(T/N: Please consider reviewing this Fanfic. Thanks and appreciate all who support me)
(T/N: Enjoy!)
<><><><><><>
To face a strange world, a bizarre era, and weird faces all alone.
When his friends and brothers have all departed, all the other people in this empire will only feel awe and fear when they face him.
At that time, what meaning would anything have? "Father, look, I've mastered the infusion of Conqueror's Haki!"
At that moment, his eldest son ran over excitedly, showing off the black and red lightning between his five fingers.
"Not bad!"
Arashi was taken aback for a moment. After coming to his senses, he offered his praise.
His son and daughter were indeed exceptionally talented.
They had awakened all three types of Haki by the age of fifteen or sixteen and had even compensated for the weakness in Observation Haki that they had at that age.
It was certain that in the future, just by relying on their own abilities, they would be able to hold important positions in the empire.
"What is your dream? When I was young, everyone had a dream. I think that even if the times have changed, humanity should not lack for dreams."
Arashi asked with a smile.
"I want to be like you, Father, and ascend to the imperial throne in the future!"
His eldest son glanced at him furtively and said cautiously. This was a dream that had been buried in his heart since he was very young.
But in his view, his father seemed to be very wary of his children reaping what they did not sow, of inheriting everything their father had worked hard for, and even more so, did not want to turn the empire into a family possession.
"I want to become a person who is respected by countless people, just like Father."
Hearing this, Arashi fell silent. His eldest son became even more nervous, feeling as if the air around him had frozen. But soon, he saw a smile appear on his father's face.
"Since you have a dream, then go and chase it with all your might."
"I cannot, just because you are my son, strip you of the qualification to ascend the throne as emperor. But this process must be legal and compliant!" Arashi said softly.
"Yes! I will definitely become the strongest person in the world and inherit all of Father's honour!"
His eldest son was stunned at first, then he shouted with extreme excitement, feeling as if he had received great encouragement.
His father actually supported him in working hard for this dream! What could be more thrilling and heart-pounding than the support of the man before him?
"You are my son. Of course, you should be stronger." Arashi said with a smile.
He was unwilling to limit or deny his son's efforts because of his own status. From childhood to adulthood, his eldest son had not let him down.
Whether it was the studies or the training he had arranged, he had worked hard to do them well and complete them. Then he, too, should not let his son down.
"But since you are aiming for the position of emperor, you should put in even more effort! And there will be great danger involved."
"So."
After a pause, Arashi called out his eldest son's name.
"Armin, are you ready?"
His eldest son, Armin, took a deep breath, his eyes firm. "I have always been preparing for this!"
"I don't want to bring shame to your honour because of myself!"
Arashi gently shook his head and tapped his son on the head. "Foolish. You should not live for anyone. Not even me! This life, you should live for yourself!"
Armin was taken aback, then gently nodded. "I understand!"
Even though the two were father and son, their way of getting along since he was young was more like that of friends.
After sending his eldest son away, Arashi sat in his chair and pondered for a long time.
The following year, he solemnly announced in the imperial news that he would be stepping down from the position of emperor and entering retirement.
This news shocked the entire empire.
Because of his condition, Emperor Arashi was clearly still at his peak. But no one had expected that this great emperor was, in fact, nearly seventy years old.
At the same time, this also meant that the empire would elect a new emperor. The empire was in an uproar. The new emperor would be selected from among the ministers.
Furthermore, the staff of the imperial government departments would personally survey public opinion for the selection from all over the world.
Six months later, Arashi abdicated and retired behind the scenes.
"Father, why did you abdicate? With your body and your condition, you are clearly perfectly capable of holding this position!" His eldest son, Armin, was perplexed.
"If we were to judge by my body and my condition, perhaps I could stay on the imperial throne forever," Arashi said with a light laugh.
"Then what about your dream? What about the dreams of others?"
"What about the dreams of all those who want to contribute to the world, who want to change this world?" A few simple words, yet they were deafening in Xia Ming's ears.
At this moment, he finally understood that an outstanding emperor did not just possess great strength. In terms of thought, he was even more advanced.
Three months later, Aokiji won by a narrow margin and took office as the second emperor of the empire.
Crocodile, Fujitora, Bullet, Kizaru, and the others celebrated for him and did not have any different opinions.
"This result is not surprising! In the same era, among the five of us, only one can serve as the emperor."
"It's also time for us to retire!" A few of them said with emotion.
They had served together for many years and were already good friends. They would not fall out over a single imperial throne.
Aokiji ascended the throne, and the world welcomed its second emperor.
It was only at this time that people realised that the words spoken by the founding emperor, Arashi, were not just talk; he had really done it.
Armin, who was aiming for the position of emperor, was instead even more motivated, diligently training and working every day.
He was following the same path as his father back then, choosing to serve in the Marines, and was now already a young officer.
Another year passed, and Arashi received news.
Garp had passed away.
His heart trembled, and an unspeakable sadness swept over him. For a long, long time, he could not speak, and for the first time, a tear broke out from his eyes.
...
Monkey D. Garp.
The legendary Marine Hero.
The course of his life had long since become a legend in the world.
He was also the benevolent mentor of the founding emperor, Arashi, and had taught many of the famous Admirals and officials of the current era.
But even the most glorious life will eventually have its curtain call.
On this day, the entire nation was silent.
Arashi, dressed in black with a paper flower pinned to his chest, participated in the funeral to bid farewell to Garp.
He stood in the very front row, beside the current emperor of the empire, Kuzan.
Both of their expressions were heavy, and they were silent. Behind them, Armin and Anna were already in tears.
Garp was the grandfather who had also taught them as they grew up and had been with them since they were little.
The host at the front had a solemn expression, recounting Garp's life in a low tone.
