Several hours after their escape, on the small vessel being towed between the Merry and the Revolutionary ship:
"Shishishi! Gramps hasn't changed at all!" Luffy laughed, sprawled out on the deck while munching on meat that Sanji had thrown over earlier.
"His Fist of Love still hurts just as much," Sabo rubbed his head, phantom pains from childhood making him wince. "Though I'd forgotten how much until today..."
THUNK!
"And some things never change," Sabo sighed as Ace face-planted mid-conversation, instantly asleep.
"Narcolepsy!" Luffy pointed and laughed, bits of meat flying everywhere.
"Oi, don't waste food!" Sabo bonked his rubber brother. "And help me move this flamebrain before he rolls into the sea!"
Sabo's expression turned more serious as they propped Ace against the small cabin. "Lu... about what you said earlier, about the future you saw..."
Luffy's expression sobered, a rare sight that made even Sabo pause. "Yeah. That's why I needed both my brothers here. Together, we're stronger!"
"You really saw me die?" Ace mumbled, apparently not fully asleep.
"Yeah..." Luffy's voice cracked slightly. "But it won't happen this time! I won't let it!"
Sabo wrapped an arm around Luffy's shoulders while Ace sat up properly, fully awake now.
"We believe you, Lu," Sabo said softly. "And we'll be more careful this time."
"No running off alone to fight Blackbeard," Ace promised, flames flickering unconsciously around his shoulders. "We face him together or not at all."
"Shishishi! Yeah!" Luffy's trademark grin returned. "The ASL brothers are back!"
Meanwhile, in Alabasta's palace:
Vivi stood on her balcony, watching the horizon anxiously when suddenly the Den Den Mushi in her room began to ring.
Purupurupuru... Purupurupuru... Gatcha!
"Princess Vivi!" The voice of one of Alabasta's coastal guards came through urgently. "We've just received reports about the Straw Hat Pirates!"
"What happened?" Vivi rushed to the Den Den Mushi, Igaram entered the room at the sound of her hurried footsteps.
"They made it! The Straw Hats broke through the Marine blockade! Even Marine Hero Garp couldn't stop them! They're safe!"
"Princess!" Igaram rushed in. "Is it-"
"They made it!" Vivi's eyes filled with happy tears as she clutched the receiver. "Luffy-san and everyone... they escaped! Even the Marines' blockade couldn't stop them!"
"Ma-ma-ma~!" Igaram's relief was evident. "Those pirates are certainly something else!"
The Den Den Mushi continued, "There's more, Princess! The captain, Straw Hat Luffy, was shouting something before they escaped. He said to tell you: 'Don't worry about us! And remember - you're always our nakama!'"
"That's not all," another voice cut in through the Den Den Mushi. "The cook was yelling too, something about 'taking care of yourself and eating properly!'"
"Yes," Vivi smiled, touching the X mark on her arm. "They certainly are something else..."
Back on the brothers' vessel:
"So what now?" Sabo asked, adjusting his hat.
"Adventure!" Luffy declared immediately.
"BE MORE SPECIFIC!" Both older brothers bonked him.
"But first," Ace grinned, "we should probably fix the ships before they fall apart."
Indeed, their ships were showing signs of strain from their earlier battle and escape.
"The Revolutionary Army has a hidden dock nearby," Sabo offered. "We can make repairs there before going our separate ways."
"Separate?" Luffy pouted. "But we just got back together!"
"We all have our own paths to follow, Lu," Ace ruffled his little brother's hair. "But that doesn't mean we won't see each other again soon."
"Promise?" Luffy looked between his brothers with puppy eyes that shouldn't work on a pirate captain.
"Promise," both older brothers answered without hesitation.
"Shishishi! Then it's okay!" Luffy's grin widened. "Because promises between brothers can't be broken!"
As the sun set behind them, the three ships continued their journey, carrying the reunited brothers toward whatever adventures awaited them next. On the palace balcony, Vivi clutched the X mark to her heart, smiling as she imagined her friends' next great adventure.
