章 21: Bullying Helpless Civilians Doesn't Make You a Man

Young Sai didn't care whether Garp was trying to stir up trouble for Hailan. All he knew was that the person who had knocked his father to the ground was that young Marine.

He desperately wanted to challenge that Marine, but he knew he was no match for him right now. Attempting to fight would only be a waste of time.

Being groomed as the future leader of the Happo Navy, Sai had been taught a crucial lesson from a young age: If an outsider defeats someone you know, you shouldn't resent the opponent. If you've accepted a challenge, you must be prepared to lose.

It was their lack of skill that led to their defeat. However, as the future leader, Sai was also responsible for standing up for his subordinates. Regardless of the reason, if someone harmed a member of the Happo Navy, the leader must avenge them. This was the honour of the Happo Navy.

But today, both Chinjao and Sai had to swallow their pride. They couldn't do anything against these two Marines.

"Go back, Chinjao," Garp advised, ignoring Chinjao's seething anger. "Since you no longer have your old fighting spirit, you should consider giving up piracy. Isn't it better to retire in peace?"

Hailan's attention shifted to the nine-year-old Sai. His gaze was filled with anger, resentment, and a hint of fear.

Intrigued, Hailan approached him.

"Young master...," the Happo Navy warriors murmured, ready to act.

"Don't move!" Chinjao commanded, stopping them.

He had instilled in his men the principle of accepting defeat gracefully. He also didn't believe a top-ranked Marine trainee would harm his grandson.

Looking up at Hailan, Sai instinctively took half a step back. But he quickly stepped forward again, summoning the courage to meet Hailan's gaze.

After a brief standoff, young Sai couldn't hold on any longer.

"I admit I'm not your match now," he said with a childish voice, "but don't get cocky. When I grow up, I will defeat you!"

Hailan laughed, startling Sai to step back again.

"You want to surpass me? Fine," Hailan said, staring into Sai's eyes without softening his tone. "Remember my name, Hailan. I'm always at Marine Headquarters, and I welcome your challenge anytime. But remember, if you choose the path of piracy like your grandfather, I can't guarantee the outcome of our duel."

"Being a man means standing tall and not bullying helpless civilians. If you're so capable, become a bounty hunter. Pirate bounties will keep you rich for life!"

Suppressing his fear, Sai listened to Hailan's words. Once Hailan moved away, Sai's back was drenched in sweat, and his mind was a whirl. Despite being just a teenager, Hailan had exerted immense pressure on him, compelling him to turn and look at his departing figure.

Hailan then faced Chinjao, who was seething with anger.

He enjoyed seeing others helplessly frustrated by his actions—one of his few guilty pleasures.

"Let's go!" Chinjao barked.

"Where to, chief?" a crew member asked, not expecting to leave so soon after arriving in the New World.

"Back to the Flower Country, of course!" Chinjao yelled, venting his frustration on the hapless crew member. "I know how to lose a bet!"

Arriving with high spirits, they left with their tails between their legs.

Back at the bullfighting arena, Kyros, who had just defeated Diamante, received a report from his men.

"Sir, two groups started fighting at our port. One is the Happo Navy, and the other is a duo—an old man and a young boy, identities unknown."

"An old man and a young boy?" Kyros pondered. He recalled seeing such a pair in town a few days ago, especially the old man's striking floral shirt and shorts. With his target gone, Kyros lost interest in the arena and left with his men.

Unnoticed, Diamante, whom Kyros had defeated earlier, was now following Kyros with vengeful intent.

"So, that swordsman was the Captain of the Dressrosa Royal Guard, Kyros... I won't forget this humiliation!"

Having chased off the Happo Navy, Garp was in high spirits and was soon recognised by the royal guards. He was invited to King Riku's castle for tea.

Hailan, however, had little interest in the nobility and chose to wander Dressrosa alone.

"Aunt Tsuru is here investigating the Donquixote Family. I wonder if they've found anything," he mused. Buying some local snacks, he walked the streets, watching the lively dancers reminiscent of Scottish girls. Hailan felt it was time for a break.

Swoosh!

A blur streaked by, and the wind from its passage ruffled Hailan's hair. His snacks were gone!

"Who could be fast enough to steal right under my nose? A Donquixote pirate?" Hailan thought.

"Hey, kid, you must have run into a fairy. Don't worry about it. Just think of it as charity!" A helpful local reassured Hailan.

"Fairy? Nonsense!" Hailan was not in the mood to be philosophical. Ignoring the helpful local, he concentrated on tracking the wind pattern. Soon, he noticed a small, hidden figure in the corner.

"Soru!"