Garp—undeniably a maverick in the Navy—was not bound by the usual rules. With his legendary achievements and the infamous "Garp's Special Punch," he enjoyed freedoms other vice admirals could only dream of.
A few days ago, while dining at Zephyr's house, Garp had casually announced he would take Tsugakuin Yoriichi out to sea. Less than a week later, the day had finally arrived.
Early in the morning, Yoriichi was peacefully buried in books when Garp barged into Zephyr's house as if it were his own.
"Hey, kid! I'm going out to sea—come with me! Follow me!"
Yoriichi, blinking over his book pile, twitched at the intrusion.
"Wouldn't it be rude? Zeff isn't home. Shouldn't I at least greet him first?" he thought.
Despite nearly a month in the Navy, his strength had stagnated under Zephyr's care. Yoriichi suspected Zephyr's reluctance to teach him combat wasn't personal—it was likely orders from higher-ups. Garp's sudden return only confirmed his suspicions.
It wasn't a lack of talent that held him back. Yoriichi already understood the world's power systems, and with a Dōri of over 5,000, he could have mastered the Six Styles and Haki long ago. Even a "genius" like Lucci only had a Dōri of 4,000.
Still, Yoriichi didn't want to appear reckless. Zephyr and Garp weren't the obstacles—he knew that.
"I've already told Zephyr, he's fine with it," Garp said, seeing the hesitation. "Why ask permission from anyone else?"
Yoriichi hesitated, then nodded slowly. Before he could say anything else, Garp scooped him up effortlessly, tucking him against his waist like a chicken.
"Uh… Vice Admiral Garp, I can walk on my own," Yoriichi protested.
"Hahaha! Freedom is for you, Yoriichi. Not me!" Garp laughed heartily, ignoring the curious stares from Marines along the way.
Soon, the Doghead warship came into view. The ship, Garp's personal vessel, was already manned and ready. As they approached, a group of Marines blocked their path.
At the front stood Admiral Sora, flanked by Zephyr and Sengoku, with other Marines behind them.
"Hey! Garp, what are you doing?!" Sora demanded.
Garp, unbothered, placed Yoriichi on the ground, casually tossed him his long sword, picked his nose, and said:
"Isn't it obvious? Heard about Roger—time to go out to sea."
Sora's eyes softened slightly, though his tone remained firm. "You can go after Roger. But you cannot take that kid. He's Zephyr's disciple—a key figure in Navy training. He can't go out to sea."
Garp placed a reassuring hand on Yoriichi's back. "I know. That's why we must go out to sea. The Navy can only grow stronger on the sea. That's why I'm here. And I have a say."
Even as a Vice Admiral facing the Navy Admiral, Garp's resolve didn't waver.
Sora sighed. "…Do you really have to do this, Garp?"
"Hahaha! Don't worry. I'll bring him back safe. Now, move aside!" Garp roared, shoulder-slapping Yoriichi as he prepared to board.
This time, Sora stepped aside but whispered: "Garp, take responsibility for your actions. Don't fail me."
Garp grinned and led Yoriichi onto the Doghead warship.
"Let's go!" he shouted. The anchor was raised, and the massive warship slowly left the naval port, disappearing over the horizon.
Zephyr smiled watching them depart, while Sora's stern expression showed displeasure.
"Marshal, don't take it to heart. It's just a kid," Zhan Guo tried to soothe.
"Just a kid?! That brat awakened Conqueror's Haki! Sengoku, do you know what this means?!" Sora exploded.
"He's one in a million. Train him right, and he'll be the backbone of our Navy. One like him can bring peace to vast seas!"
Garp's maverick actions had angered the Admiral—but even Sora, the Grand Admiral, could do nothing.
On deck, Yoriichi held the railing, the sea breeze tousling his bright red hair and revealing the streaks on his forehead. Looking at the endless ocean, he felt the freedom and thrill of the sea like never before.
"There's a reason so many people flock to the sea," he thought. "No matter how many times I feel it, this sense of freedom is always refreshing."
Footsteps approached from behind. A tall figure stood beside Yoriichi, following his gaze out to sea.
"Do you like the sea too?" the figure asked with a smile.
Read 2 weeks chapters ahead at
[email protected]/Horizons685
(End of Chapter)