Dante fell silent as he listened to Mock's report over the phone.
The future Sun God was out there laboring on one of their construction sites now, and Roger's old crewmate, Buggy, had gone off with Garp to join the Marines, of all things.
And he'd done it on his own terms.
The absurdity of it all left him speechless. He let out a long sigh, pushing the chaotic thoughts from his mind before hanging up.
Mock was still on his way back, the shipping routes now extended all the way to the Goa Kingdom. Though their territories were scattered, they were slowly forming a ring around the government-affiliated islands. Once they had enough power, they could swallow them whole. When that day came, their half of the East Blue would be truly his.
Of course, they weren't there yet. Those islands paid tribute to the World Government, which wouldn't say much about them catching a few scavengers or recruiting local labor. But making a direct move against them? The World Government would never stand for that. For now, it was best to maintain the status quo.
As for Mock, Dante had already learned what Garp had been teaching him.
Hitting trees. Then mountains. Then ships.
It might sound straightforward, but that's how training worked in this world, raw and relentless. You either pushed yourself to the limit or took the hits until you learned. Either path left you stronger.
With that kind of regimen, plus Vegapunk's new drug thrown in, Mock might even spark his Armament Haki.
And this was Garp's wheelhouse, no question.
The old man was putting real effort into it, that much was clear.
Dante didn't press the issue, just told Mock to keep at it Garp's way for now. As for what came after...
Mock's work in the East Blue was mostly wrapped up.
Pirates weren't going anywhere in this era of the Great Pirate era. Even if their numbers thinned out now, fresh waves of dreamers chasing freedom and glory would always take to the seas, forming new crews before long.
But for now, most of the pirates here were rookies with paltry bounties, and after the last two incidents, any pirate in the East Blue would have to think twice before joining Mock's crew.
Dante looked down at the stack of personnel files on his desk and sighed. "Quite the talented bunch." He looked up at Robin. "Has the recruitment notice been sent out?"
"It has."
"And Dr. Wolf?"
"He declined," she replied. "He also said he's never heard of any Heart Pirates."
"Is that so?" Dante nodded, pondered for a moment, looked at Robin, and said, "Have Mock and Kuma make a trip later!"
With that said.
"..."
Robin shot him an odd look but nodded all the same. "Got it, Boss."
Sending these two people meant... needless to say, just knock the person out and bring them back.
She still had no clue how the boss dug up leads on these obscure talents, even ones operating across the seas.
"Oh, right." Dante seemed to have remembered something and looked at Robin, "The things I asked you to send to Loguetown, have they been sent?"
"Arrangements have been made to send them."
--**--**
Loguetown.
Walking out of the prison, Morgan looked at the wide sea before him. He took a deep breath of fresh air, as if savoring the air of freedom.
Has it finally come? Since he was finished, then no one else should have it easy! But looking at Captain Smoker, who still had a calm expression with a cigar hanging from the corner of his mouth and showed no fear, the anger in Captain Morgan's heart surged again.
'This bastard isn't even fazed? Does he really believe he's untouchable? What a joke.' He should know better. This was the Hero of the Marines right here. 'Alright, let's see if a hotshot from HQ like you can really dodge the fallout.'
If he was finished, no one was getting off easy. With a cold huff, Morgan turned toward the Hero of the Marines, Vice Admiral Garp, who was happily digging in his nose, and fixed him with a grave stare. "Vice Admiral Garp, I need to report something. Captain Smoker and Captain Dante from the 16th Branch..."
But before he could get the rest out...
"Vice Admiral Garp," Tashigi said, stepping forward with an odd expression. She glanced at Morgan before addressing her superior. "A delivery has arrived from Captain Dante. Five large crates of snacks, five of tangerine wine, and some local specialties. He said it's a thank you for your help."
Morgan froze. A cold dread washed over him. 'Thank you for your help? What help?'
"Bwahaha! Snacks and tangerine wine?" Garp boomed, his laughter echoing across the docks. "Not only did that kid show me a good time, but he sent gifts, too! What a thoughtful young man!" He waved to the Marines behind him. "Load them up!"
Then he swung back to Morgan, whose expression had soured, and tilted his head with a puzzled grin. "So, what were you on about earlier? Who'd you want to report?"
"I... uh, nothing!" Morgan fumed silently at the Hero of the Marines' confusion, but he forced the words out through clenched teeth. "Vice Admiral Garp!"
