"These outstanding young men and women are the future pillars of the Marines and the backbone of our dominion over the seas," Vice Admiral Tsuru declared, her weathered face set in a rare expression of pride.

A group of high-ranking Marine officers stood along the observation deck, watching with undisguised satisfaction as the young recruits demonstrated their skills in the training yard below. Among them, the unmistakable young man bobbed energetically moved with surprising grace for someone so young.

"That D. boy has surpassed all expectations," Sengoku murmured, stroking his goatee thoughtfully. "To think Garp's grandson would become such an asset to us rather than following in his father's revolutionary footsteps."

Now these young seedlings were growing vigorously under the Marines' careful guidance, and despite his youth, Luffy had somehow become a pillar among them. His potential seemed boundless.

"If nothing unexpected happens," Kong remarked from Sengoku's right, "the Marines will have nothing to worry about for the next sixty years."

The Fleet Admiral nodded, watching as Luffy effortlessly demonstrated a new technique to a group of awestruck recruits.

With genuine joy at witnessing the gradual rise of this promising new generation, Sengoku made an unprecedented decision. He ordered that the entire headquarters be given a three-day holiday.

"All personnel stationed at Marine Headquarters are hereby granted leave for celebration," he announced over the Den Den Mushi broadcasting system, his voice echoing throughout the massive compound. "This includes all ranks, from chore boys to Vice Admirals."

As soon as these words were spoken, raucous cheers erupted throughout the facility. Marines of all ranks embraced, clapped each other on the back, and began making plans for their unexpected freedom.

Sengoku allowed himself a small smile before raising his hand for silence. "Dismissed," he declared with an authoritative wave, granting permission for everyone to set aside their duties and enjoy themselves.

Luffy couldn't believe Sengoku would authorize such a grand celebration. With a wide grin splitting his face, he immediately released everyone in his G66 branch from duty, encouraging them to make the most of their rare holiday.

It was unusual that Luffy wasn't summoned to Sengoku's office for a debriefing. Instead, he was invited to follow the Fleet Admiral directly to his private residence within headquarters—an honor typically reserved for only the most elite Marines.

Like Vice Admiral Garp's home, Sengoku's residence was a separate villa, modest but dignified. For convenience's sake, the Fleet Admiral's dwelling was situated close to the headquarters building, and also near Vice Admiral Tsuru's residence.

The only real difference between Sengoku's home and Garp's was that the floor area was slightly larger, befitting his higher rank. Otherwise, the dwellings were remarkably similar in their military simplicity.

Reflecting on the four legendary Marines—Sengoku, Garp, former Admiral Zephyr, and Vice Admiral Tsuru—Luffy realized something he'd never considered before. Garp and Tsuru both had grandchildren, and Zephyr had once been married with children of his own before tragedy struck.

Only Sengoku had always remained a bachelor, dedicated wholly to the Marines. His only family connection had been his adopted son, Rocinante, who was killed years ago while infiltrating Doflamingo's crew. The memory of that loss still seemed to haunt the Fleet Admiral at times, visible in the distant look that occasionally clouded his eyes.

Despite the absence of a spouse or family, Sengoku's home was immaculately clean and organized. Everything had its place, from the carefully arranged tactical manuals on the bookshelf to the perfectly aligned photographs of fallen comrades. This stood in stark contrast to Luffy's memories of Garp's quarters, where clothes, reports, and half-eaten rice crackers were strewn about haphazardly.

This time, not only had Luffy and Garp been invited, but the three Admirals—Aokiji, Kizaru, and Akainu—had also received rare invitations to join them. Such a gathering of the Marines' most powerful figures was practically unprecedented outside of war councils.

As soon as they entered his home, Sengoku's demeanor transformed noticeably. The stern, unyielding Fleet Admiral seemed to melt away, replaced by a more relaxed, almost grandfatherly figure. His perpetual frown softened into a genuine smile as he gestured for everyone to make themselves comfortable.

"Please, sit anywhere you like," he said, his voice lacking its usual edge of command. "You're guests in my home now, not subordinates at headquarters."

Then, to everyone's surprise, he personally brought out an array of snacks and fresh fruits, arranging them carefully on the low table before retrieving various beverages—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—for his guests to choose from.