Meanwhile at the Marine base in Nanohana:
"BWAHAHA! Those brats have gotten stronger!" Garp laughed proudly while munching on rice crackers, completely ignoring the destruction around him.
"Vice Admiral Garp!" Onigumo's voice was tight with barely contained rage. "This is no laughing matter! Half our fleet is destroyed!"
Captain Smoker stepped forward, his cigars trailing more smoke than usual. "Damage report: Seventeen ships severely damaged, five completely destroyed. Multiple injuries, though thankfully no casualties."
"Hina is disturbed," Captain Hina added, lighting a fresh cigarette. "The coordination between those three brothers... it was beyond what we expected."
"And their combined attack..." Doberman's hand unconsciously touched the burns on his uniform. "That level of power shouldn't be possible for pirates their age."
"BWAHAHA! That's my grandsons for you!" Garp beamed. "Did you see how they used my training against me? So creative!"
"STOP BEING PROUD OF THIS!" All the officers shouted with shark teeth.
"Sir," Momonga stepped forward, his usual stern expression even more serious. "We need to report this to Fleet Admiral Sengoku immediately."
Garp's boisterous laughter suddenly quieted as the weight of his position seemed to settle on his shoulders. But after a brief moment, his signature grin returned.
"Bwahaha! Let me call the old man myself!"
The other officers watched nervously as Garp picked up the Den Den Mushi. After a few rings, it connected with an audible click.
"Report. Did you capture them?" Sengoku's stern voice came through.
"BWAHAHA!" Garp's laughter boomed. "You should have seen it, Sengoku! My grandsons have become so strong! They escaped spectacularly!"
The Den Den Mushi's expression darkened dangerously. "GARP!" Sengoku's voice rose with barely contained fury. "WHY DID YOU LET THEM ESCAPE?! YOU'RE A MARINE! THE HERO OF THE MARINES!"
Garp's laughter grew even louder, echoing through the base. Between fits of laughter, he managed to speak: "I was somewhat serious, you know! But those three together... they're stronger than I remember! And Luffy..." Pride crept into his voice. "That cheeky brat even dared to face me alone for a few seconds!"
The Den Den Mushi's expression showed Sengoku was clearly at his wit's end with his old friend's antics. The other Marine officers could only watch in disbelief as their hero continued proudly describing his grandsons' escape to an increasingly furious Fleet Admiral.
"GAAAAAARP!" Sengoku's roar made the Den Den Mushi's eyes bulge comically. "THIS ISN'T A PROUD GRANDFATHER MOMENT! Do you realize what this means?! Three of the most dangerous young pirates working together, and you're LAUGHING about it?!"
"Bwahaha! But Sengoku, you should have seen their combination attack-"
"I DON'T CARE ABOUT THEIR TECHNIQUE!" The Den Den Mushi was practically steaming. "And what's this report about you agreeing to protect Drum Island from World Government intervention?!"
"Oh, that?" Garp picked his nose casually. "Luffy asked nicely! Said something about a good witch and his reindeer doctor-"
"YOU CAN'T JUST AGREE TO OPPOSE WORLD GOVERNMENT ORDERS BECAUSE YOUR PIRATE GRANDSON ASKED NICELY!"
"Why not? The king there was trash anyway-"
"THAT'S NOT THE POINT!"
The other Marine officers watched this exchange with dropped jaws, while Smoker just sighed and lit fresh cigars.
"Besides," Garp continued cheerfully, "did you know Luffy recruited a reindeer as his doctor? And Sabo's gotten so good with that pipe of his! And Ace's flames are much stronger now-"
"STOP GIVING ME A PROUD GRANDFATHER'S PROGRESS REPORT!"
The Den Den Mushi looked ready to have an aneurysm.
After several deep breaths, Sengoku's voice came through the Den Den Mushi more controlled, though still clearly strained.
