Garen stayed with Nami and continued the luncheon that the Straw Hat trio had interrupted.
But sitting at the table, Garen felt even more nervous than he had during the duel.
That was because seated with Garen and Nami were Akin, Nojiko, and the other family members from Nami's hometown.
Unlike a year ago, when Garen had come to Cocoyasi Village as the Knight of Justice and slain Arlong, his current position was practically that of a future son-in-law returning to meet his girlfriend's parents.
And what truly made Garen nervous were, naturally, those gossip rumors that people all across the East Blue loved to talk about.
"Garen."
A sharp glint flashed through Akin's eyes.
Although Akin himself was merely a weakling with a combat power of five, his concern for his "daughter," Nami, far outweighed his awe of Garen's authority.
Thus, this weak village Peacekeeper finally could no longer restrain the fire in his heart and openly questioned Garen, a Shichibukai whom even the World Government had to show some respect:
"The news reports from the Grand Line said..."
"You have an unusual relationship with that 'world's most beautiful woman'?"
"What exactly is going on?"
The News Bird's sales network covered the entire world, and newspapers from the Grand Line could easily be sold in the East Blue, so Garen had no way to stop the spread of his tabloid scandals.
Moreover, with the star power of Garen and the "world's most beautiful woman," this issue of the World Economic Journal had nearly matched the sales of the issue covering the Pirate King's execution.
"Rumors. They're all rumors!"
"Those reporters nowadays make a mountain out of every little thing. They'll write anything for attention."
"You absolutely can't believe those articles!"
Garen displayed the professional composure he used when dealing