As the chaos in the palace continued, the Marine base was buzzing with activity. Vice Admiral Momonga stood at the window, watching ships appear on the horizon.
"They're early," he muttered, recognizing the distinctive figurehead of Garp's vessel.
Meanwhile, in the palace kitchen:
"LUFFY! PUT THAT DOWN!" Sanji's leg swept through the air as Luffy bounced around the ceiling, stuffing his face with meat.
"But Sanji~ I'm hungry!"
"YOU'VE EATEN ENOUGH FOR TEN PEOPLE!"
Zoro sat in a corner, somehow having found sake despite entirely being in the wrong room. "Oi, cook, let him eat. We need our strength for tomorrow."
"DON'T ACT WISE WHEN YOU'RE LOST IN A KITCHEN!"
"I'm not lost! The kitchen moved!"
"KITCHENS DON'T MOVE, MOSS-HEAD!"
Their argument was interrupted by Chopper bursting through the door. "Everyone! Garp's ships are coming early!"
"WHAT?!" Luffy choked on his meat.
The kitchen descended into chaos as everyone processed this news.
"GRAMPS IS COMING?!" Luffy suddenly stopped eating, his eyes wide. "Quick! Someone give me a marker!"
"Here!" Chopper pulled one from his medical bag, tossing it to Luffy.
Without warning, Luffy grabbed Vivi's arm and drew a large X mark. Before she could protest, he drew the same mark on his arm.
"Catch!" He tossed the marker to Zoro. "Everyone needs to do this!"
"What are you doing, Luffy-san?" Vivi asked, looking at the mark on her arm.
"Shishishi! This is our mark!" Luffy grinned widely. "No matter what happens, no matter where we go, this mark means we're nakama!"
Understanding dawned in Zoro's eyes as he drew the X on his arm before passing the marker to Sanji.
"Vivi," Luffy's voice became unusually serious as everyone marked themselves. "As long as you live, you're part of the Straw Hat Pirates! Even if we're apart, even if we can't be together, this mark means we're always nakama!"
Tears welled up in Vivi's eyes as she looked at the X on her arm. "Luffy-san..."
"Shishishi! Now let's run before Gramps gets here!"
"YOU RUINED THE MOMENT!" Everyone shouted with shark teeth, though they were all smiling.
"But seriously," Sanji lit a fresh cigarette, "we should probably start our escape plan now."
"YOSH!" Luffy pumped his fists. "Let's go! Adventure!"
"THIS ISN'T AN ADVENTURE, IT'S AN ESCAPE!" They all shouted but followed their captain anyway, their matching X marks a symbol of their eternal bond.
As the group reached Alubarna's gates, they found Kohza waiting with a squad of spot-billed ducks lined up in formation.
"Wait!" Kohza called out. "You'll need these to outrun the Marines."
"The Super Spot-Billed Duck Squad!" Vivi's eyes lit up with recognition.
Karoo stepped forward proudly, puffing out his chest. "QUACK QUACK!"
"He says not to worry!" Chopper translated excitedly. "They'll help us reach the Merry before the Marines can!"
"Shishishi! Duck racing!" Luffy bounced enthusiastically. "This is gonna be fun!"
"This isn't a game!" Nami bonked him on the head. "We need to hurry!"
The ducks lined up, ready to carry their passengers to safety. Their proud bearing showed why they were considered Alabasta's finest transportation squad.
"Thank you, Kohza," Vivi smiled at her childhood friend.
"you're welcome," Kohza adjusted his glasses with a small smile.
Karoo puffed up his chest proudly. "QUACK QUACK QUACK!"
"He says they've been training extra hard since helping Vivi-chan during the rebellion!" Chopper translated.
"Then let's not waste any more time," Sanji mounted one of the ducks. "The Marines could arrive any minute."
"Yosh!" Luffy stretched his arms, preparing to rocket onto his duck. "Let's-"
"GET ON NORMALLY!" Everyone shouted with shark teeth.
As the crew prepared to depart, Vivi stepped forward, tears in her eyes despite her smile. "Everyone... thank you. For everything."
"Don't cry, Vivi!" Luffy grinned. "We'll definitely see each other again!"
"That's right," Nami hugged her friend. "This isn't goodbye forever."
The X marks on their arms glinted in the sun - a permanent symbol of their bond, even if their paths had to diverge for now.
"Super Spot-Billed Duck Squad!" Kohza commanded. "Get them to their ship safely!"
"QUACK!" The ducks saluted in unison before taking off at incredible speed, carrying the Straw Hats toward their next adventure while Vivi watched them go, her heart full of both sadness and hope.
As the ducks raced across the desert, Nami turned to Koala who was riding beside her.
"Will that small vessel be ready in time?" Nami asked, concern evident in her voice.
"I'm not entirely sure," Koala admitted, adjusting her grip on her duck's reins. "Our shipwrights were working through the night, but it's not completely finished. It should work well enough for escape though!"
"That'll have to be enough," Nami nodded grimly. "We can't afford to be picky right now."
Meanwhile, at the Marine base in Nanohana, three imposing ships dropped anchor in the harbor. Vice Admiral Garp stood at the bow of his vessel, munching on rice crackers while Vice Admirals Doberman and Onigumo flanked him.
