“Speaking of which, I was initially quite puzzled because Captain Adkin’s information suggested that Rougishumight be a seventeen or eighteen-year-old youth.”
Rougishuwas taken aback for a moment but quickly understood. “Perhaps it’s because I have a mature personality. The older kids in town also like to call me big brother. But Rear Admiral Jonathan, how did you determine it was me? Just because of my name?”
“Of course not. The speed and strength you displayed just now are beyond even some of the top physical trainers at headquarters. It’s unlikely that our sea area would produce two strong individuals with the same name in such a short time.
Jonathan thought, “Even without using the Six Powers or Armament Haki, I couldn’t have caught that bullet with my body at such a short distance. Are we finally going to have someone in the Navy with the physical prowess of Kaido or Big Mom?”
(Even Garp bleeds when attacked by Morgan, suggesting most physical experts don’t have the steel-like bodies of Kaido or Big Mom.)
“Compared to Vice Admiral Garp and Admiral Zephyr, my strength is still far from adequate. I must constantly hone myself with the ideals of justice,” Rougishusaid, expressing his admiration for the Navy at the right moment.
Jonathan was momentarily stunned, then laughed heartily, “Hahaha! So, you’re aiming to become an Admiral? That’s excellent. Young people should have such grand ideals and aspirations. I hope that the next time we meet, you will still be upholding your beliefs and fighting hard to carry out justice.”
After speaking, Rear Admiral Jonathan did not stay longer and left with his group of Marines.
The crowd gradually dispersed, but the excitement did not subside. The legend about these two began to spread quietly.
At this moment, a little girl stood to the side, looking at them with bright eyes. She held a nearly wilted bouquet to T. Penn and spoke softly, sweetly.
“Uncle Penn, Brother Longinus, thank you for saving me. These flowers are for… Oh no! Are they already crushed?”
Seeing the little girl’s teary and pitiful expression, T. Penn was at a loss and said, “What’s wrong? Did I accidentally press on you somewhere?”
Rougishubent down, placing his hand gently on the girl’s head, and said warmly, “I really like your gift. It contains gratitude and tears. It’s the most valuable gift I’ve received this year!”
“Re-really?” The girl stopped crying, her eyes sparkling.
“Of course it’s true. Hurry home now; your family must be anxiously looking for you!”
“Uh-huh!” The little girl nodded vigorously, “Brother Longinus, Uncle Penn, thank you for saving me. You are the best people in the world!”
Seeing the girl bouncing away happily, Penn showed a silly smile. In another world, he might have been mistaken for a pervert and arrested.
After a while, Penn came to his senses, tightly holding the crushed bouquet, and stammered to Longinus, “Um… I’m sorry, can I keep these flowers? I… I don’t have much money, but I will work hard to repay you.”
“Of course, you can. No need to be so formal. This was a gift for you from the little girl. If it weren’t for you, she wouldn’t have lasted until I stepped in,” Rougishusaid with a carefree smile.
“Brother Longinus, thank you. You are such a great person!” Penn carefully put away the bouquet, satisfied, and said, “This is my third gift, the third one in my life!”
Listening to T. Penn’s heart-wrenching words, Rougishubegan to understand why he was so determined to join the Navy.
With a face that could be described as that of a villain or even a demon, no matter how many good deeds he did, it was hard to erase the instinctive aversion most people felt. From his actions today, it was clear he had helped many people, yet only three, including the little girl today, had given him gifts out of gratitude. It’s hard to imagine the pain he endured.
For this reason, he was so eager to become a Marine, even not daring to fight back when beaten by those thugs. He hoped that donning the cloak of justice would allow him to be accepted and embraced by more people.
Rougishuhad long known that the world was not fair. People like T. Penn, who had to work ten times harder but still struggled to achieve one-tenth of others’ success, were the best proof.
“Let’s get to know each other again. I’m Longinus, 12 years old, from Maple Town in the Grand Line.” Rougishusmiled warmly, feeling a sense of clarity. For someone like T. Penn, humble and kind, giving him a bit of light would earn a pure heart.
“I… I’m T. Penn, 19 years old, from Hundred Leaves City in the South Blue.” Penn seemed somewhat overwhelmed. Someone Strongfident, shining brightly, naturally someone like Rougishuy attracted attention and belonged to a different world than someone like him, who needed to be better received.
Rougishuwas slightly surprised. This guy looked old for his age, and even if he had said he was 39, Rougishuwouldn’t have been surprised.
Fortunately, Rougishucontrolled his emotions, so he didn’t show any impolite expressions and soon called out enthusiastically.
“The South Blue? That’s a dreamy sea, with many strange and mysterious legends. I heard even creatures like griffins appeared there?”
When Rougishumentioned his hometown, T. Penn immediately felt closer to him. The high and lofty sense of distance was broken, and he responded enthusiastically.
“You know the legend of the griffin? That griffin appeared near my hometown. I even saw it once, but unfortunately, it was later captured by an extremely powerful group of pirates. I heard it became part of their private collection.”
“Let’s not talk about those disappointing things.” Rougishushook his head and asked, “Penn, are you also planning to sign up in two days?”
“Yes, but I don’t have the grand ambitions like you, Longinus. I just want to become a Marine, protect the smiles on people’s faces, and be accepted and respected by everyone!” Penn said shyly but firmly.
“In that case, let’s go together in two days. This place is unfamiliar to us, and having someone to accompany us is good.”
“Really… is that really okay?”
“Of course, we fought side by side; that makes us friends!”
“Friends…” Penn murmured. For him, this had always been a luxury.
Looking like he was in his thirties or forties, Penn started crying like a child, “Brother Longinus, thank you!”
Become a Patron read up to 60 chapter ahead public release ^_^
Please join Discord Server so we can talk ^_^
