“Icey, wasn’t it just a few months ago that you visited Windmill Village?” Icey didn’t respond to Garp’s invitation but instead asked a seemingly unrelated question.
“I’m inviting you to join the Navy, so why bring that up?” Garp scratched his head and popped another donut into his mouth. Despite the odd question, he answered, “Yes, I was there not long ago. With so many pirates in the Grand Line now, there’s a lot to deal with.”
“Thanks, but I prefer my freedom,” Icey replied with a light laugh, politely declining.
Though the Navy’s Rokushiki techniques were practical, and training at Marineford would be safe and allow him to meet powerful individuals, Icey had too many secrets to keep hidden.
The conditions of his wishing well required him to wander the seas. More importantly, just the thought of serving the Celestial Dragons made him feel sick, not to mention how Aqua, who held herself in high regard, would feel!
“You’re trying to trap me, aren’t you, kid?” The straightforward Garp clutched his head, realizing too late. Seeing Icey’s resolute eyes, he scratched his head in frustration, “I’ve already boasted to Kong about you. If you don’t join, I’ll lose face…”
The current Fleet Admiral, Kong, has noticed us?
This statement left Icey a bit surprised.
It was unexpected because he’d only been out to sea for about a month. However, given that he’d defeated two notorious East Blue pirates and even taken down a Marine captain, it made sense that he’d attract attention.
“Sorry, Garp. I really don’t want to join the Navy.”
“I see.” Garp slowly swallowed his donut, and in the next instant, his casual demeanor turned razor-sharp.
Whoosh!
Before Icey could react, Garp, who had been sitting, appeared behind him in a flash, his iron-like fist raised high.
This was the Navy’s Rokushiki technique, Soru!
Icey activated his leg muscles with his battle-honed reflexes and dodged the iron fist just in time.
Bang!
Garp’s heavy punch shattered the wooden chair into splinters.
Standing in the restaurant’s corner, Icey barely had time to catch his breath before sensing intense danger with his Observation Haki.
“Rankyaku!”
As expected, amidst the flying splinters, a fierce blade-like attack shot towards him.
With Observation Haki at full capacity, Icey swiftly moved his head, narrowly avoiding the Rankyaku.
Boom!
The powerful attack hit the side wall of the restaurant, creating a hole.
Whoosh!
Before Icey could catch his breath, Garp, cloaked in justice, charged in with Geppo, his fingers sharp like bullets.
The relentless assault forced Icey to defend himself, raising his slightly blackened arms.
Bang!
Even with Armament Haki and strong defenses, Garp’s simple finger strike sent Icey flying, crashing through the wooden wall and stopping just short of the sea.
“Damn old man, are you trying to show me the Navy’s Rokushiki?!” Icey shook his numbed arms.
Given Garp’s still peak-level combat prowess, Icey knew he couldn’t have dodged the initial punch if Garp had gone all out.
Their strength gap was immense!
“Hahaha! Icey, your skills and combat prowess are truly impressive,” Garp laughed, temporarily halting his attacks.
His tone was filled with genuine surprise.
The young sea restaurant owner before him had transformed drastically from the humble student of a few months ago!
“Try attacking me. If you can make me move even half a step, I’ll never mention joining the Navy again!”
Garp activated Tekkai, the most practical of the Rokushiki techniques, and stood firm, flashing the D. family’s trademark grin.
“Though you’re as strong as a monster, overconfidence isn’t good, Garp…” Icey clenched his Armament Haki-covered fists, channeling all his strength into his arms.
His eyes burned with boundless fighting spirit!
“Come on!” Garp opened his arms wide.
“Then don’t mind if I do!”
Icey roared, lifting his powerful arm overhead, then suddenly changed his tone, “Never mind, I surrender.”
If Smoker or any other Marine had used Tekkai, Icey might have considered testing it. But against Garp…
Forget it, no chance!
“Huh?!” Garp was stunned.
You build up all that momentum just to surrender?
Too lame, utterly lame!
Seeing Icey devoid of fighting spirit, Garp lost interest and deactivated Tekkai, stepping forward to reprimand Icey’s cowardice.
However, as his foot landed, a cheeky laugh erupted nearby.
“Phahahaha! No wonder you’re Luffy’s grandpa. Even your brain has the same idiotic traits!” Watching the entire fight from a table, Aqua laughed heartily, pointing at the bewildered Garp.
Though her logic was sound, her absurd claim that a grandfather could inherit his grandson’s traits left Smoker, who had initially perceived Aqua as divine and wise, utterly confused.
King remained unfazed, showing no noticeable emotional reaction.
“Little girl, you can’t just spout nonsense. Even Kuzan praises my strategic mind!” Garp showed no anger at the taunt, nodding in agreement, “But Luffy is indeed an idiot, always shouting about becoming the Pirate King.”
Probably only your little fanboy Kuzan would say that…
Icey suspected Garp’s Armament Haki was honed to his face!
“Anyway, Garp, you lost the bet. Let’s drop the Navy talk for now.”
“Huh? Lost? How did I lose?” Garp’s eyes widened.
Icey pointed to Garp’s feet, “Moving forward counts as moving your feet, right?”
“After all, you never said when it would end.”
Against a monstrously strong but simple-minded opponent like Garp, Icey chose to outwit him.
Only a fool would face him head-on!
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