Because everything had gone far too smoothly, Garp stood there dumbfounded.
He blinked hard, unable to help wondering if he had misheard something.
But although Garp was getting on in years, his hearing had not deteriorated to that extent.
He had indeed heard Kaze clearly. Kaze was allowing them to leave.
And with the warship's sailing speed, Kuzan would not even need to freeze the sea.
With just the two people using Geppo to travel.
They could easily catch up.
"Are you really going to let us leave?"
"Even if we return to Marine Headquarters and tell the others about what happened here?"
Garp's heart was like a sea swept by a raging storm, yet he questioned Kaze in return.
Anyone unaware of the situation might have thought Garp was worrying about Kaze.
In truth, Garp simply found it unbelievable.
"Even if I kept the two of you here, Koby and the others would still truthfully report the intelligence from here to your superiors, wouldn't they?"
"If Two capable officers disappeared without reason, Marine Headquarters would pay even more attention to it."
"If the conflict escalates, war might break out."
Kaze paused. "The Land of Fire also needs time to recover and rebuild."
"Starting a war rashly would benefit neither you nor me."
"So why shouldn't I keep my promise?"
As he spoke, Kaze deliberately made a gesture for Uchiha Setsuna to see the two people off.
Setsuna said nothing upon seeing it.
He crossed the distance in a few quick strides, arriving beside Garp and Kuzan before gesturing with one hand.
"Gentlemen, this way."
Even now, Garp had yet to recover from his shock.
It was too smooth.
So smooth that he still found it hard to believe.
"Let's go, Mr. Garp."
Seeing that Garp still had not reacted,