"Bwahaha!" Garp's laugh boomed across the water. "So my stupid grandsons are causing trouble again!"
"Vice Admiral Garp," Doberman's stern voice cut through the air, "remember our orders. Family ties cannot interfere with Justice."
"Of course, of course!" Garp waved dismissively, though his expression suggested he wasn't taking the warning seriously. "I'll give them a proper Fist of Love when we catch them!"
"This is no joking matter," Onigumo's cold voice added. "Straw Hat has demonstrated abilities far beyond what should be possible in Paradise. And with Fire Fist Ace and the Revolutionary Army's Chief of Staff..."
"Bwahaha! Those brats think they're tough now?" Garp crushed a rice cracker in his fist. "Wait until they feel my special training again!"
The other Vice Admirals exchanged concerned glances, wondering if bringing Garp had been a mistake after all.
"Sir!" A Marine messenger approached. "Captain Smoker reports the targets are likely heading for their ship! Should we move to intercept?"
"No need to rush!" Garp grinned widely, pulling out more crackers. "Those idiots will come right to us! They never could resist a challenge!"
"This isn't a game-" Onigumo started to protest.
"BWAHAHA! Just like old times! Running through the forest, dodging my Fists of Love!" Garp seemed lost in nostalgic memories, completely ignoring his fellow Vice Admirals' growing irritation.
"Sometimes I wonder how he became a hero of the Marines," Doberman muttered under his breath.
"What was that?" Garp's cheerful expression suddenly turned dangerous.
"N-nothing, sir!"
As the Marine leaders debated their strategy, the Straw Hats continued their mad dash across the desert, unaware that their greatest challenge yet awaited them at the coast.
As the Marine leaders debated their strategy, the Straw Hats, Ace, Sabo, and Koala finally reached the hidden cave where the Going Merry and the Revolutionary ship were being prepped for escape. The cave echoed with the sounds of frantic hammering and orders as both crews worked together to make the final adjustments.
Usopp, perched on the Merry's deck with a wrench in hand, looked up and waved as they approached. "You're early! I need more time!"
"Too bad!" Zoro hopped off his duck, swords clinking at his side. "The Marines are on their way, and we're out of time."
"Marines?!" Usopp's face turned pale. "W-we're almost done! I can finish up while we sail!"
"Good enough." Nami slid off her duck, tightening her grip on her log pose. "Let's get out of here before we're surrounded."
Koala stepped forward, glancing at the Revolutionary soldiers near their ship. "We're ready to set sail, though the ship might still need work once we're at sea."
"Just get it moving," Sabo said, his voice calm but commanding. "We can't risk anyone getting caught."
Meanwhile, Luffy was crouched beside Karoo, the proud leader of the Super Spot-Billed Duck Squad, who had puffed up his chest in pride. The ducks had carried the crew swiftly across the desert, outpacing even Marine scouts.
"Karoo!" Luffy grinned as he rummaged through his pocket, pulling out a marker. "This is for you!" Without hesitation, he drew a large X on Karoo's wing.
"Quack?" Karoo tilted his head, curious but moved.
"It's the mark of our crew!" Luffy explained, grinning ear to ear. "You're one of us now, no matter where you go!"
Karoo's eyes filled with tears, and he let out a trembling, heartfelt, "Quaaak!"
Chopper, standing nearby, clapped his hooves together. "He said, 'Thank you, Captain Luffy! I'll never forget this!'"
"Shishishi! Don't worry, Karoo. We'll see each other again someday!"
The other ducks quacked in unison as the squad began their journey back to the city. Karoo turned around one last time, giving a proud salute with his wing before leading his squad away. The Straw Hats waved after them, their hearts warm despite the looming danger.
As the crew gathered around the Going Merry, Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Let's sail!" he shouted, bouncing on his heels.
But Nami quickly stepped in front of him, hands on her hips. "Not so fast, Luffy! You and your brothers are going to have your own fun adventure first!"
Luffy's grin widened. "Really?! We get to go on an adventure together?!"
Sabo and Ace, sitting on a nearby crate, exchanged pale glances, clearly dreading the thought of facing Garp. "Yeah, but... it might not be as fun as you think," Ace muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
Zoro, arms crossed, frowned. "We don't have time for this! We need to get out of here—"
Before he could finish, Nami and Koala simultaneously smacked him on the head. "Shut up, Moss-head!" they chorused, their expressions a mix of annoyance and understanding.
Koala looked at Nami, a knowing smile creeping onto her face. "You know how these idiots are."
"Exactly," Nami replied, rolling her eyes. "Luffy, Ace, and Sabo will take that small boat for their little adventure while we take the Merry and get out of Marine territory!"
Luffy, bouncing with enthusiasm, pouted slightly. "But I want to fight too!"
Sabo and Ace placed their hands on Luffy's shoulders, their expressions serious but supportive. "Don't worry, Luffy. There's going to be plenty of fighting where we're going."
Luffy's face lit up with joy. "Yosh! I can't wait!" He pumped his fists in the air, oblivious to the tension surrounding them.
Usopp scratched his head, confusion written all over his face. "Wait, what's going on? Are we really splitting up?"
Zoro shrugged, still skeptical. "This isn't a game, you know."
