One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 28: Intercepting Tashigi

"World Military Draft?" The Marines, about to depart, were dumbfounded, their heads shaking in disbelief.

"Indeed, a global recruitment drive. If we can gather enough powerful individuals, who needs the Seven Warlords?" Ian declared, his interest piqued by the prospect of monstrous figures like Green Bull and Fujitora.

Most Marines either joined voluntarily or were rescued from pirates and chose to enlist to prevent others from suffering the same fate.

Conscription occurred occasionally, but it was limited in scope, only when additional personnel were urgently required. It primarily targeted ordinary citizens and individuals with the potential to reach Commodore rank.

But global conscription? Who would willingly volunteer for such a dangerous profession unless absolutely necessary? This was precisely why they hadn't implemented a global draft before. They wouldn't have attracted exceptional individuals.

Fujitora and Green Bull, those monstrous figures, only joined the Marines after the Paramount War, when Aokiji left and Akainu became Fleet Admiral, creating two vacant Admiral positions.

Realizing the dire state of the Marines, they had reluctantly agreed to a worldwide conscription.

"Boy, I'm more curious about why you're suggesting a global draft right after proposing Ace's candidacy for Warlord."

Akainu paused, his eyes fixed on Ian with intense scrutiny.

"You all disagree with abolishing the Seven Warlords? As for Ace, I believe he's a valuable asset. Offering him the position of Warlord, while acknowledging his status as a pirate, is easier than recruiting him directly into the Marines, wouldn't you agree?"

Ian met Akainu's stern gaze without flinching. He couldn't reveal his true motives - gaining favor with Garp and Sengoku - but his words were genuine. Judging Ace solely based on his lineage and claiming his accomplishments as superior to those of a Marine was absurd.

Even though he knew his proposal was unlikely to be accepted, he had to try.

After all, he didn't yet possess the power to overthrow the World Government, defeat the Four Emperors, or conquer Marine Headquarters.

"Is that so? It seems I was overthinking it. You're still a rookie." Akainu scoffed.

He turned and left. Even if the Seven Warlords issue was resolved, Ian was still a mere recruit.

Having an outside perspective and experiencing things firsthand were two entirely different things. He had a long way to go.

The Vice Admirals behind Akainu followed suit, shaking their heads. Despite his potential, he was inexperienced and lacked understanding of the current situation. It was best to remain silent. However, his proposal wasn't entirely flawed. He had grasped the essence of the matter.

He was worth nurturing. Only Gion, Sengoku, Tsuru, and Ian remained.

"The rookie has a good eye for detail. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me. Don't be shy."

Tsuru departed as well. Gion, however, remained. She had brought Ian here, and she wouldn't leave until his situation was resolved. It was time to await Sengoku's arrangements.

"You brought him here. You handle the arrangements..." Sengoku said, passing the responsibility to Gion.

"..." Gion was speechless. Was he being serious?

"Just kidding... However, all Commodores, Rear Admirals, and Vice Admirals have an assistant. Coincidentally, we have a new batch of graduates from the training camp. Take a look and see if anyone catches your eye... I'll make the arrangements."