The sea was calm.
Waves slapped against the ships' hulls.
Three massive warships from the Rainbow Country faced five even larger Marine warships, less than a thousand meters apart.
Though they were enemies, neither side made a move. The strange standoff left everyone tense.
"Um, are we really not going to attack?"
A Marine asked in a trembling whisper.
Judging by the number of ships and soldiers, the Marines held a clear advantage. With Garp there as well, an attack would surely let them capture all three Rainbow Country warships.
Many Marines wondered why they were waiting, but Garp was the highest-ranking officer present. Since he had said nothing, they would not act on their own.
Before long, they understood why Garp had held back.
"Long time no see, Garp!"
A voice familiar to many of the Marines rang out from the deck of the massive warship opposite them.
A burly man appeared.
Cries of surprise swept through the Marine ranks.
"Admiral Zephyr!"
"It's Instructor Zephyr!"
"Thank goodness. If it's Instructor Zephyr, everything will be fine..."
Koby froze too. He stared at the man who looked every bit as powerful as Vice Admiral Garp.
So that's former Admiral Black Arm Zephyr? He's terrifying!
Amid the cries of surprise, Garp slowly stepped forward. He looked at Zephyr's restored arm, joy and nostalgia mingling in his eyes.
"Congratulations, Zephyr. Your arm really is healed, and you look much healthier too!"
On the warship across from him, Zephyr raised his restored arm and clenched his fist. Feeling the strength that had returned to his body, he answered with nostalgia in his voice.
"That's right, Garp. I have Ye Mu to thank for it. I've never felt better!"
Garp could clearly hear the dissatisfaction with the Marines behind Zephyr's pointed mention of Ye Mu.