Shika Island
Garp's warship docked at the small port of Shika Town.
It had clearly been a while since the townsfolk had seen a ship from the outside world. A curious crowd quickly formed along the modest harbor, locals froze mid-step, craning their necks toward the imposing vessel.
"The Navy?!"
"What are they doing here?!"
"Did something happen?"
"That warship isn't from the 23rd Branch stationed in the Kingdom of Lulusia…"
Whispers rippled through the crowd as they pressed closer, murmuring to one another while watching the warship drop anchor.
At the prow stood Yoriichi Tsugikuni, eyes calm as he regarded the sea of onlookers pointing and whispering in his direction. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
How many times had he seen this scene before?
In his previous life, whenever "government men" passed through his rural village, the reactions had been much the same—locals gathering in hushed curiosity, wary yet fascinated.
Though technically a port town, Shika had little connection to the outside world. It wasn't a trading hub, nor did it produce any notable local specialties. Most residents lived quiet, self-sufficient lives, rarely setting foot beyond their familiar borders.
The town itself was humble, and industry here had long stagnated. As Yoriichi swept his gaze across the townscape, the tallest buildings he could find barely reached two and a half stories.
It was early morning, and the winter sea breeze bit sharp as it cut through the harbor.
Soon, the townsfolk, having had their fill of curiosity began to shiver and quietly disperse.
The streets thinned out again. Only a handful of taverns and eateries on either side of the road continued to hum with laughter and warm conversation.
"Vice Admiral Garp, anchoring is complete," reported Bogard, Garp's ever-loyal aide, jogging up beside him. "What are your orders?"
Garp stood next to Yoriichi, squinting toward a particular district of the town, as if searching for someone or something.
Without turning his head, he replied, "Have the quartermaster go ashore and restock supplies. Everyone else stays put and rests up."
"Bogard, take a small team and sweep the town. If any pirates are lurking around, deal with them. No need to report back."
"I've got something to handle. We'll set sail once I return."
With a sharp salute and a brisk "Yes, sir!", Bogard turned on his heel to carry out the orders.
As for Garp, he didn't even bother waiting for the gangplank to lower. Gripping the railing with one hand, he looked ready to vault overboard.
Then he paused, glancing back at Yoriichi.
"Kid, you coming with me?"
Yoriichi shook his head with a small smile. "I'll pass."
"You're going to reunite with your son, Dragon. I wouldn't want to intrude on a family moment."
"I'll join Captain Bogard later for the patrol."
He declined politely but firmly. Having already learned the reason Dragon had left the Navy, Yoriichi had no desire to witness the reunion firsthand. He knew this visit from Garp was likely one last attempt to persuade Dragon to return to the Marines.
But honestly, the outcome was already clear.
Those who possess Conqueror's Haki are men of unshakable will. And Dragon was undoubtedly one of them. Once he had made his choice, there would be no turning back.
Garp probably understood that too. Still, as a father, this might be his final attempt—one last push, not as a hero of the Navy, but as a parent.
If even the Garp of the future couldn't convince Kuzan to return, what chance did he have with Dragon?
"…Yeah, fair enough," Garp replied with a sigh.
"You've been stuck training alone on Boin Archipelago for so long. It'll do you good to walk around a bit, stretch your legs, and interact with real people."
"If you want to become a great Marine, you can't afford to be ignorant of how the people live."
"Well then, I'm off."
And with that, Garp turned and leapt smoothly off the warship, landing lightly on the dock before striding off toward the western edge of town.
Not long after he left, Bogard returned to the deck. A few Marines were already lowering a rope ladder.
Seeing only Yoriichi still standing at the rail, Bogard looked surprised.
"Yoriichi, where's Vice Admiral Garp? He already left?"
Yoriichi nodded. Then he turned and said,
"Captain Bogard, you're heading into town for a patrol, right?"
"Mind if I join you?"
When Yoriichi had first met Bogard over a year ago, the man had still been a lieutenant commander. Now he'd already risen to the rank of captain. Though Garp's personal aide, Bogard had always kept a low profile—but his quiet efficiency clearly hadn't gone unnoticed.
That said, in Yoriichi's opinion, his advancement was still a bit too slow.
After all, one of Garp's future disciples, the one who boldly dreams of becoming an admiral had taken only two years to go from a greenhorn recruit to a full Marine Headquarters captain.
By that comparison, even Yoriichi couldn't match up to Koby.
He himself had joined the Navy a year and a half ago and remained a major. In fact, he'd earned that rank over a year ago and hadn't moved an inch since.
"You want to come? Sure," Bogard said without hesitation. "Just know patrols aren't exactly thrilling. Don't go complaining later if you get bored!"
With the ladder secured, Bogard casually called over a few young sailors, and their small unit of five descended into the town.
Shika housed only a few thousand people. Its layout and lifestyle were simple and orderly. A patrol didn't need to be loud or imposing. Subtlety and awareness were enough.
Bogard's method of pirate hunting was straightforward and effective, he activated his Observation Haki and led the patrol toward any place where strong presences gathered.
So, upon reaching the island, the group immediately headed east.
But while they were making their way across town, another ship was approaching.
From the open sea, a luxurious cruise vessel bearing the World Government's flag began slowly pulling into the port of Shika Island.
At its bow stood a young man in a pristine white suit, both hands resting lightly on the railing. A bubble-shaped helmet enclosed his head, marking his identity without question.
He was a World Noble, a Celestial Dragon. One of the so-called "gods" descended from the creators of the world.
The young man stood just over 170 centimeters tall, with a lean, well-balanced frame. His features were neither overly sharp nor forgettable. His brown hair was neatly combed, and his tailored outfit gleamed in the morning light, lending him a refined air.
Among ordinary people, he might have seemed rather average in appearance.
But among his "peers," he was practically dashing.
His eyes sparkled with anticipation as he gazed at the coastline ahead.
"I've heard the Goa Kingdom is the most beautiful place in all of East Blue."
"I want to see for myself if there's truly a land that can rival the splendor of Mariejois(Mary Geoise)!.
Smack!
On the eastern edge of Shika Town, the doors of Rock's Tavern swung open as a group of Marines strode in.
They entered casually and claimed a few open seats at the bar.
"Boss, what kind of fruit juice do you have here?"
A red-haired youth among the Marines rapped his knuckles on the counter and asked the bartender of all things about juice.
The moment the words left his mouth, the once-lively tavern fell completely silent.
A brief pause hung in the air.
Then, uproarious laughter erupted.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!!"
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