As the largest military force on the seas, the Navy's power was undeniable.
But in this world of countless islands separated by endless ocean, controlling every move across the seas was impossible—they could only focus on key locations.
Even for someone like Don, just like with other New World pirates, the Navy often only received news after an incident had already occurred.
"Maybe he's gone back to the East Blue. In that case, I'll make a trip there myself!"
Garp suddenly straightened, speaking with rare seriousness.
Vice Admiral Tsuru looked at him with a faint, knowing smile.
She had known this old comrade far too long. If there was a chance to slack off, Garp would take it—clearly, this was just an excuse.
"You think Sengoku would approve that?"
"Nope!"
Garp shook his head immediately, his expression almost regretful.
"Forget it. Stop looking for ways to be lazy. The Navy has plenty of places where your presence is needed."
Tsuru turned to Kuzan, her tone shifting.
"Now then—tell me about that little girl from Ohara."
The sudden question made Kuzan freeze, blinking in surprise.
"Sengoku must have figured it out too. He just chose not to bring it up. You went to the West Blue because of that Demon Child, didn't you?"
"Nothing can slip past you, can it…"
Kuzan gave a helpless shake of his head, not even bothering to deny it.
"CP has been chasing after that girl nonstop. But now that she's following Don, things might escalate."
Tsuru's brows knitted slightly.
The situation was troublesome.
From what she'd learned, Don was a reckless and free-spirited man.
Now that he was sheltering the Demon Child, the conditions for direct conflict with the World Government were already in place.
If it came to that, the Navy might not be able to prevent a wanted order from being issued.
"Well, we've already done what we can. Whatever happens next is out of our hands."
Garp waved dismissively.
"If it comes down to a fight, this old man could use the warm-up anyway. That brat definitely held back the last time we crossed fists."
He clenched his fist with a grin.
Tsuru nodded slightly.
Sometimes, fists spoke more clearly than words.
"Fine. I'll let Sengoku know. If it comes to that, you'll be the one to handle him—you certainly have the experience."
With that, Tsuru stood, beckoned for Gion, and turned to leave.
"Oh, by the way—the recruits at the training camp are about to face their graduation test. Zephyr is taking them to the New World. You should go encourage the little ones."
She left immediately after.
Kuzan and Garp exchanged a long look.
"Guess we're going then," Garp said, rising with a sigh.
Kuzan didn't argue. Together, the two made their way toward Marine Headquarters' training camp.
East Blue, Shimotsuki Village.
When their merchant ship docked, Don disembarked with Robin at his side.
Plenty of villagers recognized him—after all, Don had lived here for about a year.
"Don? Weren't you out at sea?"
Many were surprised to see him back, especially with a beautiful woman by his side.
"I've returned to the East Blue recently, so I thought I'd stop by," Don replied cheerfully, waving as he led Robin toward Isshin Dojo.
"This is where you trained and got this strong?" Robin asked quietly once they left the port.
"You could say that."
Don nodded.
"So, does that mean there's a hidden master here? Someone who once shook the world?"
Her curiosity only grew. If Don had been trained here, then just how powerful was his teacher?
Don noticed her thoughts but didn't explain further.
The truth was simpler. His growth had been like a game—Shimotsuki Village was his starter zone, where he had learned basic skills.
Pay some coin to learn abilities, then level up through battles and training.
That was all there was to it.
As they approached the Dojo, the sharp sound of wooden swords clashing filled the air.
Clack! Clack! Clack!
The rapid strikes came from none other than Zoro and Kuina.
"Hah!"
Kuina exhaled sharply, stepping forward with her sword. With a deft sidestep, she slipped past Zoro's three-sword rush.
A red mark instantly appeared across Zoro's face, followed by a nosebleed.
"You've gotten stronger again," Zoro muttered grimly, turning back to her.
Not long ago, he had felt their gap shrinking. He was certain he would soon surpass her.
But Kuina's growth had been astonishing.
Her strikes weren't as fierce as before, but they had become harder to predict.
Rather than fixating on her body's limits, she had refined her swordsmanship itself.
"Of course I have!"
Kuina tilted her chin up, full of confidence.
"Wait—don't tell me Master Kōshirō has been giving you private lessons?"
Zoro's eyes widened as suspicion flared.
"Losing is one thing, but making excuses?"
Before Kuina could retort, a familiar voice came from the doorway.
Both of them stiffened, then snapped their heads toward the entrance.
Leaning casually against the frame, Don smiled at them—just as he had the very first time he came here.
"Don?"
Kuina's eyes went wide.
"You're back?"
Zoro gawked too, the wooden sword slipping from his mouth and clattering to the floor.
"What's this? Not happy to see me? I still remember our promise, you know."
Don feigned a wounded expression.
"N-No, that's not it!"
Kuina shook her head quickly. She was about to say more when a head peeked out from behind Don.
Robin regarded the two children with amused curiosity.
Her presence immediately drew their attention.
The two stared at the unfamiliar woman in silence.
Don strode forward and promptly flicked each of them on the forehead.
He didn't hit hard, yet neither could avoid it.
Clutching their heads, they crouched down with watery eyes, glaring up at him.
That damned familiar feeling!
Both of them thought the same thing.
"This is my new crewmate—Nico Robin, an archaeologist," Don introduced, gesturing at her.
"Nice to meet you. You can just call me Robin," she said warmly.
The two kids straightened and introduced themselves in turn.
"I'm Kuina."
"I'm Zoro!"
But then Zoro frowned.
"Wait a second—Don, weren't you in the North Blue? I saw the newspaper!"
"Yeah! You even fought two Marine Admirals," Kuina added quickly. "Master said they're among the strongest on the seas!"
"And you fought Chinjao too, the pirate with a 500 million bounty!"
Don's brows furrowed.
"So what? I've done far more than that. And you two—my junior disciples—don't even remember what your senior has accomplished? What a disgrace!"
END OF CHAPTER
patreon.com/MrBehringer
Fireborne Legends
🔹 Rising Bounty – Read up to 15 chapters ahead
🔸 Legendary Bounty – Command up to 35 chapters ahead