The Marine warship slowly drew up to shore and dropped anchor.
Almost the moment the gangplank was lowered, Garp's snoring abruptly stopped.
His eyes opened beneath his dog-head hat, still a little bleary from sleep, but a barely perceptible gleam flashed in their depths.
He picked up a rice cracker, took a bite, and mumbled:
"We're here? Oh, looks like a pretty lively island."
With that, he strode casually off the warship, utterly ignoring the tense atmosphere and countless wary gazes on the island.
Aokiji followed silently behind him, his hands in his pockets and his expression calm, though the languid air around him had diminished somewhat.
A squad of elite Marines followed close behind, their synchronized footsteps silently conveying the discipline of the military.
Seeing two of the Marines' leading figures, Garp and Aokiji, come ashore, the crowd on the island stirred, but did not panic.
They quickly and orderly drew toward the central area, subtly forming a defensive formation. Every gaze focused on the two Marine officers, and a sense of silent confrontation hung in the air.
Just then, a middle-aged man in respectable merchant's attire stepped out from among them. His face was kindly, but his eyes shone with shrewdness. He first quickly swept his gaze over his companions, shaking his head slightly to signal them to stay calm.
Then he put on a warm, professional smile and hurried forward to greet them.
"Oh my! Isn't this Vice Admiral Garp, and Admiral Aokiji!"
"What distinguished guests! Forgive us for not coming out to greet you! May I ask what official business brings you two gentlemen to our humble island today?"
The merchant smiled pleasantly, his tone openly surprised and respectful, but his slightly tense fingertips and the hand hanging seemingly casually at his side, ready to react