One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 62: Kuina

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...

Mihawk offered no explanation, either because it was the truth or because he simply couldn't be bothered.

After all, with his aloof demeanor, he hardly seemed the type to concern himself with such trivial matters. What did public opinion matter to him? He would simply brush it off with a smirk.

At least, with Garp present, he wouldn't be foolish enough to instigate a fight. There was a significant gap in power between them, a chasm separating a Warlord from an Admiral and a Yonko. He would only be humiliated.

"Haha, Ian, you've become quite capable! Managing a draw with Mihawk, no less!"

Garp bounded from the marine battleship, landing beside Ian and clapping him heartily on the shoulder.

Bam! Bam! Bam! The impact resonated like striking steel, as if he were forging a weapon.

"..." Ian was speechless. "Gramps, could you please stop that?" he thought, despite knowing it was a gesture of affection.

Garp was also surprised. Ian felt different than he had during the meeting at Headquarters months ago. Back then, while sturdy, he felt like he could easily crush Ian with a bit of force. Now, however...

It felt like he'd have to exert himself considerably, as if Ian had transformed from steel to gold. At this rate, he might soon be able to match the Whitebeard Pirates' Third Division Commander, Diamond Jozu, in a clash of pure physical strength. Impressive.

"Vice Admiral Ian... Oh, and Vice Admiral Garp!"

Tashigi rushed over, her face etched with concern for Ian, but she still politely greeted Garp.

He was not only a hero to the common people, but a symbol of inspiration and aspiration for most Marines. She held him in high regard. Garp gave a curt nod in acknowledgment.

"Mr. Ian, you were amazing!"

Brook added, having witnessed Ian's draw with the world's greatest swordsman. But beneath his hollow eyes and skeletal visage, his true expression remained a mystery.

"Yo, Crocus, long time no see! Don't worry, I'm not here to arrest you."

Noticing that Brook and Tashigi seemed to have something to say to Ian, Garp excused himself and approached Crocus, who wore a troubled expression.

He and Gol D. Roger had been close acquaintances, having chased each other across the globe in their younger days. He wanted to catch up with Roger's former crewmate.

He had first visited Ace in the West Blue, then Kid in the South Blue, and finally returned to East Blue to see Luffy.

His journey had spanned three seas and taken several months. He also frequently patrolled East Blue, apprehending pirates and looking after his grandson, which gave the impression that the East Blue was a relatively weak sea. However, those criminals who managed to thrive there were often exceptionally powerful.

"Garp, I'd rather not see Y..." Crocus grumbled, still reeling from the intensity of the earlier battle.

It had been a thrilling spectacle. So this was the era Roger had ushered in with his life? Quite impressive.

"Mr. Ian, you mentioned a request earlier?" Brook returned to their previous conversation.

"It's nothing much. Just help me find someone... and return this sword to its rightful owner." Ian retrieved the sealed black blade, Shusui, from his Garganta, a pocket dimension unique to Arrancars, and handed it to Brook.