One Piece: Marine Luffy, Garp regrets it
Chapter 532: Greed for Power - The Five Elders' Solicitation
As Luffy concluded his lengthy recitation of complaints against high-ranking government officials, he recognized the Five Elders' barely concealed impatience—their dismissive tones making it clear they wished to end the audience.
He felt a twinge of regret at the missed opportunity. Such chances to openly criticize the World Government's leadership were exceedingly rare, and he had failed to mention several particularly troublesome officials who had frequented his resort but refused to settle their substantial bills.
Next time, he promised himself silently.
After that the Five Elder said they will investigate this, ask Luffy to leave after approving his Admiral rank.
"My apologies for taking so much of your valuable time," Luffy said with another slight bow. "The world government requires your continued guidance. Please take care of yourselves."
Having delivered these perfunctory pleasantries, Luffy turned to leave the chamber. However, before he could reach the massive doors, Saint Topman Warcury voice cut through the silence.
"Have you ever considered joining the Revolutionary Army?" The elder's tone was deceptively casual, but his eyes had narrowed to calculating slits. "The organization your father leads."
Luffy halted mid-stride, his back still turned to the Five Elders as a sardonic smile briefly crossed his features, invisible to the room's occupants.
So predictable, he thought. These arrogant old men believe they can discern truth from falsehood with a single direct question. Do they truly think their penetrating gazes can see into men's hearts?
He turned around with deliberate slowness, his expression carefully transformed into one of mild surprise. Spreading his hands in a gesture of openness, he allowed a small, ambitious smile to play across his lips.
"My lords, power is indeed appealing," he admitted, infusing his voice with calculated honesty. "It's precisely why I've worked so diligently to ascend through the ranks, step by arduous step."
He paused, his expression hardening slightly. "But I would never stand idly by while others topple the government, reducing me to a common citizen on equal footing with civilians. My ambitions are to secure a more prosperous future for myself and the dozen beautiful women who share my home."
As he delivered these words, Luffy shook his head with an air of theatrical resignation. "It's unfortunate that my lineage remains somewhat... disadvantageous. Had I been fortunate enough to be born here in the Holy Land, I wouldn't need to struggle so fiercely for advancement."
A gleam of interest sparked in Saint Topman Warcury eyes. After studying Luffy's expression with narrowed eyes and a furrowed brow, a slow, satisfied smile spread across the elder's weathered face.
"How regrettable indeed," Warcury remarked, "that a young man of such exceptional talent belongs to the bloodline of D. Unfortunately, one's heritage cannot be altered after birth."
The elder leaned forward slightly, his smile growing more pronounced. "However, I can promise you this: continue to serve the World Government with diligence and loyalty, and you shall rise higher than any man not born of Celestial Dragon blood. Your future position will be second only to the heavenly nobles themselves."
Luffy's expression brightened with carefully calibrated enthusiasm. He bowed deeply, far more reverently than his previous gestures.
"You honor me beyond words with your generous assessment," he replied, his voice thick with apparent emotion. "I shall prove my worth through actions rather than mere words."
Rising from his bow, Luffy maintained his facade of excitement, quickening his pace as he exited the chamber as though eager to begin fulfilling his newly reinforced ambitions.
Elder Warcury watched Luffy's departure with a satisfied expression, maintaining his pleasant demeanor until the massive doors closed and the young admiral's footsteps faded from hearing. Only then did his smile fade, replaced by his customary stern countenance.
Turning to his colleagues, he lifted the delicate porcelain cup from the table before him and took a measured sip of coffee before speaking.
"Share your assessments of this young man," he commanded, his tone neutral but expectant.
Almost before he finished speaking, Elder Nusjuro scoffed audibly, his disdain palpable.
"Arrogant whelp," he spat, "harboring delusions of joining our celestial ranks! He remains merely another carrier of the accursed Will of D. Allowing him to live is already an extraordinary act of clemency on our part."
Saint Marcus Mars, who had maintained silence throughout the meeting, finally offered his perspective.
"His hunger for power appears genuine," the bearded elder observed thoughtfully. "The brief flashes of dominance he unwittingly displayed when speaking betrayed his true nature. This young man aspires to more than mere admiralty—he covets the position of Fleet Admiral, perhaps even Commander-in-Chief of the entire military apparatus."
The other elders nodded in silent agreement, each reaching similar conclusions about their ambitious visitor.
After a moment of contemplative silence, Saint Saturn suddenly chuckled, the sound incongruous in the austere chamber.
"What a fascinating lineage," he mused, genuine amusement coloring his words. "The grandfather, Garp—an incompetent, spineless moderate. The father, Dragon—a radical, misguided reformer. And now the son—a power-hungry conservative. This boy... I find him rather intriguing."
Hearing this assessment, the other elders exchanged knowing smiles, silently mocking the pretensions of both Garp and Dragon. The irony was exquisite—self-proclaimed champions of justice and freedom, producing a descendant transparently obsessed with power and privilege.
It was perhaps the most satisfying joke the world had played on their longtime adversaries.
More importantly, Luffy's apparent nature aligned perfectly with their preferences. For men like the Five Elders, individuals driven by transparent desires—power, wealth, women, fame—were far easier to manipulate and control. Had Luffy presented himself as an idealistic crusader for justice, they would have found him far more dangerous and unpredictable.
After their brief moment of amusement subsided, Elder Warcury provided his final assessment and instructions.
"The clever boy," he remarked dryly. "For all his roundabout criticisms of both Cipher Pol and various government officials, he ultimately advocates solely for Marine interests, seeking to expand their power and jurisdiction at the expense of other factions."
He waved a dismissive hand. "Let him continue this internal struggle. The more the Marines clash with Cipher Pol, the more both organizations will require our intervention to settle their disputes. This dependency only strengthens our position."
Leaning back in his chair, Warcury continued strategizing. "Regarding his ambitions—he has achieved admiral rank now, but further promotion must wait. In the meantime, we shall satisfy his other appetites. Since he evidently appreciates female companionship, we shall arrange access to whatever women he desires, be they slaves or royal princesses."
A calculating smile crossed his face. "Simultaneously, instruct Morgans to intensify media coverage of our young admiral's exploits. Build his reputation among the masses. Should he prove satisfactorily loyal over the coming years, we might consider him as Sengoku's eventual replacement."
Warcury glanced at his colleagues, seeking confirmation. All four nodded in silent agreement, recognizing the wisdom in this approach.
After all, a prodigy capable of defeating Emperor Kaido at the tender age of fourteen merited special attention and careful handling. Such extraordinary talent was worth cultivating—provided it remained firmly under their control.