Although Sengoku was surprised that Arashi could freely travel between East Blue, West Blue, and North Blue, he did not dwell on it for long.
The real reason he had summoned Garp and Momousagi to his office was because Arashi had appeared in the High Court Kingdom as well.
After hearing Sengoku's explanation, Garp's expression gradually became serious.
He had not expected Arashi to become involved in the fighting within High Court City, nor to personally suppress the pirates who were taking advantage of the chaos to loot and massacre civilians.
Of course, none of that surprised him.
What truly made him serious was the concern he sensed from Sengoku.
After a long silence, Garp walked over to the sofa and sat down.
Then he looked up at Sengoku.
"Sengoku, stop beating around the bush."
"Just tell us what you're worried about."
Sengoku did not hide it.
With a solemn expression, he said,
"I'm worried that one day Arashi will stop traveling and become an uncontrollable force."
"Of course, if he joined the Marines, those concerns would disappear."
"What he did in High Court City was undoubtedly an act of justice."
"But at the end of the day, he's only a traveler."
"Do you know how many pirates he killed there?"
"According to Drake's report, more than five hundred."
"They were all criminals. They deserved to die."
"But if a traveler is already capable of such large-scale slaughter, I'm worried he may eventually walk down a different path."
"That's why we need to talk to him."
"If he refuses to join the Marines, we can offer him a position among the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
"That's a great idea!"
Garp's eyes immediately lit up.
"Even if he refuses, we can just announce to the world that he's one of the Seven Warlords!"
Then he paused.
"But wait. Aren't all seven positions already filled?"
"That's easy."
Sengoku answered without hesitation.
"We can simply remove one of the current Warlords."
But after saying that, he frowned again.
"Still, I'm worried."
"If we force a title on him, he may develop a complete dislike for the Marines."
"And then we'd end up with the opposite result."
Hearing Sengoku's concern, Garp also fell into thought.
Suddenly, the old man grinned shamelessly and looked toward Gion.
"Gion."
"Why don't you just marry Arashi?"
"Then he'd become the Marines' son-in-law."
"Besides, ever since you came back from West Blue, you've been thinking about that kid every day—"
"GARP!!!"
Before he could finish, Gion's beautiful eyes widened.
"Who's been thinking about him every day?!"
"Stop talking nonsense!"
And just like that, the three completely shifted the topic toward Arashi, entirely forgetting about Drake's resignation.
Although Sengoku had refused to approve Drake's resignation, Drake had already made up his mind.
Whether Sengoku agreed or not, he was leaving.
After departing from Fleet Admiral Headquarters, Drake looked around before heading toward the training grounds.
It was lunchtime, so there were no soldiers training there.
That did not matter.
He simply wanted to take one last look before leaving the Marines.
"Drake?"
Just as he stepped into the training grounds, a familiar voice called out from behind him.
Turning around, Drake's expression tightened.
He immediately bowed respectfully.
"Teacher."
Standing before him was none other than one of the Marine legends:
Black Arm Zephyr.
Former Marine Admiral.
Current Marine instructor.
"You did well, kid!"
Zephyr strode over and punched Drake's shoulder heavily.
"You didn't embarrass me."
"I've already heard about your mission in North Blue."
"Excellent work."
"Keep it up."
"Teacher..."
Looking at Zephyr, who was genuinely proud of what he believed was Drake's outstanding performance, Drake hesitated briefly before speaking.
"I plan to leave the Marines."
"Hm?"
Zephyr's eyes narrowed.
"What happened?"
"I want to become a traveler."
Drake raised his head, determination filling his eyes.
"During this mission to North Blue, I met the traveler that Vice Admiral Garp always talks about."
"He's truly powerful."
"And just as Vice Admiral Tsuru said, he's a man who carries righteousness in his heart."
"So..."
Zephyr frowned.
"You want to become a righteous traveler like him?"
Then he stared directly at Drake.
"Tell me."
"What exactly happened during this trip?"
"Or perhaps..."
"What kind of inspiration did this traveler give you to make you willing to abandon your rank as Marine Commodore?"
"Teacher Zephyr!"
Before Drake could answer, another voice sounded from the distance.
A young woman with wavy sea-blue hair hurried over in her Marine uniform.
"The training ship is ready."
"We can depart now."
"Good."
Zephyr nodded.
Then he turned back to Drake.
"Resignation isn't something to take lightly."
"We'll discuss it after I return."
Without giving Drake a chance to respond, Zephyr turned and left.
Seeing this, the young woman quickly followed after him while waving at Drake.
"See you later, Drake!"
"Goodbye, Ain."
Drake nodded.
After watching the two disappear into the distance, he also turned and left the training grounds in the opposite direction.
North Blue.
A town harbor.
"Thank you, everyone."
Standing on the dock, Issho faced the Traveler and bowed deeply toward Arashi and the others.
"I will never forget the kindness you've shown me."
"If there ever comes a day when you need my help, so long as I am still alive, I will brave fire and water without hesitation."
"Hahaha."
Arashi shook his head and laughed.
"You should worry about yourself first."
"I have no intention of sending a blind man into fire and water."
Then he waved his hand.
"A thousand miles of companionship must eventually end in farewell."
"Take care, Mr. Issho."
"Farewell, Mr. Traveler."
Issho tilted his head slightly.
Then he turned around and departed without another word.
Although he had already lost his sight, he still managed to choose the correct direction and slowly made his way toward the town.
During his time aboard the Traveler, his wounds had completely healed.
There was no longer any need for bandages.
Of course, now that he was blind, whether he wore bandages or not made little difference.
Watching Issho disappear toward the town and confirming that he would be fine on his own, Arashi finally withdrew his gaze.
Then he turned toward Robin and Perona.
"Let's go as well."
The journey continued.
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