"Vice Admiral Garp, if your grandson truly becomes a pirate, I won't show any mercy when I cross paths with him!" Akainu declared sternly, emphasizing the justice he upheld, the right kind of justice.
Despite Garp's seniority, he had always been uncomfortable with Garp's laid-back attitude, which, in his eyes, contradicted the concept of justice associated with his rank.
But, when it came to dealing with your elders, you often had to bite your tongue. However, his grandson was an exception. If he truly became a pirate, Akainu would not let him off the hook.
"Hehe, so Vice Admiral Garp, the legendary Marine known for capturing pirates throughout his career, has a pirate for a grandson?" Doflamingo taunted, continuing to employ his sly and mocking smile.
Seeing Akainu and Doflamingo's reactions, Garp couldn't help but feel exasperated.
He wanted to respond seriously, but he couldn't find the words to counter the truth: his grandson was indeed displaying some pirate tendencies. Despite his efforts to instill the values of justice since childhood, it seemed he couldn't change his grandson's path.
In resignation, Garp managed to muster a wry smile, which gradually transformed into laughter. "Hahaha, well, this hasn't happened yet. Who knows if it's just a rumor? Besides, if my grandson becomes a pirate, do you think I'd need your help to catch him? And you, if you utter another word, be careful I decide to ignore the Seven Martial Sea Treaty and arrest you on the spot. To be honest, I'm tempted by the bounty on your head. Imagine how many rice crackers I could buy with it!"
Though Garp's words seemed jovial, the faint hint of a threat in his tone couldn't be ignored.
Akainu was no fool, and he realized that provoking Garp further, despite his rank, would lead to uncomfortable consequences.
Doflamingo fell silent, realizing that even though Garp's status didn't matter to him, the old man wouldn't hesitate to bend or break the rules to enforce his version of justice.
Sengoku intervened to ease the awkward atmosphere. "That's right, we can't be sure if this is all true. Let's keep watching and find out."
Meanwhile, in the Grand Line on an island called Baldigo, which was under the control of the Revolutionary Army, a massive light curtain hovered in the sky. Numerous Revolutionary Army cadres, including Betty, Lindbergh, Morley, Karasu, Ivankov, and the amnesiac Sabo, gathered outside to watch.
They, too, were captivated by the unfolding events on the light curtain, deeply engrossed in the story. However, one man with a scar over half of his face and a commanding presence watched with a subtle expression. His eyes shifted from determined to slightly softened.
This man was none other than Luffy's father and the leader of the Revolutionary Army, Monkey D. Dragon.
"Luffy..."
The story continued...
[Luffy officially set sail and became a pirate, no longer alone, now accompanied by a green-haired companion with three swords!]
[They engaged in one battle after another, facing new adversaries along the way.]
[Confronting the Black Cat Pirates with a 7 million Berry bounty, the Creek Pirates with a 17 million Berry bounty, and the Aaron Pirates with a 20 million Berry bounty...]
[Each battle pushed Luffy and his crew to the brink, forcing them to give their all to overcome their enemies.]
[As the battles continued, Luffy gathered more and more comrades, including Zoro, Usopp, Sanji, and Nami...]
At the same time, in various locations along the Grand Line, such as Loguetown, Syrup Village, Sabaody Archipelago, and many others:
Zoro, Usopp, Sanji, Nami, and the rest stared at the sky in disbelief. The one thought running through their minds was, "I've become a pirate!?"
In Windmill Village...
Dadan and the other villagers were dumbfounded as they watched the scenes unfold in the sky. They saw not only Luffy's new companions but also witnessed his remarkable growth.
Each battle appeared to be a life-and-death struggle. Was it these intense battles that allowed Luffy to grow so quickly?
In the end, he became incredibly powerful, capable of causing tremendous damage with a single strike. Many villagers, especially the younger generation, admired Luffy deeply.
Dadan, who had cared for Luffy as her own child, felt a mix of pride and worry. She had raised him for so many years; seeing him in such dangerous situations tugged at her heartstrings.
But soon, she wiped away her tears. A man needed to experience hardship and growth. The Luffy in those images had become resolute and responsible – a true man. With so many companions by his side, what was there to worry about?
Luffy, on the other hand, watched the battles with excitement. "So, I have so many amazing companions! And they seem... pretty cool!"
At Navy Headquarters...
As they watched the sky, Sengoku, Garp, the three Admirals, the Warlords, and others displayed a range of expressions.
Akainu couldn't help but smirk. "Straw Hat Pirates... It appears that Vice Admiral Garp's grandson possesses a Devil Fruit ability and is quite formidable."
"A swordsman, a sniper, and a navigator with limited knowledge – a pirate crew of just four individuals," Kizaru commented sarcastically. "Facing opponents who don't even have bounties exceeding 20 million Berries seems to be quite the challenge."
"Indeed," added Aokiji, "these opponents seem to pose a considerable threat for them."
It seems they needn't worry about Vice Admiral Garp's grandson as his pirate crew seems really weak for these powerhouses.
The atmosphere remained tense as they continued to watch the unfolding events of Luffy's journey.