"Now listen carefully," Sengoku spoke deliberately. "Garp, you will personally escort Crocodile to Impel Down. The other Vice Admirals need to return to their posts immediately."
Turning his attention to the others, he continued: "Captain Hina, Captain Smoker - with the Warlord system in question, I want you both to double your efforts in capturing pirates."
"About Crocodile's defeat..." Sengoku paused. "Smoker, though you were there, too many journalists saw your involvement. So the credit will go to Captain Hina."
Smoker's cigars flared with barely contained anger, but before he could protest-
"BWAHAHA!" Garp's laughter cut through the tension. "Always so political, Sengoku!"
"As for you, Garp," Sengoku continued, ignoring the interruption. "After delivering Crocodile, return to headquarters immediately."
"But what about the news?" Garp asked, suddenly serious. "The connection between me and my grandsons can't be hidden anymore."
"Why do you think I sent you there, you numbskull?" Sengoku's voice carried a hint of craftiness. "This way we can show that even with your relationship, you fought to capture them. Their escape can be attributed to superior tactics rather than your... leniency."
The assembled officers stared at the Den Den Mushi in amazement. The Fleet Admiral had turned what seemed like a disaster into a PR opportunity.
"BWAHAHA! You sneaky old goat!" Garp roared with laughter. "You planned this!"
"OF COURSE I DID!" Sengoku snapped. "SOMEONE has to think about the bigger picture while you're busy bragging about your criminal grandsons!"
The other officers exchanged glances, impressed by Sengoku's political maneuvering even while dealing with Garp's... unique approach to family matters.
"Just be grateful I'm the Fleet Admiral," Sengoku grumbled. "Now get moving!"
"Yes sir!" Everyone responded though Garp's response was more of a cheerful "BWAHAHA!"
As the Den Den Mushi clicked off, the assembled officers couldn't help but marvel at how the World Government's highest-ranking Marine managed to handle both international politics and Garp's family drama with equal skill.
"Sometimes I forget how crafty the old man can be," Garp grinned, already munching on fresh crackers.
"THAT'S WHAT YOU TOOK FROM THIS?!" Everyone shouted with shark teeth.
On the Going Merry's deck, Chopper bustled about with his medical supplies, treating everyone's injuries with the help of Revolutionary Army doctors who had come aboard via rope bridges between the ships.
"Hold still, Zoro!" Chopper scolded as he wrapped bandages around the swordsman's torso. "These cuts from Momonga are deep!"
"Tch, they're nothing," Zoro grunted, though he winced slightly.
"THEY'RE NOT NOTHING!" Chopper grew larger momentarily in his anger before shrinking back. "The Vice Admiral's attacks were incredibly powerful!"
Nearby, Usopp was regaling Luffy with tales of their defense of the Merry, his arms waving dramatically.
"And there I was, the brave Captain Usopp, facing down hundreds of Marine stakes and cannonballs!" He declared proudly. "With my new Chain Reaction Pellets, I created a spectacular defense that-"
"Ahem," Robin smiled mysteriously. "I believe my Cien Fleur helped quite a bit."
"And I bounced back lots of cannonballs!" Chopper added excitedly between treating patients.
"O-of course!" Usopp coughed. "I meant to say, with my brave companions, we protected the Merry like true warriors of the sea!"
"SUGOI!" Luffy's eyes sparkled. "But what about Zoro and Sanji's combination attack? That was so cool!"
Both Zoro and Sanji immediately tensed, veins popping on their foreheads.
"Don't remind me about having to work with that shitty swordsman," Sanji growled, lighting a cigarette.
"Like I'd ever want to combine attacks with a dart-brow cook," Zoro scoffed.
"What was that, Marimo?!"
"You heard me, Ero-cook!"
"Now, now," Robin intervened smoothly. "Your combined attack did save the ship..."
"IT WAS A ONE-TIME THING!" Both shouted simultaneously, then glared at each other for speaking in sync.
