Marine Recruit Training Office
"Hammer, you really just tricked Sakazuki into coming back like that? Aren't you afraid he'll come after you?"
"Gotta say, these royal-supplied cigars are really something."
Zephyr puffed on his cigar and sipped his sake.
Hammer was also enjoying a cigar and sake, after all, tobacco and alcohol were indispensable parts of a man's life.
Especially since, in his past life, there was a master craftsman known for handmade blades who treated cigars like his lifeline. Hammer had always admired that, and it was a fond memory for him.
"Afraid? I made him a weapon. If he dares throw a tantrum, I'll bury the axe. Let's see what he says then."
Zephyr shook his head helplessly. These brats, they're clearly close behind the scenes, but never let each other off with their words.
Sakazuki might have the worst temper, but his bond with Borsalino and Hammer was strong.
It was only when he clashed with Kuzan, whose nature opposed his, that his tension flared.
"Speaking of which, Hammer, I'd like a custom weapon too. Can you figure something out for me?"
Hammer, mid-sip, shuddered as Zephyr's gleaming eyes locked onto him. An image of a mechanical arm flashed through his mind.
That would undoubtedly be Zephyr's signature weapon, the Crusher.
But that was something Zephyr only got after a tragic incident. Hammer wouldn't make it now, nor would he ever want Zephyr to suffer such a blow again.
That said, crafting a custom weapon for the old man was still a good idea. After all, a fine weapon could significantly boost combat power.
Without a word, Hammer put down his bottle and whipped out a measuring tape.
Why does a blacksmith carry one? Simple, sometimes you gotta make clothes.
In one fluid motion, he yanked Zephyr's arm and began measuring:
Arm length...
Arm circumference...
Fist size...
Swift and precise. He finished, stored the tape, and jotted down the data in a notebook.
"Uh... what are you doing?" Zephyr finally asked, confused.
"You wanted a weapon, right? As a close-combat specialist, I can't just hand you a giant hammer to lug around. So, in my opinion, gauntlets are the best choice!"
He already had a design in mind, inspired by a weapon from a notorious gacha game in his past life. He'd loved it back then, and now he had a chance to recreate it for real.
"Alright, old man, enjoy your drink. I'm off to forge. Let me know when Sakazuki gets back!"
Zephyr watched as Hammer stormed out the door, his lips twitching before curling into a faint smile.
"That damn brat..."
...
Several Days Later – Marine HQ
Sakazuki had returned and headed straight to Sengoku's office.
"Hm? Sakazuki? Why are you back?" Sengoku asked.
Sakazuki: "???"
"Didn't you summon me back? Said there was an urgent, critical mission."
Sengoku was baffled. "I did? When?"
"Hammer called. Said you commanded my return for a major mission, top priority."
Sakazuki's face darkened. He'd been busy crushing pirates, only to be recalled for what now seemed like a fabricated reason.
Sengoku saw the smoldering anger in Sakazuki's eyes and instantly understood: they had both been duped by Hammer.
"I never gave such an order. Hammer must've made it up. But the reason... well, it really is because of you..."
Sengoku, putting the pieces together, realized Hammer's logic. If he'd just asked Sakazuki to return for no reason, he wouldn't have come. But a fake emergency mission? Sakazuki wouldn't question it.
'Still… why use my name? Why not use Fleet Admiral Kong's?'
Kong: 'Oh, wonderful, Sengoku! Now you're shifting blame onto me, huh?'
"What do you mean, 'because of me'?" Sakazuki was still confused.
"Come on. I'll notify Fleet Admiral Kong and the others. You'll understand once we get to the armory."
Seeing the man of the hour return, Sengoku's interest in the axe's power was reignited. After a few quick calls, he led the bewildered Sakazuki toward the armory.
...
At the Armory
"Huh? Garp! What the hell are you doing back?" Sengoku was startled to see the familiar figure.
"What? Hammer called me back, said he needed my help. I've already flattened seven mountains, and the eighth is about to go too. I was just about to go challenge that spiky-head Chinjao!"
"Eh? Sakazuki, heard you've been doing great in the New World! Better than Hammer, that kid couldn't even handle Chinjao!"
Sakazuki: 'Wait, what?'
"Chinjao? The 12th head of the Happo Navy? Hammer fought him?"
Sakazuki had no idea about that fight and was intrigued. Chinjao was a known pirate powerhouse.
"He's fine, but his ship got wrecked by Chinjao's drill head," a calm voice interrupted from behind. It was Vice Admiral Tsuru, with Kong at her side.
"Well, everyone's here. Looks like I'm the last to arrive," said Zephyr, finally walking up. "Can't help it, the training camp's far from here."
Now, nearly all of Marine HQ's top brass were assembled at the armory.
"Yo! Doggo bro, you're back!" Hammer walked out of the armory at last, carrying a massive iron box in his right hand and a long hammer in his left, heavy-looking and mysterious.
Trailing behind him was a little girl, Hina.
She was starstruck by the gathering of Marine elites, overwhelmed by excitement and nerves.
"Hina, relax. You'll get used to seeing these guys once you're in the Navy," Hammer reassured her.
"Oh? So this is the recruit you picked up from the West Blue? Hina, right? Paramecia-type: Cage-Cage Fruit user?" Sengoku's eyes lit up; he had a keen eye for talent.
"Don't even think about recruiting her. She's a reserve crewmate for the Warhammer," Hammer glared at Sengoku knowingly.
"So, Hammer... you gonna tell me why you dragged me back?" Sakazuki asked, stepping forward with a threatening aura, black smoke, and sulfur in the air.
Unbothered, Hammer plopped the iron box on the ground and opened the lid.
"There. Your weapon."
"Forged using your magma as the core material. Added Flameweave Stone, diamonds, mithril, all rare stuff. Forged using my abilities."
"Everyone here helped with the quenching; it wasn't possible without them. The weapon can absorb and release heat, and it even has self-repair using magma."
"It's tailored just for you."
"I named it: Divine Axe – Rhitta!"
.....
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