to her colleagues to disperse before she swiftly followed her commanding officer as he walked toward the base's main buildings.

"G-18 has around thirteen thousand Marines," Eveya introduced steadily as she walked alongside him.

"There are thirty-five ships of various sizes docked here. The base itself is circular, built on a barren, small island, and is surrounded by fortified walls." 

"The structure includes a dining hall, training fields, entertainment areas, living quarters, an armoury, and more." 

"Towers stand tall at each cardinal point, making the base easily defensible."

Arashi took in her report, surveying the surroundings while his observation ability quickly spread, covering the entire base in an instant. 

As Eveya described, the base indeed had a circular structure, with most facilities to the west and the grand entrance to the east. 

Towers were positioned to guard the perimeter, and entry was only possible through the east gate, making it defensible against attack.

"Vice Admiral Johnny is nearing retirement, so before your arrival, I have been overseeing the base's operations," 

Eveya explained carefully, sensing the importance of her report. "So, it seems you're quite the capable administrator," Arashi replied with a smile.

"No, not at all," she replied quickly.

"From today forward, you'll be serving as my adjutant," Arashi announced, catching her off guard.

"What?" Eveya was stunned at first, but as she listened further, she understood.

"The rest of the responsibilities will be handled by Crocodile, Bullet, and Ivan. They'll manage well," he added. 

Eveya's heart skipped a beat. When she glanced back, she saw a few figures who had joined their group at some point.

"Their auras are all so intense!" she thought nervously. "Every one of Vice Admiral Arashi's companions is a monster!"

While they explored the base, Eveya continued her guidance, detailing each area. 

She noted that even Roux had donned a Marine uniform and was following at the rear of the group.

"The total Marine force across West Blue numbers around 280,000," Eveya continued. 

"These Marines are stationed across various islands, towns, kingdoms, and patrols, all under your command." 

"If a major incident occurs, the other bases will request assistance, and you'll decide whether to provide support."

"Two hundred eighty thousand?" Arashi paused, surprised by the number yet recognizing its necessity. 

The four seas occupy nearly a quarter of the world, and the Marines' ability to control this vast area stems from its countless personnel across these regions. 

While many of the West Blue Marines are rank-and-file soldiers lacking individual strength, their sheer numbers still hold a formidable presence. 

It was these ordinary individuals who formed the foundation of the World Government's authority.

"Having control over these two hundred eighty thousand men is tantamount to ruling over the entire West Blue,"

He thought, glancing back at Crocodile, Bullet, and the others. Each seemed visibly shaken by this impressive figure, their excitement barely concealed. 

He let out a small, amused sigh. Though they were Marines, it almost felt as though they were infiltrating the organization with ulterior motives. 

Yet the truth was not far off. From the day he overheard the conversation in the Fleet Admiral's office, Arashi had begun to strategize. 

His initial plan was to infiltrate the seas, gain regional military control, and gradually amass a loyal force that followed only his command.

When they had completed the tour, Arashi had a clear sense of his new fortress.

"Major Crocodile, from today, you're promoted to Lieutenant Commander and will lead the First Division," he ordered. 

"Bullet, you'll oversee the Second Division and serve as the base's chief instructor, responsible for training soldiers with outstanding potential." 

"Ivan will command the Third Division as Lieutenant Commander. T. Bone, the Fourth Division. Yagyu, the Fifth Division."

After distributing roles to the first five divisions, he paused and continued. "Slo, the Sixth Division. Kira, the Seventh Division." 

"Mina, the Eighth Division. As for the Ninth through Thirteenth Divisions, their current commanders remain." 

"Should any current officers have concerns, they are welcome to challenge my appointees." 

"If they win, they'll retain their position; otherwise, they will serve as assistants."

Hearing this, Eveya's expression shifted slightly. "Yes, Vice Admiral Arashi," she responded. 

"I'll pass on your orders." She sensed his decisive approach; his orders were absolute, leaving no room for dissent. 

His intent was crystal clear: to seize full control of G-18 with zero delay.

"I entrust this fortress to each of you," Arashi said calmly, turning to his officers. "I expect satisfactory results in the days to come."

"Don't worry!" Bullet grinned, baring his teeth. "I'll turn this base into the blade in your hand."

"No issues from me," Crocodile said, exhaling smoke.

"With all due respect, sir," T. Bone replied. Each subordinate made a firm promise, and Arashi nodded, dismissing them to their tasks. 

With Eveya's guidance, he then proceeded to his new quarters.

The living space was lavish, far more than his previous accommodations, almost bordering on extravagant. 

His new residence featured a large courtyard filled with trees, flowers, and a pond, an artistic display of luxury.

"The former commander, Vice Admiral Johnny, was quite fond of the good life," Eveya said with a slight smile.

Arashi nodded knowingly, amused at the old man's taste for indulgence as he approached retirement.

The large courtyard certainly has its advantages. Arashi took a look around and couldn't find a single flaw—everything appeared perfect. 

"Planting trees for future generations...guess I'm the lucky one," he murmured with a satisfied nod, waving Ivy away. 

