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At the Loguetown harbor pier, all the Marine soldiers stood in perfectly straight ranks, their eyes filled with reverence as they looked toward the white-haired elder standing on the shore.
To them, the title of "Marine Godfather" belonged to a distant, almost mythical era. However, the honor this legendary Marine had brought to their base was very real.
Over three thousand pirate captives was a monumental achievement for any Marine branch. Because of this, Marine Headquarters had sent a special commendation, along with a significant bonus for every single soldier. All of this was thanks to that kindly-looking old man.
Rowan hopped onto the small boat Smoker had specifically procured for him, then turned and waved to the crowd gathered to see him off.
"Smoky-boy, girl, and everyone else—the Old Man won't say too much. I'm off!"
Zoro and Luffy hopped aboard one after the other, waving as well. Because of Zoro's addition, the boat Rowan used this time was slightly larger than his previous one, providing just enough space for the three of them.
"Alright, don't just stand there like statues. Get back to it," Rowan called out, waving them away.
"Eh? Girl, why are you getting all sentimental? Stop the tears. The Old Man can't stand seeing a girl cry. Don't cry, now—be good. If you keep crying, you won't look pretty anymore."
"The Old Man promises you, next time I come around, I'll definitely teach you some powerful swordsmanship, alright?"
"..."
As he spoke, Rowan raised the sail, and the boat began to slowly drift away from the harbor.
Looking at Tashigi, who was weeping beside him, Smoker shook his head gently. Then, turning his gaze back to Rowan's receding silhouette, he barked an order.
"Company, atten-hut!"
Smoker stood tall and snapped a crisp salute. "Present arms!"
In the next instant, every Marine—Tashigi included—snapped into a perfectly synchronized, respectful military salute toward Rowan out at sea. The scene was solemn and dignified. In the eyes of every soldier, there was nothing but pure admiration.
On the nearby pier, workers who had just started their morning shifts heard the rhythmic snap of the salute and turned their curious gazes toward the harbor. Seeing so many Marines gathered, they initially thought something major had happened.
But looking closer, some spotted Rowan on the small boat.
"Isn't that the old gentleman who arrived on the warship yesterday? Seems he really is a big shot."
"See? I told you. If he wasn't a VIP, would Colonel Smoker have sent a warship to fetch him?"
"Tsk tsk, first time I've seen the Navy put on such a display."
"Hey! Today's newspaper arrived early? Anyone want one?"
"Give me a copy!" "Me too!" "And me!"
"Wait... what's this?"
"Big news! Former Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral and legendary Marine, Rowan, will face the World's Greatest Swordsman, the Warlord Hawkeye Mihawk, in one month! Will Hawkeye Mihawk continue to defend his title, or will the legendary Marine find a second spring? Stay tuned for the showdown in one month!"
"Tsk, so this man is the world's strongest swordsman? His eyes look terrifying."
"Wait... haven't you noticed? This portrait of 'Marine Godfather' Rowan... looks exactly like the old man who just left the pier..."
"What's wrong with your eyes? That's not just a resemblance! It's clearly the same person!"
"Hiss! A Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral?! A legendary Marine, the Marine Godfather?! That old gentleman has such a massive background—no wonder the entire base came out to see him off!"
"..."
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Inside Fleet Admiral Sengoku's office.
Putting down the Den Den Mushi, Garp laughed heartily. "The Old Man has left Loguetown. He should enter the Grand Line today. I expect he'll arrive at Headquarters before long."
"You're still in the mood to laugh? You'd better start thinking about how to talk sense into the Old Man!" Sengoku frowned.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku! Today's newspaper has arrived."
Suddenly, a communications officer knocked and entered, carrying a stack of papers.
"Understood. Leave them on the desk," Sengoku nodded.
While the newspapers of the sea often used exaggerated descriptions to grab attention, they remained a primary source for gathering information across the world. Therefore, reading the paper was a daily ritual for Sengoku.
Before the officer could even leave, Garp—who had just pulled out a bag of rice crackers—grabbed the paper and began browsing leisurely.
"Let the Old Man see if anything interesting happened today."
However, the moment Garp saw the headline on the front page, his face froze. A flash of anger crossed his aged features, and he slammed the paper onto Sengoku's desk, shouting.
"Hmph! What is this trash paper reporting? How could the Old Man ever get mixed up with a guy like Hawkeye?! These news agencies will make up anything just to sell copies!"
"What's wrong, Garp?" Sengoku looked up from a file, frowning at Garp's sudden outburst.
"See for yourself!"
Garp crossed his arms and plopped onto the sofa, looking livid.
Confused, Sengoku picked up the paper. As he read the contents, his pupils shrank violently, and a look of shock appeared on his face. Unlike Garp, Sengoku knew that while these agencies might sensationalize, they rarely fabricated major news entirely. If this was on the front page, it wasn't a lie.
But...
Even Sengoku couldn't fathom why the World's Greatest Swordsman would challenge an old man nearing a hundred years of age.
Suddenly, Sengoku recalled that staggering, heaven-shaking Sword Intent he had felt not long ago.
"This... it can't be, can it?"
Sengoku murmured under his breath.
That Sword Intent, which had caused even his heart to skip a beat, had originated from the direction of the East Blue. And the Hawkeye mentioned in the paper was currently in the East Blue!
The New World. The territory of Whitebeard, one of the Four Emperors. Aboard the Moby Dick.
"Ace, why do you look so distracted? What's the news in today's paper?" First Division Commander Marco noticed Ace holding a newspaper, looking somewhat lost, and walked over to ask.
"Marco, this old man... he's my Great-Grandfather. I don't understand. Why is he being targeted by Hawkeye Mihawk? And what is this challenge about? My Great-Grandpa isn't even a swordsman..." Ace handed the paper to Marco, pointing at the striking photograph of the old man on the front page, looking utterly bewildered.
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