Chapter 51: The Hero's Grandson
"This is... Conqueror's Haki!"
One of the G-8 Marines struggled to stand straight, gritting his teeth. He felt dizzy, his vision swimming, but he refused to pass out.
The Conqueror's Haki Satoru released wasn't at full power. He could have unleashed something far more terrifying—his spiritual power was immense. But for a simple display of authority, this level was enough.
"You really know how to make an entrance, kid," a loud, familiar voice boomed with laughter. "Giving them such a shock right off the bat!"
Hearing the voice, Satoru stopped releasing his Haki. Even Admiral Kizaru on the warship looked surprised. No one had told them he would be here.
A middle-aged man swaggered through the ranks of Marines. He wore a Navy Justice cloak over his broad shoulders, his hair already half-grey. He was munching on a rice cracker. He walked right up to Satoru.
"Yellow Ape boy," the man said, not even looking at the Admiral. "You can shove off now. Nothing for you to do here."
"Understood, Vice Admiral Garp," Kizaru replied smoothly. The warship began to pull away from the G-8 dock.
"Old man," Satoru said, a genuine smile appearing. "Long time no see. What are you doing here?"
All of Satoru's attention had been on the G-8 troops. With his Six Eyes, he should have noticed Garp immediately, but he'd been focused on making his point.
"That old worrywart Sengoku was afraid you couldn't handle these brutes," Garp laughed, clapping a massive hand on Satoru's shoulder. "So he asked me to come help you out. But looks like you don't need my help at all!"
Garp looked at Satoru with pure satisfaction. It had been over half a year since he'd last seen the boy. Every time they met, Satoru was noticeably stronger, more capable.
"Conqueror's Haki... I didn't expect you to have that, too."
"Once you understand the principle, it's simple," Satoru said casually. "I think anyone could learn it, really."
Hearing this, Garp roared with laughter.
"You're something else, kid. You really are."
To most people, Conqueror's Haki was a birthright. You either had the quality of a king or you didn't. You couldn't learn it. But to Satoru, it was just another skill. This must be the gap between a monster and a normal person, Garp thought.
The Marines in front of them were stunned. Their new commander was on familiar terms with the legendary hero, Vice Admiral Garp? At first, they'd assumed he was some spoiled noble's kid, sent here for an easy posting. They quickly dismissed that idea. No one came to the hell of the New World to 'gild' their record. Not unless they had a death wish.
"Let me introduce him to you properly!" Garp announced, his voice echoing across the dock. "Your new base commander is my grandson! And he's also the one and only personal apprentice of the Navy's Chief Instructor, Zephyr!"
Every jaw on the dock nearly hit the floor. So he was from a powerful background. But this background was terrifying. Garp or Zephyr alone could let someone walk sideways through the Navy. Their new commander had the backing of both. With that kind of support, he could do pretty much anything.
Satoru understood what Garp was doing. He was using his own and Zephyr's reputations to make Satoru's command easier. Even though Satoru had used Conqueror's Haki to assert dominance, some would still be resentful. This pedigree would cow some of that ill will.
"Old man, that's not necessary," Satoru said quietly. "If I want to tame them, I have my own methods."
He smiled, then took a step forward, addressing the troops again.
"I know the Marines of the New World are different. You believe in strength. Only the strong are qualified to lead you.
"I may not have the experience to lead. But I believe I have the strength.
"I know some of you aren't convinced. So I'll give you a chance. All of you, come at me together. If you can defeat me, I will step down as commander of this base. Right here, right now."
Garp watched the small, straight-backed figure in front of him, his eyes crinkling with a proud smile. This boy he'd found in a treasure chest might become the greatest pride of his life. He had faith in his son, Dragon, and his grandson, Luffy. But Satoru was on another level.
Despite Satoru's challenge, none of the Marines moved. They glanced fearfully at Garp standing behind the boy. If they hurt the hero's grandson, wouldn't he take revenge? They were just ordinary Marines with no powerful connections.
"I know what you're thinking!" Garp boomed, his hands on his hips. "Don't worry about it! Go all out! If you can beat him—no, if you can so much as lay a finger on him—I'll strip him of his rank right in front of you! I'll personally promise you that Headquarters will send a more experienced Vice Admiral to take command!"
Garp's words struck a chord. These Marines were proud, but they weren't stupid. Without a powerful commander, their base would be overrun by New World pirates sooner or later. When they saw their new commander was a child, their contempt wasn't just for him—it was anger at Headquarters for seemingly playing with their lives.
"Come on!" Garp yelled, egging them on. "If you don't go now, my offer is void! Then you'll just have to follow his orders, no matter what! You'll have to swallow your pride and obey a kid! How does that feel?!"
That did it. The last sentence ignited their fury. The thought of having to take orders from someone younger than their own sons in the future was humiliating. If he wanted to command them, he had to show the strength to back it up.
A low growl rose from the ranks. Hundreds of battle-hardened Marines, their pride stung, their survival instinct triggered, slowly began to surround the small, white-haired boy in the center of the dock.
Satoru's smile didn't fade. He simply raised a hand, curling his index finger in a 'come here' gesture.
"Let's begin."
(End of Chapter)
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