The cacophony of voices filled the air, overwhelming Sabo as he finally succumbed to unconsciousness.
Sabo had always viewed the concept of "justice" as hypocritical, shaped by his upbringing among nobles who openly scorned such ideals. But today, witnessing a stranger— a Marine— bravely wielding a sword against an overwhelmingly powerful enemy to protect ordinary civilians, even at the risk of his own life, profoundly shook Sabo's beliefs.
He realized that while there were corrupt individuals within the Marines, many others dedicated their lives, even sacrificing themselves, for the sake of justice. Sabo had once admired pirates for their freedom, boldness, and carefree lifestyles, believing they could do whatever they pleased. But this battle had taught him a harsh lesson: though some good pirates existed, many were like those who attacked Windmill Village today.
Haunted by the memory of the villagers who died before his eyes, Sabo jolted awake, sitting up abruptly in bed. As he glanced down at the bandages on his chest, he understood that the ordeal was over.
In a temporary Marine base in Windmill Village:
"Vice Admiral Garp, the injured villagers have received treatment, and Captain T-Bone is out of danger after emergency care. The villagers who died have been buried. However, according to reports from our soldiers sent to the capital, Goa Kingdom's capital has been completely destroyed," reported a man in a suit, wearing a hat, a justice cloak, sunglasses, and a sword at his waist.
"Good job arranging everything, Bogard. How are those two kids doing now?" Vice Admiral Garp asked his aide.
While Sabo and Luffy's skills were impressive for the East Blue, they were clearly no match for a great pirate like Byrnndi Waldo. The gap in strength was vast.
"They've both woken up, but it seems they've been quite shaken," Bogard sighed softly. He had been notified as soon as they regained consciousness and found their state worrying, given their relationship with Garp.
Garp paused, then began walking. "Let's go see them."
Soon, two figures entered Sabo's room, dismissing the medical staff. Garp casually pulled up a chair and sat across from him.
Sabo leaned against the bed, glancing up at Garp before lowering his head. The room was filled with a heavy silence, neither speaking first.
"Tell me how you feel, Sabo," Garp finally broke the silence.
"..."
Sabo remained silent, even as Garp pressed on, "Come on, after such close contact with the pirates you admired, share your thoughts."
Garp's tone grew stern as he spoke of admiration, his anger evident when he saw the devastation in Windmill Village.
Sabo stayed silent, unable to find words to describe the deaths of the villagers, the uncertain fate of Dadan, and the destruction of the village.
"About your family... I'm sorry for your loss..."
Garp paused, stopping mid-sentence. The room fell silent again; he had initially intended to mock their pirate dreams but refrained upon seeing Sabo's state.
After a moment, Garp spoke, "Sabo, would you like to become a Marine? Like T-Bone, who fought to protect you all that day."
Sabo slowly raised his head, remembering the Marine who, despite severe injuries, shielded the villagers from the cannon fire. Looking directly into Garp's eyes, he replied with conviction, "If I don't become a pirate, I might regret it for a moment. But if I don't become a Marine, I'll regret it for the rest of my life!"
Garp's eyes lit up with satisfaction at Sabo's response. "You'll become a great Marine!" he declared, standing up and heading towards the door, where another troublesome boy awaited his visit.
"Thank you!" Sabo sincerely expressed his gratitude, beginning to understand Garp's tough love during their childhood.
As Garp and his aide, Bogard, left the room, Bogard reminded him, "Vice Admiral Garp, what about Byrnndi Waldo? We've been delayed here for too long."
Byrnndi Waldo was a notorious pirate, and ordinary Marines wouldn't stand a chance against him. The Admirals were preoccupied in the New Waldo and couldn't spare the resources.
"Don't worry, he's as good as dead. A very angry, powerful person will take care of him," Garp assured, recalling the familiar aura he sensed from afar on the day he arrived at Windmill Village. Even Garp himself would hesitate to face this enraged individual, let alone Byrnndi Waldo, weakened after years in Impel Down.
Three days had passed since the attack on the Goa Kingdom. Sabo, finally able to move, struggled to his feet, using a cane for support.
"Sabo, the doctor said you're not fully recovered yet! You shouldn't be moving around," Luffy called out, worried. But Sabo remained calm.
"Take me to see the village elder," he requested. Luffy, knowing Sabo's determination, was at a loss for words.
"Where are you going?" Garp and Bogard appeared, questioning Sabo.
"To see the villagers who died," Sabo replied, his voice steady despite the pain causing sweat to bead on his forehead and his body to tremble.
Garp nodded, understanding. "Luffy, take him," he ordered.
A short while later, they stood in the hills outside Windmill Village, facing a row of freshly dug graves. Each grave had a simple wooden marker inscribed with familiar names. At one grave, a roughly made cloth doll and bouquets of flowers had been placed.
The gentle breeze made Sabo feel a weight on his chest. He took a deep breath, trying to release the tension inside him, but it only made him feel worse.
"Luffy, I'm not going to be a pirate," Sabo declared seriously, gazing at the gravestones.
"But, Sabo, what about our promise with Ace?" Luffy asked anxiously, thinking of their shared dream.
Sabo remained silent, staring at the graves, leaving his decision unexplained.
[AN- you guys said what the point of a fanfic if it doesn't deviate from its original path... Here you go 🤝 many children lost their innocence today at foosha village.]