"Mother, I promise you, I'll come back to you alive."
"When my justice reaches across this sea, I'll come get you myself."
"When that day comes, we'll live together forever."
Lorne spoke firmly.
Watching from the side, Garp sniffed and said loudly.
"All right, all right, stop acting like this is some final farewell!"
"My ship has a schedule to keep."
"Masha, we should set sail."
"If we don't leave now, that fellow Sengoku will have the Den Den Mushi ringing nonstop again."
Masha nodded, looked at Lorne, and said gently.
"Go, Lorne."
"I believe in you. You'll be able to do everything you want to do."
"Yes, Mother."
Garp patted Lorne's shoulder and said gravely.
"Brat, don't embarrass me in the New World."
"If I find out you were beaten by the Beasts Pirates or Big Mom, I'll go to the New World myself and beat you flat!"
"My fists won't go soft just because you've grown up."
Lorne grinned.
"Don't worry, old man."
"The next time we meet, I'll be stronger. So strong you won't even be able to take my punches."
"When that happens, don't blame me for hitting too hard."
Garp bristled and glared.
"Big words, brat!"
"I'll be waiting for that day!"
"Bogard, weigh anchor!"
"We're heading back to the East Blue!"
The Dog-Head Warship slowly got underway, its propellers churning up great swaths of white spray.
Masha stood at the edge of the deck, waving to Lorne again and again.
Lorne stood at the bow of the Fearless, quietly watching the Dog-Head Warship recede into the distance.
The sea breeze stirred his long hair, and the waves lapped against the hull of the Fearless.
Only when the enormous Dog-Head Warship had dwindled to a black speck on the horizon did Lorne slowly look away.