Dragon and Luffy stood to one side. Many years had passed, and both of them had changed a great deal.
The departure of a loved one made them look a little weary today. They stood there quietly, their thoughts unknown. The once cheerful and lively Luffy appeared exceptionally serious on this day.
Behind him stood Zoro, Sanji, Nami, and the others, all softly comforting him.
Arashi did not turn his head, but he could still sense the sad emotions in the hearts of the people around him clearly.
"Teacher passed away peacefully without illness or disaster. Birth, ageing, sickness, and death are what mortals must experience. No one can escape it."
Kuzan sighed softly. "It was a peaceful passing!"
Arashi nodded. There was some sadness in his heart.
The passing of a close one naturally affected him more deeply, and it also made the feeling of loneliness in his heart even stronger.
From now on, in this world, there were no more elders to care for him.
In one's life, most people want to be a child who is cared for. It is only when their parents and relatives pass away that they awaken.
They realise that relatives will depart, parents will leave, and in the end, they must grow up and face this world alone. Arashi stood there in a daze for a long, long time.
The people beside him left in twos and threes. He was recalling everything from when he first met him to the series of events that followed.
Garp's teachings, his unwavering support at Mary Geoise, and his departure with the SWORD team upon his retirement when he took the position of Fleet Admiral.
Unconsciously, tears were already streaming down Arashi's face.
The passing of a loved one is not a sudden downpour, but a gentle rain that moistens things silently.
Over a long period of time, on some lonely night, it will invade your marrow and your mind, making you sad beyond words.
"I never thought that guy Garp would go one step ahead of me!" The aged Sengoku said with a sigh, leaning on his cane.
He did not seem to be sad; a smile was on his face as he spoke.
"It's Sengoku-sama!"
Someone in the crowd said in shock, quickly making way.
In this era, Sengoku's status was naturally extremely high and greatly respected.
Undoubtedly, it was during his time as Marine Fleet Admiral that he laid the foundation for Arashi to change the world situation later.
Arashi turned his head, the emotions in his heart slightly restrained.
"Before long, I'll be going too," Sengoku said with a light laugh.
"Thank you, Arashi, for letting us old folks have a not-so-short period of peaceful days."
Arashi shook his head and sighed.
"There's nothing to be sad about. Time passes. Whether it's us or you, one day, we will all depart from this world. Everything, dust to dust, earth to earth! At my age, what is there that I can't see clearly?" Sengoku said with a smile.
"That's right. Everyone will go; no one can stay. Garp wouldn't want his funeral to be so sombre." Tsuru also said with a smile from the side.
The words of the two made the atmosphere on the scene much more relaxed. Gradually, the sound of laughter was heard.
Arashi let out a long breath, his mood calming down. There was a complicated look in his eyes.
This was probably the beginning. Sure enough, after this.
Sengoku passed away four months later, and Tsuru passed away six months later.
The three comrades who had been together since their youth passed away one after another; they walked together.
After this, Zephyr offered flowers and sprinkled liquor for the three of them.
Two months later, this teacher of many of the current Admirals also departed with style.
With that, the previous generation of Arashi's Marines, the old generals of the old era, had almost all passed away, and the world had already entered a new era.
The generals of Arashi's time began to retire on a large scale, reaching the period of recuperation.
New, young generals took their places, and the world began a new cycle.
Another year passed.
Arashi was sitting at home when he heard the news of Steel Bone Kong's passing in the Impel Down prison. He sighed softly.
On this day, he sat in the courtyard of his home, lost in thought for a long time.
During his afternoon nap, he suddenly woke up with a start. Suddenly, he remembered something.
It was a string of words that had abruptly appeared in his mind and in his ears when he had succeeded to the position of Marine Fleet Admiral.
{Wealth, fame, power, strength—are you willing to abandon all these things you have worked so hard to obtain? And then, start a brand new life that belongs to you?}
Even after several decades, these words are still incomparably clear in Arashi's mind.
He was very certain that this was a window that had popped up by the system, a choice presented to him.
At that time, he had chosen to give up, and it never appeared again in the time that followed.
"If it were to appear again. What choice would I make?"
Arashi murmured.
Time passes, and the once close people will all depart. He will be all alone.
Although the world is still prosperous, and he, as the founding emperor, has infinite prestige, he is still lonely.
At this moment, he looked forward to that choice appearing again. Perhaps this time, he would carefully consider that question.
"But I still have one more thing to do."
Arashi murmured.
Although the new empire had already existed for a long time, he still had not forgotten that the person named Imu might still be hiding somewhere.
Over these years, the empire's intelligence organization had searched almost every corner of the world, yet there was still no news.
"Where on earth are you?"
"Imu!"
Arashi would never relax when it came to the leader behind the World Government.
If that choice were to arise again, he would have to decide how to handle his opponent.
Time continued to pass.
In the blink of an eye, it was the thirtieth year of the empire.
This year, Kuzan announced his abdication, and the empire was to be succeeded by a new person.
At this time, the empire would welcome its third emperor.
Arashi had long since retired. In the quiet courtyard, there was only Xia Ming's voice, carefully analysing.
"Will it be Admiral Smoker?"
"Or will it be the two ministers, Buggy and Rosinante?"
"In short, the new emperor will be chosen from their generation."
After setting his sights on becoming the emperor, this son was clearly very concerned with political events.
Arashi sat with his eyes slightly closed, not paying attention to these things.
In his view, after his retirement, he was already disconnected from the kingdom. The political changes and appointments of officials within it no longer had much to do with him.
Because of this, he often felt emotional.
(T/N: Please give me some power stone, I hope it can at least reach the top 100)
If you want to support me, join my patr**on. Have 10 advanced Chapters for you guys.
patr**n.com/saitamablast > OP:COI NOVEL TIER