"Shishishi!" Luffy laughed. "You guys are funny! Do it again!"
"NO WAY!" They roared, causing Chopper to nearly drop his medical supplies in surprise.
"The only reason I worked with this moss-head was that Nami-swan and Robin-chwan were in danger!" Sanji declared, hearts replacing his eyes momentarily.
"Tch, speak for yourself," Zoro crossed his arms. "I just didn't want to hear the witch complain about the ship getting damaged."
"WHAT DID YOU CALL NAMI-SAN?!"
As the two began their usual bickering, Ace's voice carried over from the small vessel: "Are they always like this?"
"Yep!" Luffy grinned proudly. "They're the best!"
"YOUR DEFINITION OF 'BEST' NEEDS WORK!" Everyone shouted with shark teeth.
At the ship's railing, away from the chaos of treatment and bickering, Nami watched her crewmates with a complex expression - pride and something else mixing in her eyes.
Koala noticed this and approached quietly, leaning against the railing beside her. "Something on your mind?"
"Ah, no, it's nothing," Nami waved dismissively, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Come on," Koala nudged her shoulder playfully. "As someone who deals with her share of idiotic brothers, I can tell when something's bothering a fellow sister-in-arms."
Nami's facade cracked slightly as she let out a small sigh. "Is it that obvious?"
"Only to another woman who has to wrangle powerful men with the emotional intelligence of sea kings," Koala winked, making Nami chuckle despite herself.
"It's just..." Nami's fingers traced the wood of Merry's railing. "During the battle, everyone was amazing. Usopp with his new ammunition, Chopper transforming to protect us, Robin's powers everywhere at once, Zoro and Sanji fighting a Vice Admiral..." She paused, frustration creeping into her voice. "And all I could do was steer the ship."
"That's not nothing-" Koala started, but Nami continued.
"I know! I know I did well, that getting us through that chaos was important. But..." Her hands clenched. "Everyone keeps getting stronger. Luffy has this amazing future knowledge and Haki, Zoro, and Sanji can fight Vice Admirals now, even Usopp is developing new weapons. And I'm just... stuck. Still just the navigator."
"Just the navigator who got a ship through a Marine blockade while under heavy fire," Koala pointed out gently.
"That's not the point!" Nami's frustration burst out. "I want to be able to protect them too! Not just be protected! But what can I do with just some weather tricks against people who can punch through battleships?"
Koala gazed out at the ocean, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips. "You know, I was just a child when I joined the Revolutionary Army. I couldn't even throw a proper punch back then."
She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "And imagine being in the same training batch as Sabo - watching him breeze through lessons like they were nothing, mastering techniques in days that took others weeks..."
"I felt exactly like you do now," Koala turned to face Nami directly. "Watching others seem to grow stronger effortlessly while I struggled with basics. It was... frustrating."
"But now look at me," she grinned, cracking her knuckles. "I might not be at their monster level, but I can hold my own. And more importantly, I found my own way to be useful." She glanced fondly at Sabo. "Someone has to keep that reckless idiot from doing anything too stupid, after all."
"But that's different," Nami protested. "You're strong now - you can fight with Fishman Karate. I saw how easily you handled that Marine swordswoman."
"That's not the point," Koala shook her head. "Yes, I learned to fight, but my real strength isn't just in combat. It's knowing when to fight and when to think. These brothers - they're all power and instinct. Someone needs to be the brain to balance their brawn."
She placed a hand on Nami's shoulder. "Just like you do for your crew. Your weather knowledge, your navigation skills, your tactical thinking - these aren't just support abilities. They're what keeps this crew alive and moving forward."
"But-"
"Besides," Koala grinned mischievously, "between you and me, sometimes outsmarting these muscle-heads is more satisfying than outfighting them. Have you seen how lost they get without us?"
That finally got a genuine laugh from Nami. "True. Luffy would probably try to sail up a waterfall if someone didn't stop him..."
