บท 14: These Iron Fists are Meant for Bullies

"Hey, kid, how can you talk like that? Get over here!" Garp roared, his temper flaring at Hailan's words.

He swung his fist, the size of a boulder, intending to give Hailan a lesson in "love." Fortunately, Sengoku held him back just in time.

"Garp, I know asking you to change your temper is too much, but at least stop punching everyone you meet!"

Hailan's words were harsh, but everyone present couldn't help but agree with the sentiment. Zephyr had only verbally criticized Borsalino, which already strained their teacher-student relationship. Garp's habit of swinging his fists at everyone made them thankful Dragon hadn't turned into a pirate under such upbringing.

Clearly, his educational methods had issues.

As Hailan's direct family, Zephyr spoke the least. Defending Hailan would seem like favoritism, but criticizing him was out of the question.

Zephyr, the Marine Instructor, was here mainly to observe how the situation would unfold.

"Alright, everyone, calm down," Fleet Admiral Kong said, tapping the table lightly. "Since we've all spoken our minds, let's get to solving this issue."

"Sengoku, what do you think?"

Sengoku released Garp, who still glared at Hailan like a petulant child.

"From a moral standpoint, Hailan avenging his mother is entirely justifiable. Regarding the severity of the incident, like Garp said, it's just one pirate, so it's not a big deal. However, from the Marine's standpoint of justice, Hailan did violate the discipline of treating prisoners well. We can't ignore this without repercussions."

Hearing this, both Zephyr and Borsalino perked up, eager to hear Sengoku's balanced proposal.

Sengoku turned to Fleet Admiral Kong, "Hailan recently helped Jiadong capture the Anderson Pirates, solving a major headache for us. So, I suggest we balance the merit with the fault, giving neither reward nor punishment this time."

Sengoku didn't consult Zephyr's opinion, as regulations didn't permit Zephyr to be involved in decisions about Hailan.

Hailan, unconcerned, spoke up first, "Thank you for the suggestion, Admiral Sengoku."

Everyone sighed in relief, seeing Hailan accepted the outcome without issue. Handling troublesome individuals within the Marines had always been a headache for these veteran officers. Many current candidates for admiral and several vice admirals had rebellious or unconventional appearances, making Marine Headquarters look almost like a gang.

Hailan had seen photos of Vice Admiral Kuzan when he first enlisted, resembling a basketball player more than a Marine. Smoker from the current elite training camp looked like a thug, his appearance enough to scare children.

Compared to these problematic figures, Hailan's neat appearance made him a good kid in the eyes of the senior officers.

"Alright, it's settled then," Fleet Admiral Kong said decisively. "Hailan, considering the special circumstances, I won't say more this time. I hope you uphold Marine justice and become a candidate for admiral like Borsalino."

Hailan grinned, "Don't worry, Uncle Kong. I won't bring shame to the Marines!"

"Alright, you little rascal, don't try to butter me up. Everyone, leave now. I've got a lot to handle. Borsalino, stay behind... these human traffickers are becoming more rampant..."

As they left Kong's office, Sengoku accompanied Hailan for a few steps before stopping. "I envy you two old bastards. Unlike me, I'm always swamped with work. I'll leave now. Spend more time with Hailan, and Garp, stop throwing punches at everyone, or Zephyr might thrash you."

Bidding farewell to Sengoku, Hailan, Garp, and Zephyr strolled through Marine Headquarters' plaza.

Hailan suddenly asked, "Vice Admiral Garp, what was that about taking me to the New World for training?"

Garp laughed heartily, "What's this? Interested in the New World? Not afraid of my love punches now?"

"If you hit me, I'm not going."

"Uh... you little rascal, nothing fazes you."

Garp didn't mind and continued, "I'm planning to chase an old rival in the New World. He's part of a World Government allied fleet, so I can't capture him. But as Marines, we can't let pirates do as they please, right? So, I'm going to give him a good thrashing. He has many younger members, and I thought it might be inappropriate for me to handle them, so I figured you could come along!"

"Are you talking about Chinjao of the Happo Navy?" Zephyr asked, worry evident on his face. "Hailan, should I send Shuzo with you?"

Shuzo, third in overall strength and second in physical skills in the 14th Marine Elite Training Camp, had a fatherly attachment to Zephyr, having been saved by him as a child. He had chosen to stay with Zephyr rather than join a vice admiral or rear admiral's team.

"No need," Hailan confidently declined Zephyr's offer. "While I'm gone, you need a well-behaved student to set an example and suppress the troublemakers. It wouldn't be appropriate for the chief instructor to personally handle students, right? Don't worry, old man, I'm strong!"

Perhaps avenging his mother's death had finally lifted a burden from his heart. After many years, Zephyr heard Hailan call him "old man" again.

Before crossing over, Hailan had been an orphan with no memory of his parents. After arriving in this world, Zephyr had provided him with unwavering care. Calling him "old man" didn't seem too difficult, considering he had taken over the man's son's body.

"You brat, still as arrogant as ever," Zephyr muttered, unsure why he said that.

This veteran officer, who had fought on the front lines for decades, struggled to express his emotions. Turning away, he gazed at the distant sea, his eyes glistening. "Garp, listen well. If Hailan gets hurt, you'll taste my love-infused Black Arm!"

"Hahaha... what nonsense are you spouting, old friend?"

Garp, snapping back to his usual self, reassured, "Relax, let Hailan come with me. He won't be bullied."

"Because these iron fists were trained specifically for bullying people!"