Marineford, Fleet Admiral's Office.
"You did an excellent job on this mission, and the capture plan was very successful, especially you, Karl. Vice Admiral Momonga and others praise you highly, ha-ha!"
Karl scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed: "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, thank you for the compliment. It's mainly due to Admiral Kizaru, Admiral Aokiji, and the vice admirals. I only did minor things."
Sengoku stroked his beard and said with a smile: "You're too modest. You should know that Momonga and Kake admire you! This time..."
Karl smiled but said nothing. In response to Sengoku's praise, he just smiled, nodded, and said "uh-huh," emanating a faint scent of green tea.
"By the way, Borsalino, the Butcher Pirates have become very active lately. You handle this. Here is the relevant information."
Kizaru took the information and skimmed through it. What caught his attention was the bounty on the head of the Butcher Pirates' Captain [Butcher] Olig, with a reward of 120 million Beli.
As he continued reading, he saw that the bounty for the vice-captain was 48 million Beli. Clearly, this was a group of pirates that had just entered the New World and were not very strong. Kizaru frowned slightly and felt that something was off.
Traditionally, such a mission could have been assigned to a vice admiral. Wasting talent on its execution would be a waste.
But seeing Sengoku looking at Karl, Kizaru seemed to understand something. He should have guessed earlier. This assignment was clearly a test.
Although Karl demonstrated his abilities in the operation to capture Kaido, those accomplishments were not as convincing as personally apprehending pirates.
For the Marines, defeating pirates is the best proof, and this assignment gives Karl a chance to prove himself.
If he successfully defeats the Butcher Pirates, Karl would soar to the heights and become a true Marine commander.
Realizing this, Kizaru couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Sengoku's attention to Karl meant that the talent he'd finally acquired would finally gain independence.
Why was Kizaru so confident? Because the intelligence indicated that the strongest member, Olive, from the Butcher Pirates hadn't even mastered Haki. How could he defeat Karl, who excelled in the Six Styles and mastered the Two-Color Haki?
"Karl, go and rest well. We'll depart tomorrow." After these words, Kizaru looked impassively at Sengoku, handed the information about the Butcher Pirates to Karl, and crossed his legs.
Sengoku nodded silently in his heart. It seemed Kizaru understood what he meant.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, then I'll take my leave."
"Alright!"
Watching Karl's retreating figure, Sengoku's eyes showed a slight relief.
"Kizaru, I know you're concerned, but don't worry, I have a reason for this..."
Initially, he intended for Karl to study under Kizaru for some time and then let him lead a team on his own, but Tsuru's assessment of Karl during the mission to capture Kaido made him change his mind.
Karl's potential was much higher than he thought. Being under Kizaru's guidance would be safe, but his growth would also be limited.
The pirates Kizaru encounters daily are much stronger than Karl. Karl would find it difficult to get a chance to prove himself. It would only waste his talent, turning him into a mere "tool-man," which Sengoku didn't want to see.
Therefore, after repeated considerations, he specifically arranged this assignment with Kizaru to see if Karl had this capability.
If not, then let him train under Kizaru again. If possible, allow him to "become independent" first, giving him time to grow into a qualified first-class combat force.
Returning to the Marine's family complex, Karl lay directly on the bed, staring at the ceiling and pondering life.
"Ah~ It seems I won't be able to fish leisurely with Kizaru for much longer!"
The moment Kizaru handed him the information, Karl immediately understood all the nuances because he was very familiar with this tactic, and Charles had done the same in the past.
"Captain Olive, a bounty of 120 million Berries, proficient in physical skills, ruthless and aggressive, deputy captain..."
After reading the information, Karl realized that this guy would be somewhat difficult to handle, but that was it. For Karl, who had mastered the Two-Colors of Haki, controlling him wasn't too challenging.
"Hey! Karl, you're back!"
Monica returned from work, entered the room, and saw Karl. Her eyes lit up, and she rushed into Karl's arms like a young swallow, eagerly kissing him.
"I was only gone for a few days, and you missed me so much?"
Monica rolled her eyes at Karl. She was worried that you wouldn't come back!
"Come on, you already know the answer..." Monica pouted and snuggled her head against Karl's chest.
"Heh-heh-heh, let's not rush. There's plenty of time tonight; let's have dinner first."
After a walk with Monica and a delicious dinner, the two headed straight to their love nest
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