"Exactly! We all have our roles to play. And trust me," Koala's eyes glinted with determination, "being the voice of reason among these three is a battle all its own!"
"MEAT?!" Luffy suddenly popped up between Nami and Koala, making both women jump. "Are you hiding meat? I smell something good!"
"WE'RE NOT HIDING ANY MEAT!" They shouted in unison, fists connecting with Luffy's head and leaving matching bumps.
"But I'm hungry~" Luffy whined, rubbing his new bumps.
"YOU JUST ATE!" Nami's teeth became shark-like in frustration.
"Fighting Gramps makes me extra hungry!" Luffy grinned, unaffected by the women's anger. "Shishishi!"
"Is food all you think about?" Koala sighed, though she couldn't help smiling at his simple-minded focus.
"Nope!" Luffy beamed. "I think about adventures too! And my nakama! And meat!"
"YOU JUST MENTIONED FOOD AGAIN!" Both women shouted.
"SANJI!" Luffy suddenly called out. "I SMELL COOKING!"
"DON'T YOU DARE!" Sanji's voice echoed from the kitchen. "I'M PREPARING DINNER FOR NAMI-SWAN AND ROBIN-CHWAN!"
"But I'm hungry now~"
As Luffy stretched his arm toward the kitchen, only to be met with Sanji's kick, Nami and Koala exchanged knowing looks and laughed. Some things never changed, and maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.
At Marine Headquarters, Sengoku sat at his desk, massaging his temples as he looked at the scattered reports and photos from Alabasta. His goat munched quietly on papers in the corner while Tsuru and the Chief of the Bounty Department stood before him.
"Those three brothers..." Sengoku growled, picking up a photo of Luffy, Ace, and Sabo fighting together. "They destroyed half our fleet in Alabasta and Garp..." He crushed the report in his hand. "That fool was laughing the whole time!"
"To be fair," Tsuru commented dryly, "they are his grandsons."
"That's not the point!" Sengoku's teeth became shark-like. "Now we need to adjust their bounties, and the Straw Hats..." He shuffled through more papers. "They've been causing too much trouble."
The Bounty Chief cleared his throat. "About that, sir. Given recent events, we recommend the following adjustments:
Monkey D. Luffy - Increase to 200 million. Defeating a Warlord and displaying Conqueror's Haki warrants this jump.
'Fire Fist' Ace - Currently at 550 million, no change needed.
'Blue Gentleman' Sabo - Increase to 600 million. His position in the Revolutionary Army and displayed abilities justify this.
As for the Straw Hat crew:
'Pirate Hunter' Roronoa Zoro - 60 million
'Cat Burglar' Nami - 16 million
'Black Leg' Sanji - 55 million
'Cotton Candy Lover' Chopper - 50 beli
'Devil Child' Nico Robin - Maintain at 79 million
'Sniper King' Usopp - 30 million"
"50 beli for the reindeer?" Tsuru raised an eyebrow.
"They think he's the crew's pet," Sengoku explained with a sigh. "Though after seeing the reports..."
"Should we adjust it?"
Sengoku leaned back in his chair, his expression grave. "Yes, make these changes instead. Raise Fire Fist to 600 million - he's proving to be just as dangerous as his brother from the Revolutionary Army.
The reindeer... put him at 1,000 for now. His medical abilities shouldn't be underestimated.
And increase Nico Robin to 90 million - her knowledge combined with the Straw Hats' influence makes her even more of a threat."
"Sir," the Bounty Chief looked concerned, "raising Fire Fist's bounty might provoke the Whitebeard Pirates..."
"They're already provoked!" Sengoku slammed his fist on the desk, causing his goat to jump. "Having one of their commanders openly working with the Revolutionary Army's Chief of Staff is bad enough! And now with Straw Hat's growing influence..."
Tsuru picked up one of the reports. "Speaking of influence, something is interesting here. According to Captain Smoker's report, the Alabasta citizens are calling them the 'Three Brother Liberators' after what happened with Crocodile."
