As they arrived at the mountain home, it was clear Ace wasn't around. Originally, Garp had planned to stay, waiting for Ace to return so he could spend some time bonding with the boy. However, his plans were quickly thwarted when a message from Navy Headquarters arrived, summoning him back immediately.
"Damn Sengoku," Garp muttered under his breath. "That tightwad doesn't care that this old man deserves some time off. Always barking orders like I'm some rookie recruit!"
Despite his complaints, Garp didn't waste any time. He knew that when Sengoku called him personally, it usually meant something urgent, likely related to the chaos brewing in the New World.
Turning to Satoru, Garp asked, "So, are you coming back to the headquarters with me, or would you rather stay here until my next visit? Won't be too long—just need to deal with some nonsense in the New World."
Without hesitation, Satoru replied, "I'll go with you."
Meeting Ace could wait; his primary goal right now was to grow stronger. Mastering his abilities, including the powerful technique he'd dubbed *Cang*, was more important than anything else.
"Fine, let's go."
Garp turned toward Dadan, who looked more relieved than annoyed to see the Vice Admiral leaving. "Dadan, I'm leaving Luffy in your care. If I come back and either Luffy or Ace is thinner, you'd best prepare to spend the rest of your life behind bars!"
"Don't worry, Vice Admiral Garp!" Dadan replied, nodding vigorously. "I'll make sure they're fat and happy."
But as Garp and Satoru began their trek down the mountain, Dadan sighed. Watching the two figures grow smaller in the distance, she grumbled to herself, "It's a shame, though. That delicate little kid had a calming presence around here."
She glanced at Luffy, who was now digging furiously in his nose with a blank stare, and sighed again. "Oh well. Guess it's just me and the troublemakers now."
---
At the Port
When they arrived at the port, Garp's warship was already prepped and ready to sail.
"Set a course for Marineford! Make it quick!" Garp barked.
"Yes, sir!" the crew responded in unison.
As the ship pulled away from the dock, Satoru drew the attention of several naval officers on board. Though they'd seen him before, the young boy had become somewhat of an enigma since Garp rescued him from pirates.
"Hey, Satoru," one of the officers asked, "are you planning to join the navy?"
"That's the plan," Satoru replied with confidence.
"I want to put an end to the chaos the pirates have caused. They're out of control, and someone has to stop them."
"Haha! That's some spirit, kid!" another officer laughed. "If anyone can pull it off, it's you!"
The crew admired his determination, but their mood soon turned somber as one officer muttered, "Ever since Roger started this 'Pirate Era,' things have only gotten worse. The seas are teeming with criminals, and it's harder than ever to maintain order. The sacrifice rate has skyrocketed..."
Everyone fell silent. It was no secret that Roger's final words had sparked a frenzy. Thousands of adventurers-turned-pirates had taken to the seas, chasing after the mythical One Piece. For the navy, this meant endless battles, dwindling recruits, and a surge in corruption.
Garp, overhearing the conversation, scowled. "If I could, I'd dig Roger out of his grave and smack some sense into him. *This* is what he wanted? A world of chaos?!"
Satoru clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. "Don't worry," he said firmly. "This Pirate Era will end—with my own hands."
The officers exchanged glances, their spirits lifting slightly at the boy's conviction.
Garp chuckled but added, "Just remember, brat, dreams mean nothing without strength. If you want to end this era, you'd better train harder than anyone else."
"I will," Satoru replied with a grin. "And it won't be long before I surpass even you, old man."
The crew erupted in laughter at his bold statement, but Garp simply smirked. "Big words, kid. Let's see if you can back them up."
As the ship sailed toward Marineford, the winds of determination carried Satoru forward. This was only the beginning of his journey, but he knew one thing for certain—he wouldn't stop until he brought peace to the seas.