When Zoro pressed for an answer, Garp couldn't help but show a hint of embarrassment, and then fell silent again.
He concealed his identity so that Luffy could protect himself.
However, Luffy didn't recognize him. Aside from shouting "As scary as Grandpa's fist," he didn't realize that he was Luffy's grandfather.
This led Garp to become increasingly ruthless, not only genuinely wanting to help them improve their strength, but also harboring a slight desire to teach them a lesson.
As for why he didn't reveal his identity, Garp had promised Lin Yuan not to expose himself, but he wouldn't say that now.
"Hmph, just know this: I'm doing this for your own good. With your strength, coming to the New World is just asking for death."
Just then, a tall figure walked over, causing Zoro's pupils to shrink again.
" Marine Admiral Kuzan!"
"Hey, buddy, you recognize me too. But I'm not some Admiral anymore, just a loser. But if you really want to be honest, we've both been taught a lesson by Mr. Garp."
Looking at Zoro's expression, Kuzan said expressionlessly, though he himself was equally shocked when he first saw this scene.
When he saw Vice Admiral Garp again, he almost popped his eyes out. It was only after listening to Garp's explanation and Zephyr's persuasion that he truly Lin Yuan.
He truly knew the darkness of the World Government, and perhaps Lin Yuan's chosen path wasn't bad. Coupled with the sheer number of powerful individuals here that shocked even him, Kuzan also had hope for the future.
Regardless of his original plans, Kuzan now genuinely wants to join Lin Yuan in rebellion.
Seeing Zoro, Kuzan was so shocked he didn't know what to say, so he turned to look at Garp.
" Mr. Garp, what's up with this kid? Isn't he the vice-captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, that Supernovas? Hmm, not bad strength. Could it be that Lin Yuan brought him back again?"
When Kuzan was Admiral, he was somewhat interested in the Straw Hat Pirates, but nothing came of it.
"Hahaha, how would I know? That kid Lin Yuan didn't tell me. But since you're here, then keep this old man company for a bit!"
Without waiting for Zoro's reaction, Garp slammed his fist, as big as a casserole dish, directly at him.
Zoro drew his sword and slashed without even thinking, almost as if it were a conditioned reflex.
The two engaged in battle right there, but although the aftershocks of their fight were intense, the metal underground suffered little damage.
Even Zoro's Flying Slash only left shallow marks, unlike the deserted island which was cleaved in two.
Faced with Garp's punches, Zoro was almost one-sidedly beaten and was no match for him at all.
"Hey, this kid's not bad. He actually managed to hold his own against that old geezer Garp. He's a bit overwhelmed, but he won't be defeated anytime soon."
Zephyr, who used to enjoy teaching students, nodded in agreement, his mouth full of praise.
"Hmph, old man Zephyr, this is my disciple, whom I trained. Don't even think about stealing him."
Garp said this with feigned ferocity as he rapidly attacked Zoro.
"Hmph, you old fool, who's your disciple? You almost killed me several times back then, and I haven't settled that score with you yet!"
Zoro cursed angrily, recalling the torture he had suffered in the past. He immediately used his Three-Sword Style and unleashed his ultimate attack.
"The vast world!"
"Clang!!!"
Just then, Redfield suddenly stepped between Zoro and Garp, using his Cane Sword to block Zoro's attack and his other hand to block Garp's attack.
"Alright, stop fooling around. Let's wait for Lin Yuan to come back. As for this kid, Garp can handle him."
Seeing Redfield make his move, Garp stopped, and after witnessing the swordsmanship of his opponent, Zoro's anger vanished.
"Haha, alright, let's go grab something to eat first. I bet you guys are hungry too!"
Seeing that the excitement was over, everyone left, and soon the battle resumed on the island.
"What are they doing?"
Although he wanted to kill Garp to avenge the beating he suffered in the past, Zoro decided against continuing the fight because Garp had indeed taught him. Instead, he watched the battle in the distance with curiosity.
"Oh, it's just training. This kind of life will probably continue for several months to prepare for the upcoming war."
Garp said casually, but Zoro wanted to press for more information, but Garp changed the subject.
For the next few days, Zoro stayed there, watching these powerful warriors fight every day.
The battle between Redfield, Shiki, and Mihawk, especially the way they wielded their weapons with such powerful and sweeping movements, filled him with excitement.
Five days later, Lin Yuan finally arrived here with the girls. Zoro was about to speak when he heard Tesoro roar at them.
" Uta, summon that guy of yours, A Tuo. I want to have a go at him."
Uta smiled and immediately summoned A Tuo in his second form, quickly engaging Tesoro in battle.
Zoro was even more dumbfounded when he saw the enormous monster. How did it appear?
He increasingly sensed that something was wrong here. A dozen or so powerful individuals, even stronger than him, and a group of formidable Devil Fruit User —everything was testing his nerves.
"Where exactly is this place, and who are they? Are they all your men?"
Zoro didn't care about anything else; he had to find out the information because he was afraid that Luffy would come to rescue him if he knew his situation.
If the Straw Hat Pirates were to truly anger Lin Yuan, they wouldn't need any powerful experts at the Emperor level; anyone else could probably crush them.
"Smack!!!"
A crisp sound rang out; it was Kuina who, seeing Zoro's unstable emotions, directly hit him with a large nose.
"Don't make such a fuss, kid. They're all from the Chamber of Commerce, practically high-ranking members."
" Kuina, you hit me again!"
Just as Zoro was about to say something, Lin Yuan pulled Kuina over and spoke to him.
"Alright, Zoro, let me tell you. These people are indeed all mine, and they're here to help us overthrow the World Government."
"What? Overthrow the World Government!"
Zoro had heard these things from others before, but he was still somewhat shocked to hear Lin Yuan actually say it.
He has been surprised countless times in the past few days, and even feels somewhat alienated from this world.
A dozen or so powerful generals at the level of emperors, and hundreds of terrifying Devil Fruit User —this completely overturned his understanding.
When did such strong individuals start appearing in such large groups?
The thought that Luffy wanted to defeat Kaido first before seeking revenge on Lin Yuan made him feel uneasy.
If Luffy knew how terrifying Lin Yuan was, what choice would he make? Wouldn't all of us have just been thrown here for nothing?
Compared to Lin Yuan's ambition to overthrow the World Government, becoming the Pirate King or the World's Greatest Swordsman is nothing but child's play.
Lin Yuan looked at Zoro in a daze, then smiled.
"By the way, I've already spoken to Kaido, but Luffy's going to have a tough time defeating him!"
Zoro looked up abruptly, his eyes filled with disbelief.
"What did you say!!!"