Then, narrowing his gaze toward the distance, he smiled. "This is the beginning of something new."

Serving as a commanding officer was indeed more relaxing than before. 

Other than the occasional office work to sort through papers, Arashi had little to worry about. 

When he didn't feel like dealing with tasks, he could simply hand them over to his adjutant. 

From the next day on, Crocodile, Bullet, and the others launched into their plans, and, unsurprisingly, the eight of them didn't make their way up without a few fights. 

This promotion battle drew in most of the Marines on base, leaving everyone in awe.

"A Logia user? My god, a monster like that joining our division?"

"Sand Crocodile? With the potential to become an admiral, why is he just a lieutenant commander?"

"And that guy Bullet—I heard he was once part of Roger's crew! He's practically a beast!"

"Every one of Arashi's subordinates is a powerhouse, except maybe those two young trainees."

"Is that Marine Rokushiki?!"

"They're so elite, it's like they've come to dominate us."

The Marines were filled with admiration, and those stationed here, who'd never seen such power before, couldn't stop talking. 

From a high vantage point, Arashi watched calmly, standing alongside Ivy, whose face was full of surprise at the strength of his unit. 

Buggy and Smoker leaned on the railing beside them, filled with envy as they looked down at the others.

"I'm going to get as strong as them one day," Smoker muttered under his breath.

"Same here! No way I'm losing to you, white-haired brat," Buggy declared.

"Hah, red-nosed fool, you're always slacking off on training! Sure, you're older, but it won't be long before I surpass you." Smoker sneered.

"Never happening! I'm the great Buggy!" Buggy huffed, though he felt the pressure. 

It was one thing for Shanks to surpass him on Roger's ship, but getting outdone by this white-haired kid was unacceptable.

Just then, a large shadow loomed over them. "You two need to work harder," Arashi said, resting his hands on their heads with a smile. "Especially you, Buggy—you're older and even ate a Devil Fruit."

"You know," he continued, "the Chop-Chop Fruit is powerful, comparable even to Whitebeard's Tremor-Tremor Fruit."

"What? My Chop-Chop Fruit… as strong as Whitebeard's? But... I don't feel that power at all." Buggy was startled, a mixture of awe and doubt in his eyes.

Arashi noticed his confusion and added, "A Devil Fruit can be taken to a higher level called 'Awakening.' 

When a user reaches this level, they gain the power to affect objects outside their body."

"That's what made Whitebeard the strongest man in the world." 

Pressing down on Buggy's Marine cap, Arashi continued, "As for you, Buggy… with an awakened Chop-Chop Fruit, you'd have the power to shatter the world."

Buggy trembled as if struck by lightning. "The power… to shatter the world?" 

At that moment, a seed was planted in his heart, while Smoker clenched his fists beside him, secretly making his resolution.

Life as a commander was both peaceful and comfortable. 

A month passed in the fortress, and Bullet, who had become the base's chief instructor, quickly increased the soldiers' training load. 

He established a selection system, handpicking the top thousand soldiers every so often for even tougher, specialized training. 

The elite among them were offered the opportunity to learn Marine Rokushiki, giving them a chance to become stronger. 

This was an enormous incentive, and the Marines at the base threw themselves into training with fervour.

However, Arashi soon encountered a problem.

"As the soldiers' training intensifies, the base's demand for food and resources also increases, leading to higher costs," Ivy sighed.

"Running low on funds, are we?" Arashi murmured. Training an army demanded a substantial investment. 

High-intensity training came with a massive need for food and medical resources.

"I'll submit a request to Marine HQ," he decided. After all, the HQ supported the divisions, and the World Government supported the Marines as a whole. 

As powerful as the Marine structure was, without supplies, it would collapse.

Still, Bullet's training program was already paying off. After just a month, the soldiers under Arashi's command showed noticeable improvement in strength.

One afternoon, after a moment's hesitation, Arashi pressed the button on his Transponder Snail. "Brr-brr-brr!" The line rang for a while before connecting.

"You got some time to spare, kid?" Garp's chuckling voice came through.

"I heard you went back to the East Blue for some 'rest,'" Arashi replied, smiling.

"Rest? Ha! If this is what they call resting, I'd rather stay at HQ! Ever since Roger's death, things have only gotten busier!"

Hearing Garp's familiar voice, Arashi couldn't help but laugh.

"Meanwhile, you're kicking back on a nice cushy assignment, huh?" Garp said.

"It's pretty relaxed here," Arashi admitted.

"Good, because once you settle in, that fortress is probably going to be your permanent post," Garp chuckled.

"I don't mind," Arashi replied with a faint smile.

"Glad to hear it, as long as you're content with your choice." Garp laughed again, then grew serious. "Rouge is with you, right?"

Before Arashi could reply, the line went dead; Garp had hung up. Arashi blinked, then chuckled. 

Only Garp would be so blunt. And he was one of the few who truly cared about Arashi.

After a moment's thought, Arashi stood and stretched. "Guess it's about time I visit Ohara."

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