The Stiff Break Easily

In the office, the air seemed to have been clenched tight in someone's fist.

Watching Garp look as though he were about to flip the table and storm out, Rock raised a hand first and pressed it down.

"Calm down, Brother Garp."

His tone remained casual, yet it carried an unquestionable steadiness.

"No matter how stupid the World Government is—"

"They wouldn't dare openly lay hands on an active Marine Admiral."

"Besides..."

The corners of Rock's mouth rose slightly, and an unreadable confidence flashed through his eyes.

"You know that ever since Brother Zephyr ate that fruit, he's only gotten stronger than before."

The killing intent in Garp's chest, which had nearly exploded, was finally forced down.

He clicked his tongue and leaned back against the sofa, his back sinking heavily into the cushions. Yet his fists remained clenched white, his knuckles making faint cracking sounds.

Sengoku spoke then, his tone complicated and low.

"Come to think of it, that fruit of yours too..."

"It was obviously something brought back from God Valley, wasn't it?"

He glanced at Rock, his gaze behind his lenses sharp and profound.

"No wonder Zephyr has been beating those pirates until they're crying for their mothers and fathers."

"He was already deeply versed in Armament Haki and real combat. Now, with that ability added on top..."

Sengoku did not finish his sentence.

But everyone in the room understood.

Rock merely spread his hands, wearing an innocent expression.

"Who knows?"

"I just happened to find a fruit in the ruins of God Valley."

"And then I just happened—to give it to Brother Zephyr."

He shrugged, his tone light.

"Wasn't it all just a coincidence?"

Sengoku: "..."

Garp: "..."

Tsuru sighed softly, her tone turning calm again.

"Precisely because of that."

"If those above truly intend to