The bonfire blazed as the Marines sat around it, wiping down their weapons and checking their ammunition.
Lorne raised his voice. "Ryan, Bakel, Kuina, come here."
The three immediately put down what they were doing and hurried over to him.
Carrot also came over curiously, still clutching half a carrot.
Ryan stood at attention and asked, "Sir, what are your orders?"
"Change of plans."
"We're canceling tomorrow's scheduled voyage to Zou."
Lorne looked around at everyone and announced loudly.
He continued, "Everyone will remain stationed on Deserted Island and establish defensive positions."
Bakel froze for a moment. "Remain here?"
"Sir, we're too close to the Four Emperors' territory. If their main fleets come looking for us, our numbers won't be nearly enough to withstand saturation bombardment."
Lorne cut him off. "Don't worry."
"We're waiting here for someone."
Holding Wado Ichimonji, Kuina asked, "Who?"
Lorne gave the name. "Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Garp."
The moment the words left his mouth, the entire camp erupted.
Ryan's eyes widened, his voice shifting in pitch. "V-Vice Admiral Garp?!"
Bakel jumped on the spot in excitement. "The Marine hero is coming here?"
"My God, he's a legendary Marine, the man who once drove Pirate King Roger into a corner!"
Kuina murmured, "Grandpa Garp..."
Memories of Garp's storm-like iron-fist training in Foosha Village surfaced in her mind, and her body involuntarily tensed.
Carrot tilted her head and took a bite of her carrot, looking completely puzzled.
She asked curiously, "Who's Garp? Is he really strong? Even stronger than our big benefactor?"
Ryan excitedly explained to Carrot, "Carrot, Vice Admiral Garp is one of the strongest fighters on these seas!"
"His fists can easily smash mountains to pieces. Back then, he was the one who defeated the Rocks Pirates!"
Stars sparkled in Carrot's eyes, and she jumped