----
Garp, directly criticized by Abona, found himself at a loss for words.
Now wasn't the time to lecture others. His son had become the first person in history to openly rebel against the World Government and the Marines a thorn buried deep in his heart.
For a long while, Garp struggled to face the situation or find the right words.
Finally, with a frustrated sigh, he stood up and said, "Go back! I don't fully understand what your Tru Empire is planning, but I hope we can avoid embarrassing each other in the future."
"Don't worry, old man," Abona replied with a smile.
After ensuring both sides were safe, a tense equilibrium emerged. The Marine warships remained docked nearby, but it was clear to everyone what the Marines would attempt once the Tru Empire's fleet moved. The opportunity to act had already passed what good would it do now for anyone to intervene?
It wasn't cowardice holding the Marines back; it was the uncertainty surrounding the Tru Empire. Did they have hidden forces yet to reveal? No one knew.
The seas had only recently calmed, and if the Marines or the World Government provoked a fight with the Tru Empire, the resulting chaos would surely embolden other factions.
By noon, the Tru Empire's fleet began to withdraw, leaving without a word to the Marines. The warships turned and departed, leaving two lonely Marine vessels docked at the harbour.
"Admiral Akainu, are we still heading to the Kingdom of Crimea?" an officer aboard Akainu's warship asked hesitantly.
"Why go there? Their fleet's retreat clearly means the Kingdom of Crimea is no more. What's the point of going now?" Akainu snapped.
"Then... should we turn back?" the officer asked cautiously, sensing the Admiral's rising anger.
Akainu exhaled sharply, but before he could respond, Garp's voice rang out from the other ship. "Are you heading back, or do you want to join us for a visit to the Tru Empire?"
"Vice Admiral Garp, at a time like this, you want to visit the Tru Empire?" Akainu stood up, glaring at Garp.
Though his tone was furious, his anger wasn't directed at Garp but at the situation itself.
Despite his rank as an admiral, Akainu couldn't deny Garp's seniority and influence within the Marines.
"Wow, hahaha! Akainu, why so serious? Don't you want to see what the Tru Empire is like?" Garp teased, his carefree laugh cutting through the tension.
"Vice Admiral Garp, are we really going to the Tru Empire?" Gion asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
"It's not far, and we're not pirates. They won't refuse us entry. Besides, after so many days at sea, it wouldn't hurt to replenish supplies," Garp replied with a grin.
"Really? I've heard the Tru Empire has plenty of rare goods! I'd love to go shopping," Gion said, her eyes lighting up.
With that, the two Marine ships began following the Tru Empire's fleet. It was only a day's journey to the empire, and they would likely arrive by nightfall.
For Akainu, visiting the Tru Empire was both a matter of pride and strategy. As a Marine admiral, he convinced himself it was necessary to investigate this mysterious nation.
However, deep down, it was his reluctance to return empty-handed that drove his decision.
The Tru Empire was unlike the Four Emperors of the New World. Visiting wouldn't destabilize the balance of power. Besides, the Tru Empire's influence stretched far beyond commerce it controlled nearly 10% of the world's capital flow.
---
By evening, the port of the Tru Empire was aglow, its lights illuminating the night like day. The arrival of the Marine ships caused no stir; even the merchant vessels nearby paid them no attention.
In the South Blue, the Tru Empire's patrol fleets ensured the safety of merchants, eradicating any trace of piracy in the region. This unparalleled security was the foundation of the empire's prosperity.
As the two Marine warships docked, only a handful of officers disembarked. The rest remained aboard, observing the port.
Nanniwa Port, the gateway to the Tru Empire, was nothing short of extraordinary a bustling hub that could rival the grandest cities of the world.
The officers were awestruck as they stepped onto the docks. The sheer development and vibrancy of the empire were staggering.
The only road leading inland passed through the State Hall, where hundreds of single-person passageways were monitored by staff. However, by night, nearly half the lanes were closed.
Garp led the way, with Gion close behind, her eyes darting around, taking in the sights.
At the gate, a staff member greeted them with a polite smile. "Welcome, esteemed Marines. To enter the Tru Empire, you must wear our specially designed bracelet. It will not harm you, but for Devil Fruit users, it temporarily suppresses their abilities. We appreciate your cooperation."
She held out a sleek black bracelet, its craftsmanship remarkably delicate a testament to the empire's advanced technology.
----
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