Vampire in One Piece

Chapter 17 Joining the Ranks of the Powerful

From this point forward, he has successfully ascended to the ranks of formidable individuals on the sea.

A distinguished swordsman

A significant milestone

Achieving the status of a great swordsman signifies possessing strength akin to that of a Vice Admiral at headquarters.

Next, it is essential to learn the dual-color Haki!

Once he masters the two-color Haki, his capabilities will reach an elevated tier.

——————

"Come on, let's raise our glasses! "

"Cheers! "

"Here's to celebrating the addition of a distinguished swordsman to our Navy Headquarters! "

A group of marines lifted their glasses, exchanged toasts, and drank their contents in one go.

Then they commenced informal discussions.

At this juncture, Bogard approached Bruch, raised his glass, and addressed Bruch:

"Cheers! "

Bruch reciprocated with, "Cheers! "

After finishing his drink, Bogard, slightly inebriated, remarked:

"Bruch, you are the most gifted swordsman I have ever encountered. If I may ask, are you in your twenties? "

"I will be eighteen in a few days. "

"Seventeen years old? " Bogart exclaimed, his somewhat tipsy demeanor suddenly shifting to one of sobriety.

The nearby marines turned their attention toward them simultaneously.

Everyone heard Bogard's exclamation, yet they were uncertain about its context and inquired:

"Sir Bogard, what are you referring to? What does seventeen years mean? "

Taking a deep breath to compose himself, Bogard declared loudly:

"Bruch, the seventeen-year-old great swordsman! ! ! "

The marines around were taken aback by this revelation, leading to a moment of silence.

Subsequently, excitement erupted.

Woaah!!!

Everyone was astounded. Although they had suspected Bruch was quite young, they believed him to be in his twenties, but he was, in fact, only seventeen.

Moreover—

He had just achieved the rank of Great Swordsman.

"Aren't you going to pinch me? "

A marine asked his colleague.

Then~

"Hiss!. "

"Of course, it's not false! " At that moment, a gravelly voice resounded.

Bogard, Bruch, and all the marines rose in unison and exclaimed:

"Vice Admiral Garp! "

"Yeah yeah, remain seated!" Garp gestured for everyone to take their seats.

All the sailors returned to their chairs promptly.

Garp approached Bruch and stopped in front of him. He regarded Bruch with astonishment and stated:

"I have just returned from Headquarters and received information regarding Bruch. Frankly, I did not anticipate such exceptional talent to emerge under my command. "

"Moreover, following the news of Bruch's successful elevation to great swordsman, his rank has been directly advanced to Captain at the headquarters. "

"Captain! "

" A seventeen-year-old captain?!"

The collective gasps filled the air. Some individuals were already in their forties, still serving as lieutenants. This rank of the marine constituted the majority.

It is likely that many of them will never attain the rank of captain in their lifetime.

Let alone a captain at seventeen.

However, upon careful reflection, one might question the significance of being a captain at the age of seventeen. Bruch possesses not only an ancient species devil fruit powers but also holds the distinction of being the youngest swordsman at the Navy Headquarters.

Hawkeye, acknowledged as the world's strongest swordsman. Was he this powerful at seventeen? Unlikely.

(A:cough cough he was stronger hehe)

While they may lack insight, they are aware that Bruch's potential far exceeds their own.

Consider this moment.

They raised their glasses in unison, declaring to Bruch:

"Cheers, Captain Bruch! "

Bruch lifted his wine glass and addressed the navy personnel:

"I will support you all moving forward, cheers! "

"Cheers! "

Garp observed the scene and was suddenly filled with emotion. If Ace had also joined the navy, he could have been a contender against Bruch.

Thus, he raised his glass.

"Cheers! "

——————

Two days later, Bruch commanded several marines and departed from the island aboard a naval vessel.

Bruch's vessel is a medium-sized warship, granted to him by Garp leveraging his privileges. It serves as Bruch's personal ship, akin to Garp's dog-headed warship, albeit smaller and less capable in functionality.

Nevertheless, Bruch felt satisfied.

As one of Garp's few subordinates, he had numerous responsibilities.

This stems from Garp's notorious laziness.

Thus far, he has shown remarkable diligence only while pursuing Roger.

During other times, he would delegate tasks assigned by Sengoku or postpone them as long as possible, often returning to the East blue Sea to visit his grandson when faced with delays.

In summary, he is indolent!

If not for his lethargy, how could Bogard, a skilled swordsman, remain relatively unknown on the seas?

Bruch refrained from complaining when he was assigned a mission shortly after joining Garp's staff.

However, Garp incentivized him with a generous reward, prompting Bruch to agree.

Navy's six styles

If he executes this mission successfully, Garp promises to allow him and Bogard to study the Sixth Form of the Navy for one month.

Additionally, should any inquiries arise, they may consult him.

One month.

Bruch understood Garp's intentions well.

How many techniques can even a gifted individual master in that time frame?

In response to this, Bruch could only offer a knowing laugh!

This time, he intends to demonstrate to Garp what true genius entails.

Setting a modest target, he aims to learn the entire set of six styles within one month, including the enigmatic return of life.

——————

Bruch held an intelligence report in his hand, slowly perusing its contents.

At the conclusion of the document, there lay a bounty notification.

Name: Jacko

Height: 3.86M

Pirate Group: Wild Wolf Pirate Group

Fruit Ability: Animal System – Dog-Dog Fruit – Wolf Form

Crime: He once devastated his own village, leaving behind a barren land in his wake after venturing out to sea. Recently, he assassinated a high-ranking general of a naval division and sank three battleships. The 61st division was obliterated, and he demonstrated expertise in armed combat.

Bounty: 360 million

Intelligence reports indicate that this Jacko was previously an emerging force among the pirates in the New World, but for reasons not disclosed, he returned to the North Sea.

Although the newspaper did not report it, the first action he took upon his return to the North Sea was to assassinate the commander of the 61st division. He annihilated the 61st division and destroyed the three warships as well.

Furthermore, the island housing the 61st division was bombarded by his artillery.

No civilians on the island survived.

Witnessing the aftermath, Bruch's hands began to tremble uncontrollably.

A wave of murderous intent surged within him.

His crimson eyes turned a deeper shade of red.

Bruch was filled with rage. Regardless of the circumstances, this savage wolf Jackdo must die!

He dared to massacre innocent civilians, placing him firmly on Bruch's list of targets for death.

He put away the documents and glanced at his aide.

This was the temporary aide assigned to him by Garp.

"Adjutant, accelerate our voyage! I want to confront that bastard before night falls. So I can. . . "

"Kill him! "