A navy ship with a dog's head figurehead, clutching a bone, sailed the seas. It belonged to Vice Admiral Garp, a legendary hero of the Navy. Despite his goofy dog-head attire, he was a prodigy—capable of shattering mountains with his fists, capturing countless pirates, and clashing with Gold Roger before he became Pirate King. Even in the shifting generations, Garp remained a formidable force.
His presence in the East Blue was no small matter. For Coby and Helmeppo, fresh recruits, training under this hero was unthinkable. They stood on the deck, watching Garp's back as he spoke on a Den Den Mushi, frozen in awe at the name mentioned.
"Garp! How many times must I tell you? Return once your mission's done! You're a burden left unchecked!" the voice roared.
"Bwahaha! No way! I wanna see my grandson!" Garp laughed.
"Don't refuse for such a stupid reason!" the voice snapped.
Unfazed, Garp grinned. Visiting the East Blue outside of leave thrilled him, even if it troubled his old friend. Coby and Helmeppo stood rigid, recognizing the voice—likely Sengoku, the former Fleet Admiral.
"C-Coby, is he talking to…?" Helmeppo stammered.
"Y-Yeah, probably Sengoku-sama. He's incredible," Coby whispered.
Garp's mood stayed buoyant despite the heated exchange. Laughing loudly, he ignored his aide Bogard's exasperated look.
"Don't get so worked up. I'll head back after seeing my grandson. That brat ignored me to become a pirate. No love for his grandpa?" Garp said.
"Your grandson's no better than you. I heard he let Morgan escape," Sengoku replied.
"Oh? That auditor girl reported already? What a hassle…" Garp muttered.
"She's reckless, but you're worse. Losing a prisoner to a nap? Get back here and stop making trouble!" Sengoku barked.
"I told you, I can't! I'm Luffy's grandpa!" Garp protested.
"Who cares? You're a marine! If you want to stay one, act before you're disciplined!" Sengoku shouted.
"Pfft, disobeying orders is nothing new," Garp scoffed.
Sengoku's yells mixed with Garp's laughter, their tempers opposites. Coby and Helmeppo flinched at the name "Luffy," exchanging shocked glances.
Garp, irritated, moved to cut the call. "Anyway, I'm not coming back yet. I'll return after meeting him."
"Wait, Garp! We're not done!" Sengoku roared.
"We are. Later," Garp said, hanging up.
The Den Den Mushi went silent. Sengoku was likely fuming, but Garp remained cheerful, eager to exploit his East Blue visit for personal reasons. Bogard sighed, eyeing Garp under his hat. "You sure? You'll get chewed out again."
"Same old, same old. This is my chance to see my grandson," Garp replied.
"Tone down the doting. You won't listen anyway," Bogard said.
"Bwahaha! You get it. Now, where's that brat?" Garp mused, gazing at the sea.
Coby, trembling, spoke up. "Uh, Vice Admiral Garp… you mentioned Luffy?"
"Hm? Oh, yeah, my grandson's Luffy. What, you know him?" Garp asked.
Coby glanced at Helmeppo, who was pale. The hero's grandson was a pirate—and one they knew. Unsure if he should speak, Coby's honesty won out.
"Actually, Luffy-san gave me the push to become a marine. He saved Shells Town from Morgan's tyranny and defeated him!" Coby said.
"What!? That kid…!" Garp exclaimed.
"B-But Luffy-san had reasons to fight, not out of malice—!" Coby added.
"Well done! That's my grandson!" Garp roared, clenching his fist in pride.
Coby and Helmeppo gaped; Bogard shook his head. "He was a snot-nosed kid not long ago, and now he's beating colonels? My training paid off," Garp boasted.
"Don't forget, your grandson's a pirate," Bogard reminded.
"No big deal. I'll talk him into joining the Navy. He can't resist his grandpa," Garp said.
"With all due respect, I doubt that," Bogard muttered.
Garp eyed Coby and Helmeppo, who stiffened. "You've met Luffy. What's he like now?"
"Y-Yes, sir," Coby stammered. "He's… free, unbound by anyone."
Garp's smile softened, noticeable even under his mask. Coby's tension eased, his words flowing. "He's the greatest, most amazing pirate I've ever seen."
"Don't like it!" Garp snapped, his mood flipping.
"W-What!?" Coby yelped.
Garp loomed, intense. "I wanted Luffy to be a marine! That red-haired punk poisoned him, and now he's really a pirate? Unacceptable!"
"You should've raised him yourself, then," Bogard said. "You left him alone."
