Under the absolute counter of Holy Water, Smoker’s Smoke-Smoke Fruit abilities were almost entirely nullified. Ultimately, this natural Logia Fruit was limited in its development, with its main feature being intangibility.
Had it been the Magma-Magma Fruit or Glint-Glint Fruit, a magma punch or a light-speed kick could have easily broken through Aqua’s water barrier in an instant!
Of course, without mastering Armament Haki, Aqua would also struggle to hit the agile smoke form.
Just as Smoker was about to abandon his fruit abilities and rely on physical combat, Icey intervened to stop the fight. Aqua, lacking in martial arts skills, might create a big scene if she were to lose in front of so many people.
More importantly, Icey didn’t want Aqua to reveal all her abilities to the Navy, even if it was to Garp and Smoker. The powers demonstrated so far were already sufficient for Garp to report back.
Smoker accepted the suggestion for a ceasefire calmly, agreeing almost immediately. He wasn’t one to seek victory at all costs, and his main objective for the bout had been achieved.
Aqua, however, loudly protested against Icey. “What? Just like that? Don’t joke with me! I haven’t even started to get serious yet! If I used all my power, I could defeat this smoke guy in an instant! Are you worried I might lose, Icey?”
Icey stepped closer and whispered to the fuming Aqua, “Aqua, the opponent is a Navy officer from Loguetown and a decent person. I’m worried that if you get serious, you might kill him, which would be a waste.”
“Ah, I see. Since he’s a good person, I’ll let it go!” Aqua patted her chest and magnanimously agreed to stop.
“As expected of the Water Goddess Aqua, your magnanimity is admirable,” Icey praised.
“Of course!” Aqua puffed out her chest and looked at Smoker with a haughty gaze: See? I’m letting you off because of Icey and the people of Loguetown!
Smoker found Aqua’s condescending look irritating, taking several deep puffs of his cigar to calm down.
“This should be sufficient, right?” Icey asked, approaching Garp. “Garp-san, I’ll leave Aqua’s matter in your hands.”
“Icey, you realized it, didn’t you?” Garp sighed heavily, looking at the proud Aqua. “As a Navy officer, I can’t ignore such a world-altering power…”
“You said it yourself, you’re on vacation now. Navy matters are not your concern,” Icey said with a smile.
“You brat, did Luffy learn his loophole-finding skills from you?” Garp laughed and cursed.
After a few moments of silence, he reluctantly shifted his gaze from the naive Aqua. Of course, he had heard Icey’s subtle coaxing of Aqua.
“Well, after a good workout, I’m suddenly hungry. Bring out whatever delicious food you have, we’ll talk about other matters after a good meal.”
“It’s been a long time since I tasted your cooking, Icey. I’ve missed it!”
The message was clear: Although he couldn’t ignore Aqua’s existence, Garp would help reduce her presence in the eyes of the Navy Headquarters and the World Government.
“No problem at all!” Icey readily agreed and headed to the lower deck to start cooking.
With this, the matter of Aqua’s water abilities reached a satisfactory conclusion, at least for the time being. The World Government wouldn’t come knocking on their door immediately.
As the aroma of delicious food wafted from the kitchen, the sailors, having finished dealing with the Krieg Pirates, returned to their ship, drooling as they ate their dry bread rations. With so many sailors, Icey couldn’t prepare enough food for everyone.
However, the restaurant did provide some oranges from Cocoyasi Village as a small gesture of goodwill. Building rapport with these young sailors might prove useful in future encounters.
When Icey finished cooking and stepped out of the kitchen, he was surprised to see all the sailors with expressions of utter shock. Even Smoker, normally composed, looked incredulous.
Garp, the legendary Marine hero, was on his hands and knees, surrounded by a dark aura, seemingly in a state of depression.
Something significant had happened.
Aqua was leisurely drinking beer, and King stood calmly, exuding an indescribable domineering aura.
Puzzled, Icey asked Aqua what had transpired. After hearing the details, his pupils contracted.
Apparently, intrigued by King’s imposing yet mysterious presence, Garp had challenged him during Icey’s cooking session. Having no reason to refuse, King accepted the challenge, and they fought on the upper deck.
The result was unexpected for all the sailors: in a fair and square confrontation, Garp, the Marine hero, was utterly defeated by King of the Sea Restaurant, and it was a complete defeat!
“To think he challenged King’s only strength, using heartbeats as the condition for the fight. Should I say Garp was too confident in his strength, or King’s Emperor Engine luck is just too monstrous?” Icey shook his head, smiling wryly.
No wonder he had heard the sound of the Emperor Engine roaring while cooking…
That’s right! To minimize damage from the fight, Garp chose to confront King using “Return of Life” to match the rhythm and volume of their heartbeats!
“Hahaha! It’s been a long time since I experienced such a thorough defeat!” Garp laughed, standing up and scratching his head.
Icey couldn’t help but imagine Garp’s reaction if he knew King’s maximum strength was limited to lifting 25kg dumbbells…
Whether having the sailors witness King’s “victory” over Garp was good or bad for their team, Icey couldn’t decide.
“Hey, Icey! Is the food ready? I smell something amazing!” Garp’s voice interrupted Icey’s thoughts.
Before Icey could respond, Garp, following the enticing aroma, rushed to the lower deck and started devouring the feast laid out.
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