Chapter 44: An Unexpected Visitor
After a day of rest at Sabaody Archipelago, Chris and the others returned to Marine Headquarters. Their graduation test was over. Even though everyone except Satoru felt their performance was weak, they had passed. That was all that mattered. Zephyr couldn't argue with the results.
The photos of the battlefield had been sent ahead of them. To be honest, even a veteran like Zephyr, who had fought all over the world, couldn't figure out how that level of destruction had been caused.
Tonight was the last night the elite class would be together. After this, they would go their separate ways. They would be assigned to important Marine bases around the world. Only a few would get to stay at Headquarters.
The mood was bittersweet. Everyone drank, even Instructor Zephyr. He had taught these students for years. It was impossible to say he had no feelings for them. In training, he was strict, but it was because he cared. He didn't want them to die on some future battlefield.
Of course, among everyone, one person was still sober. That was Satoru. He wasn't old enough to drink, and even if he was, he wouldn't. He needed to keep his mind sharp. Protecting his brain was one of the most important things for using the Limitless Cursed Technique.
"Really, you guys can just sleep right here," Satoru sighed, looking at his classmates and teacher passed out on the training ground floor. He wasn't going to carry them all back to their dorms.
But at that moment, Satoru felt something. It was a gaze, watching him. Yet, with his Six Eyes, he couldn't pin down the source. The feeling came from everywhere at once, as if the air itself was looking at him.
"Since you're here, why not come out?" Satoru said to the empty training ground. "It's not good to lurk in the shadows."
A sudden gust of wind swirled through the area. Then, a figure appeared before him. The man wore a long, dark green cloak with a hood that hid most of his face.
Seeing him, Satoru recognized the man immediately. He felt a flicker of surprise. He was technically part of the Monkey D. family now, but this was his first time meeting this particular member.
"I didn't expect the world's most wanted criminal to dare to swagger into Marine Headquarters," Satoru said, his voice calm. "Monkey D. Dragon."
The man was Garp's son. Luffy's father. Satoru's nominal uncle. The leader of the Revolutionary Army. The man who posed the greatest threat to the World Government since Gol D. Roger.
"Aren't you afraid I'll sound the alarm and have you arrested?" Satoru continued. "Even you wouldn't be able to escape Headquarters once it's surrounded."
The combat power at Marineford right now was immense. Besides Fleet Admiral Sengoku, there were two Admirals. Facing the combined force of three top-tier fighters, even Dragon would find it hard to break free.
Satoru didn't count Zephyr. The old instructor was dead drunk. It was a miracle he wasn't being taken hostage. Normally, a man of Zephyr's strength would never let his guard down so completely. But this was Marine Headquarters—one of the safest places in the world. Since the incident with Golden Lion years ago, no outsider had broken in. That's why even Zephyr could relax.
"I'm sure you won't do that," Dragon's voice was low and steady from under his hood. "We're family, aren't we? Monkey D. Satoru."
He emphasized the 'D.' Satoru wasn't surprised Dragon knew about him. Garp and Dragon were surely in contact.
"So, why are you here?" Satoru asked. "Don't tell me you just wanted to see my face. I don't buy that."
"I came to Headquarters to retrieve something," Dragon said. "And while I was here, I thought I'd see what the new member of our family is like."
"You've seen me now. What do you think?"
Satoru studied the figure. Even though it stood before him, it felt off—like a projection. His Six Eyes detected no real, living presence from this 'Dragon.'
"Worthy of the one who made such a big mess at Sabaody," Dragon said.
Ordinary people or low-ranking Marines might not know the full story of the destruction in Grove 7, but Dragon knew. The Revolutionary Army had eyes even in the upper levels of the Navy.
"I want to invite you to join the Revolutionary Army. What do you think?"
Dragon's mind went to his father's words: 'If you can get Satoru on your side, your chances of victory will soar. That boy is someone who can change the tide of a battle. If you meet him, don't underestimate him because of his age. He has a maturity that doesn't fit his years.'
Because of that, Dragon had decided to try and recruit him. His father might be a terrible teacher, but his judgment of people was sharp. Anyone Garp took a liking to was destined for great things.
"Are you inviting me because of Mr. Garp?" Satoru asked, sounding curious. He didn't know Dragon, and Dragon didn't know him. The connection had to be Garp.
"That is part of it," Dragon admitted. "The old man said you are a key person who could change the course of future battles. I believe him."
"Hah. The old man really has high hopes for me," Satoru chuckled. "But the Revolutionary Army does sound more interesting than the Navy."
The more impossible the challenge, the more it interested him. He knew if he truly wanted to change this twisted world, joining the Revolutionaries was the only real path. Being a Marine or a pirate wouldn't cut it.
"But if you want to invite me," Satoru said, his smile turning sharp, "you should at least come in person. That would show sincerity, don't you think?"
Hearing this, Dragon's hidden expression shifted slightly. A flicker of surprise.
"Indeed, you are no ordinary person," Dragon said after a moment. "This visit was abrupt. My main body has already left Headquarters. Next time I come to extend an invitation, I will apologize for this rudeness."
Even Dragon didn't dare to stay at Marine Headquarters for long. Having gotten what he came for, his true self was already far away.
"Then until next time, Mr. Dragon," Satoru said.
With a casual wave of Satoru's hand, the figure of Dragon before him twisted violently, like a reflection in disturbed water, and then vanished completely into the night air.
Satoru was left alone in the quiet training ground, the snoring of his classmates the only sound. The offer hung in the air. His path forward was getting more complicated by the day.
(End of Chapter)
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