Inside Smoker's office at the Roguetown branch.
Smoker, who usually sat in the boss's chair, was now standing before the desk. His exclusive seat was occupied by an imposing, white-haired old man.
It was none other than the Navy hero, Monkey D. Garp.
Garp grabbed a handful of senbei from his pocket, tossed them into his mouth, and chewed vigorously, asking in a muffled voice:
"Kid, where's that little brat Ivan run off to? It's been two days, and I still haven't seen hide nor hair of him."
Smoker inwardly cursed Ivan a few times, forcing a stiff smile onto his stern face as he reassured:
"Vice Admiral Garp, Ivan has been leading his squad on patrols around the waters near Roguetown these past few days, clearing out stray pirates. According to the plan, he should be returning today."
"Oh, is that so?" Garp glanced up at him, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips.
His gaze felt like a physical weight pressing down on Smoker's shoulders, causing fine beads of sweat to gradually form on his temples.
Just as Smoker was growing increasingly uncomfortable, Garp grabbed another handful of senbei and stuffed it into his mouth, his tone casual yet tinged with anticipation:
"This kid seems to suit my taste. When he gets back, I'll have a good look at what kind of young man he is."
No sooner had he spoken than the wooden office door was suddenly pushed open. A panicked marine rushed in, exclaiming:
"It's terrible, Vice Admiral Garp, Colonel Smoker! The Krieg Pirates are launching an attack on Roguetown!"
After the news spread through the office, Garp and Smoker exchanged glances, both seeing confusion in the other's eyes.
Damn, are the Krieg Pirates really that bold? Daring to attack Roguetown, and right when Garp is stationed here?
Smoker was deep in thought, but Garp gradually grew excited. Transforming into a blur, he crashed through the window and charged toward the port, leaving behind a hearty laugh:
"Hahaha, pirates in the East Sea are getting so arrogant these days. Perfect timing, I'll go meet this Krieg!"
"Wait, Vice Admiral Garp!" Smoker's heart tightened. Instantly snapping back to reality and recalling Ivan's previous unexpected actions, he quickly reached out to stop him. "Things might not be what you think!"
But it was already too late.
Before the words had even left his mouth, Garp's figure had already shrunk to a tiny dot on the horizon, completely vanishing from Smoker's sight.
Smoker sighed, transforming into a cloud of smoke and, like Garp, rushing out the window toward the port.
He could only hope he'd make it in time.
If he wasn't mistaken, the 'Krieg Pirates' attacking Roguetown were probably Ivan!
…
On the top deck, the sea breeze carried a salty, damp scent as sunlight bathed the railings and deck in just the right amount of warmth.
Ivan squeezed some sunscreen onto his fingertips, gently rubbing it between his palms until it melted, then applied it to Nami's exposed, fair back.
Nami's skin was already smooth and delicate, with a texture as warm and fine as high-quality mutton-fat jade.
She hadn't yet undergone the transformation from two years later. Though her figure wasn't as curvaceous as it would be in the future, it already showed promising curves, far surpassing those of her peers.
Ivan's hands moved slowly, secretly activating Water Breathing to evenly work the sunscreen into every inch of her skin while applying just the right amount of pressure to massage and relax her tense muscles.
"Mmm…"
During the application, Nami kept letting out soft, sweet murmurs.
If anyone else heard, they'd surely get the wrong idea.
Once Ivan finished and withdrew his hands, he patted Nami's shoulder with a smile. "Alright, your turn to help me."
Nami turned around, blushing, and reached for the sunscreen.
But just then, Tashigi, wearing a swimsuit and clutching a telescope, suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "Colonel Ivan, a large number of marines have gathered at Roguetown's port. It seems we've been mistaken for pirates again!"
"It's fine, don't worry about it. I'll go over later and clear things up." Ivan lazily adjusted his sunglasses, his tone showing no concern.
But Tashigi didn't relax at all. Her voice suddenly rose in panic. "Ahhh, Colonel Ivan, it's bad! A dog-head warship is heading toward us! That… that looks like Vice Admiral Garp's ship!"
Ivan: "…"
Hearing it was Garp's ship, Ivan instantly lost interest in having Nami apply his sunscreen.
He casually grabbed a floral shirt and threw it over his shoulders. Wearing only his swim trunks, he activated Moon Walk, his figure shooting into the air as he sped toward the dog-head warship, leaving behind only a warning:
"I'll go ahead and explain things to Vice Admiral Garp!"
If it were the Roguetown marines misunderstanding them, he wouldn't mind. After all, with him there, the two sides wouldn't come into conflict, and even if they did, there'd be no casualties.
But facing Garp, Ivan didn't dare be careless. That was one of the strongest fighters on the seas, the hero who rivaled the Pirate King Roger, Garp!
What if Garp didn't use Observation Haki and failed to recognize their identities? One punch from him, and never mind Ivan himself—Nami, Tashigi, and the others would be done for!
Even though Garp probably wouldn't be that unreliable, what if?
Ivan wouldn't gamble with his comrades' lives!
But Ivan hadn't flown far when he saw the iconic dog-head warship cutting through the waves at high speed.
He looked up just in time to see a burly old man standing atop the ship's dog-head figurehead.
Almost simultaneously, the old man also looked up. Their gazes collided in mid-air.
Ivan studied the old man—tall, with grayish-white short hair, a scar on his face, blue eyes… Yep, that had to be the Navy hero, Garp.
Wait, why is he jumping over?!
Ivan was horrified. In his field of vision, Garp suddenly pushed off with his legs, causing the dog-head warship's bow to dip deeply into the sea. Then, his figure shot skyward, flying straight toward Ivan.
In an instant, immense pressure enveloped Ivan from all sides, a terrifying aura overwhelming all his senses.
The next moment, he saw Garp's fist wrapped in dense, blackish-red Armament Haki.
Garp grinned broadly, his voice booming like a bell:
"Hahaha, such bold pirates, daring to attack a Navy base! Take this!
Fist Bone: Ordinary Punch!"
Ivan: "…"
Seriously, dude?!
You really didn't activate Observation Haki?!
Can't you see my Navy uniform?
He instinctively glanced down at himself—swim trunks and a floral shirt. He definitely didn't look like a marine at all.
Alright, never mind.
Realizing this, the panic faded from Ivan's eyes, replaced by seriousness.
His heart raced, and a slightly fierce excitement appeared on his face. Whether from worry or anticipation, he said:
"Going up against the Navy hero… looks like I'll have to go all out!"
Ivan took a deep breath. Streams of water suddenly materialized around him, condensing into threads that enveloped both him and the longsword in his hand.
Soon, a deep, dark blue-black hue dyed the water and wrapped around the blade. Ivan wasn't planning to hold back this time—he intended to use all his stamina in one go!
Gripping his sword, he chanted softly: "One Sword Style: Black Azure, Water Breathing, Eighth Form: Waterfall Basin!"
A massive surge of water rose from the sea, covering Ivan before cascading down like a hanging waterfall, crashing toward Garp!