The final step in weakening the Marines was completed when Garp applied for retirement.
It had been nearly six months since the Revolutionary Army's destruction.
News that Marine Vice Admiral Garp, the legendary veteran who had stood with the Marines through thick and thin, had applied to leave caused an uproar throughout their ranks.
The founding of the United Government had greatly eased the pressure on the Marines.
At this point, the Marines would manage just as well with or without Garp.
More importantly, Dragon's death had taken a heavy toll on Garp.
It wasn't exactly a thorn in his side, but Garp was weary.
As Fleet Admiral, Sengoku naturally could not agree to Garp's decision.
After years of fighting alongside him, Sengoku understood his inner conflict and what he was thinking.
But Garp's departure would have a tremendous impact on the Marines.
Garp also commanded immense respect across the seas.
Though he had never become a Marine hero in this life, his achievements could not be erased.
Within the Marines, he was an unquestioned figurehead.
Countless Marines looked up to him.
So Sengoku could never agree to his request to leave.
Tsuru and Zephyr joined Sengoku in trying to change Garp's mind.
In the end, worn down by their appeals, Garp agreed to stay with the Marines.
He would step back from the front lines, however, and ease into retirement.
After all, he was getting on in years. He was already sixty-seven.
That was certainly old. Though his strength remained largely intact, there was no denying it had begun to decline slightly.
Even if he took a secondary role or worked behind the scenes, staying with the Marines was far better than leaving altogether.
In fact, it benefited both sides.
The Marines retained a powerful fighter.
And Garp? Besides