Gion and Kuzan said a brief goodbye before setting off on their separate missions of justice.
No dramatic words, no tears — just a quiet reluctance buried in the heart.
The sea was calm, and the lone whistle of the warship echoed like a farewell to Marineford.
Vice Admiral Garp was eating senbei as usual. When he saw Kuzan standing there, looking sentimental, he walked over and dropped a heavy Fist of Love onto his head. A pink lump formed instantly.
"I can't stand sappy kids like you! If you like someone, stop whining — just bring her along and follow me!"
Garp snapped at him.
Kuzan just stood there, confused, rubbing his head. He didn't argue — he simply walked away to look for Boa, not wanting to get hit again.
For a man who could chase the Pirate King across the world, keeping a low profile seemed wise.
Boa had originally planned to train with Garp, but the moment it stepped onto the ship, it was knocked senseless by Garp's iron fist. The python froze in terror whenever Garp looked its way.
Garp, however, didn't mind at all. He liked Boa — after all, who wouldn't love a giant pet like that?
He started scratching Boa's huge head with genuine amusement.
Boa lowered its massive head obediently, leaning in for more like an affectionate animal being pampered, utterly ruining its dignity.
Kuzan stared in disbelief.
You really have no self-respect. A giant sea beast acting like a spoiled pet…
And with that, Kuzan's frontline career officially began.
— Meanwhile, on the Oro Jackson —
"Captain! Garp's warship is chasing us again!"
A young pirate with a red hat and a big red nose shouted in panic, clutching a telescope so hard his hands shook.
"Oh? Garp again? Good! Good! The thrill of being chased never gets old!"
Roger laughed loudly, completely unfazed.
The rest of the crew barely reacted and simply went back to their food and drinks.
"Captain! This time, he brought a huge python! It's enormous — I'm terrified!"
That made Roger look up.
"A giant snake, huh? Give me the spyglass."
He took the telescope and focused on the Marine ship.
"Well now… look at that! That thing's packed with muscle. I bet it tastes amazing roasted."
Roger commented casually, as if examining food instead of a monster.
If Kuzan heard him, he would definitely pick a fight.
"Captain, let me see!"
Another young man with red hair leaned over, eyes shining with curiosity.
Roger handed him the telescope.
The red-haired boy's eyes widened in excitement as he saw Boa.
"Hah! If we end up fighting, let me tame it!"
"Shanks, don't get careless."
The ship's doctor, Crocus, spoke calmly.
"That's no ordinary snake."
"Now I'm interested too."
Rayleigh added, smiling behind his glasses.
Roger saw his crew becoming curious, so he made a decision.
"Well then — let's stop and say hello to our old rival. Maybe we'll learn something about that snake."
The crew shrugged. None of them objected.
— Back on Garp's Warship —
"Report! The Oro Jackson has stopped and appears to be waiting for battle!"
Garp, who had been eating senbei lazily, instantly stood up, energized.
"Everyone, prepare for combat! Arm the cannons!"
A wave of disciplined shouts followed:
"YES, SIR!"
The deck burst into motion. This ship carried nearly one-third of the Marines' current top combat power — no pirate crew could sink it.
Kuzan and Boa remained calm as ever. Even against Roger, there was no real threat to worry about.
Garp glanced at Kuzan and said casually:
"Kuzan — you go first. Fly over and fight."
Kuzan froze.
A question mark practically appeared above his head.
Is this man insane? He wants a single major general to open against the Pirate King?
But Garp simply continued eating, as if nothing unreasonable had been said.
Realizing resistance was pointless, Kuzan sighed, stepped to the edge of the ship, and jumped — sliding across the surface of the sea on a trail of frost straight toward the Oro Jackson.
"Captain! A Marine major general is coming alone! Old Man Garp is looking down on us! Captain, let me handle it!"
Buggy shouted again, panicking and excited at the same time.
Roger just smiled.
"Looks like the Navy's raising monsters these days. That kid is confident enough to face us alone. Are we not feared enough anymore?"
Roger stood calmly, waiting to see what Kuzan would do.
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A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
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