"Well."
Looking at Tashigi kneeling on the ground before him, tears streaming down her face like a fountain, Gawain gently rubbed his forehead.
This is truly a tearful scene straight out of a One Piece manga...
I've tried my best to tell myself that this is a real world, but the people here still seem to conjure up comic book scenarios for me all the time...
As he thought about it, Gawain squatted down and looked at Tashigi gently.
"Hey, female marine, do you really think meeting me is a bad thing?"
"Waaah... Hey?"
Tashigi, who was crying, froze for a moment. She looked at Gawain in a daze, and after only a moment of hesitation, she frantically shook her head.
"No, no, no, no, of course not! How could I think that!"
Although Major Smoker and I did want to avoid you, after actually seeing you, I realized you're not as scary as I thought. I... wait, wait, wait?!
Tashigi was answering when she suddenly froze.
Behind him, Smoker was already trembling!
You should know that Smoker is extremely audacious; even in the Navy, he's the kind of person who dares to make threats against Admiral.
Furthermore, in the original manga storyline, when Smoker captured Luffy in Loguetown, he was personally controlled by Dragon once.
Even after Dragon seized his weapon, Smoker didn't utter a single word of pleading, but instead spoke arrogantly to Dragon.
"Don't you know that the whole world wants your head?!"
That's right, that's how the very brave Smoker spoke to Dragon, which shows just how bold this man is.
Even this bold man was now trembling with fear. He knelt down before Gawain again, gritting his teeth as he explained.
"Great Saint Gawain, Tashigi didn't mean it that way. She... she's always been a bit eccentric. What she just did was... unintentional. Please don't punish her!"
"Oh."
Hearing Smoker's explanation, Gawain frowned slightly, a gesture that made Tashigi tremble.
"Whoa, I said the wrong thing again!!!"
My ideals, my dreams, my life is about to end, I..."
"You'd better say less, Tashigi..."
Gawain chuckled, stopping Tashigi from speaking. He then reached out and gently patted Tashigi's head.
"Little girl, I have a general understanding of your personality. Don't worry, I won't punish you for a few silly words."
As for now, get up and quickly deal with those pirates, do the work that the navy is supposed to do.
And you, Smoker!
Gawain turned his right hand and gently patted Smoker on the head.
"You should also do what you're supposed to do... wait?"
At that moment, Gawain suddenly froze, feeling that something was amiss.
In my memory, Smoker should have had a white, slicked-back hairstyle similar to Virgil 'Dante's Vergil from Devil May Cry).
But why is Smoker, whom I'm seeing now, sporting a buzz cut?
Even calling this hairstyle a buzz cut is a bit of a stretch; Smoker's current hair is more accurately described as a bald man's hairstyle...
On the ground, Smoker and Tashigi had just breathed a sigh of relief when they were startled by Gawain's sudden pause.
Smoker mustered his courage and whispered to Gawain.
"Saint Gawain, what happened?"
"Oh, it's nothing..."
Gawain ruffled Smoker's bald head while making a comment with a smile.
"Like grass."
"Ha?"
"Why?"
Smoker and Tashigi looked at each other in bewilderment, while Gawain strode to the captain's cabin of the warship and carried out a chair.
Seeing Gawain sitting upright in the center of the deck, Smoker dared not speak again. He quickly led Tashigi to tie up all the pirates around them.
Not long after, Smoker brought Tashigi back to Gawain's side.
"Saint Gawain, there are a total of 5,422 pirates. Our warships simply cannot accommodate them, and our crew cannot take them directly back to Loguetown."
Therefore, I plan to take one group with me and leave a group of crew members behind to guard the place. What do you think of this arrangement...?
"I don't think that's appropriate, Smoker."
Gawain waved his hand gently, interrupting Smoker.
"Alright then, my men will soon be crossing the Red Line with the Dark Bird Ship. When that happens, have my crew help deal with these criminals."
"Your warship, take me to the location of Reverse Mountain. My men can handle things here."
After saying that, Gawain waved his hand slightly and pointed his finger toward the location of Reverse Mountain. Seeing Gawain's gesture, Smoker nodded knowingly.
"Yes, Saint Gawain."
After saying that, Smoker immediately went to make the arrangements, Gawain looked at Tashigi next to Smoker and gave her a meaningful smile.
A girl who's a bit eccentric, but in both appearance and ambition, she's exactly like Kuina.
Wow, this girl, in some ways, will become quite an important character.
In the distance, near Reverse Mountain, a vast shadow completely enveloped the nearby sea.
