East Blue · Autumn
The Marines' Dog-Head Warship slowly approached shore and docked at the port of the G16 16th Branch.
It was a uniquely shaped warship-a huge, lifelike dog's head was carved into its bow, baring its teeth. The word "MARINE" stood out on its sails, and a Marine flag flew atop its mast.
Garp stood at the bow with his arms folded, letting the sea breeze ruffle his short gray hair.
"Bogard."
His voice was rough and casual, as though he were giving an utterly trivial instruction:
"Take the lads and sweep the nearby waters for pirates. Don't wait for me."
The adjutant called Bogard nodded silently. His broad-brimmed hat hid most of his face, and a long sword hung at his waist. He turned, gestured to the soldiers aboard, and was the first to leap down from the bow.
Garp strode down the gangplank and off the ship.
His gaze swept across the port-Strawberry stood there, ramrod straight, preparing to step forward to greet him. Snake followed behind him, his usual smile plastered across his face, though a barely perceptible trace of nervousness lurked within it.
Garp did not look at them.
He simply walked straight past, as though he had not seen either of them, neither slowing his steps nor turning his gaze.
Strawberry's hand froze halfway into the air.
Snake's smile stiffened on his face.
The two exchanged a glance, each seeing helplessness in the other's eyes.
Then they turned around together and watched that tall figure recede into the distance.
By the coast, autumn was deepening.
The sea breeze carried a faintly salty scent from afar, brushing over the beach, over the reefs, and over the two figures locked in a fierce exchange.
The sky was a pristine blue, with a few white clouds