Bab 19: 17. Garp Old Rascal!
With his face concealed, Al pulled out a bottle of ink and a bowl of takoyaki from his pocket as he casually entered Marine Branch 16.
His main aim in coming here was to sell ink and takoyaki to the Marines. But in addition, he sought a secure refuge for Cocoyasi Village. Once he ventured out to sea, there was no telling when he'd return. If pirates or bandits were to attack Cocoyasi Village and seize his belongings, he wouldn't be able to rush back immediately. Depending solely on Hatchan left him feeling uneasy.
Hence, the best course of action was to establish some ties with the Marines for protection. By doing so, he could sail the seas with peace of mind while also making some money from the Marines. It was like hitting two birds with one stone!
The sailor on duty halted Al and cautioned, "Please keep your distance from the Marine branch."
"I'm here for business. Have Colonel Nezumi meet with me," Al insisted.
The sailor hesitated for a moment before replying, "I'm sorry, but Colonel Nezumi has passed away."
Al was taken aback. He distinctly remembered not killing him back then, so why was he now deceased?
The sailor, with a wagging tongue, pulled Al aside with a grin and disclosed that Colonel Nezumi had died from excessive anger.
This news was significant in the Marine world as he was the first colonel to succumb to such circumstances.
Al's expression soured upon hearing this, muttering to himself, "This has nothing to do with me."
"It's Colonel Nezumi's own lack of emotional control!"
The sailor on duty failed to recognize the man before him, oblivious to the fact that it was Al who had driven Colonel Nezumi to his demise. As he spoke, his excitement grew, even labeling Al and Tom as notorious villains. He warned others to flee at the sight of Al, claiming that failure to do so would result in heartbreak, emphasizing Al's cruelty.
Thankfully, Al had arrived for business purposes. Otherwise, he might have been compelled to reveal his true identity and instill fear in the sailor, perhaps even threatening him with physical harm.
Disregarding the warnings of the sailors on duty, Al boldly strode into the Marine branch and demanded, "Who's your new colonel?"
Inside, he spotted a middle-aged man sporting a hat with a dog's head motif, casually munching on a donut with his legs crossed, casting a suspicious glance at Al.
"Boy, the new colonel will be arriving tomorrow. If you have any business, you can discuss it with me for now," the man informed Al.
Upon seeing the middle-aged man's face clearly, Al's heart was suddenly thrown into turmoil!
This man held numerous titles: Marine hero, legendary sailor, and old rogue—none other than Garp!
Why was he here?
Al's heart raced. It felt as though he, a hunter armed with a shotgun, had unexpectedly come face to face with a hungry tiger on the road! The roles of hunter and prey were only distinguished by a single thought!
Al cleared his throat lightly, steadying his breath, and said, "I represent Cocoyasi Village and have come to discuss business with you."
Garp continued to munch on his donut, responding absentmindedly, "I don't concern myself with these matters."
After speaking, Garp took out a blank piece of paper and tossed it into Al's hand, saying, "Take a look for yourself."
Observing this, the sailors nearby rose to their feet and exclaimed, "Vice Admiral Garp, aren't you going to inquire further?"
However, Garp burst into laughter, casting a slightly discerning gaze at Al before shaking his head and remarking, "I sense no ill intent from him."
The soldier, feeling anxious, wanted to interject, but Garp showed no interest in hearing more. He headed straight for the door.
As he passed by Al, Garp suddenly halted, catching a whiff of the takoyaki in Al's right hand, and inquired, "What's that you're holding? It smells delicious!"
Before Al could react, Garp snatched the takoyaki from Al's hand, found a seat, and began devouring it.
"Vice Admiral Garp!" the sailors exclaimed in unison.
Garp turned around, gesturing dismissively to the crowd, and remarked, "If you want some, go buy it from the merchant."
"That's not what we want to discuss!" they protested.
Ignoring their pleas, Garp gave them a thumbs up and grinned, "You should try it, it's delicious!"
Watching Garp amidst the commotion of the sailors, Al couldn't help but smirk.
Well, that's Garp for you!
At that moment, any notion of competing with Garp vanished from Al's mind.
He had no desire to engage in a confrontation with an elderly man who showed no inclination toward combat, despite his formidable strength.
Though the opponent was undeniably powerful!
After a brief altercation with the group of sailors, Garp finished his meal contentedly. He then lightly patted Al on the shoulder and grinned, "Al, the food you brought suits this old man's taste perfectly. So, I won't be arresting you this time."
"Huh?!"
"He's Al, the heart eater one!"
"Unbelievable that he dared to come to the Marine branch alone!"
"..."
In an instant, the sailors' breathing quickened.
Eyes widened in disbelief, they grasped their weapons and aimed their guns at Al.
Realizing his cover was blown, Al abandoned any pretense. He removed the veil, revealing a confident smile, and asked, "How did you figure it out?"
Garp didn't reply directly. Instead, he glanced at the sea soldiers, scratching his head with a sheepish grin.
"It's probably best left unsaid."
"Then let's just pretend I didn't mention it, Bwahaha."
The sailors stood frozen, stunned by Garp's response.
'He is even more unruly in real life?' Al questioned.
Garp paid it no mind. Instead, he gave Al another hearty pat on the shoulder and chuckled, "Kid, next time we meet, we'll be enemies."
Al hummed lightly, responding with a smile, "Vice Admiral Garp, I look forward to our next encounter."
Garp paused momentarily, then pulled a donut from his pocket, laughing as he made his way out of the building. "Don't forget to bring me something tasty next time, Bwahaha," he called back.
Observing Garp's departure, Al clapped his hands and resumed his air of arrogance. Taking a seat at the center of the room, he placed the white paper Garp had given him on the table and declared loudly:
"Hey, you lot!"
"Why are you standing around like fools? Get to work and sort this out for me! I'm still waiting to go home for dinner!"
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