"Let's go, we're heading back."
Watching the slowly departing dog-headed warship, Whitebeard silently turned and walked back onto the deck.
"Pops!"
Flower Sword Vista and the other division commanders gathered around him.
"Are you alright, Pops?"
Vista asked with concern in his voice.
The power behind Garp's punch had been so overwhelming, he could feel its force even from a distance.
It was truly terrifying.
As expected of a Marine powerhouse who once ruled the seas alongside Pops.
Absolutely monstrous.
"Gurararara!"
"It's nothing."
Whitebeard laughed heartily and waved his hand dismissively.
"That old man Garp's punch really is hard as a rock."
"Even at that age, his strength hasn't diminished much."
Whitebeard sighed with emotion.
The Marines' medical treatment was indeed impressive.
Even though Garp was several years older than him, his body was in far better shape.
Apart from a bit of lost stamina compared to his prime, he hadn't weakened at all in other aspects.
"Let's go. Garp's already tested my strength."
"The Marines won't be showing up around us again anytime soon."
In truth, even if Garp hadn't intended to fight, Whitebeard still would've clashed with him for a few rounds— Just to make it clear to the Marines:
"Whitebeard isn't old yet."
That was also why he didn't come on the Moby Dick to meet Garp.
If they'd fought seriously, even the shockwaves alone could've shattered the Moby Dick.
The Moby Dick had been with him for many years— he wasn't about to switch ships now.
"Garp came just to test Pops' strength?"
Namur asked, puzzled.
Garp didn't seem like a scheming type.
"Gurararara, don't be fooled by appearances."
"Anyone who's made a name for themselves on the seas—none of them are fools."
With Whitebeard's command, the flagship began to return.
Before long, they were back aboard the Moby Dick, and it was like nothing ever happened—
the banquet continued in full swing.
Meanwhile, on the dog-headed warship—
Garp lounged in a folding chair, basking in the sun.
The warm sunlight made him drowsy.
Soon, his loud snores echoed, and a large snot bubble rose and fell with his breath.
"Vice Admiral Garp, you really shouldn't have fought Whitebeard just now~."
A voice sounded by Garp's ear.
Pop!
The bubble burst.
Garp opened his sleepy eyes, blinking as he looked toward the source of the voice.
"Oh, it's you, Bogard."
Seemingly used to his commander falling asleep anywhere at any time, Bogard remained expressionless, and continued:
"Vice Admiral Garp, our mission is to monitor Whitebeard—not to start a fight with the Whitebeard Pirates."
"Hahaha! It's been so long since I saw an old friend, I just couldn't help myself."
Garp grinned and shrugged.
"But this still counts as completing Sengoku's objective, doesn't it?"
"Whitebeard said himself—he won't be forming an alliance with Kaido or Sanders."
"Whitebeard's a pirate, Vice Admiral Garp!"
Bogard said helplessly.
"And don't you think it's dangerous to tell a pirate about your family?"
Among the veteran Marines, former Admiral Zephyr had lost his family to pirates.
Eventually, he faded from the public eye and began teaching at Marine Headquarters.
Once pirates learn about a Marine's family, those who seek revenge or fame will not hesitate to use underhanded tactics.
"Don't worry, Bogard."
"I've fought Whitebeard for decades—I know what kind of man he is better than anyone."
"If he says he won't ally, he won't."
"And it's not like I told him where my grandsons are."
Garp answered without a care.
"Alright, but… what about his 'sons'?"
"The division commanders are famous pirates and probably wouldn't go that far, but there are other crew members on that ship."
"If the information spreads, and someone investigates your movements… your family could be exposed."
Bogard pressed on.
There may be good people among pirates, but betting your family's safety on a pirate's kindness is incredibly unwise.
"You're right!"
Garp's expression instantly turned serious, his eyes sharp.
"My family might be in danger."
"I need to ask Sengoku for more time off—I mean, more time to protect them!"
You totally slipped up there, Vice Admiral Garp!
You clearly just want more paid vacation!
Bogard's face twitched, black lines forming on his forehead.
Before he could say anything else, Garp sprang from the chair and turned toward the cabin.
"Change course—we're not going back to HQ. We're going to the East Blue!"
"I'll contact Sengoku!"
"I must go protect my family!"
"Damn pirates! I won't let them hurt my family!"
As Garp's figure disappeared below deck, his voice faintly echoed back a moment later:
"Hahaha, vacation again!"
"And I didn't even have to make up an excuse this time!"
"Thanks for the reminder, Bogard!"
Bogard sighed deeply.
Not even trying to hide it anymore, huh.
Some Marines turned to look at Bogard.
"Rear Admiral Bogard, are we going back to HQ or heading to East Blue?"
A Marine major asked.
"Head to East Blue."
Bogard took a deep breath and said calmly.
"Aye, sir!"
"All hands! Change course—set sail for East Blue!"
Inside the cabin.
Garp was picking his nose with one hand and holding a Den Den Mushi in the other, waiting for Sengoku to answer.
"Hello? Garp? Did something happen with Whitebeard?"
Sengoku's voice came through, sounding rather tired.
"Hahaha! Sengoku, I've got good news—everything's settled on Whitebeard's side!"
Garp laughed heartily.
"…Huh?"
The Den Den Mushi mimicking Sengoku's face froze, then its expression changed.
"Garp, what did you do this time?"
"Nothing much. Just a little scuffle with Whitebeard. Actually, it wasn't even a proper fight."
"What?!!"
The Sengoku-faced Den Den Mushi widened its eyes, sweat beading on its forehead.
"You fought Whitebeard?!"
"When you say it's settled… don't tell me you defeated him?"
"Was Whitebeard seriously injured from battling Kaido and Sanders?"
A barrage of questions exploded from the Den Den Mushi, so loud Garp had to flick his ear.
"Didn't defeat Whitebeard."
"We just exchanged one blow."
Garp said casually.
He would've liked to capture Whitebeard— but he's not that strong.
Especially with the Whitebeard Pirates' division commanders still around.
On Garp's side, he only had Bogard as a somewhat reliable backup.
If they really went to war with the Whitebeard Pirates, there was no guarantee they could take him down.
Sengoku must be overworked and confused, thinking otherwise.
Haha, not getting promoted to admiral was definitely the right choice, Garp thought smugly.
Unaware of Garp's inner thoughts, Sengoku asked with suspicion:
"Then why did you say it was settled?"
"I just asked directly. Newgate said he wouldn't ally with Sanders."
Garp answered nonchalantly, still picking his nose.
The Den Den Mushi imitating Sengoku went silent for a moment, then replied:
"Fine. If Newgate said so himself, then he truly won't ally with Sanders."
On this point, Sengoku shared the same belief as Garp.
Whitebeard was not the kind of man who would bother lying.
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