Meanwhile, Robin, Nami, Koala, Chopper, and Sanji looked at Luffy with pitying eyes, their hearts heavy with concern. They knew the dangers ahead, but Luffy's spirit was infectious.
"Just make sure you come back in one piece, Captain," Sanji said, lighting a cigarette, though his tone was more worried than usual.
Chopper nodded eagerly. "Yeah! You have to promise!"
Luffy waved them off, grinning widely. "I'll be fine! I've got my brothers with me! Right, Ace? Sabo?"
"Right," Ace replied, though his voice was still tinged with apprehension.
Sabo nodded, trying to muster a smile. "We'll take care of each other."
As the crew prepared for their respective plans, the air was thick with anticipation. Luffy's laughter echoed in the cave, a bright contrast to the shadows of uncertainty lurking just outside.
"Alright, let's get moving!" Nami shouted, her voice cutting through the tension. "We'll meet back at the rendezvous point, and you three better not get caught!"
"Shishishi! Adventure awaits!" Luffy cheered, ready to leap into the unknown alongside his brothers.
With a final wave, the Straw Hats split into their respective groups, the bonds of friendship and family stronger than any fear that lay ahead.
At Nanohana's port, the Marine ships formed a tight blockade when suddenly a small vessel powered by Ace's flames shot toward them at incredible speed.
"INCOMING!" Marines shouted as they spotted the three brothers aboard.
"Shishishi! This is fun!" Luffy laughed as they approached.
"Dragon Claw!" Sabo leaped onto the nearest Marine ship, his pipe sending soldiers flying.
"Gomu Gomu no Rocket!" Luffy stretched and launched himself into the fray.
"Hiken!" Ace's flames lit up the sky as he joined his brothers.
The chaos drew the attention of the Marine leaders. Garp received word while eating crackers, while Smoker, Doberman, and Onigumo moved to intercept. Hina and Momonga remained to maintain the blockade.
As they fought across the ships, Sabo turned to Luffy: "We need to tell you something - we're here to distract Grandpa!"
"WHAT?!" Luffy's eyes widened in shock. He tried to turn back but his brothers stopped him.
"A captain protects his crew," Ace reminded him firmly.
Luffy paused, then nodded with determination. "You're right! Let's buy them time!"
"Fire Fist!" Ace's flames engulfed an entire Marine ship, sending soldiers diving into the sea.
"Shishishi! My turn!" Luffy stretched between two ships. "Gomu Gomu no Pinwheel!" He spun rapidly, creating a rubber tornado that scattered Marines everywhere.
"Dragon's Breath!" Sabo's Haki-coated pipe smashed through a ship's mast, his movements fluid and precise.
The three brothers fought back-to-back, their attacks complementing each other perfectly. Marines watched in awe and terror as the trio decimated ship after ship.
"They're monsters!" A Marine cried out.
"Is this the power of the Garp grandsons?" Another whispered fearfully.
Smoker gritted his teeth, cigars trailing smoke. "Their coordination is incredible."
"Look out below!" Luffy called cheerfully before launching a Marine captain into Onigumo's ship.
"Stop treating this like a game!" Doberman shouted, his blade clashing with Sabo's pipe.
"Shishishi! But it is fun!" Luffy grinned while dodging bullets. "I missed fighting with my brothers!"
"THERE YOU ARE, YOU UNGRATEFUL BRATS!"
Everyone froze as Garp's voice boomed across the water. The Marine hero stood atop his ship, his fist already raised.
"Oh crap," all three brothers muttered simultaneously.
"Sabo!" Garp's eyes locked onto his supposedly dead grandson. "HOW DARE YOU MAKE ME THINK YOU WERE DEAD! AND JOINING THE REVOLUTIONARIES ON TOP OF IT!"
The Marines watching nearly dropped their weapons in shock as their hero's voice cracked with emotion.
"DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY NIGHTS I CRIED OVER YOUR DEATH?!" Garp continued, tears streaming down his face even as he wound up for a punch. "AND NOW YOU'RE WORKING WITH DRAGON?!"
"Gramps, I-" Sabo started.
"FIST OF LOVE!"
"RUN!" All three brothers shouted, their earlier bravado forgotten as they fled from their grandfather's approach.
Smoker, Doberman, and Onigumo watched in disbelief as the legendary Marine hero chased his grandsons across the ships, alternating between crying about how much he missed them and trying to punch them through the deck.
"Is this... happening?" Onigumo muttered.
"The Hero of the Marines..." Doberman's eye twitched. "Is having a family squabble in the middle of an operation?"
"COME BACK HERE AND TAKE YOUR PUNISHMENT LIKE MEN!" Garp roared, still crying.
"NO WAY!" The brothers shouted back, running faster.
"Should... should we help?" A Marine asked hesitantly.
"ARE YOU CRAZY?!" His companions shouted. "Let the Vice Admiral handle his family issues!"
The chase continued across the burning and broken ships, Garp's "Fists of Love" creating more destruction than the brothers had managed combined.
[][][][][]
As they leaped from ship to ship, dodging Garp's relentless pursuit, Luffy suddenly perked up as if remembering something important.
"Uhhh, I almost forgot!" He turned around, running backward with his signature grin. "Grandpa! Can you protect a kingdom called Drum Island?"
