At the same time Loa landed on the island, two groups were facing off at their destination: the Cherry Blossom Bridal Shop.
Well, they were certainly two groups—Marines on one side and pirates on the other.
But judging by where everyone stood, the situation was rather confusing.
Led by Purple Hair Momonga, a group of Marines shielded a girl of eight or nine behind them and shouted at the Fish-Man pirates opposite to release their hostage. Clutching her Bunny Doll, the girl wept and cried, "Grandpa! Grandpa!"
Across from them, the Fish-Man pirates trembled before the renowned Marine Vice Admiral Momonga. Of course they didn't dare let their hostage go.
On the other side, Long Nose held a knife to the neck of a sunny-faced boy in a straw hat. He fiercely ordered the Marines to leave, threatening to kill the Navy Hero's grandson.
But the straw-hatted "hostage" looked far too calm. He even seemed excited, watching the farce unfold with open curiosity.
Yes, a farce!
Because the supposed hostage was actually the captain of the people behind him. Momonga, a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral, had never heard of this unremarkable rookie. Only when Usopp said he was Garp's grandson did Momonga hold back from attacking them.
The World Military Draft the year before had led to a thorough purge of the East Blue, already known as the Weakest Sea. Not only had Pirate Admiral Krieg been swept away, but even Marine officers like Morgan the Axe King had been cleaned out.
As a result, since setting sail, Luffy had met the companions fate had in store for him but none of the enemies he should have faced. So although the young man before Momonga called himself a pirate, his bounty was still zero!
That gave Momonga a headache!
If