Refusal

"You brat, you really have hooked up with Dragon! All those years of my training have been for nothing!" Garp said, his beard bristling and eyes wide.

Sengoku glanced at Haku, his eyes flickering, but he didn't say a word!

Haku scoffed and said, "What do you mean, 'hooked up'? We're just cooperating a bit right now! Besides, old man, if it weren't for those old guys in the World Government taking action against me, you really think I..."

Garp fell silent. To be honest, he hadn't expected the Five Elders to actually make a move against Haku!

Sengoku Vice Admiral Tsuru also fell silent; they hadn't expected the World Government to do something like this.

Haku noticed the awkward atmosphere between the three of them and exchanged a silent glance with Momousagi.

Then he said, "Alright, actually I had a feeling the World Government would take action against me. I just didn't expect that the Marineford War would leave me unconscious for so long!"

Sengoku clearly understood what was going on, and he said directly, "Haven't they already made a move against you?"

Haku, recalling the Knights of God who had escaped, said with disdain, "After confirming that I wouldn't serve them, they did indeed take action, and they used considerable force!"

Upon hearing this, Garp's face darkened with anger. He clenched his fists and exclaimed furiously, "These guys actually dared to attack you! They're insane!"

Sengoku sighed and said, "I suddenly regret not letting Kuzan take over as Fleet Admiral!"

During the reign of Sengoku, although the World Government made unreasonable demands, they didn't act recklessly because he was watching over them!

Now, after seeing Sakazuki rise to power, there have been several instances of targeting Haku.

Haku shook her head and said, "I've heard about that battle too. Even if Sakazuki hadn't won, the World Government would have directly supported him to take over!"

"Reason?" Sengoku asked.

Haku stated bluntly, "Rather than supporting someone who might not obey, the Five Elders would much rather have Sakazuki, an ambitious, easily controlled, and obedient person, take the throne! Isn't that right?"

Sengoku remained silent for a moment, knowing full well that what Haku said was true. The power struggles within the World Government had always been intense, and the Five Elders, as the highest authority, often made choices based on their own interests and control over the situation.

"You're right," Sengoku said slowly, "Sakazuki's ambition and loyalty are indeed one of the reasons he was promoted. And given his personality, he would never tolerate someone like you in the Navy!"

Garp nodded, adding, "You brat, you're a thorn in the side of the World Government now. They won't let you off the hook if they don't succeed in targeting you this time."

Haku declared Haki, "They won't let me go, and I don't want to let them go either! Unless someone intervenes, they'd better think twice before I cut off their outstretched hands!"

Of course, Haku believes that with her current strength, she can still suppress Imu!

I wonder what other cards they're holding up?

At least during that Void Century, the other side successfully overthrew that once-powerful Ancient Kingdom!

Haku didn't believe that the other party hadn't successfully inherited the 'legacy' of the Ancient Kingdom!

You should know that the most likely candidate for the Uranus is in Imu's hands!

Ignoring Haku's inexplicable inner turmoil, Vice Admiral Tsuru continued, "You better finish what you were saying!"

Haku composed herself, her arrogant demeanor vanishing. She looked firmly at Vice Admiral Tsuru and replied, "My New Marines will be founded on justice and fairness, with the interests of humanity as its highest principle. We will combat all corruption and darkness, protect the innocent and the weak, and safeguard world peace and stability."

"It sounds wonderful, but it won't be easy to achieve," Vice Admiral Tsuru sighed. "You know, power can be corrupting, especially in such a large organization."

"I know," Haku nodded.

"But this is still better than having a bunch of Celestial Dragon looming over the Navy!" Haku added.

Vice Admiral Tsuru looked at Haku, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

"Perhaps, this kid really can do it," a thought flashed through Vice Admiral Tsuru's mind.

She knew that Haku's New Marines might truly bring new hope and change to the world.

A series of footsteps sounded from outside. Haku said, as if she had expected it, "Looks like Sakazuki guessed I'd be here!"

That's right! Not long after Haku arrived at the training ground, he noticed Akainu starting to move in this direction!

Time is running out, and Haku doesn't want to see Sakazuki just yet.

He certainly didn't want to lose control and end up killing the other person!

Haku said to her grandfather, "Old man, how about helping me train some sailors at my New Marines Headquarters?"

"No way! Kid, I've been here most of my life, I'm too lazy to run around." Garp refused without hesitation. He glared at Haku and continued, "Besides, don't you know I'm well past retirement age?! You actually want me to train some marines for you!"

Haku gave an awkward laugh, though she had already guessed that her husband would refuse.

Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru breathed a sigh of relief after Garp's explicit refusal.

Honestly, if Garp really joins the New Marines, the problem is that they'll inevitably start fighting each other sooner or later!

Haku turned her gaze to Momousagi, who had been quietly standing behind Vice Admiral Tsuru without uttering a word since Haku entered.

Haku's expression softened, and she said earnestly, "Would you like to come with me?"

Momousagi's eyes revealed deep thought and struggle. Finally, she took a deep breath and said softly, "Haku, I appreciate your invitation, but... I've decided to stay at Marine Headquarters."

Although somewhat disappointed by Momousagi's answer, Haku understood Momousagi decision. He respected Momousagi choice and believed she would achieve great things by staying at Marine Headquarters.

"Alright, I respect your decision," Haku said with a smile, "But my New Marines will always welcome you."

Momousagi considered it for a moment and nodded to indicate that she understood.

A card appeared in Haku's hand, and then Haku vanished!

After seeing Haku leave, Vice Admiral Tsuru glanced at Momousagi and sighed, "Actually, quite a few New Marines have joined that kid's team here. Even if you want to leave, no one will stop you."

Vice Admiral Tsuru actually hoped that Momousagi could go to Haku's New Marines! Otherwise, she wouldn't have said that!