Beneath the shadows, Shirahoshi lay sprawled on the massive Laboon, waving her hands toward the sky.
"The Dark Bird is taking off~~~."
These are the words Shirahoshi is shouting, as childish as ever, but exceptionally adorable.
Only the Dark Bird Ship she mentioned...
In the sky, on the deck of the Dark Bird Ship, Rayleigh stood in front of everyone, looking at the East Blue and letting out an amused laugh.
"According to Shakky's intelligence, that old Garp is still staying in Foosha Village."
Last time we met, I already had a drink with this old fellow. So next time we meet, it'll be time for me to beat him up!
I'll make him pay the price for playing with his old friend!
As soon as he finished speaking, Rayleigh turned to his side and gave the crew a hopeful smile.
"Gentlemen, you all have to help me with this fight between me and Garp!"
Little bunny, you mustn't side with Garp, understand?
"Don't worry, old man~".
Gion gave Rayleigh an OK sign.
"Although Garp is my elder, you are also my and Gawain's elder."
Therefore, I am addressing the issue, not the person!
After saying that, Gion couldn't help but chuckle to herself.
Beat up Garp- chan?
She'd been looking forward to this for a long time; after all, Garp is the Navy's undisputed hero and flag bearer.
I really want to have a good fight with Garp -chan!!!
Beside her, behind Gion, Isuka couldn't help but purse her lips.
Of course she knew about Grandpa Garp; he was a very magnanimous and powerful old man.
However, even the most powerful person cannot face the Dark Bird Ship's lineup on their own.
For a moment, Isuka couldn't help but pray for Garp.
Just as Isuka was chuckling and praying, Crocodile took the cigar from his mouth and said softly.
"The East Blue, which I haven't seen in a long time, is really interesting."
The last time I came to the East Blue was when the Pirate King Roger was executed. I was standing below the Execution Platform, watching..."
At this point, Crocodile suddenly realized something and immediately looked at Ace not far away.
Then, he pursed his lips and whispered to Ace.
"Sorry, kid, I forgot something."
"Fine!"
Ace appeared very calm; he didn't show any sadness when faced with the story of his biological father's murder.
"I've never seen Roger even once, nor have I ever been lectured by him for a single day."
Sometimes I can't help but wonder whether the person who gave me birth deserves the title of father, or the person who raised me.
I've thought about this question for a long time, and now I understand a principle.
The principle is this: the person who gave me life is definitely my mother, and the person who raised me, educated me, guided me, gave me goals, and became my role model is definitely my father!
Roger may have had grand ideals, and he may have had many unspeakable sorrows.
But in any case, he never saw me, and I never saw him.
That's why I didn't consider him my father!
Bang!!!
No sooner had Ace finished speaking than Rayleigh punched Ace hard on the head.
"Kid, what are you talking about? Even if you're right, these kinds of words shouldn't come out of your mouth!"
Moreover, I will absolutely not allow my disciple to insult my old friend.
Even if you're right, you can't say that!
As soon as he finished speaking, Rayleigh tapped Ace on the head again, then looked into the distance and smiled knowingly.
"I won't say anything more to you, kid. When you grow up and become a father, you'll naturally understand Roger."
As for now, haha, let me take you to see Loguetown.
After all, that's where your father died!
"I've already seen it..."
Ace rolled his eyes and replied to Rayleigh.
"I myself am from the East Blue. Before I set sail, I also passed through Loguetown."
So, I've been there. There's nothing special about it; it's just an Execution Platform.
Instead of showing me the Execution Platform, why don't you take me to the nearby Marine Branch, Godfather? I've never actually visited Marine Branch before!
Ace looked at Rayleigh expectantly, and after thinking for a moment, Rayleigh nodded slightly.
"That makes sense. You were supposed to pass through Loguetown anyway. Alright, I grant your request."
I'll take you to the nearby Marine Branch when I have time, so you can wander around freely and forget the pressure that the word "naval" brings to you as a pirate.
In addition, we do need to resupply at nearby islands or Marine Branch.
There aren't many plants and animals near Reverse Mountain, Laboon has recently been spoiled by Little Gawain and developed a liking for human food, to the point that our ship is almost out of food.
Oh, speaking of which, I just remembered that after Gawain comes back, you guys should help me persuade him.
Laboon is Island Whale that hunts Sea King on its own, and it will automatically enter a state of dieting and starvation when there is no food source.
In short, we can't feed him too much human food.
Laboon ate almost more than everyone else on the ship combined!
If this continues, what will we eat?
