One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 168: Father and Son

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"Sengoku... the Gorōsei are dead."

In a corner of the ruined plaza of Marine Headquarters, Garp sat on the ground, speaking to Sengoku, who sat beside him.

"What of it? It's no longer my concern." Sengoku, the former Fleet Admiral, replied, a relieved smile on his weary face.

"I've decided to step down as Fleet Admiral... Besides, I'm just a spent force now. I wouldn't have lasted much longer in that position anyway." Sengoku spoke with a calmness that belied the turmoil of the past few hours.

"Heh, what a coincidence. This old-timer is retiring too. When it's done, you can come with me to the East Blue to enjoy our retirement. The World Government is gone. We don't need to carry that foolish and absurd 'justice' on our shoulders anymore. Maybe we can convince Zephyr and Tsuru to join us." Garp said with a chuckle.

...

"Pops, it's been a while."

At that moment, Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, approached his father, his dark green cloak billowing in the wind. Father and son stood face to face.

"Dragon, how many years has it been?"

"Seventeen." Dragon replied, his face impassive, the very picture of a revolutionary leader.

"Right... It's been seventeen years since we last met." Garp's gaze was deep and searching.

Seventeen years ago, Dragon, who had defected from the Marines and vanished for years, suddenly appeared in Foosha Village, carrying a newborn Luffy.

After entrusting Luffy to Garp, who happened to be on vacation at the time, Dragon left without a word, throwing himself back into the revolutionary cause.

"Seventeen years. Do you know what I've been through these past seventeen years?" Garp's brow furrowed, and Dragon suddenly felt a surge of anxiety.

"These past seventeen years, I've been tormented by Luffy in Foosha Village... and because of you, I've been constantly harassed by Sengoku at Marine Headquarters. It's been... unbearable..."

The more Garp thought about his troubles, the more his gaze towards his son darkened. But his anger soon faded, replaced by a tired resignation.

"Forget it... none of that matters now. You were right, in the end. Thankfully, everyone is safe now. Ace and Luffy probably hate me, don't they? I didn't try to save them."

"The children will understand." Dragon said, sensing his father's inner turmoil.

"I'll leave you two alone for now." Garp said, ending the conversation.

Dragon's gaze shifted to Luffy, who was rolling around on the ground nearby. Even the stoic leader of the Revolutionary Army couldn't help but feel a sense of bewilderment at the sight.

"It's great that Sabo is back, and Ace is alive." Luffy cried, oblivious to the strange looks he was receiving. "Hey... Hey, Ace, Sabo, do you want to join my crew? That way, we can see each other every day!"

Ignoring the bewildered stares from those around them, Luffy, in his usual, carefree manner, extended the invitation.

"Idiot, Luffy. I've told you many times, you're two hundred years too early to be my captain." Ace said, giving Luffy a sideways glance.

"Hahaha... As for joining Luffy's crew, we'll see. But there's someone important you need to meet." Sabo interjected, sensing the awkward atmosphere.

"Someone important? Who?" Luffy tilted his head in confusion. After the shock of seeing Sabo alive and Ace revived, his mind was too full to consider anyone else.