As he said it, he stole a glance at Captain Smoker, who lingered nearby without a care.
And just like that, it all clicked...
No wonder the guy hadn't flinched.
No wonder the 16th Branch captain hadn't either.
So corrupt. So utterly rotten.
'If he'd had backing like this, why hold back? If he'd just spoken up... why go behind my back? We could've all lined our pockets together. That bastard set this up to drag me under.'
"I just wanted to say what a nice day it is today," he said, his voice tight.
"Sure is. And this vacation's been top-notch!" Garp agreed with a nod, stretching his arms wide with a hint of wistfulness. "Shame it's wrapping up. Sengoku's been hounding me to report back. I could've used a couple more days here!"
Of course you'd want that. This clown's probably raked in a haul on this "vacation." No surprise he swings by every year.
Vacation, my foot. It's all payoffs and shakedowns. Even the Hero of the Marines is neck-deep with them.
But surely he could still get his revenge.
As Morgan trembled with silent rage, Garp clapped him on the shoulder. "Why are you shaking, kid? You sick? Never mind, let's go. There's a doctor on the ship." He waved a hand dismissively. "Just reflect on what you've done. I looked at your file, the crimes aren't that serious. A few years in prison, and you'll be out."
'My crimes are nothing compared to yours! You're the real criminals!' Morgan clenched his fists, lowered his head, and mumbled, "Yes, Vice Admiral Garp."
'I still have a chance,' he told himself. 'Garp is only a Vice Admiral. If I can just get to an Admiral... I can take them all down at once.'
--**--**
A few days later, Marineford Docks
Morgan watched in silence as a Marine Admiral and a Vice Admiral divided the spoils right there on the docks. They spoke of the Captain from the 16th Branch openly, without a hint of shame.
The shackles on his feet and hands seemed to grow heavier.
He couldn't stop himself from tipping his head skyward. "Is there any justice left in the Marines?!"
"What's wrong with this guy?"
"No idea. Probably regretting the whole mess now that prison's staring him down." Garp scratched at his nose, dismissing it with a wave, then turned to Kuzan. "You heading out on a mission?"
"Yeah. With things squared away here, time to chase down my target." Kuzan shrugged, his voice easygoing. "Was counting on a real break when I got back. This is wearing me out."
He looked over at Morgan, who was still staring blankly at the sky, and sighed. He walked over and stood before him. "Still feeling remorseful?" he said coolly. "It seems you haven't forgotten the justice in your heart. I hope this time you can..."
But before he could finish...
*Ptooey!* Faced with Kuzan's little sermon, Morgan lost it. He hawked a loogie right at him, no holding back. "Justice, my ass! You people have no right to lecture me!"
The reaction left Kuzan completely baffled. 'What was that about? I thought he was remorseful. Now he's questioning justice?'
"Forget it. Suit yourself," Kuzan said, his expression darkening. He said his goodbyes to Garp, hopped on his bicycle, and pedaled away across the water, muttering, "What a weirdo."
Garp just looked at Morgan with a puzzled expression. 'What was wrong with the kid?'
"Just as I thought," Morgan muttered, his eyes vacant as he stared at the ocean. "There's no one clean in this sea. Not a single one of them is just."
"Has he gone mad?" Garp scratched his head. Seeing the arresting officers waiting on the shore, he waved them over. "Let's go. Just repent properly in prison."
The officers boarded the ship and seized Morgan, leading him toward the gangplank.
"Morgan," one of the guards said sternly, "you have violated Marine regulations and betrayed the justice we stand for. Do you have any final words?"
"Justice?" Morgan sneered, not even bothering to resist. He glanced from the guards holding him to Garp waving from the ship. "What justice is there to talk about in this sea? As for what I have to say..." He glared, spat resentfully, and said, "This whole damn organization is going to burn."
"He's still insulting the Marines?" one of the officers said, his face twisting in anger. "Take him away! He'll never change."
Garp, now standing on the dock, watched them lead Morgan away and shook his head with a sigh. "He seemed fine when we picked him up. How did the kid suddenly go crazy?" He shrugged. "Oh well, I still have to check in with Sengoku."
His eyes landed on Red Nose, who was still huddled on deck, shivering a bit. A broad grin spread across Garp's face as he beckoned him over. "You there, kid! What's the holdup? Get your butt down here already!"
===============
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