A Self-Imposed Penalty of Three Cups

Garp and Sengoku, old friends of many years, clashed again over the issue of Leon.

Sengoku turned his head, gazing through the window at Marineford, which had once more regained its prosperity.

"Just a bunch of baseless reports. At least so far, there haven't been any innocent civilian casualties..."

"Hmph." Garp pulled his feet off the desk and slowly rose. "Sengoku, I can't figure out why the Marines are making such a big fuss over a child who might not even exist."

"Garp!"

"Do I need to remind you how much harm Roger caused this world?"

"A child who inherits Roger's bloodline—his very birth is a sin!"

"And what about your disciple, Garp?"

"Does he still act like a Marine?"

"Aren't you afraid he'll become another Dragon?"

Sengoku's tone was heavy, but Garp shrugged it off with a dismissive pout. "You don't need to lecture me."

"I know what I'm doing."

Like hell you do!

Sengoku glared at Garp's infuriating old face, his temper flaring. He snatched the pack of senbei Garp had just opened and stormed out.

"Tch."

Watching the door slam shut behind Sengoku, Garp plopped back into his recliner and pulled open a drawer stuffed with all kinds of snacks.

He grabbed a bag of donuts, tore it open, and dumped the whole lot into his mouth.

Deep down, Garp wasn't as carefree as he pretended to be.

"I knew that kid Leon would stir up trouble..."

"I wonder if he found Roger's child..."

"Sigh..."

After more than ten days of travel, Leon finally returned to his faithful Marineford.

Luckily, on the way back, he didn't have to hide his trail. Hitching rides on Marine ships all the way, Leon was far less ragged than when he'd first arrived at Baterilla Island.

No sooner had he set foot on Marineford than a squad of fully armed Marines appeared before him, as if they'd been waiting.

"Hello, Chief Petty Officer Leon."

"We've been expecting you."

The lead Marine officer greeted Leon with a stern face.

"Hello. What's this about?"

"Chief Petty Officer Leon, I'm with the Marine Headquarters Inspectorate."

"I'm here to inform you that, in light of your public assault on a Marine Headquarters lieutenant colonel on Baterilla Island in the South Blue, resulting in serious injury."

"After review by the Marine Headquarters Inspectorate, the decision has been made to sentence you to six months' confinement."

"Location of confinement—"

"Marine Headquarters—Marineford!"

"This is the punishment order for Chief Petty Officer Leon, signed personally by Fleet Admiral Kong of the Marine Headquarters Inspectorate."

"Chief Petty Officer Leon, if you have no objections, please sign the notice!"

"Uh..."

Leon had expected the Marines to punish him.

But what did it mean that the confinement was at Marineford...

"Chief Petty Officer Leon?"

Seeing Leon's confusion, the inspectorate officer stepped closer and said quietly, "Chief Petty Officer Leon, I personally, along with most of the Inspectorate, deeply admire your righteous actions!"

"That kind of scum who slaughters civilians indiscriminately doesn't deserve to be called a Marine!"

"It's just... I hope you understand. Rules are rules. We have to punish you."

"During these six months, please stay put at headquarters for training..."

Oh, oh.

Leon nodded.

Got it.

A slap on the wrist, huh?

He just hadn't expected to earn the support of the Marine soldiers. He'd only thought that Wide Chin Lieutenant Colonel, going on about justice, was pretty disgusting.

Leon's actions had inadvertently played right into Sengoku's hands.

Sengoku had already legitimately removed the severely injured Wide Chin Lieutenant Colonel from his post, replacing him with a Dove Faction Marine who favored softer methods.

As for whether Wide Chin Lieutenant Colonel's actions on Baterilla Island in the South Blue had actually been carried out under Admiral Sengoku's orders, it no longer mattered.

After all, the investigation had shown that none of the island's civilians had died.

What?

You're saying he wanted to slaughter them, but just didn't have enough time to carry it out?

Then go ask him yourself.

Wide Chin Lieutenant Colonel is still lying in a hospital bed with IV drips stuck in him, and it's uncertain whether he'll even survive...

"I understand. Thanks for your help!"

Having sorted out his thoughts, Leon took the Punishment Notice handed over by the Inspectorate officer and signed his name.

"Alright, we'll leave you to it then!"

The Inspectorate officer flashed a friendly smile, then quickly led his team away. Leon stretched, his joints cracking audibly.

With things as they were, he might as well eat first...

He wandered over to the Marine Cafeteria. Even though it was past mealtime, the serving windows were still open.

As soon as he stepped inside, Leon spotted a familiar figure.

A mountain-like body, with orange hair surrounding his head like a lion's mane.

It was Marine Headquarters' Giant Vice Admiral—Sauro.

"Vice Admiral Sauro, long time no see!"

"Huh?"

Hearing someone call his name, Sauro lifted his head from his food bowl.