Everyone within earshot nearly stumbled in shock at the sudden request.
"Their king is trash!" Luffy continued casually as if he wasn't being chased by an enraged Marine hero. "He's gonna come back with the World Government to take the island back!"
The Marines watching the chase froze in disbelief. Even Smoker's cigars dropped from his mouth, while Doberman and Onigumo exchanged stunned glances.
"Is he... asking for a favor while running away?" A Marine whispered in confusion.
"Only Luffy would do something like this," Ace facepalmed, though he was grinning.
Garp stopped his pursuit for a moment, his fist still raised but his expression softening slightly. "You're worried about some kingdom while running for your life?"
"Shishishi! Yeah! They're good people!" Luffy nodded enthusiastically, still running backward. "They have this witch! And there's this cool reindeer doctor too who is my crewmate too!"
"WITCH?!" Garp's eyes bulged out comically. "YOU'RE HANGING OUT WITH WITCHES NOW?!"
"She's a good witch!" Luffy defended, dodging another Fist of Love. "She helped save the kingdom! And Chopper is the best doctor ever!"
"Wait... A REINDEER DOCTOR?!" Garp paused mid-punch, his jaw-dropping. "YOU RECRUITED A REINDEER AS YOUR SHIP'S DOCTOR?!"
"Shishishi! Yeah! He's awesome!"
"WHAT KIND OF CREW ARE YOU BUILDING?!" Garp's shark teeth appeared as he roared.
Ace and Sabo couldn't help but laugh at their grandfather's reaction, though they quickly regretted letting their guard down as Garp's attention snapped back to them.
"DON'T LAUGH, YOU TWO ARE JUST AS BAD! ONE JOINS A YONKO AND THE OTHER JOINS THE REVOLUTIONARY!"
"Anyway, will you help them, Gramps?" Luffy asked, completely ignoring his grandfather's rage.
"OF COURSE I'LL HELP! NOW STOP RUNNING AND TAKE YOUR PUNISHMENT!"
"NO WAY!" The brothers resumed their escape, but now they were all grinning.
The Marines watching sweatdropped at the family drama unfolding before them.
"EHHHHHHH?!" The surrounding Marines' jaws dropped to the deck in perfect synchronization, their eyes bulging out comically.
"Did Vice Admiral Garp just..." One Marine started.
"...agree to go against..." Another continued.
"...THE WORLD GOVERNMENT?!" They all finished together, their teeth becoming sharp in shock.
Smoker pinched the bridge of his nose, his cigars smoking furiously. "That entire family is completely insane."
"OI OI OI!" Doberman's face contorted in disbelief, a visible vein popping on his forehead. "Isn't this technically treason?!"
Onigumo stood frozen, his expression twitching.
"REPORT WHAT?!" The lower-ranking Marines screamed with shark teeth. "THAT THE HERO OF THE MARINES IS PLAYING FAVORITES WITH A KINGDOM BECAUSE HIS PIRATE GRANDSON ASKED NICELY?!"
Meanwhile, Garp continued chasing his grandsons as if he hadn't just casually agreed to oppose World Government interests. "COME BACK HERE AND LET ME SHOW YOU MY LOVE!"
"THIS IS WHY THE HIGHER-UPS WERE WORRIED ABOUT SENDING HIM!" The Marines cried in unison, their souls practically leaving their bodies.
As the chaos of Garp's family reunion unfolded across the Marine ships, Doberman, Onigumo, and Smoker exchanged grim looks.
"This has gone far enough," Doberman growled, drawing his sword. "If we don't stop them now, we won't have any ships left to return to base."
"Agreed," Onigumo's cold voice cut through the air as his spider-like arms emerged. "And we should focus on the most dangerous target." His eyes locked onto Luffy with predatory intent. "The one who's shown abilities far beyond what should be possible in Paradise."
"Tch," Smoker gripped his jitte tightly. "Just don't underestimate any of them."
"WHAT ARE YOU THREE DOING?!" Garp shouted, momentarily pausing his pursuit. "THESE ARE MY GRANDSONS! I'LL HANDLE THEIR PUNISHMENT!"
"With all due respect, Vice Admiral," Onigumo's voice dripped with disdain, "your 'handling' seems to involve more property damage than actual justice."
"Bwahaha! That's how tough love works!"
"This isn't about family anymore," Doberman stepped forward, his blade gleaming. "Straw Hat has become too dangerous to ignore."
The three brothers stopped running, their playful expressions turning serious as they sensed the shift in the atmosphere.
"Shishishi! Looks like playtime's over!" Luffy cracked his knuckles, his straw hat casting shadows over his eyes.
"Indeed," Sabo twirled his pipe, while Ace's flames flickered dangerously.
The Marine ships creaked ominously as two forces prepared to clash, while Garp stood between them, torn between duty and family.
The three brothers caught sight of Garp's conflicted expression, and without even looking at each other, matching D-clan grins spread across their faces. They understood perfectly what needed to be done.
"What's wrong..." Ace started, flames dancing around his fists.
"...old man..." Sabo twirled his pipe smoothly.
"...do you think you can hurt us?" Luffy finished, cracking his knuckles.
Garp's expression tightened, caught between his duty as a Marine and his love as a grandfather.