"LIBERATORS?!" Sengoku's face turned red. "They caused chaos and destruction!"
"They exposed a corrupt Warlord and saved a kingdom," Tsuru pointed out calmly. "The public sees them as heroes."
"Heroes?!" Sengoku started stress-eating rice crackers. "One's a Whitebeard Commander, another's the Revolutionary Army's second-in-command, and the third is an unruly brat who keeps gathering dangerous people! They're the last thing we need being called heroes!"
Tsuru folded her arms, her expression serious. "The real issue isn't whether the public calls them heroes or not, Sengoku. The true problem is that now the Whitebeard Pirates and the Revolutionary Army have established a connection. If we make any move against Whitebeard, Fire Fist will intervene, and if anything happens to him..." She paused meaningfully. "The Revolutionary Army will mobilize - or at best, just the Blue Gentleman will act."
Sengoku's face darkened as he absorbed her words. "And if the Blue Gentleman moves, Dragon might follow... damn those brothers! They've created an unofficial alliance between two of our biggest threats!"
"Not to mention," the Bounty Chief added nervously, "the Straw Hats seem to be acting as a bridge between both forces. With Nico Robin aboard their ship..."
"Don't remind me!" Sengoku crushed another rice cracker. "That rubber brat has both Whitebeard and the Revolutionary Army watching his back now! And Garp..." He glared at a photo of his old friend laughing. "That idiot is probably proud of this mess!"
Sengoku rubbed his temples harder, his expression even more strained. "Oh, and there's something else you don't know... that rubber brat has connections to Red-Hair Shanks too." He let out a heavy sigh. "Just imagine - can we even touch him now without potentially starting a war on three fronts?"
Tsuru's eyes widened slightly - a rare show of surprise from the veteran Vice Admiral. "Red hair as well? How?"
"Apparently, that Yonko gave him that straw hat he always wears," Sengoku grumbled, reaching for more rice crackers. "And according to our intelligence, they made some sort of promise."
"So let me understand this clearly," the Bounty Chief looked pale. "If we move against Straw Hat Luffy..."
"We risk provoking Whitebeard Pirates through Fire Fist, the Revolutionary Army through the Blue Gentleman, AND Red-Hair Shanks," Sengoku finished, crushing the rice crackers in frustration. "That brat has somehow managed to connect himself to three of the most dangerous forces in the world!"
"And he's still gathering more allies," Tsuru added thoughtfully. "First Alabasta, now Drum Kingdom..."
"DON'T MAKE IT WORSE!" Sengoku roared, his goat bleating in sympathy.
A rare, mischievous smile played across Tsuru's lips as she watched Sengoku's suffering. "You know, considering how they're performing now, Garp's original plan to make them Marines wasn't entirely foolish. All three seem to have Admiral-level potential. Just imagine how formidable the Marines would be if they had joined us instead..."
"STOP IT!" Sengoku's face turned purple, veins popping on his forehead. "Don't even joke about that! Having those three as Marines would be worse! They'd destroy more than pirates do!"
"Oh?" Tsuru's smile widened slightly. "Like grandfather, like grandsons?"
"EXACTLY!" Sengoku slammed his head on the desk. "One Garp is already too much! Three more with his blood? The Marine headquarters wouldn't survive!"
The Bounty Chief watched nervously as the Fleet Admiral descended into mumbling about property damage and training costs.
"Though," Tsuru continued mercilessly, "they do share his monster strength. And that determination. And that laugh..."
"TSURU!" Sengoku looked up with shark teeth. "ARE YOU TRYING TO GIVE ME A HEART ATTACK?!"
"Just pointing out the irony," she replied calmly, though there was definitely amusement in her eyes. "The Marines' Hero's grandchildren becoming our biggest headaches..."
