c8 – Luffy's Tragic Daily Life
'Properties panel:
Name: Carl
Strength: D
Agility: E+
Spirit: E
Physical strength: D+
Abilities: Marine Combat Style (G), Fuwafuwa no Mi (S), Armament Haki (Proficient), Observation Haki (Proficient), Conqueror's Haki (Semi-Proficient), Dual Blade Style (E+)'
Lying on his bunk below deck, Carl stared at his attribute panel with a satisfied smirk.
This was the result of his most recent advancement earned after the successful capture of Monkey D. Luffy.
At this moment, he felt his body had broken past previous limits his endurance and power had both grown stronger!
If he truly wished to, launching the entire Marine warship skyward and flying it straight to Marineford wouldn't be difficult at all!
Judging from that alone—his overall combat power had drastically improved!
But he wasn't about to flaunt it.
"I wonder what Garp's expression is like right now, he's probably furious since I arrested his grandson.
Hopefully, he won't beat me too badly when I arrive or worse, try to recruit me under his direct command. That'd be a nightmare."
Carl sighed with a helpless smile then shut his eyes to sleep, letting fate run its course.
He had made his move and there was no regret in his heart.
His only real concern now was whether Garp's iron fists would show mercy.
Still, being trained by the Hero of the Marines would accelerate his growth so it wasn't without benefits.
However, though he had captured Luffy the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates had managed to escape at Sabaody.
He was certain they'd regroup and attempt a rescue but in Carl's eyes, they posed no threat at all.
Even if they all came at once—it would be nothing more than a suicide charge.
Carl felt no anxiety whatsoever.
Thus, time ticked onward just as the bell of midnight struck.
The Marine vessel entered the Calm Belt silent, windless, and feared for its Sea Kings.
Fortunately, the ship's hull had been fortified with seastone plating—so the massive creatures lurking below paid it no attention.
To them, the warship passed by like an unnoticeable shadow in the sea.
But on board—the noise was far from peaceful.
"Straw Hat Luffy, you're seriously getting on my nerves keep it up and I'll end you right now!"
The Marines were agitated unable to sleep thanks to the constant thudding and shouting from the prisoner's cell.
Though they knew who Luffy really was, none of them dared to retaliate harshly against someone who couldn't currently fight back.
This gave Luffy a strange edge letting him shout and demand things as if he weren't locked up.
"You damn Navy guys! Let me out I'm gonna fly all of you!"
A classic Luffy declaration loud, determined, and completely ignoring his own situation.
Despite being in shackles and suppressed by seastone he still acted like the captain of the ship.
Vice Admiral Flying Squirrel rubbed his forehead feeling his migraine build again.
He'd love nothing more than to silence Luffy with a single strike but he knew better.
If it were someone like Vice Admiral Onigumo or Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, the matter would've already been resolved with brutal finality.
But Flying Squirrel was the law-abiding type—harsh in principle, but unwilling to harm a helpless target.
Empty threats didn't work either and Luffy seemed to know it.
"What the hell is that racket can't anyone get some sleep?"
Carl yawned as he approached, still half-asleep only to find Luffy banging his head rhythmically against the wall and floor.
The thuds were so loud that the echoes reached across the whole ship.
"Unlock these cuffs already I said I'll fly you all!"
"So damn noisy..."
Without hesitation—Carl walked up and cold-clocked Luffy with a fist coated in Haki.
The blow struck clean across the temple and Luffy's eyes rolled back as he crumpled unconscious.
Silence returned—blessed and instant.
"Carl"
"Relax, he won't die. I know he's the grandson of Vice Admiral Garp, so I held back. I have a sense of proportion.
Besides, from now on you can leave guarding him to me. I've already pissed off Garp once what's one more offense?"
Hearing Karl's words full of reckless boldness and unshakable spirit the surrounding Marines couldn't help but look at him with newfound respect.
Flying Squirrel sighed, crossing his arms before nodding slowly.
"Although that may be true you still need to be cautious not to accidentally kill him."
"I understand—leave him to me for now, you can go."
As he spoke, Carl casually sprawled out on the bed nearby, settling in like it was his personal room causing Vice Admiral Flying Squirrel's mouth to twitch involuntarily.
He wanted to say—this is my room.
But seeing how naturally Carl had taken over and how serious he was about the duty Flying Squirrel simply stayed silent, ultimately resigning himself to crashing in the captain's quarters for the night.
And just like that—Luffy's miserable voyage began.
In the calm and silent seas of the Calm Belt as long as Luffy dared to make a fuss Carl would discipline him with his infamous 'Iron Fist of Love,' shutting him up instantly.
If that method didn't work Carl would take things a step further by withholding meals.
He even ate Luffy's food right in front of him without a shred of mercy.
Under these harsh conditions—Luffy gradually started behaving.
At present, the look in his eyes when staring at Carl was that of a terrified cub gazing at a predator—his entire aura wrapped in unease.
This made Carl feel quite accomplished.
"Luffy, why did you choose to be a pirate? Wouldn't it be better to become a Marine?"
"Marines are free too—you get fed, clothed, and you get to fight for justice. Isn't that a more meaningful life than sailing around aimlessly as a pirate?"
"Tch! I'm not interested in being a Marine—my dream is to become the Pirate King!"
"I'm the man who's gonna be King of the Pirates!"
"Yeah, yeah you're the man who wants to be Pirate King. But how do you know the Pirate King isn't a woman?"
"Think about it even if the Pirate King is a woman, and she already has a husband—how do you plan to become her man?"
"Hah?! What are you talking about?! That makes no sense at all!"
Luffy tilted his head utterly confused by the logic.
Carl chuckled but didn't explain further.
Meanwhile, outside the room—the nearby Marines had already burst into quiet laughter, struggling to hold it in.
Among them, Flying Squirrel stood leaning on the wall—clearly amused.
He had been keeping a close eye on both Luffy and Carl during this journey and to his surprise, Carl had somehow managed to suppress Luffy completely.
Though Carl's methods were unquestionably crude—this was probably the only way to keep Monkey D. Luffy in line.
Today, Flying Squirrel had passed by for his usual observation but upon hearing the exchange inside, he nearly broke composure from laughter.
Fortunately, his self-control was exceptional he managed to regain his composure quickly and glanced around at the snickering soldiers.
"Alright, everyone back to your posts! We'll be exiting the Calm Belt soon.
And don't forget this region falls under the territory of the Shichibukai, Boa Hancock. Be on high alert before we leave these waters!"
"Yes, sir!"
Upon hearing Flying Squirrel's orders the previously idle Marines immediately snapped to attention and scattered to their stations.
Flying Squirrel then strolled into his room and cleared his throat slightly.
"Ahem—Carl, have you read the latest newspaper?"
"I did. Isn't it just the headline saying I captured Straw Hat Luffy?
They called me some kind of rising star in the Marines. What's the issue?"
Carl blinked, obviously confused.
Flying Squirrel let out a sigh then chuckled with a hint of resignation.
"That report didn't even come from Marine Headquarters. Sengoku originally planned to keep your identity quiet for a while—then let you shine later in a bigger moment."
"But now that the media leaked this—your existence can't be hidden any longer, so—"
"So they're planning to give me a military rank straight away?!"
"Wait will it be brigadier general? Major general? Maybe even vice admiral? Could it be admiral?!"
Seeing Carl's eyes gleaming with wild hope—Flying Squirrel's expression twisted.
He gave him a light shove in irritation and responded bluntly.
"None of those. You're getting... major."
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