Hearing Vale's words, Garp was not surprised. After all, Vale was the man who had personally ended Roger's life, both physically and spiritually. Everything about Roger's demise had been at Vale's hands.
"Alright, then we'll depart the day after tomorrow," Garp said.
Vale thought for a moment. Heading to Mariejois a week later should leave plenty of time.
"Fine. Day after tomorrow it is."
They chatted a little longer before Garp rose to leave.
In the holy land of Mariejois, the Five Elders trembled as they knocked on Imu's chamber door.
"Enter," came the cold, distant voice of Imu.
The five swallowed nervously.
"Imu-sama!"
Seated upon the throne, Imu's red eyes swept over them continuously as he drummed his fingers along the armrest.
"Didn't you say the Admiral would be arriving at Mariejois soon? Where are they?"
The question made their bodies shiver involuntarily.
"Imu-sama, please calm your anger! Kizaru and Akainu have indeed already been here. It's just that the young master has been busy training and hasn't had the time."
"Yes, yes! Imu-sama!"
"But rest assured, we have contacted him. In at most a week, he will arrive personally!"
Sweat poured from the Elders' brows. Imu fell silent for a moment before speaking again.
"Good. I'll give you one final chance."
The Elders breathed a temporary sigh of relief. Imu was not angry for now.
"Set aside Vale's matter. What is happening in Ohara?"
Hearing the question, one Elder responded.
"Imu-sama, those scholars still refuse to abandon their research on historical texts."
Bang!
The sound of Imu slamming his chair echoed through the room, chilling the air to ice.
"Those wretched fools," Imu's eyes glinted with killing intent. "If they cannot seize the opportunity, then wipe them all out!"
The Elders trembled at his words.
"Yes, Imu-sama!"
They hastily retreated from the room, only realizing that sweat drenched their clothes.
"Brother, this matter is significant. I think we cannot delay any longer," one Elder said.
The other nodded. "True, but we must not act rashly. We should send the Navy to arrest that archaeologist."
"Brother, which archaeologist?"
"Nico Olivia."
Meanwhile, Vale and Garp had already left Marineford, heading toward Windmill Town, even as the Elders schemed over Ohara.
"By the way, Vale, when will you and En get married?" Garp asked, crunching on senbei.
Vale shrugged. "Well, we haven't thought about that yet."
Hearing this, Garp laughed heartily. "Haha! Vale, you're at the age when such things matter, you know?"
"Indeed. I'll ask En when we return," Vale replied, casually munching on his senbei as they chatted.
Soon, they arrived at Garp's hometown, Windmill Town.
They docked the warship at the port and left their subordinates on board, then strolled into town.
Bang, bang, bang!
Garp knocked on the door of a two-story house toward the back of town.
The door opened, revealing a slightly worn-looking Luluk.
"Mr. Garp, you're here."
Luluk's gaze shifted toward Vale.
"Ah, that interesting Navy officer," she said.
Vale smiled. "You could try calling me by my name once in a while."
Luluk covered her mouth, laughing softly. "Come in quickly."
They entered the room, with Garp sitting at the table chatting with Luluk while Vale wandered the room. After all, this was his first visit in two years.
"Miss Luluk, have you decided to deliver within the next couple of days?" Vale asked.
Luluk nodded. "Yes. I think I've reached my limit."
She gently rubbed her swollen belly. Vale couldn't help but feel admiration. A mother enduring two years of pain was incredible. Not many could withstand that.
"Perhaps this is the greatness of a mother," Vale murmured.
Luluk's face lit up with a happy smile. "So, Navy officer, you're not married yet?"
Vale's lips twitched. Really? Are they conspiring to set me up today?
"I… not yet," he said, waving it off.
Then Luluk said something that left both Vale and Garp stunned.
"Then, Navy officer, would you be the godfather of this child?"
Vale froze. Garp froze too.
"If you don't answer, I'll take that as acceptance," Luluk added with a smile.
Vale snapped out of it. "Wait, what?!"
Garp cleared his throat, "Well, Luluk… you know Vale is an Admiral. He's busy, it's not exactly practical "
Although he said this, Garp worried. How could an Admiral take on Roger's bloodline as a godchild?
Luluk giggled behind her hand. "I'm joking. I know the gravity of the situation. You've both already helped me so much. How could I ask such a thing?"
Vale and Garp exhaled in relief. But Vale's forehead was sweating. After two lifetimes without a child, suddenly being asked to be a godfather was… overwhelming.
Garp chuckled. "Well, if he can't be your godfather, he can at least be my grandson!"
Vale nodded. "That works. Uncle Garp doesn't have a grandson yet either."
Just as Luluk began to express her gratitude, a sharp jolt ran through her abdomen.
"Ah… I can't… Mr. Garp, could you call the midwife?"
Their eyes widened. They exchanged glances. It was happening she was going into labor!
Garp, having delivered his own son before, was calm. Vale, however, was in a daze.
"Who am I? Where am I? What am I supposed to do?"
"Hey! Vale! Stop staring! Go help!" Garp yelled from the doorway. Vale finally snapped out of it, scrambling to assist Luluk.
After what felt like an eternity, the midwife arrived. Garp and Vale were ushered to the yard.
Garp couldn't help laughing. Vale was a mess hair disheveled, cloak torn, covered in scratches and bruises from Luluk's kicks. Vale rubbed his forehead, sighing. "What on earth is happening?"
Soon, the cry of a newborn filled the room. The midwife opened the door, and the two rushed to Luluk's side.
"Miss Luluk, are you alright?"
Her face was pale, but she smiled.
"It's… a boy."
Vale and Garp's lips curved into smiles. Even knowing in advance, the joy was indescribable.
"And the name, Navy officer? Surely you remember," Luluk said.
Vale raised an eyebrow and smiled.
"Never forgotten. Portgas D. Ace."