Ain and Hina, the youngest and most junior officers present, shifted uncomfortably as they watched the Fleet Admiral bustling about like a common host. They half-rose from their seats, eager to offer assistance, but Sengoku firmly waved them back down.

"I rarely get to entertain," he insisted. "Allow me this small pleasure."

Luffy and Kujaku, however, displayed no such hesitation. They settled comfortably on the plush sofa and immediately helped themselves to the snacks laid out on the coffee table. This clearly wasn't their first visit to Sengoku's home, and they had long since abandoned any pretense of formality in this setting.

Even Luffy, upon spotting the tea that Sengoku brought out, recognized the opportunity for mischief. He exchanged a knowing glance with his grandfather before both shot to their feet and began rummaging through Sengoku's cabinets.

"Oi, what do you think you're doing?" Sengoku protested, though there was more resignation than anger in his voice.

After a thorough search of the kitchen and pantry, Luffy emerged triumphant, clutching a small, ornate container. The distressed expression on Sengoku's face confirmed they'd found his precious secret stash—less than half a pound of premium tea leaves that he'd been saving for a special occasion.

"Ha! Found it!" Luffy exclaimed, holding up his prize. "Gramps, look! It's the fancy stuff!"

With complete disregard for Sengoku's growing dismay, Garp happily brewed the entire supply of rare tea leaves, distributing the steaming beverage to everyone present.

"Slurp~ha~" Garp took a noisy sip and grinned widely. "As expected, the real tea leaves make all the difference!"

Sengoku stared at the now-empty container, his eye twitching noticeably. The pain of watching his carefully hoarded treasure vanish in minutes was almost physical.

"You two bottomless pits," he growled, "do you even know what tea appreciation means? Those leaves are meant to be savored slowly, not gulped down like common barley tea!"

"Well, don't be so stingy, Fleet Admiral," Garp laughed, completely unrepentant. "We're all gathered together for a celebration! It would be shameful to serve your distinguished guests that ordinary tea you were planning to offer."

Sengoku glared at Garp with murderous intent. If Luffy hadn't just completed such an impressive mission, the Fleet Admiral might have sent a Buddha's Shockwave directly into that smug face.

Luffy, meanwhile, took control of the teapot and carefully filled each guest's cup with the aromatic brew. As everyone tasted the exceptional tea—its complex flavors unfolding in layers across the palate—a reverent silence fell over the room. Even the normally stoic Admirals couldn't help but give mental approval to the grandfather-grandson duo's brazen tactics.

Poor Admiral Akainu seemed particularly moved, his perpetually stern expression momentarily softening in appreciation. As someone so rigid in his adherence to rules and protocol, he'd never dared to help himself to Sengoku's prized possessions. This was likely his first time experiencing such a rare delicacy in the Fleet Admiral's home.

The brief tea ceremony served its purpose, dissolving the initial awkwardness that had permeated the gathering. The tension in the room dissipated like morning mist under the sun, replaced by a rare atmosphere of camaraderie among the Marine leaders.

For Ain and Hina especially, their earlier nervousness faded quickly, helped along by Kujaku's friendly conversation and the entertaining antics of Luffy and his grandfather. Even Akainu seemed marginally less intimidating as he cradled his teacup with uncharacteristic gentleness.

As Kuzan lazily peeled an orange, maintaining his perpetual air of relaxed indifference, he suddenly broke the comfortable silence.

"Hey, Luffy," he drawled, his curiosity finally getting the better of him. "Why don't you tell us how you managed to defeat Kaido? I've watched the video recording you sent, but I'd really like to hear the details of the battle from you directly. How did a kid your age manage to take down one of the Four Emperors?"

As soon as Aokiji voiced the question, the room's atmosphere shifted. Nearly everyone present turned their attention to Luffy, their expressions ranging from skepticism to undisguised curiosity.

It wasn't just Aokiji who wanted to know. This question had been on everyone's minds since news of Luffy's impossible victory had reached Marine Headquarters. How had Garp's fifteen-year-old grandson accomplished what entire Marine fleets had failed to do?

Luffy set down his teacup, his usual carefree grin replaced by an expression of unusual seriousness as he prepared to recount his confrontation with the World's Strongest Creature.