"FIREBALL!" Ace unleashed a massive fireball.
"RYUSOKEN!" Sabo's dragon claw technique tore through the air.
"RED HAWK!" Luffy's flaming fist rocketed forward.
The three attacks converged just as Doberman, Onigumo, and Smoker launched their counterattack.
"DEMON SLASH!" Doberman's blade cut through the air.
"SPIDER NET!" Onigumo's extra arms lashed out.
"WHITE LAUNCHER!" Smoker's smoke powers erupted.
The two forces collided in a massive explosion that sent shockwaves across the water as Marines scattered for cover.
The two forces collided in a massive explosion that sent shockwaves across the water.
The combined power of the three brothers' attacks overwhelmed the Marine Vice Admirals' defense, creating a blinding flash that lit up the Waters.
BOOM!
The explosion rocked the entire fleet, sending Marines flying in all directions. Wooden planks and debris rained down as ships creaked and groaned under the force of the impact.
"GYAAAAH!" Marines screamed as they were blown off their feet, many landing in the water with spectacular splashes.
Smoker, Doberman, and Onigumo were sent flying backward, crashing through multiple ship walls before finally stopping.
Their uniforms were singed and torn from the brothers' combined attack.
"Impossible..." Doberman coughed, struggling to stand. "Such power..."
"This is beyond what our intelligence suggested," Onigumo growled, his extra arms twitching from the damage.
The ship they had been standing on began to crack and splinter, its mast toppling as flames spread across the deck.
Marines abandoned the ship in droves as the vessel started to sink. "Shishishi! That was fun!" Luffy grinned, completely unfazed by the destruction they'd caused.
Garp watched the scene unfold, his expression a mix of grandfatherly pride and Marine irritation. A small smirk played across his weathered face as he observed the destruction his grandsons had caused.
"You think I can't hurt you with just that level of power?" His voice was unnaturally calm, carrying an authority that made even veteran Marines step back.
With deliberate slowness, Garp shrugged off his Vice Admiral coat, letting it flutter to the deck. His suit jacket followed, and he methodically rolled up the sleeves of his blue shirt, revealing arms corded with muscle that had punched countless pirates into submission.
"Let me show you..." His grin turned dangerous, reminiscent of the same D-clan smile his grandsons wore. "The power of the Marine Hero! BWAHAHA!"
The three brothers' Observation Haki screamed in warning simultaneously. Their eyes widened as they sensed the immense power gathering in their grandfather's fist.
"RUN!" Ace shouted, already turning to flee.
"TOO LATE!" Garp's voice boomed. "BLUE HOLE!"
His fist struck the air itself, creating a shockwave that seemed to distort space. The very atmosphere appeared to crack as the devastating attack launched toward his grandsons.
"Shit!" Sabo's face went pale. "COUNTER!"
"GREAT FLAME COMMANDMENT!" Ace's most powerful fire attack erupted.
"GOMU GOMU NO RED HAWK GATLING!" Luffy unleashed a barrage of flaming punches.
"DRAGON'S BREATH!" Sabo's Haki-infused technique joined his brothers' attacks.
The three techniques combined into a spectacular display of power, meeting Garp's Blue Hole head-on. The collision created an explosion that dwarfed their previous attack, the shockwave strong enough to create waves that rocked even the most distant ships.
"AMAZING!" Marines watched in awe as light from the clash lit up the entire harbor.
But when the smoke cleared, Garp stood unharmed, still grinning. "Is that all you've got? You three have gotten soft!"
"He's a monster!" The watching Marines cried with white eyes and dropped jaws.
"RETREAT!" The three brothers shouted in unison, their earlier bravado completely forgotten as they fled from their grandfather's approaching form.
"COME BACK HERE!" Garp launched himself after them, leaving craters in every surface he touched. "I'LL SHOW YOU WHAT REAL TRAINING FEELS LIKE!"
The chase resumed with renewed intensity, leaving the other Marine officers watching in stunned silence as the Hero of the Marines pursued his grandsons across the burning fleet.
"Should... should we help?" A brave Marine asked.
"ARE YOU CRAZY?!" His companions shouted. "THIS IS WAY ABOVE OUR PAY GRADE!"
From the safe distance of their ships, the Straw Hats and Revolutionaries watched the explosive battle between the three brothers and their grandfather unfold.
"Such monstrous power..." Sanji muttered, his cigarette dropping from his mouth as he witnessed the scale of destruction.
Zoro's grip tightened on his swords, his expression grim. "We still have a long way to go."
On the Merry's deck, "Scary!" Chopper clung to the mast, eyes wide with amazement and fear.
"Fufufu," Robin smiled mysteriously. "Family reunions can be quite explosive."
On the crow's nest, Usopp's knees shook as he watched through his goggles. "Those three are on a completely different level!"
The Revolutionary soldiers aboard their ship cheered as they watched Sabo fight. "That's our Chief of Staff!"
Koala observed the brothers' coordinated fighting with professional interest. "Their teamwork is incredible. You'd never guess they spent a decade apart."
"Opening!" Usopp suddenly called from the crow's nest. "The Marine blockade has a gap from all the damage!"
Both ships began moving toward the opening when suddenly-
"Cage-Cage: Stake!" Captain Hina's attack shot toward them.
