The adjutant took a step back, intimidated by Garp's imposing aura and quickly explained.
"Vice Admiral Garp, the news just came in. We don't know the specifics yet. Should we contact Fleet Admiral Sengoku first to clarify the situation?"
Garp's rage was already uncontrollable.
He spun around abruptly and strode toward the ship's cabin.
"Contact Sengoku? I'm going back right now to settle this with him! How dare he capture my grandson—he must have a death wish!"
Seeing this, Bogart hurried forward to block Garp's path.
"Garp-san, calm down! We've been traveling for a full day and night. Turning back now would probably be too late! It's better to call Fleet Admiral Sengoku first, get the details, and then decide what to do!"
Garp paused mid-step, his brow furrowed tightly as he weighed the pros and cons.
After a moment, he took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the fury in his heart, and nodded.
"Fine, make the call first!"
Bogart quickly produced a Den Den Mushi and dialed Fleet Admiral Sengoku's number.
After a few rings, Sengoku's steady voice came through.
"Moshi moshi, what is it?"
Garp snatched the Den Den Mushi and roared furiously.
"Sengoku! You actually captured my grandson and didn't even tell me?! Have you grown tired of living?!"
Sengoku on the other end clearly anticipated Garp's reaction, his tone remaining calm.
"Garp, calm down. Luffy is a pirate. It's the Marine's duty to capture pirates. Should I report to you every time we arrest one?"
Garp was momentarily speechless, choked by Sengoku's words.
His fists clenched tightly, knuckles cracking audibly, clearly struggling to contain his rage.
He knew Sengoku was right—Luffy was indeed a pirate, and capturing him was the Marine's responsibility.
Yet, as Luffy's grandfather, he couldn't accept this reality.
"Sengoku, you..." Garp's voice was low and hoarse, laced with suppressed anger.
"Luffy... he's just a kid!"
Sengoku fell silent for a moment before speaking slowly.
"Garp, I understand how you feel. But Luffy has chosen his own path. He became a pirate—that's an unchangeable fact. As members of the Marines, we must fulfill our duties."
Garp's fists clenched even tighter, his nails nearly digging into his palms.
He knew Sengoku was right, but he still couldn't accept it.
Images of Luffy as a child flashed through his mind—that boy who always wore a bright smile—now a prisoner of the Marines.
"Sengoku, where is Luffy now?" Garp's voice remained low and hoarse, simmering with restrained fury.
Sengoku paused again before replying slowly, "Luffy has been taken to Impel Down under Akainu's escort. They left yesterday afternoon."
"What?! Akainu?!" Garp's face instantly turned ashen, a flash of rage in his eyes.
"That bastard actually dared to touch my grandson?!"
Sengoku sighed, a note of helplessness in his tone
"Garp, you know Akainu's personality. Once he's set on something, no one can change his mind. Luffy's fate is no longer in my hands."
Garp's fist clenched tightly.
He knew Akainu was a ruthless man who would never show mercy once he deemed Luffy a pirate.
And Impel Down - that was a place even he found troublesome to deal with.
"Sengoku, you..." Garp's voice was low and hoarse, carrying a suppressed anger, "Why didn't you tell me earlier?!"
Sengoku remained silent for a moment before speaking slowly.
"Garp, I knew you would act impulsively. But as the Fleet Admiral, I must be responsible for everyone. Luffy's fate is no longer within my control now."
Beep beep beep...
The call ended, and Garp's fist clenched even tighter, his nails almost digging into his palm.
Garp's hand holding the Den Den Mushi trembled slightly, his knuckles turning white from the force of his grip.
His face was terrifyingly dark, like storm clouds before a tempest, suffocatingly oppressive.
How could he not understand the underlying meaning in Sengoku's words?
It was a subtle warning, and also a helpless reminder - as a Marine Vice Admiral, Garp's identity and position destined him not to betray Marine duties for personal feelings.
"Bogard, what would you do if it were you?"
Bogard was taken aback.
Watching Garp on the verge of eruption, he became cautious.
"Garp-san, I... I don't have a grandson yet!"
"Hahahaha!" Garp suddenly burst into laughter, tears streaming from his eyes, completely stunning Bogard who couldn't understand Garp's thoughts at all.
"I know what to do now."
"..."
...
Skypiea
Above the white sea, discussions about the Eternal Kingdom were heating up.
Ron sat in the main hall, watching everyone.
His plan was gradually being realized, and the framework of the Eternal Kingdom was slowly taking shape.
However, this was only the beginning.
To truly establish the Eternal Kingdom at the world's peak, more resources and power were still needed.
"Have the Shandia people arrived?"
Ron turned to look at Marco beside him.
The Shandia tribe had finally become useful.
With their love for land, they were perfect candidates to be the resident ambassadors of the Eternal Kingdom!
Marco nodded, "They've been notified. The Shandia tribe said they will fully cooperate with our construction."
Ron nodded slightly, his gaze turning to the distance again.
"Good. The Shandia's passion for land is unmatched. Having them manage and develop the islands is most appropriate."
"They will treat this place as their life, and we only need to give them sufficient trust and respect."
A flicker of admiration appeared in Marco's eyes as he agreed.
"Ron.... you really think far ahead."
"The Shandia have no interest in gold or treasure, only caring about land and faith. Such a tribe is indeed the most trustworthy partner."
Ron didn't respond, only smiling faintly, his gaze still profound as if contemplating something.
A moment later, he spoke again, "Marco, you and Shiki will be responsible for the management of the Eternal Kingdom, especially the population registration. I want every household and every individual's information recorded in detail, with no omissions."
"Understood, Ron. I'll personally supervise to ensure every piece of information is accurate."
Marco had been idle and bored these past few days, so having something to do now was a relief.