An Unwelcome Visitor

Ross did not stay long. After feeding them, he left.

He only left Zany behind to care for Rouge, and he was in no hurry to deal with what came next.

When someone's life was filled entirely with people from one faction, even without deliberate brainwashing, they would naturally take that side.

How could rumors from outsiders compare to one's own firsthand experience?

Of course, that required making the person comfortable. Otherwise, it would only backfire.

Over the following days, Ross became completely idle.

Every morning, he accompanied Zephyr to spar on the beach. In the afternoon, he sat in Rouge's home reading books and newspapers. At night, he played games with Stella. Every day was incredibly fulfilling.

Even ordinary people in the Pirate World had exceptionally strong bodies, and with the best possible treatment, Rouge was able to get out of bed and walk by the third day.

By the fifth day, Rouge had fully recovered.

After giving birth to Ace, Rouge seemed to carry a gentle aura about her. Even Ross was occasionally drawn to her.

Ross did not bother concealing it much. He was a Celestial Dragon, after all—of course he had to spread his affection around.

However, those relaxing days came to an end on the seventh day.

"Saint Ross, Garp has arrived. To avoid attracting attention, he swam to this island."

Zephyr pushed open the door, mockery apparent between his brows.

In just a few days, with Ross's status and wealth, he had been able to buy over everyone on Baterilla Island and equip each household with an ordinary Den Den Mushi.

Even if Garp could evade the World Government's eyes and ears, the moment he set foot on this island, someone would report him.

Previously, it had only been a suspicion. Now, it was confirmed.

The dignified Hero of the Marines, Garp, really did know the whereabouts of Roger's descendant. He would rather watch innocent people in the South Blue get caught up in this than reveal that secret.

"You've known him for a long time. Do you think he'll take a look in secret, or try to snatch the child away?"

Ross slowly rose to his feet, his bones cracking loudly.

Ross

Strength: B- (Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral)

Combat Skills: Hakoku Sovereignty, Armament Haki (A), Conqueror's Haki (B), Observation Haki (C), Swordsmanship (C), Gun Technique (D), Physical Technique (C)...

With Zephyr serving as his sparring partner these past few days, Ross had more than enough time to fully bring out the Strength he had gained.

That level of Strength was certainly nothing in front of Garp, but as long as Garp was not serious, Ross would not be instantly defeated either.

"That depends on what agreement he made with Roger. If they agreed that he would help look after Ace, then with that guy's personality, he may very well try to take the child," Zephyr snorted coldly.

He had never liked Garp's personality much before, and now he thought even less of him.

Even though Roger was dead, no one knew how many people would still be affected by the consequences he had left behind.

A man like that was not worthy of sympathy.

Moreover, Zephyr was certain that Garp would never save Rouge. The only thing he cared about was Roger's descendant.

Otherwise, Garp would have found a way to get them out long ago. He would never have waited until now.

Based on Zephyr's understanding of Garp, Garp was most likely struggling with the decision himself.

Struggling over whether to save Roger's descendant.

If you think this book is good, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you don't lose it next time.

"Back when he was only an ordinary Marine soldier, he was already reckless and impatient. Even now, he hasn't changed at all." Zephyr sneered.

"What happened back then?" Ross asked with interest.

Ross did not particularly like Garp as a person.

Garp claimed to have his own principles, but looking back over everything he had done in his life, it seemed he had done everything, yet every choice had ended in regret.

"At the time, a pirate crew occupied the royal palace of an Allied Nation and held the hostages in four separate locations. Tsuru, Sengoku, Garp, and I were assigned to rescue them."

Thinking of those old events, Zephyr sighed.

"At the time, the World Government decided to bombard the palace and kill everyone inside. Marine Headquarters gave us one—and only one—chance to rescue them. Once the time limit passed, they would immediately begin the bombardment."

"The four of us agreed to act at the same time. Sengoku and Tsuru chose to outwit them. They lured away the people guarding the captives and rescued all the hostages."

"And you and Garp?" Ross asked.

Sengoku and Tsuru's choice and result were unsurprising, but since Zephyr had brought it up this way, it could only mean that he and Garp had made rather different choices.

"At the time, I wanted to be a hero in the shadows, so I chose to ambush them and knock them out. Since Garp drew away quite a few guards, my operation went especially smoothly. I was discovered in the end, but before they could use the hostages as leverage, I barely managed to save them."

Zephyr grinned. Looking back now that he was old, he felt a little embarrassed about his youthful days, but the memories brought him even more amusement.

"As for Garp, he unexpectedly chose to charge in head-on."

"He caused an enormous commotion over there. Sengoku was hilarious—afterward, he was actually so moved that he thanked Garp. He thought Garp had deliberately drawn everyone's attention so our rescue efforts could proceed smoothly."

"In reality, Garp had not thought that far ahead at all. He simply believed he could save everyone by charging straight through. The result was only so-so. After a brutal battle, there were twenty hostages in total. Aside from the most important one, a prince, all the rest were caught up in it and killed."

"Judging by the mission's outcome, he rescued the key figure and killed many pirates to avenge those who had died. But I have never approved of what he did."

"He was, at most, a reckless brute. He didn't deserve the word 'hero' at all."

Zephyr gave a soft snort. The word "hero" carried a complicated meaning for him.

Back then, he had actually been much like Garp—just with a little more brains, though equally idealistic.

It was only after tragedy struck his family that he truly woke up and changed.

Yet deep down, he still hoped there would be more heroes in this world—just definitely not heroes like Garp.

"But Garp is the Hero of the Marines," Ross teased.

"Where do you think he got that title? You know better than I do." Zephyr's expression darkened further.

If Garp had saved the Marines, or rescued some country and then been recognized as the Hero of the Marines, Zephyr would have accepted it wholeheartedly.

The problem was that Garp had saved the Celestial Dragons at God Valley and joined forces with the Roger Pirates to defeat the Rocks Pirates. That was how he became the Hero of the Marines.

The supposed value behind that title was so high that Zephyr felt the very word "hero" had been sullied.

"That really does make him a hero. After all, I'm a Celestial Dragon."

Ross wore a smile. There were not many chances to see Zephyr at a loss for words.

Garp had saved the Celestial Dragons, and the World Government had tacitly acknowledged him as the Hero of the Marines. There was nothing wrong with that.

"That's true. I nearly forgot you're a Celestial Dragon too."

Zephyr shook his head. He got along so pleasantly with Ross in everyday life that he had subconsciously overlooked the other man's identity.

In ordinary times, Ross gave him none of the nauseating feeling other Celestial Dragons did. Only when carrying out missions did he reveal a few minor twisted amusements.