Zoro and Sanji leaped to intercept, but even their combined defense couldn't fully block it. They landed back on deck with visible bruises.
"Tch," Zoro wiped blood from a cut. "These Marines aren't playing around."
"We need to move fast," Nami ordered, taking charge. "While the brothers have them distracted!"
The crews rushed to navigate through the chaos as the battle between the creazy family continued to light up the harbor behind them.
Vice Admiral Momonga stood at the helm, his stern gaze fixed on the escaping ships. "They still have formidable fighters protecting their escape."
"Hina is annoyed," Captain Hina declared, preparing another attack.
"Focus cannon fire on the Straw Hat vessel," Momonga commanded sharply. "Captain Hina, continue with your Cage-Cage attacks - they're more effective than standard cannons."
Turning to Tashigi, he added, "It's time to engage directly. You'll handle the Revolutionary ship while I deal with the Straw Hats. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" Tashigi gripped her sword determinedly.
Using Geppo, Momonga launched himself through the air, carrying Tashigi. Usopp tried desperately to shoot them down from the crow's nest, but Momonga's superior Observation Haki let him dodge every shot.
As they neared, Momonga threw Tashigi toward the Revolutionary ship while simultaneously unleashing a powerful sword slash at the Merry. At the same time, Hina launched more Cage-Cage attacks as cannon fire erupted from the Marine vessels.
"They're focusing fire on us!" Nami gripped the railing as she watched the incoming attacks. "Why are they ignoring the Revolutionary ship?!"
"Because Luffy's the bigger threat now," Zoro growled, drawing his swords as he prepared to defend against Momonga's slash.
"We'll handle this," Sanji stepped forward, his leg already blazing.
But before either could move, Usopp's voice rang out from the crow's nest: "Leave those stakes to me! I've got some new tricks!"
"I can handle the cannonballs!" Chopper shifted into Heavy Point, determination shining in his eyes.
"Fufufu," Robin crossed her arms with a confident smile. "I'll support them both. You two focus on that Vice Admiral."
"Eh?" Zoro and Sanji blinked in surprise.
"Chain Reaction Pellets: CASCADE STARS!" Usopp launched his attack, his special ammunition splitting into countless smaller pellets mid-air.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The pellets exploded in sequence, creating a spectacular chain reaction that intercepted Hina's stakes before they could reach the ship.
"RUMBLE!" Chopper crunched his ball, muscles bulging as he caught and redirected cannonballs.
"Cien Fleur!" Robin's arms bloomed everywhere, creating protective barriers and helping redirect attacks.
"Three Sword Style: Dragon Twister!" Zoro's attack blocks the sword wave, sending it to the sky.
"Impressive," Momonga commented as he landed on Merry's deck, his blade already drawn.
"Collier Shoot!" Sanji's leg shot toward the Vice Admiral's neck.
Ah yes, you're right! Let me correct that:
On the Revolutionary ship, Sergeant Tashigi moved with determination, her sword work showing glimpses of her potential despite her occasional clumsiness.
"Don't underestimate me!" She declared, parrying an attack from one soldier before countering with a swift strike. The Revolutionary soldier went down with a grunt.
"She's better than we expected," another soldier commented, rushing in with his companion.
Tashigi's blade flashed twice - her footwork wasn't perfect, but her sword technique was sharp enough. Two more soldiers fell, clutching their bruised sides.
"Three down!" Tashigi allowed herself a small smile of satisfaction, adjusting her glasses.
"Not bad at all, Sergeant-san," Koala's cheerful voice came from behind her. "But I think it's time for you to return to your ship."
Tashigi spun around, sword at ready. "You're-!"
"Fishman Karate: Ocean Current Shoulder Throw!"
Before Tashigi could complete her sentence, Koala's technique caught her mid-turn, sending her flying through the air toward the Marine vessel.
"KYAAAAAAAA!" Tashigi's scream faded as she sailed across the gap between ships.
"Nice work taking down three of our men though!" Koala called out after her with a friendly wave.
SPLASH! Tashigi landed in the water near the Marine vessel, where her fellow Marines quickly moved to fish her out.
"At least I proved I could fight..." Tashigi muttered as she was pulled from the water, her pride somewhat intact despite the undignified exit.
"Everyone, provide covering fire!" Koala commanded, her voice carrying across the Revolutionary ship. "Help the Straw Hats!"
"Yes, ma'am!" The Revolutionary soldiers responded in unison, their cannons turning to target the Marine vessels.
On the Merry, Nami gripped the helm tightly, her knuckles white with tension. "Just a little more... we're almost through their blockade!"
"Guard Point!" Chopper transformed, bouncing back another volley of cannonballs.
"Special Attack: FIREBIRD STAR!" Usopp's projectiles intercepted incoming stakes.
"Cien Fleur: Wing!" Robin's arms formed protective barriers around the ship's vital points.
Meanwhile, Zoro and Sanji faced off against Momonga, their bodies already showing signs of damage from defending the ship.
"Hmph," Momonga casually deflected their attacks while watching Tashigi's flight. "That girl still has much to learn, but perhaps with proper training..."
A vein popped on Sanji's forehead. "YOU'RE IGNORING US?!"
"How dare you treat a lady so callously!" Sanji's rage burned hotter.