Although we can also catch Sea King, we have no shortage of staple foods and meat.
Even so, we can't give up delicious stir-fries and switch to three barbecues a day, can we?
After saying that, Rayleigh waved his hand to everyone, and they all nodded in understanding.
Grandpa Rayleigh is right, they don't want to eat barbecue all the time, it would be too greasy!
Just as people made up their minds, the Dark Bird Ship slowly landed on the sea. Its massive hull created countless Uzumaki, causing the surrounding waters to churn violently.
At the same time, Yixiao, along with the Shirahoshi on Laboon's body, returned to the deck of the Dark Bird Ship.
Hancock frowned as she watched the two return.
"Strange, where is Lord Gawain? Where is my Gawain?"
Hearing Hancock's question, Yi smiled and nodded, then said...
"The master is forty nautical miles away. He has just dealt with a group of pirates who gathered near Reverse Mountain, trying to evade us before entering the Grand Line."
As for now, the adults have arrived with the Marine warship and will be here soon."
"I understand!"
Seeing Gawain go out and have fun by himself, Hancock bit her lip in frustration.
They didn't even take her with them!
However, upon seeing Shirahoshi being carried and floating to the side by Shirahoshi, Hancock couldn't help but smile again.
I didn't bring Shirahoshi either, hehe~~~.
Not long after, on Smoker's warship.
Smoker, the bald man, stood behind Gawain, speechless as he stared at the towering ship that seemed to reach into the clouds in the distance.
"That... that's the Dark Bird Ship! I can't wait!!!"
At that moment, Smoker's fist loosened slightly, and then he nervously rubbed his palm against his clothes.
Beside him, Tashigi mimicked his gesture and said the same thing.
"Yes, this ship is absolutely enormous, it's like a mountain!!!"
This is the first time I've ever seen such a big ship! I'm so excited to see it going up and take a look around!
"No, it has nothing to do with that. I'm just looking forward to seeing the people on that ship!"
Smoker shook his head, denying Tashigi's statement. He then clenched his sweaty fists again and said incredulously.
"Dark King Rayleigh, Momousagi Gion, Mad Tiger Smile, Jinbe, Knight of the Sea Pirate Empress, Sand Crocodile, Tyrant Kuma, Fire Fist Ace, Devil's Daughter, and my teacher, Black Arm Zephyr!!!"
With so many renowned figures from the sea gathered together, I'm so excited! I really want to fight each and every one of them!!!
At this point, Smoker's lips trembled with excitement. He rubbed his hands together and looked at Gawain expectantly.
Seeing Smoker's expectant look, Gawain smiled and said.
"Right now, you can't beat any of them. You're far behind me, so you should work harder first."
"Saint Gawain!"
Hearing Gawain's words, Smoker spoke seriously.
"You are the captain of that ship. On any ship, isn't the captain the strongest one?"
Just like how you defeated thousands of pirates the moment you appeared, your strength far exceeds my imagination!
Making you my goal is a bit too far off for me. I'll stick to the people I just mentioned!
For example, Rayleigh!
As soon as he finished speaking, Smoker exhaled a sharp puff of smoke.
"If you allow it, then after I defeat Rayleigh, I will challenge you!"
"Pfft, hahaha!!!"
Smoker's words really amused Gawain, who patted Smoker on the shoulder with amusement.
"That's right, haha, go ahead with your plan. Once you defeat Rayleigh, you can challenge me, haha."
While laughing, Gawain couldn't help but think to himself that his strength had truly been mythologized by the people of the sea.
However, this also shows just how important strength is on this vast ocean.
Not everyone is driven by political maneuvering!
People here rarely care about winning or losing in terms of thinking.
Fist is the hardest truth on this ocean, no matter how good one's reputation or how stable one's base.
One's own strength must reach the level of being the best in the world as soon as possible, or at least be able to perform like the best in the world!
As he thought about it, Gawain patted Smoker on the shoulder.
"By the way, Smoker, you two will come aboard with me in a bit and have a simple meal on the Dark Bird Ship."
Our next route is to Loguetown, and we might pass by Battleship Island along the way. Anyway, let's stay on my ship for a while.
As for your naval status and work, don't worry. If your Marine Headquarters has different arrangements for you, then let me talk to them about it!
After saying that, Gawain instantly transformed into Inazuma and disappeared from Smoker and Tashigi's sight.
After Gawain left, Tashigi jumped up and down excitedly.
Unlike the excited Tashigi, Smoker seemed a little lost at this moment.
He felt that something was wrong!