The Bounty Chief, not reading the room, nervously suggested, "F-Fleet Admiral, given all these connections, shouldn't we raise Straw Hat's bounty even higher? And perhaps send Admiral Akainu to-"
Sengoku slowly turned to stare at him, his expression deadpan. "You're still here?"
"I... uh..." The Bounty Chief began sweating under Sengoku's flat gaze.
"Let me explain this slowly," Sengoku's voice was dangerously calm. "You want to send Akainu - our most aggressive Admiral - after a rookie pirate who has connections to a Yonko, the Revolutionary Army, and the Whitebeard Pirates? The same Akainu who believes in absolute justice and would likely try to execute said rookie on sight?"
"W-well, when you put it that way..."
"GET OUT!" Sengoku roared, causing the Bounty Chief to flee the room in terror.
Tsuru watched the man's hasty retreat with amusement. "At least he's enthusiastic about his job."
"Enthusiastic about giving me more headaches," Sengoku grumbled, reaching for more rice crackers only to find the box empty. "Where are my- THAT GOAT ATE THEM AGAIN!"
Tsuru's expression turned serious as the room cleared. "Now that we're alone, what did you really want to discuss?"
Sengoku leaned back, his own demeanor shifting from frustrated to calculating. "I need you to handle the Drum Kingdom situation. But after that... I want you to make a detour to East Blue. Visit Garp's village."
"This is about the boy's Haki, isn't it?"
"Yes," Sengoku's eyes narrowed. "Garp swore on his personal justice that he never taught any of his grandsons Marine techniques or Haki. And he assured me that Red-Hair didn't teach the brat either. Yet somehow..."
"Straw Hat demonstrated both Observation and Conqueror's Haki during the escape," Tsuru finished thoughtfully. "Rather skilled use of it too, for someone so young."
"Yes," Sengoku nodded gravely. "According to Garp, the boy's Haki control... it's not raw talent anymore. He said that the brat only lacks the battle experience to fully stabilize his Haki. To reach such a level..." He trailed off, deep in thought.
"You think someone trained him?" Tsuru asked carefully.
"Someone must have," Sengoku's eyes narrowed. "And they might have used... unusual methods. Methods that could benefit the Marines if we understood them." He pulled out a file from his desk. "Think about it - a rookie pirate mastering three types of Haki in the East Blue of all places?"
"The weakest sea producing such a monster..." Tsuru mused. "It is rather suspicious."
"That's your mission," Sengoku handed her the file. "Investigate the Straw Hats' journey through East Blue. Every island they visited, every person they met. Someone or something changed that rubber brat gave him knowledge and abilities he shouldn't have. I want to know what."
"And if we find this... method?"
"Then perhaps," Sengoku's expression turned calculating, "we can use it to strengthen our own forces. We need every advantage we can get, especially now that those three brothers have effectively created an alliance between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Revolutionary Army."
"I'll handle it personally," Tsuru took the file. "Though knowing that boy's luck, I suspect the answer won't be something we can easily replicate."
"Just find out what happened," Sengoku sighed heavily. "Before that rubber brat causes any more chaos."
In the royal palace of Alabasta, King Cobra sat on his throne with Vivi at his right side, Chaka and Pell standing beside them. Before them stood Vice Admiral Garp, Captain Smoker, and several Marine soldiers, who had come to take custody of the defeated Crocodile and Mr. 1.
"Princess," Garp grinned broadly, "I heard you traveled with my grandson for a while! If you want, I could give you some of my special training..." He cracked his knuckles menacingly, the sound echoing through the throne room.
Vivi involuntarily flinched, remembering Luffy's terrified reactions whenever his grandfather was mentioned. Now, seeing Garp's idea of a "friendly" offer, she couldn't fault her friend's fear.
"N-no need," Vivi managed a polite smile. "Traveling with Luffy was quite the adventure already..."
"BWAHAHA!" Garp's laughter boomed through the hall. "Don't be embarrassed! You must have seen the results of my training with those three grandsons of mine!"