"Tch," Zoro's eye twitched dangerously. "He's not even taking us seriously."
Momonga continued as if they hadn't spoken. "Though her form needs work, her basic technique is sound-"
SLASH! KICK!
Both Zoro and Sanji attacked simultaneously, their moves faster and sharper than before.
"Oh?" Momonga blocked both attacks with his blade. "Finally getting serious?"
"Three Sword Style..." Zoro tied his bandana around his head, his eye gleaming dangerously.
"Diable Jambe..." Flames erupted around Sanji's leg as his cigarette burned to ash.
"Playing with children?" Momonga raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps I should show you the difference in our-"
"DEMON SLASH!" "COLLIER STRIKE!"
The combined attack actually forced Momonga to take a proper stance, his casual demeanor finally cracking.
"Now this..." A small smile formed on the Vice Admiral's face. "This might be interesting."
The three fighters clashed again, their battle intensifying as the ships continued their desperate escape through the chaos of the battles.
"Don't let up!" Koala ordered as the Revolutionary ship provided covering fire. "We need to break through before-"
BOOM!
Another massive explosion from the direction of Garp's battle with his grandsons lit up the sky, reminding everyone that an even more intense family reunion was still ongoing.
"Those idiots better hurry up," Nami muttered, steering the Merry through the narrowing gap in the blockade. "We can't keep this up forever!"
"GREAT FLAME COMMANDMENT: FLAME EMPEROR!" Ace roared, his entire body erupting into a massive pillar of fire. The intense flames struck the ocean's surface with devastating force, instantly creating a colossal cloud of steam that began engulfing the battlefield.
Simultaneously, Sabo spun his pipe, coating it with an intense layer of Haki that seemed to darken the very air around it. "DRAGON'S BREATH: TEMPEST!"
The Haki-infused attack tore through the surrounding Marine ships like they were made of paper, sending wooden debris and unfortunate soldiers flying in all directions.
"Don't let them escape!" Onigumo's cold voice cut through the chaos as he launched himself at Sabo, his spider-like arms extending menacingly.
"White Launcher!" Smoker's smoke powers surged toward Ace, while Doberman's blade gleamed as he joined the assault.
"Tch, annoying pests," Ace smirked, his flames burning even hotter. "Come on then!"
Meanwhile, Luffy stood facing his grandfather, both D-clan grins reflecting each other in the steam-filled battlefield.
"SHISHISHI!" Luffy's body seemed to radiate darkness as he unleashed his Conqueror's Haki. The wave of power rolled across the ships, causing unprepared Marines to foam at the mouth and collapse.
"BWAHAHA!" Garp's booming laugh echoed through the chaos. "So you have awakened it! But..." His expression turned serious as his own Conqueror's Haki erupted, meeting Luffy's head-on. "You're still a hundred years too early to challenge your grandfathers!"
The clash of their Haki created visible distortions in the air, making even the remaining conscious Marines struggle to breathe.
"Amazing..." Doberman muttered through gritted teeth as he and Smoker fought Ace. "This level of Conqueror's Haki..."
"Focus on your own fight!" Ace's flames surged forward. "FLAME COMMANDMENT: CROSS FIRE!"
"Eight-Headed Dragon Strike!" Sabo's pipe blurred with speed as he fended off Onigumo's multiple attacks.
"Spider Web Prison!" Onigumo's extra arms shot out, trying to entangle the Revolutionary.
"Your techniques won't work on me!" Sabo grinned, his pipe glowing with Haki. "DRAGON'S BREATH: STORM STRIKER!"
The battlefield had become a chaotic mix of fire, smoke, and Haki-infused attacks, all while grandfather and grandson continued their intense standoff.
"Not bad, Luffy!" Garp's fist began to glow with an ominous light. "But let me show you what a real Marine Hero can do! METEOR FIST!"
"Gear Second!" Steam erupted from Luffy's body as he prepared to face his grandfather's ultimate attack. "Gomu Gomu no..."
The air itself seemed to tremble as grandfather and grandson prepared to clash, their Conqueror's Haki making the very ships beneath them creak and groan.
"JET GATLING!" Luffy's Haki-coated fists became a blur of rubber and willpower.
"TAKE YOUR PUNISHMENT!" Garp's own barrage of punches met Luffy's attack head-on, creating shockwaves that sent nearby debris flying.
Through it all, the steam cloud continued to grow, providing the perfect cover for their eventual escape - if they could survive their grandfather's "love" long enough to use it.
"NOW!" Sabo suddenly shouted, seeing their opportunity in the chaos.
The three brothers exchanged glances, understanding passing between them without words. It was time for their final move.
The three brothers moved in perfect synchronization, their years of childhood training together showing through despite their long separation.
"GREAT FLAME COMMANDMENT!" Ace's entire body erupted into a massive inferno.
"DRAGON'S BREATH!" Sabo's pipe glowed with an intense blue light as he channeled his Haki.
"GOMU GOMU NO..." Luffy wound up both arms, coating them in Armament Haki while steam rose from his Gear Second form.
"COMBINED TECHNIQUE:" All three brothers shouted in unison. "ASL TRINITY!"
