Chapter 9: Under the Eaves
The moment the name "Garp" left the boy's lips, the easygoing expression on Shanks's face froze solid. As a former apprentice on the Oro Jackson, he knew exactly how terrifying that man was. Provoking Monkey D. Garp was a one-way ticket to a brutal end. No matter where you hid, you couldn't escape that man's relentless pursuit.
"Hehe, kid," Shanks said, forcing a laugh. "You're joking, right? How could your backer be that Vice Admiral Garp? You've probably just heard the name."
"No joke," Satoru replied, his tone unchanging. "You didn't know? This island is Vice Admiral Garp's hometown. Everyone here knows him."
That statement made Shanks's entire body go rigid. He hadn't planned on causing trouble here, but the knowledge that this was Garp's home turf sent an unpleasant chill down his spine. If Garp caught him here, his great voyage might end before it truly began.
"Captain," Yasopp whispered, a note of fear in his voice. "Maybe we should pick a different island. This place... isn't friendly for pirates like us."
He was relatively new to the crew. The idea of running into the legendary Marine Hero on his doorstep was terrifying.
"No," Shanks said after a moment's internal struggle. "We'll stay here. Our luck can't be that bad. We won't just bump into Garp."
He was trying to convince himself as much as his crew. Even if we do, he thought somewhat naively, maybe he'd go easy on us, for Captain Roger's sake...?
"If that's the captain's decision, we're with you," Benn Beckman stated simply. "To the end."
"Hey, kid," Beckman called out, taking a drag from his cigarette. "Vice Admiral Garp isn't in the village right now, is he?"
His question made the Red-Haired Pirates, who had been about to disembark, pause mid-step. They'd forgotten the most crucial point. If Garp was home, they were walking right into the lion's den.
"Nope," Satoru answered.
A collective, barely audible sigh of relief passed through the crew.
"He's not lying, is he?" Lucky Roux muttered, still eyeing the shore.
"Probably not," Hongo mused. "He looks like an honest kid. Handsome face, clear eyes."
The crew whispered among themselves, the tension easing slightly.
"Don't worry," Shanks said, his Observation Haki sweeping over the peaceful island. "He's telling the truth. I'm not sensing any powerhouse of that level here."
His words acted like a final dose of courage for the crew.
"Alright then! Let's go ashore!" someone shouted. "Finally, solid ground after so long at sea!"
The excitement returned. Some of the more boisterous crew members leapt from the ship's rail, not waiting for the gangplank.
"Hey! Listen up!" Shanks called out, his voice taking on a rare note of command. "No causing trouble on this island! I have zero desire to face off against Garp!"
"No kidding! None of us do!" a pirate yelled back. "We'll be on our best behavior! We'll blend right in with the villagers! They'll never know we're pirates!"
It had to be said, Garp's reputation was a powerful deterrent. It forced even this free-spirited crew to mind their manners. Perhaps they'd even do some good deeds while they were here.
Soon, the Red-Haired Pirates were walking into Windmill Village. Seeing the lines of villagers standing along the path, watching them with wary but not panicked eyes, the last remnants of their swagger faded. Even Shanks's usual dominant aura receded.
"So," the Mayor said, stepping forward with Luffy peeking out from behind his legs. "You're the pirates who've come to our island."
Grr! Shanks noticed Luffy immediately. His playful nature won out, and he stuck out his tongue and crossed his eyes, making a silly, monstrous face directly at the boy.
"Eep!" Luffy yelped and ducked completely behind the Mayor.
"Ahem!" The Mayor cleared his throat loudly, glaring at Shanks. He expected to be listened to.
"Ah, my apologies!" Shanks said, rubbing the back of his head with an embarrassed grin. "I just... really like kids. Can't help teasing them when I see them."
"As a friendly reminder," Satoru's voice came from the side, calm as ever. "This is the Mayor of Windmill Village. He's the man who raised Vice Admiral Garp. They are very close."
Huh?!
Understanding the old man's significance to Garp, Shanks's attitude shifted instantly. He stood a little straighter. The other pirates immediately committed the Mayor's face to memory. This was the one person on the island you did not offend.
"Satoru has likely informed you of our village's... unique situation," the Mayor said, eyeing the pirates. "We won't drive you out, but we expect you to behave. Cause no trouble. Stay quiet. Or Garp will hear of it. You understand?"
He let the threat hang in the air. "You should know, the reason the East Blue has so few powerful pirates is because Garp makes sure no one with a death wish bothers his home."
"Understood, Mayor," Shanks said, his tone respectful. "We're just here to resupply and rest for a few days. Then we'll be on our way."
He offered a more genuine smile. "And I've... crossed paths with Vice Admiral Garp before. I know exactly how terrifying he is. We have no intention of shooting ourselves in the foot."
"Good. See that it stays that way." The Mayor then turned to address his own people, speaking as if the pirates weren't even there. "Everyone, go about your business. But keep an eye on our guests. If you see them committing any act that harms the village, you report it to me immediately. Is that clear?"
"Clear, Mayor!" the villagers chorused, nodding firmly.
This public declaration of surveillance made the Red-Haired Pirates feel deeply wronged. Since becoming pirates, on every island they visited, the inhabitants were either fearful or, occasionally, welcoming. To be openly told they would be watched and reported on was a first.
But there was no arguing. When you're under someone else's roof, you have to lower your head. And Garp's shadow loomed over this entire island like the sword of Damocles, ready to fall and crush them at any moment.
"This," Shanks muttered under his breath to Benn Beckman, a wry smile on his face, "has to be the most humbling port call in pirate history."
Benn simply exhaled a cloud of smoke. "Picked a fine island, Captain."
Shanks could only shrug in shared misery. Of all the islands in the East Blue, they had to pick the one with the single most terrifying backer. What were the odds?
"Alright, everyone!" Shanks announced to his crew. "You're free to move about. But you all know the situation. If anyone steps out of line, if anyone causes even a speck of trouble... you'll answer to me first. And I won't be gentle. Understood?"
A series of sober "Aye, Captain!" replies answered him. The fun-loving pirates of the Red Hair crew had, for the moment, been thoroughly tamed by the invisible fist of a Marine Hero who wasn't even there.
(End of Chapter)
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