"Couldn't help it. Work kept me busy, and Sengoku's nagging. Plus, Ace was around. I've only got one body," Garp grumbled.
"True, but still," Bogard said.
"That damn Red-Hair! If he weren't an Emperor, I'd take him down myself," Garp growled.
"Please don't. Losing an Emperor would chaos the New World," Bogard warned.
"I know. That's why I'll grab Luffy and make him a marine!" Garp declared.
"Admiral Akainu won't allow a former pirate," Bogard said.
"I'll sweet-talk Sakazuki. He'll understand for my grandson," Garp insisted.
"That's not sweet-talking," Bogard sighed.
Their banter, seasoned by years, left Coby and Helmeppo speechless, unable to interject. Garp turned to the sea. "We're finding Luffy. The auditor girl said pirates wrecked her ship. He involved?"
"Probably. A skull with a straw hat," Bogard said.
"What? You didn't tell me!" Garp barked.
"Had a bad feeling," Bogard replied.
"That straw hat's Luffy's, from that Red-Hair! Where'd that ship go?" Garp demanded.
"No details, but…" Bogard began.
"Call Wendy now! We'll catch him!" Garp ordered.
Bogard, exasperated, dialed the Den Den Mushi, knowing arguing was futile. Garp turned to Coby and Helmeppo. "Oh, forgot to mention. You're getting special training starting today."
"T-Training?" Coby asked.
"Yep. On my ship, you gotta get strong," Garp said, cracking his knuckles ominously.
Their faces paled. "Let's see your skills. Come at me!" Garp challenged.
"Uh, Vice Admiral…" Coby stammered.
"We're just grunts, not even trained yet!" Helmeppo protested.
"That's why I'm training you. No holding back!" Garp roared.
Exchanging glances, they couldn't disobey. Trembling, they charged, only to be knocked out with one blow. Garp laughed, impressed by their guts. Their training began, a grueling path to strength.
2
At Warship Island's pier, the crew's rest entered its second day. Luffy sat at the edge, fishing, while Nami, in a swimsuit and T-shirt, sat nearby, gazing at the sea. Her pensive expression betrayed a hint of melancholy, knees drawn up as she stared at the calm horizon.
The peace felt surreal after countless dangers. Was it okay to be this relaxed? She hadn't felt this calm since childhood, before her thieving days. It was almost unnatural, like she wasn't herself. Closing her eyes, the breeze and waves soothed her—a first.
Luffy's voice broke her reverie. "Hey, why're you a thief?"
"What? Out of nowhere?" Nami replied.
"Just curious. Never asked," Luffy said.
"No big reason. Just wanted money," she answered.
"Huh," Luffy said, unimpressed.
"That's your reaction after asking? So selfish," Nami teased, chuckling.
His carefree demeanor, focused on his fishing line, was typical. It put her at ease. Closing her eyes again, she smiled, relaxed. Being with them loosened her tension—a new feeling.
"So, why hate pirates?" Luffy asked.
"What kind of question is that?" Nami said.
"I love pirates. They adventure, fight, find treasure. If you want money, be a pirate. You'd be a great navigator," Luffy said.
"Always so selfish," Nami sighed.
"Pirates hunt treasure. Kiri and I found some. Join us—you'd get tons of cash," Luffy urged.
"Kidding, right? I hate pirates. And money's not what I really want…" Nami trailed off, catching herself.
She'd said too much, relaxed too far. Straightening, she reverted to her guarded self. Luffy, sensing it, didn't press.
"Just so you know, I'm not joining your crew. Wait all you want, I won't change," Nami said.
"Kiri said that too, but he's my crew now," Luffy countered.
"Don't compare me to him. I'm different," Nami insisted.
"Fine. I'll wait. You might change your mind," Luffy said.
"Whatever," Nami replied, stretching.
She gazed at the sea, knowing she'd part with them someday, unsure when. Staying detached would be easier, but she was already wavering. Staying longer would make leaving harder. Yet, for now…
Luffy spoke again. "If it gets heavy, tell me. I won't be your enemy."
"Huh?" Nami blinked.
"I like you. Decide for yourself about joining, but if you're in trouble, tell us," Luffy said.
He fell silent, done. Nami, stunned, waited for more, but he focused on his rod, which twitched—a fish. "Got one! Lunch!" Luffy shouted.
"Uh, yeah…" Nami mumbled.
"Net! Bucket!" Luffy called.
"Where are they? Prepare better!" Nami snapped, standing.
No net or bucket was on the pier. She moved to fetch them when Apis ran up, net in hand, Ryu-ji with a bucket on his head. Nami smiled, turning to Luffy. "They're here. So careless."
