Garp decisively shook his head, "No need. Shanks is Shanks, and the girl is the girl. Even if she truly is Shanks's daughter, she shouldn't be held accountable for Shanks's actions."
Pausing for a moment, he then asked, "Are those three on the Marines' wanted list?"
The aide shook his head, "No."
"What about these people lying on the ground? Do we have information on them?"
"They are well-known treasure hunters from the East Blue. Though not pirates, their actions can hardly be considered righteous."
"I see, so Uta and her companions can't really be considered bad people."
Garp nodded slightly, falling into thought again.
After a moment, Garp, stroking his beard, mumbled, "It's such a shame to let people like them go. We need to find a way to keep them."
"How about we just take them directly to the Marine Headquarters?"
Hearing this, the aide's lips twitched involuntarily. Indeed, Garp was still Garp, acting nothing like a typical Marine...
---
At the tavern.
Uta and Carina, now dressed in ordinary sailor outfits, were instructing the pirates in preparing to set sail. Jango, having heard about Marine Hero Garp's arrival, hid in the deepest part of the ship, daring not to come out.
Arton was conversing with Gordon, who had accompanied Uta on her journey.
"I still find it hard to believe that Uta suddenly decided to set sail with you and Carina," Gordon said, looking at Uta happily interacting with Carina on the deck, then at Arton in front of him, his face full of wonder.
From being woken up by Uta in the tavern to being brought to the shore, Gordon had been wearing this expression.
If he couldn't feel pain, Gordon might have thought he was dreaming.
"Heh, this world is full of unexpected events," Arton said with a chuckle. "You've seen it yourself, Uta and Carina get along very well. Plus, I have the kind of music Uta likes here. If you're worried, you could also join us on the sea, Gordon."
Arton's smile widened as he extended an olive branch to Gordon.
"Never mind, I'm getting on in years," Gordon declined. "Following you out to sea would only hold you back. After all, you even plan to hold concerts in the New World, right?"
Gordon mentioned this reasoning earlier during his conversation with Uta. However, in his view, Uta's intention to head to the New World was to find Shanks.
"Indeed, it's there that we'll find a stage grand enough," Arton agreed, nodding slightly. He chose not to mention that Uta's journey with him was to become a pirate, to avoid worrying Gordon. Moreover, Arton could feel Garp's watchful eyes from a distance.
"The New World..." Gordon sighed, then continued, "Carina is a very talented singer. Apart from Uta, Carina is one of the most outstanding singers I've encountered. The songs you mentioned to me before are indeed excellent. I believe you can take your concerts to the New World."
"However, singing talent alone isn't enough for the New World. It's a very dangerous place. Arton, are you sure you can protect Uta?"
Towards the end, Gordon's gaze became extremely serious. Since Shanks entrusted Uta to him, now that she was leaving with someone else, Gordon naturally wanted to confirm Arton's capability. Although he had heard from Uta about Carina's ability to easily defeat a group of treasure hunters, Gordon remained somewhat concerned.
"Do you wish to verify my strength?" Arton understood. "It's understandable, given you've been looking after Uta as her guardian for so many years. So, if I were to demonstrate my power, would that put your mind at ease?"
Arton placed his hand on the sword at his waist and spoke.
"Please, let me see your strength," Gordon responded without hesitation.
"In that case, let me be your opponent," Garp's voice chimed in.
"Admiral Garp, why are you joining the fun?" Arton raised an eyebrow, somewhat helplessly looking towards Garp, who was approaching them while munching on a donut, followed by his aide in a suit and carrying a sword.
"Ha ha ha, to test one's strength, you need an opponent, right?" Garp laughed heartily. "I'm quite curious about your abilities too. So, let me be your opponent."
"If you lose to me, bring your two songstresses and join the Marines, ha ha ha!" Garp declared with a laugh.
Hearing this, Arton couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Fight Garp? What a joke!
Previously, Arton had already used his Transparent World's perceptive abilities to observe Garp's body. Beneath Garp's clothing and skin were muscles honed to perfection.
Even if Arton felt confident in his own abilities, he wasn't delusional enough to think he could engage in a real fight with Garp.
Even though Garp mentioned he'd be the opponent to prove Arton's strength to Gordon, adding the condition of joining the Marines meant Arton naturally couldn't agree.
However...
Arton stroked his chin, looking towards Garp's aide behind him.
"Vice Admiral Garp, you're right," Arton agreed. "To showcase my strength, indeed requires an opponent."
"So, come at me, kid. Don't worry, I won't use my full strength," Garp said, misunderstanding Arton's agreement as acceptance, his face breaking into a smile.
"But it doesn't have to be you who fights me," Arton continued. "That aide behind you seems pretty good."
"He uses a sword, just like me. How about letting him be my sparring partner?" Arton suggested, pointing towards Garp's aide, with a smile.
***
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