To Me, My Comrades Matter More Than the Mission!

Once they were out of the area covered by the Seastone powder, Ivan and the Tanuki didn't waste any time. They vanished in a flash, leaving no trace.

Garp gazed in the direction where the two had disappeared, the Conqueror's Haki Inazuma around him lingering for a long time.

He slammed his fist into the ground, his heart filled with rage.

Watching two criminals escape right before his eyes, even someone as strong-willed as him could hardly contain his anger.

What made him feel even more guilty was that he had let down White Dove, a young man who risked his life to protect his companions.

After taking a deep breath, Garp suppressed his anger, turned around, and strode quickly toward the White Dove.

He wanted to check on the young man's injuries.

Such a righteous young man cannot be allowed to perish here!

When he reached Ivan's side, he saw that Ivan's breathing had become steady and he had recovered somewhat.

This relieved him; Ivan's Life Return technique was quite good, able to recover quickly from such a serious injury.

This regenerative ability is not far from being a true monster!

Garp turned his head and noticed that Vice Admiral Comil's eyes were red and filled with self-blame. So he went to Comil's side and gently patted his shoulder. "Don't be too disappointed, Comil. If you feel that you owe Ivan too much, then join the Burning Justice and kill more pirates."

I think if you do that, the kid will be very happy!

Ivan smiled and nodded, "That's right, Vice Admiral Comil. Killing a few more scumbags will be the best reward for me!"

Upon hearing Ivan's words, Garp looked at the young man before him and nodded with satisfaction.

He gazed at the surging sea and sky in the distance, and his mind suddenly cleared.

Even though there are powerful rebel organizations like Shadow Garden on this sea, the Navy has never lacked new talents who dare to step forward.

White Dove Ivan, this young man who upholds burning justice, is destined to shoulder the future of the Navy and become the most dazzling banner of justice in the new era!

Vice Admiral Comil, standing nearby, was also shaken, his grip on the hilt of his sword tightening, his conviction growing ever clearer.

To repay Ivan for saving his life, he will not let any evil pirates get away with it!

At that moment, Garp and Comil exchanged a knowing glance, both seeing satisfaction with Ivan in each other's eyes.

"Ivan, what an excellent junior in the Navy!"

Ivan took in their expressions, maintaining a reliable junior demeanor on the surface, but inwardly he was overjoyed.

His meticulously staged performance was worthwhile, as it not only revealed the Shadow Garden's formidable strength and profound foundation to all major powers, but also paved the way for attracting new allies in the future.

He further won the favor of high-ranking naval officers such as Garp and Vice Admiral Comil.

In this way, as long as his true identity is not exposed in the future, the position of Marine Admiral is practically guaranteed.

By then, who could have guessed that Shadow, the leader of Shadow Garden whom the World Government feared, and Marine Admiral White Dove, who upheld burning justice, were actually the same person!

The thought filled Ivan with excitement; the feeling of having everyone under his thumb was simply wonderful!

For a moment, all three of them broke into bright smiles, but the reasons for their joy were somewhat different.

However, this rare moment of calm was abruptly shattered by an incongruous figure.

Onigumo frowned, strode up to Ivan, and stared down at the blood-soaked young man, questioning him without hesitation. "Ivan, why did you deliberately give up on stopping the Tanuki?"

If you hadn't been so lenient, that guy would never have been able to break free of the defenses, and the Fox would never have been rescued so easily!

As a member of the Navy, how can you be so negligent in your duties? Do you deserve the cloak of justice you wear?

As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding air froze.

Garp's smile faded again, his expression darkening slightly, clearly displeased with Onigumo's untimely question.

Comil immediately frowned, his face showing displeasure.

What do you mean, buddy? Did Ivan make a mistake by coming to rescue him?

He, Comil, deserved to be killed by the Fox, didn't he?

Onigumo's words undoubtedly negated Ivan's efforts and, more importantly, revealed the selfishness of this Marine Vice Admiral!

Upon hearing this, Ivan slightly raised his head and said with unwavering determination, "I have never abandoned my duty; it's just that in my heart, my partners and elders are far more important than the mission."

Vice Admiral Comil is a respected elder and a comrade-in-arms who stands shoulder to shoulder with me in upholding justice. When he was in danger, if I had only focused on stopping Tanuki and watched him fall into peril, I would have truly been unworthy of wearing the Navy uniform!

If I had to choose a thousand times again, I would still rush over to save Vice Admiral Comil immediately.

Justice is not a cold, impersonal task; it's about protecting everyone around us who deserves our protection!

Upon hearing Onigumo's forehead bulged.

He took a sudden step forward, pointed at Ivan's nose, and roared angrily, "Absurd! Utter nonsense!"

The Navy's duty is to carry out missions and capture pirates. How dare you use your comrades and elders as an excuse to let criminals escape? This is not upholding justice; it is dereliction of duty!

Vice Admiral Comil is important, but the mission is paramount!

Because of your own selfish feelings, you let two dangerous pirates escape, creating a potential threat to the Navy. What right do you have to talk about justice?

I don't think you deserve to wear this navy uniform at all, much less be called Burning Justice!

Before Ivan could even defend himself, a furious shout suddenly rang out.

Garp's eyes widened, and the Conqueror's Haki around him Inazuma once more. He took a few steps forward, shielding Ivan behind him, and stared intently at Onigumo: "Shut your mouth! What do you mean, 'mission is more important than everything'? That's utter nonsense!"

Justice is about protecting those around you who deserve it, and safeguarding your comrades who fight alongside you!

Ivan, that brat, was covered in blood and risked his life to save Comil. What did he do wrong?

You only saw him let the pirates escape, but you didn't see how he fought to the point of exhaustion and was covered in wounds to protect his comrades!

In my opinion, his choice is the true justice of the navy, and only he deserves the title of "Burning Justice"!

I'm standing right here. Anyone who dares to utter another word against Ivan will have to get past me first!

Having said that, Garp didn't look at Onigumo again, and with a large hand, he half-supported and half-protected Ivan to his side. "Come on, I'll take you to get your injuries treated. Don't waste time with someone like this who can't distinguish right from wrong."

Vice Admiral Comil, standing to the side, glanced coldly at Onigumo, let out a heavy snort, and then followed the two.

After being reprimanded by Garp, Onigumo froze on the spot, his face ashen.

Although he was furious, he dared not step forward to stop them because of Garp's authority, and could only watch helplessly as the three figures gradually disappeared into the distance.

After a long while, under the watchful eyes of the other Vice Admiral, Onigumo finally came to his senses, then dialed a Den Den Mushi and said to the other end, "Admiral Akainu, White Dove is not what we imagined. His so-called Burning Justice is not the justice we uphold at all!"