One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

"So, you said you were heading to Wano, but halfway there, you ended up fighting that monster and then ran back?"

In the Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku's temple throbbed incessantly. He pressed his knuckles against it, massaging fiercely before lifting his gaze to the slumped figure of Wright on the sofa.

"What do you mean, ran back? That was a 'tactical retreat in the name of justice!' It's a master-level skill!"

Wright drawled lazily—what, did they think anyone else could escape from a monster like Kaido?

Sengoku felt his temple throb again. Taking a deep gulp of tea, he exhaled sharply.

"I didn't expect you to hold your ground against a monster like Kaido to that extent! The G-5 branch's report hasn't come in yet, but based on your description, Nucas Island is pretty much destroyed."

"Ah, probably. So, I guess Kaido's territory shrank a bit?" Wright chuckled mischievously.

"Idiot! Nucas Island is a supply point the Marines frequently use near the border of Kaido's territory!"

Sengoku scolded, "Technically, it's our territory that just got smaller!"

"Oh…"

"Well, considering you fought Kaido to a standstill and still made it back in one piece to spout nonsense, I suppose you're fine."

Sengoku adjusted his glasses. "You're still planning to go to Wano? You realize Kaido is probably in a full-blown rage right now. If you run into him there, it'll be a massive headache!"

"If that happens, I'll just pull off another tactical retreat," Wright said nonchalantly. "I have to go to Wano. Rosinante doesn't have my 'disguise' abilities. He can only work undercover there with a stable identity.

"And I happen to have the means to establish such an identity for him ahead of time, making it easier for him to integrate.

"I haven't reported to Rosinante yet. I plan to head straight to Wano after a brief rest."

Wright squinted his eyes. "I refuse to believe I'll run into Kaido again by sheer coincidence! The only reason I fought him last time was because I intercepted a distress signal—just a few seconds later, and I would've missed the encounter!"

"This time, you saved G-5's Squad 04 from Kaido. They were really lucky."

Sengoku sighed. "To have you nearby by chance—those guys clearly weren't meant to die yet."

"Heh! Speaking of which, G-5's discipline needs a serious overhaul!"

Wright straightened up, gulped down a cup of tea, and refilled it as he grumbled, "Those guys can't even send a proper distress signal. I had to pull information out of them one question at a time!"

"They're tough against ordinary pirates, but when faced with someone like Kaido, they're utterly paralyzed with fear!"

"Oh… Well, since you brought it up, Wright, how about this: when you return from Wano, go take command of G-5!"

Sengoku grinned, his glasses reflecting a sharp gleam of light.

"I…"

"You're absolutely right; G-5 needs a strong commanding officer to whip them into shape!"

"But…"

"As a Vice Admiral capable of clashing with Kaido and coming out alive, you've already gained their admiration, especially after saving Squad 04. Your reputation in G-5 will be unshakable."

"That…"

"And with your… excellent training methods, I'm sure those scoundrels will improve tremendously."

"Wait…"

"Also, take your crew and the Lightbringer! It's time Garp got off his lazy ass at G-3. Sitting around doing nothing—it's disgraceful!"

"…"

Wright stared at Sengoku, speechless, as the Fleet Admiral expertly maneuvered the conversation, trapping him in what felt like a massive scheme.

"Sengoku, you sly old fox! You tricked me!"

"Well, capable people should bear more responsibilities. G-1 is close to the Red Line, while G-5 is isolated in the New World. Without a strong officer stationed there, it's a disaster waiting to happen."

"The pirates in the New World are becoming more ferocious by the year. Whitebeard, Kaido, Big Mom… Those monstrous 'Emperors of the Sea' earned their titles for a reason."

"With you holding the line, G-5 can finally serve as the forward base it was meant to be!"

"Now, about…"

"Wait! Sengoku, hold on!"

Wright abandoned his tea and zipped to Sengoku's desk, leaning in so close their noses nearly touched. Sengoku instinctively scooted his chair back, sweat beading on his forehead.

"I've awakened a new ability! I need your advice!"

"…"

Sengoku quietly adjusted his chair further, putting some distance between himself and Wright's darkened expression.

"Oh? What ability? But let me remind you, interrupting your superior is incredibly rude!"

Sengoku took a sip of tea with a huff. If Wright hadn't just saved lives and bolstered Marine morale, Sengoku would've—

"Haki."

"Haha! Wright, what nonsense—Haki's nothing new for you…"

Sengoku's eyes widened as he froze mid-sentence. The tea cup slipped from his hand, shattering on the floor.

"I've only ever used two types before," Wright said with a sinister grin.

Sengoku's face stiffened as he slowly removed his glasses, pressing his temples firmly.

"Conqueror's Haki… A Marine with Conqueror's Haki…"

"For world peace, of course. What else?" Wright declared.

"What's strange about me awakening it?" Wright shot back. "You have it too, don't you?"

"It's true… But have you seen any other Marine with it?"

Sengoku muttered, half to himself. "Among pirates, Conqueror's Haki is common. Both seasoned legends and green rookies possess it."

"But in the Marines—our world's strongest military force—it's exceedingly rare."

"Conqueror's Haki signifies a heart that encompasses the world. Whether to conquer it or to protect it, the will of a king manifests…"

"Isn't it natural for someone striving for world peace, like me, to awaken it?" Wright beamed smugly.

"You're not strong enough yet!" Sengoku snapped, pointing upward with a finger. "Until you're an Admiral, keep your Conqueror's Haki hidden!"

Wright's grin faded as he nodded gravely.

"Figured as much. That's why I came straight to you. Looks like I made the right call."

"And Kaido?"

"Hmph! One Conqueror's Haki isn't enough to rattle him. Besides, would Kaido—'the world's strongest creature'—really brag about getting injured by a Vice Admiral and letting them escape?"

"Honestly… Kaido's pretty shameless."

"…"

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