"Really? Thanks!" Luffy said.
"Thank Apis and Ryu-ji," Nami corrected, walking off.
Behind her, excited voices rose. "It's up! Huge!" Luffy cheered.
"Here's the net!" Apis called.
"Scoop it! It's slipping!" Luffy yelled.
Water splashed as the fish was landed. Nami didn't look back, passing Silk, who carried a fishing rod. Silk paused, tilting her head. "Nami, not fishing?"
"Nah, not in the mood. Maybe a nap," Nami replied.
"Hmm… something good happen?" Silk asked.
"Why?" Nami said.
"You look… nicer, softer," Silk said.
"Really? Your imagination," Nami laughed, shrugging.
She seemed more radiant today, drawing Silk's gaze. It made Silk happy, her voice brightening. "Talking with Luffy—something good?"
"Nope. Just realized he's a pain," Nami said.
"Heh, got it," Silk giggled.
"Watch out, or he'll drag you around," Nami warned, heading to the village.
Silk watched, delighted. They'd grown closer, and she hoped for more—friends or crew, it didn't matter yet, but closer was better. From the pier, Luffy and Apis called, waving a large fish. "Caught it! Big haul!" Luffy laughed.
"Silk! Nami! We got one!" Apis shouted.
Silk waved back. Nami, walking away, hid a smile, but Silk sensed her quiet honesty.
3
At dawn in Syrup Village, a boy stood at the entrance, arms crossed, exuding confidence. The morning lacked tension—unacceptable. He decided to stir things up. Taking a deep breath, he shouted, "Hey, everyone! Pirates are here!"
He ran through the village, yelling. Villagers jolted awake, some laughing, others rushing out. A dustpan was thrown at him, landing at his feet. The boy, Usopp, laughed loudly. "Just kidding! Hahaha!"
"Usopp, you never quit!" a man shouted, holding tools.
Others glared, weapons in hand. This was the village's routine: Usopp's morning lies woke everyone, starting the day. Some embraced it, others grumbled, but it was their norm. No one truly hated him—they greeted him, chatted, and chased him daily.
Usopp fled, outrunning the adults, who gave up quickly. The village felt both chaotic and peaceful. He climbed a tree, catching his breath, grinning at the lively village. "Another good job. Spiced up this boring place."
Three kids gathered below. "Captain Usopp! Usopp Pirates, reporting!" they called.
"Oh, you're here? Early today, huh?" Usopp said.
"It's not the usual plan, right?" one kid said.
"You moved up the mansion visit to avoid the sheep," another added.
"Crap, forgot! I've got a promise!" Usopp exclaimed.
He leapt down, sprinting without facing the kids, who didn't mind—they knew his appointment. "Sorry, adventure's on hold! Got business!" Usopp called.
"See ya!" the kids shouted.
"Bring souvenirs!" one added.
"It's not a trip!" Usopp yelled, running.
He reached a grand mansion on a hill, the village's richest home. At the west wall, he stopped at a marked spot, pulling a hidden panel from the bushes, revealing a hole big enough for an adult. Slipping through, he covered it and sneaked into the grounds, tapping a window.
Sitting by a tree, he waited. The window opened, and a girl appeared, smiling softly. "Usopp-san."
"Yo, a bit late. Sorry," Usopp said.
"No worries. You came," she replied.
"Got held up by an adventure," Usopp grinned.
"Really? What kind?" she asked.
"Slow down. We've got time," he said, settling in.
He spun a tale—a fictional adventure crafted for her alone. "My friend wanted his favorite food, so I went searching. Thing is, my friend's a dragon. Not imaginary—a real one."
"Like a Thousand-Year Dragon?" she asked.
"Exactly! He loves shellfish, but he's so big, normal ones don't fill him. He asked me to find a giant one to stuff himself," Usopp said.
"A quest for a huge shellfish," she said.
"Tough job. Found the island fast, but the shellfish was island-sized. Moving it was no joke, and my friend's old, didn't wanna move. Took forever to haul it," Usopp said.
"How'd you do it?" she asked.
"Giant pirates passed by. I said we'd party if they helped. The dragon was thrilled, and we bonded with the giants," Usopp said.
"Nice story," she giggled.
"But that's not all. The island had a secret: a pearl as big as the shellfish," Usopp continued.
"As big as an island?" she asked.
"Of course! We were stoked, but big stuff attracts thieves. Pirates came to steal it, but—"
Usopp's tall tale flowed, the girl listening eagerly, laughing softly. Their strange, shared world felt natural, continuing in joyful harmony.
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