At the same time, Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Inside the Fleet Admiral's office.
"Gahahaha!"
Garp's unmistakable, boisterous laughter echoed once more.
"Sengoku! Did you hear? The Old Man pulled off another big one!"
"Over three thousand seven hundred captives!"
"Including the 17-million-Berri Don Krieg and the 12-million-Berri 'Demon Man' Gin!"
"This is proof enough that the Old Man's blade hasn't dulled a bit, right?"
"How about we just grant the Old Man's request and give him the rank of Honorary Admiral? After all, an Honorary Admiral is still an Admiral! What do you say, Sengoku?"
"Garp!" Looking at Garp's excited face, Sengoku barked coldly, "Have you forgotten so quickly? The Old Man isn't weak, but giving him the rank of Honorary Admiral is the same as pushing him into the eye of a storm. The Grand Line isn't like the East Blue; the pirates who hold territory here are all ruthless monsters. If one day a pirate uses the Old Man's life to blackmail us, would you comply or not? Hmph, I, for one, will not agree to those terms."
"Fine, if you won't agree, you won't. No need to be so grumpy." Seeing Sengoku's sour face, Garp wasn't bothered. He tucked away his Den Den Mushi and chuckled. "I was just saying. We won't talk about it, okay? By the way, don't forget what Smoker mentioned earlier."
"Don't worry, I've already arranged that," Sengoku replied.
As Sengoku continued signing documents, a deep confusion lingered in his heart. How exactly did Mr. Rowan do it? Capturing nearly four thousand pirates alone? Even before he retired, he might not have achieved a record like that...
On the other side.
After disappearing from Smoker's sight, the warship sailed for over an hour before finally arriving at the port of Loguetown.
As the ship docked smoothly at the pier, the first to step off was Rowan—clad in his floral shirt and large shorts, tobacco pipe in hand, with a wine gourd and the famous blade "Frost Soul" at his waist. His face, as always, carried a warm, genial smile.
Following right behind him was Luffy, whom he had brought from Foosha Village. And behind them was Tashigi, clutching her blade, Shigure, tightly to her chest.
"Mr. Rowan, this is Loguetown, where our Colonel Smoker is stationed. It is also known as the 'Town of the Beginning and the End'," Tashigi introduced with a face full of reverence.
After hearing Luffy's account of the shocking scene at the island, Tashigi had become a complete fan-girl. In her heart, Mr. Rowan was now on par with the World's Greatest Swordsman, Hawkeye Mihawk. In fact, his status was slightly higher. After all, besides being a Grandmaster Swordsman, Rowan was the legendary Godfather of the Marines!
As Rowan walked down the gangplank, the busy workers and tourists at the harbor couldn't help but steal glances. Though his "relaxed old man" attire was common at the docks, his aura was vastly different from an ordinary senior; every movement carried an air of refined, transcendent grace.
Moreover, the fact that he was accompanied by the adjutant of the local Marine base raised eyebrows. Even though he wasn't in uniform, many people speculated that this old man was a heavyweight within the Navy.
Didn't another old man visit Loguetown a few years ago? people whispered. That time, Colonel Smoker himself greeted him. Rumor has it that old man was a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral with the title 'Marine Hero'! This old man's status must be similar, right?
"Tsk tsk. If you want excitement, you have to come to these bustling cities..." Rowan mused inwardly.
Since retiring, he had spent most of his time in the peaceful Foosha Village. While the village was quiet and serene, it lacked the flavor of a major hub like Loguetown—specifically, that unique "hustle and bustle" of urban life. Looking at the town, Rowan recalled his peak years, leading subordinates to hunt down pirates. He had been so full of spirit back then. Now, at nearly a hundred years old, if he hadn't activated the system, he likely never would have returned to such a vibrant city.
"Wow! This town is so lively!"
Luffy, following behind, was wide-eyed with excitement, looking in every direction. "Great-Grandpa, this place is so busy, there must be a lot of good restaurants, right? After being at sea for so long, I'm going to have a massive feast!"
Luffy's mind was entirely occupied by food. Smelling the various aromas wafting from the street stalls, he couldn't stop his drool from leaking out.
"You brat, is there anything in that head of yours besides food? Don't go eating yourself to death, you little glutton," Rowan joked.
Then, he turned to Tashigi and spoke in a warmer tone, "Girl, where is the best tavern in Loguetown? Today, it's my treat!"
Tashigi nodded eagerly. "The best tavern? Um... Mr. Rowan, follow me!" She made a polite gesture to lead the way.
"What a well-mannered girl..."
Rowan reached out and patted Tashigi on the head before stepping out in the direction she pointed.
"Girl, you're a young lady, and a pretty one at that. Why did you choose to become a Marine?" Rowan asked, striking up a conversation.
"Hmph! Does Mr. Rowan look down on women like everyone else? Women are not inferior to men at all!" Even though she idolized him, Tashigi spoke firmly on this subject.
Rowan was startled. He had just asked casually; he didn't expect her to get so serious.
"Don't go putting labels on me, girl. Don't forget, among my disciples is a legendary woman like Tsuru!" Rowan retorted.
"Ah? I'm so sorry, Mr. Rowan. It's just that I've always been... so I..." Rebuked, Tashigi's confidence wavered, and she scratched her head in embarrassment.
"I was just curious. Most Marines are burly, rough men. As a girl, surely there are inconveniences?"
"Colonel Smoker looks after me very well. There aren't many inconveniences."
"Hahaha, Smoky-boy isn't as cold and heartless as he looks. By the way, girl, why are you always hugging that sword? Does it have a special meaning to you?" Rowan asked.
"Mr. Rowan, as a Grandmaster Swordsman yourself, don't you understand what a weapon means to a swordsman?"
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