(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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Sengoku had good intentions for Garp, hoping to ease his burden.
Although Ace had become a pirate, Sengoku was still considering Garp's feelings by not just treating him as a regular pirate.
His solution was the Shichibukai system—a group of pirates recruited by the World Government to carry out legal plunder, exempt from Marine pursuit.
If Ace became one of the Shichibukai, Garp wouldn't have to worry about seeing his grandson as an enemy.
Sengoku understood that one day Ace might get caught, and Garp could face the heartbreak of seeing his grandson in prison.
As a result, Sengoku had more than just compassion at heart—he saw a strategic advantage too.
According to his intelligence, Ace wasn't a typical pirate.
He posed minimal threat to the sea's security.
Having someone like Ace under control as a Shichibukai was far better than allowing him to join an ambitious crew.
Additionally, with Uchiha Sasuke now a part of Ace's crew, Sengoku saw an opportunity to neutralize two potential threats at once.
It was a win-win situation.
Garp, with his usual straightforward thinking, believed Sengoku was being lenient for his sake and was moved by his friend's kindness.
Maybe he would try to eat fewer of Sengoku's senbei snacks as a gesture of gratitude.
In reality, he could also deduce the same things as Sengoku, but it didn't deny that Sengoku had him in mind too.
So, he didn't care.
"Next time Ace and his crew arrive at the Sabaody Archipelago, I'll invite them," Garp said to himself.
"No need to waste resources searching for them."
Ace would certainly pass through the Fish-Man Island under the Sabaody Archipelago to reach the New World, making it the perfect place for an encounter.
With that settled, Garp felt the urge to return to East Blue, sensing a strange unease after his earlier sneeze.
He needed to check on his beloved grandson, Luffy.
Sengoku rubbed his temples, exasperated by Garp's carefree attitude.
"Garp, the seas have been restless lately. Are you really worthy of the justice you uphold, being this lazy?"
Garp nonchalantly picked his nose and flicked the booger.
"The seas aren't that bad. Whitebeard's staying low, and except for that red-haired brat who likes to move around and cause trouble, the rest are relatively quiet."
The mention of the red-haired pirate made Garp grit his teeth.
If it weren't for that troublemaker Shanks, his grandson wouldn't be dreaming of becoming the next Pirate King.
Roger's crew, in Garp's mind, was nothing but trouble.
"Don't focus only on the Four Emperors," Sengoku warned.
"There are dangerous new faces out there—rookies with real potential." He sighed, feeling the weight of uncertainty hanging over the sea like a storm cloud.
Garp grinned, chewing on his senbei.
"Don't worry. Aokiji and the other brats have got it under control. No rookies will cause much trouble, and if the sky falls, the World Government's got our backs."
Sengoku knew Garp too well—no amount of scolding could change his laid-back nature.
'Sigh'
Reluctantly, Sengoku handed Garp a bounty.
"Since you're going there, handle this mission. This guy killed a Marine captain in the East Blue."
Without a second glance, Garp crumpled the bounty into his coat pocket, then rushed to his ship, eager to return home.
Half a month later, Garp's dog-headed warship arrived at the peaceful shores of the East Blue, docking near Windmill Village.
Garp headed straight for Makino's Tavern, intending to buy some treats before visiting Dadan's hideout to see Luffy.
But to his surprise, Luffy was already there, arguing with a blonde boy around his age.
"I'm not joining your crew, Luffy!" the boy, Naruto, shouted. "I don't want to be a pirate."
"But pirates are the freest people in the world!" Luffy retorted.
"Come on, Naruto, you'll be my first mate!"
"No way! I want to become the King of Marines and the Hokage someday. I won't be a pirate!"
"Pirates are bad guys. They burn, loot, and cause all sorts of evil. Luffy, join me in the Marines. I'll be the Fleet Admiral, and you'll be one of my three admirals."
Luffy shook his head.
"A Marine? I don't want to be like Grandpa. They're all bad guys!"
Garp, who had been listening from the doorway, smiled at Naruto's attempts to convince Luffy to join the Marines.
He found it refreshing to hear someone with sense trying to guide Luffy.
But when Luffy called him a "bad guy," Garp's mood darkened.
With a sudden bang, Garp's iron fist landed on Luffy's head.
"Ouch! Grandpa, you're back!" Luffy yelped, rubbing his aching head.
Naruto stared at Garp in awe.
This old man was massive! Was he really Luffy's grandpa? He knew height often came from genetics, but still...
As Naruto's thoughts wandered, Garp smiled at him, feeling a strange sense of familiarity and fondness toward the boy.
"Naruto, huh?" Garp said, patting him on the shoulder.
"I hear you want to be a Marine, that's good! I'm Garp, a vice admiral of the Marines"
Naruto's eyes sparkled.
"My name's Uzumaki Naruto and I'm going to become the Fleet Admiral and the Hokage!"
Garp was taken aback.
Fleet admiral he could understand that, but what did the other title mean?
"Hokage? What's that?"
Naruto went on to explain.
It took a while for Garp to understand Naruto's dream, and when he realized Hokage was akin to a village chief, he couldn't help but laugh.
"Hahahahaha"
Imagining Sengoku's reaction to someone valuing a village chief over the Fleet Admiral would be priceless.
Garp laughed so hard that both Naruto and Luffy were left utterly confused.
With a broad grin, Garp gave Naruto a strong pat on the back.
"Good kid! Quite ambitious! How about you come sail with me to Marineford?"