Chapter 19: The Celestial Dragon Incident – Sol's Departure and a Promise KeptAll of this continued until the arrival of that Celestial Dragon—Saint Izambaron V. Grass.
One day, during an "inspection" visit to Marine Headquarters, Saint Izambaron V. Grass strutted arrogantly past the training grounds. When he spotted Sol, he ordered him to kneel like a slave.
Sol gave the man a cold glance—then…
BOOM!
A single punch sent that nauseating face flying. Within moments, the entire Headquarters exploded into chaos.
Saint Izambaron V. Grass flew into a rage, hysterically demanding Sol's immediate execution and pressuring Sengoku—after all, he was a noble Celestial Dragon.
But the Marine high command barely took him seriously. Are you kidding? Sol was personally trained by Garp—a future star of the Marines!
They originally planned to have Sol lie low for a while—he was still young. Once he grew up, who would even remember?
Garp laughed it off on the surface, but deep down he worried. He knew Sol's personality—he would never bow to trash like that.
Sure enough, that very night Sol left a letter:
"Old man Garp, thanks for everything. But I don't want to make things hard for you—and I refuse to let those scumbags shit on my head forever."
Then he sneaked into the medical ward. While Saint Izambaron V. Grass slept, Sol gave him another brutal beating.
After finishing his business, he leaped into the night, boarded a small boat, and vanished from Marine Headquarters for good.
Garp and Sengoku stood side by side at the Headquarters port, watching Sol's little boat disappear into the darkness. The sea wind whipped Garp's coat. For once, his expression was grave.
"What a shame…" Garp sighed deeply, voice low. "He's still too young—doesn't know how to endure. But… I hate those Celestial Dragon scum too. Sigh…"
Sengoku pushed up his glasses, moonlight reflecting off the lenses and hiding his eyes. He had anticipated this day—he had even quietly canceled all night patrols to give Sol a clean escape.
He patted Garp's shoulder, tone complicated. "Don't blame yourself too much. That kid's eyes burn with fire—he's destined to turn the world upside down."
Garp didn't reply. Sengoku glanced sideways—
The man had fallen asleep standing up!
"Damn it!" Sengoku's forehead vein throbbed, fist cracking ominously. "I was actually worried about you!"
Next second—BAM! A fist smashed Garp's head.
"Wake up and go sleep in your office, you idiot!"
Garp jolted awake, rubbing his head and laughing. "Huh? Is it morning already?"
Sengoku: "…"
From then on, Marine Headquarters' top brass quietly erased every record of Sol. His existence was deliberately forgotten, as if he had never been there.
Only Garp, when drunk in the Fleet Admiral's office, would slam the table and curse: "Those damn Celestial Dragons drove away my best seedling!"
After leaving the Marines, Sol chose to return to Foosha Village. On the way, he unexpectedly ran into Dragon, who was heading home alone to visit family.
Dragon recognized Sol instantly—this young man had always followed his old man around and was Luffy's sworn brother.
On the boat, Sol quickly realized who the man was: Luffy's biological father, Garp's son. They chatted casually.
When Dragon learned Sol had left the Marines after beating a Celestial Dragon, he threw his head back and laughed. "Really? You hate those bastards too, huh."
A nostalgic glint flashed in his eyes. "Back then, I left the Marines because I couldn't stomach that rotten system anymore. How about it—want to join the Revolutionary Army? That kid Sabo you mentioned is with me now… though he seems to have lost his memories."
"No thanks," Sol refused flatly. "Right now I just want to go back and lie low for a few years. Maybe I'll become a pirate instead."
"Is that so?" Dragon didn't push. "But I can recommend someone to you." Sol suddenly added, "His name's Issho. Paramecia-type 'Gravity-Gravity Fruit' user. Blind old gambler uncle. He once said, 'Not seeing the world is sometimes a blessing—there's too much filth and scum out there that eyes shouldn't have to witness.'"
"Never heard of him. Strong?" Dragon stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"A total monster," Sol recalled. "I met him on a recent mission. He's probably still gambling on Las Vegas Island in the New World right now. Interested?"
Dragon pondered for a moment, then a slow, intrigued smile spread across his face. "Hearing that… yeah, I think I'd like to meet this gentleman."
When the boat reached Foosha Village, Sol realized Dragon had vanished without a trace sometime earlier. "Guy's like a ghost," he shook his head with a smile, stepped ashore, and headed straight for Makino's bar.
Inside the Foosha Village bar, sunlight streamed through the windows onto the wooden floor, the air filled with the scent of ale. Luffy hugged a huge cup of juice, cheeks puffed out, mumbling complaints to Ace between gulps:
"Ace! Sol's been gone forever! Every time he comes back he beats us up… but this time it'll be different!" He suddenly slammed the cup down, fists pumping. "I learned a super—awesome new move! I'll definitely beat him!"
Ace propped his chin on one hand, giving Luffy a lazy, disdainful look, lips twitching. "With your floppy rubber fists? Save it. Leave him to me."
Makino wiped glasses nearby, unable to hold back a soft laugh. These two always talked big—yet they always ended up bruised and swollen.
At that moment—
"Oh? Did I hear someone wants to teach me a lesson?"
A large hand suddenly pressed down on Ace and Luffy's heads.
Both froze, cold sweat pouring. They slowly turned like machines—
"S-S-Sol?!"
Bam bam bam!
Next second, huge lumps sprouted on their heads. Sol pulled back his fist, grinned, and waved at Makino. "The usual—bring out a big table of food!" He looked down at the two wailing boys, eyes twinkling. "Party time! Oh—and I've got good news."
Ace and Luffy instantly perked up, ears raised.
"Sabo's not dead." Sol said calmly.
The air froze.
"He just lost his memories. But someday… we'll meet him again on the sea."
"R-Really?!" Ace and Luffy leaped up, eyes wide. Even Makino spun around in shock, nearly dropping her tray.
Sol nodded with a smile. "Absolutely. Luffy's dad saved him."
—The bar erupted in cheers.
And so Sol stayed in Foosha Village, beginning strict training with Ace and Luffy. Day after day, the sound of fists and feet echoed off coastal rocks; three shadows darted through the forest.
Every sunset, exhausted Ace and Luffy collapsed on the beach while Sol stood nearby, a faint smile on his lips.
Until one clear morning—Ace stood on his little boat, extending a hand toward the shore. "Sol—come sail with me!"
The sea breeze blew. Sol looked at Ace's eager face, then at Luffy—eyes shining, fists clenched, clearly ready to shout "Me too! Let's go now!"
"I'll pass," Sol suddenly pressed down on Luffy's straw hat—ignoring his "Waaah!" protest—and chuckled. "This kid's the biggest troublemaker. Someone's gotta keep an eye on him."
Ace blinked—then burst out laughing. "Fair enough! Then Luffy's in your hands!" He waved hard. "I'll be waiting for you two in the New World!"
Waves lapped the shore. Sol watched Ace's sail fade into the distance and murmured, "Geez… one after another, always making people worry…" Beside him, Luffy bounced excitedly. "Sol! When do we set sail? Now? Tomorrow?"
"When you turn 17 and become an adult."
"Ehhh—!!"
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