Vivi paled slightly, remembering the monstrous strength displayed by Luffy, Ace, and Sabo. If this was the result, how hellish must their training have been?
Seeing her reaction, Garp's grin widened. "Ah, I'm just joking around! After all, there's no way you could handle my training with your current physical condition." He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "You'd need to start with the basics first - like fighting monkeys!"
"MONKEYS ARE NOT BASIC TRAINING!" Everyone in the throne room shouted with shark teeth.
"BWAHAHA! Of course, they are! That's how I started with Luffy when he was four-"
"THAT'S CHILD ABUSE!" Smoker interjected, his cigars practically steaming.
King Cobra coughed pointedly, "Let's move on to official business. Here are Crocodile and his right-hand man, as agreed."
The former Warlord stood in chains, his expression cold and distant, while Mr. 1 remained stoically silent beside him.
"Where are the rest of the Baroque Works agents?" Smoker demanded, his cigars emitting more smoke than usual.
King Cobra straightened on his throne. "They have agreed to begin their redemption here in Alabasta."
"What?!" Smoker's eyes narrowed. "They're criminals who need to-"
"They are our prisoners," Vivi cut in firmly, her diplomatic training evident in her tone. "The only reason we're handing Crocodile over to the Marines is because we lack facilities to contain someone of his power level, and due to his status as a former Warlord."
"Besides," she continued, meeting Smoker's gaze steadily, "many of them were deceived by Crocodile. They've agreed to help rebuild what they helped destroy. That seems more productive than rotting in a cell, doesn't it?"
"BWAHAHA!" Garp laughed. "She's got you there, Smoker!"
Smoker gritted his teeth around his cigars, clearly wanting to argue further but unable to refute the princess's logic.
"Very well," Smoker finally growled. "But if any of them cause trouble..."
"They won't," Vivi assured him firmly. "They've seen firsthand what happens when you betray Alabasta's trust."
Crocodile's expression darkened slightly at her words, but he remained silent.
"BWAHAHA!" Garp clapped his massive hands together. "Well, that's settled then! Now, about that training offer-"
"NO THANK YOU!" Everyone shouted simultaneously.
"Hmph," Garp pouted, looking remarkably like Luffy for a moment. "You're all no fun. Just like Sengoku..."
As the Marines prepared to leave with their prisoners, Vivi stepped forward. "Vice Admiral Garp... about Luffy..."
"Eh?" Garp turned, his expression curious.
"He... he saved our kingdom," Vivi bowed deeply. "Please don't be too hard on him when you catch up to him."
"BWAHAHA!" Garp's laughter echoed through the throne room once more. "Don't worry about that rubber brat! He's gotten strong enough to run from my Fist of Love now!"
"THAT'S NOT REASSURING AT ALL!" Everyone shouted.
As the Marines departed with their prisoners, Vivi watched them go with a mix of emotions. Somewhere out there, her friends were continuing their adventures, and she had to trust they would be okay - even with a grandfather like that chasing them.
"Vivi," her father's voice drew her attention back. "Are you sure about this? Keeping the other Baroque Works agents here?"
"Yes," Vivi nodded firmly. "Luffy taught me something important - sometimes people just need a second chance to prove themselves."
Cobra smiled proudly at his daughter. "You've grown wise beyond your years."
"I had good teachers," Vivi touched the X mark on her arm, smiling softly.
Meanwhile, on the Going Merry:
"ACHOO!" Luffy sneezed suddenly, nearly falling off his special seat.
"Someone must be talking about you," Robin commented with amusement.
"Shishishi! Probably Vivi!" Luffy grinned. "I bet she's telling everyone about our adventures!"
"More likely complaining about the chaos you caused," Nami muttered, though she was smiling.
The three ships continued their journey toward the Revolutionary Army's hidden dock, where they would make repairs before going their separate ways. But for now, they sailed together under the vast sky, carrying the promise of future adventures and reunions.