The massive fire pillar from Ace, the Haki-infused dragon-shaped attack from Sabo, and Luffy's rubber assault merged into a single devastating technique that lit up the entire harbor.
"IMPOSSIBLE!" The Marine officers shouted as the combined attack approached.
"BWAHAHA!" Garp's laughter boomed across the water. "NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL A FAMILY TECHNIQUE!"
BOOM!
The explosion that followed was spectacular, creating a mushroom cloud that could be seen from miles away. When the smoke finally began to clear, a massive section of the Marine blockade had been completely obliterated.
"Did... did we get him?" Sabo asked, panting slightly from the exertion.
Through the settling debris, Garp stood unharmed, his uniform slightly singed but his grin as wide as ever.
"Not bad, you brats!" He called out proudly. "But you'll need another hundred years before you can-"
He stopped mid-sentence, realizing the three brothers were no longer in front of him.
"THEY USED IT AS A DISTRACTION!" The Marines shouted in shock.
Indeed, taking advantage of the chaos and steam, the three brothers had already launched themselves toward their escape route, Ace's flames propelling them through the air while Luffy's stretched arms kept them together.
"AFTER THEM!" Onigumo commanded.
"Too late!" Ace's flames erupted one final time, creating an even larger steam cloud that completely obscured their escape.
"BWAHAHA!" Garp's laughter echoed across the destroyed harbor. "THOSE CHEEKY BRATS! USING THEIR OLD MAN'S TRAINING AGAINST HIM!"
"Vice Admiral!" The other officers protested. "This is no time for pride! They're getting away!"
"Of course they are!" Garp beamed, actually wiping away tears of joy. "That's my family for you! Though..." His expression suddenly turned serious. "Next time I see them, the punishment will be twice as severe!"
The remaining Marines could only watch in disbelief as their hero continued laughing proudly about his grandsons' escape, while the ships around them lay in ruins from their "family reunion."
Meanwhile, safely hidden behind the steam cloud, the three brothers landed on their small escape vessel, all sporting matching D-clan grins despite their exhaustion.
"Shishishi! That was fun!" Luffy laughed.
"Your definition of fun needs work," Sabo groaned, though he was smiling.
"At least we got away," Ace grinned, already preparing to power their boat with his flames. "Though Gramps is going to make us pay for this next time."
"Then we better not let there be a next time!" Sabo declared as their small vessel shot forward, powered by Ace's fire.
"Shishishi! Adventure time!" Luffy cheered from the bow.
On the Merry's deck, Zoro and Sanji stood facing Momonga, their bodies battered but spirits unbroken.
"Three Sword Style..." Zoro's eye gleamed with dangerous intensity.
"Diable Jambe..." Sanji's leg blazed brighter than ever.
"Still think you can..." Momonga started, but his eyes widened as he sensed something different in their stance.
"DEMON SLASH!" "HELL MEMORIES!"
The combined attack, born from pushing beyond their limits, caught Momonga completely off guard. The Vice Admiral's eyes widened in genuine surprise as the techniques merged into something beyond what he thought possible from Paradise pirates.
"Impossible..." Momonga muttered as the attack launched him clear off the Merry.
"NOW!" Nami shouted, steering the ship through the opening.
Just then, a small vessel powered by weakening flames appeared behind them. Ace's tired voice carried across the water:
"Drop... the ropes..."
Two ropes unfurled from the Merry and the Revolutionary ship. Luffy and Sabo each grabbed one, their grins matching despite their exhaustion.
"Shishishi! Good work, Ace!"
"Show off that fire power one last time, brother!" Sabo called out encouragingly.
"Great Flame Commandment..." Ace gathered his remaining strength, flames erupting around the small vessel. "FINAL BOOST!"
The flames exploded with incredible force, propelling all three ships forward at impossible speed. Marines watched in shock as their quarry literally blazed past their blockade.
"They're getting away!" Someone shouted.
"After them!" Another called.
"BWAHAHA!" Garp's laugh boomed across the harbor. "THEIR NO SHIP THAT FAST! MY CUTE GRANDSONS NEED TO REST AFTER SUCH A GOOD TRAINING SESSION!"
"THIS WASN'T TRAINING!" Everyone shouted with shark teeth.
As they escaped, the Straw Hats collapsed on Merry's deck, exhausted but grinning.
"That was too close," Nami sighed in relief.
"Fufufu, quite exciting though," Robin chuckled.
"SUPER COOL!" Chopper's eyes sparkled with admiration.
"I thought we were gonna die!" Usopp cried, though he was smiling.
"Worth it," Zoro grunted, nursing his wounds.
"For once, I agree with the Marimo," Sanji lit a fresh cigarette.
On the small vessel being towed between the ships, the three brothers lay sprawled out, completely drained but wearing matching D-clan grins.
"Shishishi! That was fun!"
"Only you would call that fun, Lu," Sabo chuckled weakly.
"Next time..." Ace managed between breaths, "let's meet somewhere WITHOUT Marines..."
"Agreed!" His brothers chorused before all three burst into tired laughter.
The three ships sailed toward the horizon, leaving behind a thoroughly destroyed Marine fleet and a proudly laughing Garp.
"Those are my grandsons! BWAHAHA!"
"STOP BEING PROUD OF THIS!" The other Marines shouted in exasperation.