"Gern, you should know perfectly well.
Ace... he's Roger's flesh and blood!
When I brought him back to Foosha Village and entrusted him to Dadan, I took an enormous risk. I even had to call on every connection and every ounce of influence I had just to keep it under wraps."
"If he were willing to become a Marine and walk the right path, I'd gladly teach him everything I know, giving him the strength to weather any storm the future might bring.
Even... the ability to stand up to the World Government, just like you.
After all, I truly consider him my grandson, my family."
"But!" Garp's tone shifted, a trace of helplessness creeping into his voice.
"If he refuses... if he chooses to become a pirate, as he has now, and follows Roger's old path..."
Garp turned and looked Gern straight in the eye. "If that's the case, am I supposed to personally train...
A 'Gol D. Ace' who's stronger, more dangerous, and even harder to keep in check?"
"There's no question that he inherited that man's talent.
If he'd also received systematic, top-level Haki training from childhood, the destruction he could cause if he turned evil would be unimaginable.
Then I'd bear more than just the responsibility of raising him. I'd bear the guilt of unleashing a tiger on the world."
"The Marines' justice, the world's stability... some lines cannot be crossed, even for family."
"So..." Garp let out a deep sigh, as though he had set down an immense burden, only to be crushed beneath something heavier still.
"I can only give him the chance to choose. I can't choose his path for him.
Nor can I gamble the power I possess on an uncertain future, even... if he's my grandson."
When he finished, a brief