One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 82: Akainu, Burying His Allies

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"Damn it, Ace! I almost lost another family member!" After enduring Garp's punch, Ace was met with a powerful, unyielding hug, the old man's choked sobs and unshed tears a testament to his relief.

At that moment, Ace's remaining strength finally gave way, and he collapsed weakly into Garp's embrace, gazing up at the sky.

Images flashed through his mind: Garp, Luffy, Sabo...

Despite the twists and turns of fate, he had found warmth and belonging. For the first time, he regretted his recklessness.

Garp had first met Sabo when Ace was seven years old. During a visit to Foosha Village and Mt. Corvo, he encountered the young boy who had befriended his grandson. Delighted by Ace's first real friend, Garp had welcomed Sabo into their lives. Sabo's polite demeanor had further endeared him to the old Marine.

Garp immediately incorporated Sabo into his rigorous training regime. Learning that the three boys had become close, even forming a bond of brotherhood, filled Garp's heart with warmth. He treated Sabo as another grandson. However, their happiness was short-lived. Shortly after Garp returned to Marine Headquarters, tragedy struck. A Celestial Dragon visited Goa Kingdom.

News spread of a child being attacked at sea. Garp was enraged when he learned that the victim was Sabo. Consumed by fury, he nearly stormed into Mary Geoise to confront the Celestial Dragon responsible for harming his honorary grandson, had Sengoku and Tsuru not intervened.

"Damn it, Ace! You pass right by your grandpa's workplace and don't even bother to visit!" Garp grumbled before departing, sounding like a lonely old man.

"Could I even go there?" Ace retorted. "I'm a pirate, and that's Marine Headquarters!"

After lecturing Ace, Garp, along with Ian and Issho, left Sabaody Archipelago. He believed he had taught his grandson a lesson. But was that truly the case? Of course not. Young people rarely learned from their mistakes.

They often mistook recklessness for growth, seeking out stronger opponents without truly understanding the consequences of their actions.

Aboard the warship, passing through the Gates of Justice, Issho was struck by the sheer scale of the structure. Though blind, he could sense the immense barrier that separated the two halves of the Grand Line.

The resources and manpower required to construct such a feat of engineering were staggering. This barrier had protected the World Government from countless pirates and criminals.

Garp grunted, a subtle tension filling the air. "Thank you for your assistance. Compared to you, that Kid Ace is a real handful."

Ian chuckled and shook his head. "Don't worry about Ace. We all make mistakes. Not everyone is lucky enough to have someone come to their rescue. You understand, Garp-san. Unless we overthrow the World Government, nothing will truly change."

"......" Even Garp, known for his thick skin, was taken aback by Ian's words. Even at his most rebellious, he had never considered overthrowing the World Government. He knew Ian wasn't just making empty threats. He truly believed it was possible.

"Speaking of Luffy, he should be nearing the age to set sail." Ian changed the subject, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

However, the mention of Luffy's name sent Garp into a fit of frustration. "That damn Brat?!"

"No, I need to take another leave and go back to East Blue to teach him a lesson!" Garp exclaimed, his voice laced with exasperation. Ian winced, offering a silent prayer for Luffy's well-being. But Garp's anger quickly subsided.