Sengoku and Garp's faces darkened simultaneously, their expressions turning almost comically stern.
The surrounding Marines struggled to keep their composure, trying hard not to burst into laughter, but the effort was almost physically painful. It seemed like holding in their laughter might give them internal injuries.
"Brat! What nonsense are you spouting now?" Garp barked, feigning anger. "What your Grandpa Sengoku meant was that we've been through thick and thin together!" His tone carried more humor than real frustration, clearly meant for Sengoku's benefit.
After all, Sengoku couldn't afford to lose face here.
Sengoku seized the opportunity to play along. "Yes, yes! Your grandfather and I have been lifelong friends! We've shared everything!" He gave a sagely nod, hoping to steer the conversation away from potential embarrassment.
In a bid to gain the upper hand, Sengoku laid the groundwork. His expression softened as he glanced at Finn, trying to strike an emotional chord. "Your grandpa and I have been through countless battles. What's mine is his, and what's his is mine. We never drew a line between us."
Finn nodded thoughtfully. Then, suddenly, his eyes widened as if struck by an epiphany. "So... you're saying you both turned into... old lovers?"
Pffft!
Laughter erupted from the Marines like an unstoppable force. Those who had been desperately holding it in could no longer resist. Their restraint broke in waves of hysterical laughter, echoing through the air.
Master Finn had turned the entire conversation on its head, completely derailing Sengoku's attempts at explanation.
Even if the Marshal himself wanted to punish them all, the laughter was uncontrollable. It was worth the risk to let it out.
Meanwhile, Sengoku's and Garp's faces turned an even deeper shade of black, as if they were ready to drip with fury.
Why did this keep coming back to the "old lovers" angle? Sengoku wanted to defend himself further, but words failed him. What could he say to fix this?
"Cough! Enough!" Garp quickly interjected, casting a look at Sengoku to signal that it was time to move on from this disastrous line of conversation. He knew his grandson all too well—if they kept pushing, Sengoku might end up having a heart attack.
Sengoku took the hint, forcing a smile as he turned to Finn. "Finn, I hear you've developed quite a reputation as a capable fighter."
Finn felt a slight jolt of anxiety. Of course Sengoku would know about his abilities—he was the Marine Marshal, after all. He must have already gathered intel about Finn's Devil Fruit power.
Was Sengoku trying to lead him into a trap with this line of questioning?
Garp, oblivious to the nuance, beamed with pride. "Yes! My grandson's Devil Fruit is something special. You see that massive warship over there? He summoned it himself using his powers!" Garp pointed to the towering vessel in the distance, his chest puffed out in pride.
It was a pride that no personal accomplishment could rival—the pride a grandfather feels when his grandchild outshines him.
Sengoku's eyes sparkled with something akin to greed as he glanced at the warship. "A true hero indeed!" he praised, though Finn could sense the hidden agenda behind the compliment.
This old fox is after my warship, Finn realized instantly.
Trying to play along, Finn adopted a tone of exaggerated humility. "Grandpa Sengoku, my warship is enormous. It could easily accommodate a hundred thousand Marines!"
Sengoku's eyes gleamed. "Yes, Finn! I can see its potential. Its defenses, its artillery—far superior to ordinary warships! Imagine if I sent fifty thousand Marines to serve under you, making your warship the most invincible in the entire sea!"
There it was—the old fox had exposed his tail.
On the surface, Sengoku's words sounded like a generous offer, but Finn knew better. Sengoku wasn't offering an army out of kindness. If fifty thousand Marines were placed under Finn's command, the ship would effectively belong to Sengoku.
Finn feigned simplicity, scratching his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I think I'm better off on my warship alone. I wouldn't know how to manage all those men. It might end up making me... like you two. You know... old lovers."
Pffft!
The laughter was even louder this time. Marines were gasping for air, noses bubbling with the force of their uncontrollable amusement.
Sengoku's expression was one of utter frustration, his mouth twitching uncontrollably. He looked ready to murder someone, preferably Finn.
Garp, sensing his old friend's pain, tried to stifle his own grin. "Hold on, old buddy," Garp thought to himself. "This is just the beginning. There's plenty more that'll test your patience in the days ahead."
As if completely innocent, Finn added, "But if you really insist on sending troops, Grandpa Sengoku, just make sure they're all female soldiers. As many as you can spare!"
The Marines couldn't contain themselves any longer. Inside, they were all cursing Finn, but the absurdity of the situation had them convulsing with laughter. It was the kind of humor only the absurdity of life could provide.