Vice Admiral Garp was in a great mood today. Thinking about his disappointing son, Dragon, who had given him a chubby grandson, made Garp smile from ear to ear. It wasn’t that Garp had any sexist thoughts, but with a grandson instead of a granddaughter, he could now freely train the boy to become an outstanding Marine warrior.
“Hey, Sengoku, look what I brought you,” Garp announced, kicking open the door to Admiral Sengoku’s office. “These are our specialty from East Blue… donuts!”
To his surprise, the office was empty. Being the only admiral in Marine Headquarters, Sengoku never left the base, always waiting for the whims of the Celestial Dragons. His whereabouts were easy to track.
Perplexed, Garp knocked on Fleet Admiral Kong’s office door. Despite his boisterous nature, Garp knew how to show respect to his seniors.
Sengoku, startled by the interruption, asked, “Garp, when did you get back? Why didn’t you notify us?”
Garp laughed heartily, “Fleet Admiral Kong, Sengoku, Zephyr, and even Borsalino, you’re all here. Are you planning an operation against a major pirate from the New World?”
“Uh…” Zephyr’s face flushed with discomfort.
In his characteristic sarcastic tone, Vice Admiral Borsalino explained, “We’re not here for a major pirate but to discuss Zephyr-sensei’s good son.”
Though just a vice admiral, Borsalino’s immense strength made him a candidate for the next admiral, giving him a voice in such meetings.
“Are we talking about that rascal Hailan? What did he do?” Garp asked, gritting his teeth at the mention of Hailan. After their last mission together, Hailan had refused to board his ship again and always managed to say something that left Garp amused and exasperated.
Kong explained, “Hailan killed a pirate in Impel Down under the pretext of a tour during his mission.”
Borsalino added, “That’s a serious violation of Marine discipline, you know.”
“Borsalino, can’t you say less?” Zephyr retorted, clearly irritated. He knew Borsalino’s comment was directed at him.
Borsalino joined the Marines at 26, consuming the Logia-type “Glint-Glint Fruit.” His strength could have made him a rear admiral or vice admiral. However, he had to train under Zephyr for a while to instill discipline and curb his arrogance.
Zephyr had always taught his students not to rely too much on their Devil Fruit abilities and to hone their physical skills. But Borsalino, with his fruit’s inherent power and few weaknesses, never heeded Zephyr’s advice, leading to a strained relationship between the two.
In contrast, Vice Admiral Sakazuki, who had not yet eaten the Magma-Magma Fruit and was a swordsman, earned much praise from Zephyr for his rigorous training.
Borsalino smiled lightly, “Zephyr-sensei, I’m just stating the facts.”
Garp broke the tension with his booming laugh, “What’s the big deal? We’ve all killed pirates, except for Zephyr.”
Sengoku offered a balanced perspective, “We’ve only killed resisting pirates. Hailan killed one inside Impel Down, making it a matter of discipline rather than just killing a pirate.”
Garp scratched his head, deflecting the topic, “Where’s Hailan?”
Zephyr’s tone softened when his son was mentioned: “He should be here soon. He’s scheduled to return today.”
If not for the incident 13 years ago, Zephyr would have been a strict father, never allowing his child to violate Marine discipline. The death of Hailan’s mother and Hailan’s brush with death left Zephyr unable to be harsh on him.
The office door opened, and Hailan walked in with a smile, “All the old men are here! Oh, Borsalino-senpai, you’re here too?”
Gathering the top Marine officers to discuss an ensign’s actions was unprecedented, and it was a point of pride for Hailan.
Garp laughed heartily, “Little Hailan, it’s been over a month since I last saw you. Come here, let me see if you’ve grown taller!”
“Please, no,” Hailan dodged and moved behind Sengoku. “I can’t handle your love punches. Save them for your adorable grandson.”
On his way back from the port, Hailan had heard that Garp had a grandson.
Sengoku turned with a stern face, “Hailan, we’ve heard about you killing a prisoner in Impel Down. That’s a serious violation of Marine discipline. What do you have to say for yourself?”
Hailan’s expression turned serious, “I know it violated Marine discipline, but even so, I would kill that pirate without hesitation.”
“A child avenging his mother has done no wrong.”
The room fell silent. Everyone knew about the incident 13 years ago and feared Hailan would bring it up.
Clap, clap, clap…
Borsalino suddenly applauded, “Well said. Avenging one’s mother is only right. I see no problem with it.”
Zephyr was known for his “no-kill” policy, but his son had no qualms about killing pirates. The contrasting personalities of the father and son amused Borsalino, who enjoyed seeing Zephyr uncomfortable.
Borsalino had his principles. Though he clashed with Zephyr, he wouldn’t plot against him. Seeing Zephyr uncomfortable was satisfying enough.
“Hahaha… It’s just a pirate. Borsalino is right, Fleet Admiral Kong, let’s drop it!” Garp chimed in. “How about this? I’m planning a trip to the New World. Let Hailan come with me. I’ll turn him into a real Marine!”
“No way,” Hailan countered bluntly. “Your teaching method is just a good thrashing. I think Dragon travels the world because he’s afraid of your thrashings.”
“Garp, if you keep this up, your grandson might travel the world too!”
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