A sea breeze brushed past as the Dog-Head Warship slowly entered the waters of the East Blue.
Sunlight spilled across the deck, casting dappled patches of light and shadow.
Gern stood by the railing, feeling the gentle sea breeze, so different from the winds of the Grand Line...
"What do you think?" Garp appeared beside him at some point, holding a bag of unidentified snacks. With his mouth full, he said, "The sea breeze in the East Blue feels much nicer, doesn't it?"
"It certainly is much calmer than the Grand Line." Gern nodded, his gaze sweeping over the distant horizon.
"But Vice Admiral Garp, you've destroyed quite a few pirate crews along the way."
"Hahaha!" Garp burst out laughing and swung his fist.
"Those small-time pirates only know how to bully civilians in the East Blue. I'll beat up every last one I see!"
Gern smiled helplessly.
Over the past few days of sailing, Garp's "vacation" had seemed busier than an actual mission.
Whenever they encountered a pirate ship, no matter its size, Garp eagerly charged in, using cannonballs to turn himself into a human cannon and having the time of his life.
As a result, the Dog-Head Warship's voyage had fallen considerably behind schedule.
"By the way, kid." Garp suddenly stopped smiling, his expression turning unusually serious. "Since we've got nothing better to do, there are a few things I need to tell you in advance."
"Things?" Gern turned to look at him, waiting for him to continue.
"That's right. The Roger Pirates." Garp's gaze deepened. "Once the Elite Training Camp ends, you and Kuzan's group of three
"should all enter the admiral ranks to bolster our mid-level fighting strength. That means the pirates you'll be facing from then on won't be small fry."
"Especially Roger. That guy