Chapter 18: Navy Recruit Sakazuki
Three years later. Year 1483 of the Sea Calendar. East Blue. Cloud Island.
Cloud Island, a recently emerged island, was created two years ago by the head of the Nasdaq family, Ross—a miracle in the truest sense. A massive floating landmass entirely composed of clouds.
Merchant ships frequently dock at the island, some flying banners crafted from thunderclouds and lightning—the exclusive insignia of the Nasdaq family.
Two years ago, after completing his voyage in the North Blue, Ross settled in the East Blue and, through the necessary legal channels with the World Government, officially registered as a legitimate merchant of the East Blue.
In the Four Seas, formal procedures are everything. Even setting sail requires official documents. Anyone sailing without them is instantly labeled a pirate—an ironclad law of the World Government.
Ross was only able to freely travel thanks to the special status granted through his wives. Without that, he too would've been branded a pirate, regardless of his actions.
Everything progressed in an orderly fashion—until today.
---
"Big brother Sakazuki, don't become a Marine, okay? Mona doesn't want you to leave!"
Now five years old, Mona floated like a ghost beside Sakazuki, clutching tightly at his arm, tugging with all her strength.
Just thirty meters remained between them and a docked Marine battleship adorned with a dog-head figurehead, but the short distance felt unbearably long.
Behind them, Ross had come to see his apprentice off. Standing beside him was a towering, burly man nearly three meters tall.
"Hahaha! Little Mona is still as lively as ever! Say, Ross, are you really not going to join the Navy? If you give me a nod, I bet Boss Kong would promote you to Rear Admiral on the spot."
Garp munched on senbei crackers while trying once more to recruit Ross, though his tone lacked real conviction.
After all, he had tried to recruit Ross more than once. Two years ago, Ross had gone toe-to-toe with him and held his own. Now, while Garp could probably overpower him, it still wasn't an easy fight. The current Fleet Admiral, Kong, was very eager to bring Ross into the fold.
But every time, Ross gave the same answer.
"Heh. That old man Kong still hasn't given up? Seriously, I'm already a father of three—and the fourth's on the way in six months. If I joined the Navy, how could I ever raise them properly?"
His words carried a subtle jab.
Garp's laughter faltered slightly, and his expression turned awkward.
He did catch the dig. Garp himself was a father too—his son, Monkey D. Dragon, was already sixteen, the same age as Sakazuki. But in terms of parenting… well, even sixteen years of iron-fisted discipline didn't seem to measure up to Ross' three years of guidance.
Ever since Garp had mentioned his son, Ross never let him live it down.
Ross didn't press further and shook his head.
He had met Garp not long after arriving in East Blue. Back then, Ross had stumbled into a pirate crew being pursued by Garp, who was raining down cannon fire from afar. That was their first encounter.
Later, Ross challenged Garp to several one-on-one duels—mostly to test his own strength. And ever since then, the Navy had been trying to win him over, always sending Garp to negotiate.
That said, Ross had to admit Garp's talent was freakish. Whether driven by pride or competitiveness, in just two short years, Garp had become strong enough to give Ross serious trouble.
The D-clan really was a different breed.
Then again, this was Year 1483—right before the fabled God Valley Incident. Garp breaking into Emperor-level strength around now made perfect sense.
Ross wasn't doing so bad himself. While most of his combat power came from his Devil Fruit ability, even his base physical strength was on par with a Vice Admiral.
---
Back at the docks, the tug-of-war continued.
Sakazuki had finally stepped aboard the warship, carrying a massive trunk. Around him stood several youths, clearly treating him as their leader.
"Sorry, Mona. I'll take you on an adventure next time I'm on leave, okay?"
"No! Uncle Moxxi is out training, and those two dummy brothers, Ator and Alisan, never let me tag along. Daddy's always busy too. If you leave… no one will play with me anymore!"
Tears streamed down Mona's cheeks as she clung to Sakazuki's hand, refusing to let go.
Ever since that night three years ago, she had known Sakazuki was like Uncle Moxxi—strong, reliable—but more importantly, fun. She loved how he treated her seriously, how he played her games and went on "adventures" with her.
For a child, parting from someone you deeply love is unbearable. It's like losing your favorite toy or never tasting your favorite treat again.
Sakazuki didn't know how to respond. He looked helplessly at Ross.
He truly liked Mona. Playing with her reminded him of his own childhood, back when he used to follow a girl named Haley around like a little brother.
But all of that… was long gone.
---
"Alright, Mona," Ross said gently. "Your big brother Sakazuki is chasing his dream. He's not leaving forever. Just like how he brings you firecrackers because you love bombs, you have to respect what he loves too."
A serpentine cloud coiled around Mona and gently pulled her toward Ross.
Ross knelt beside her and continued, voice soft and warm.
"I know it hurts now. But the world works this way. Someday, you'll grow up and maybe you'll chase your dreams far away from me. Would you want me to stop you, the way you're stopping Sakazuki now?"
"…But… but…"
"There's still time. Things have quieted down recently, and your grandfather's people are helping with the workload. So how about this—Daddy will spend more time with you each day, okay?"
"…Okay…"
Sniffling and sucking her thumb, Mona looked conflicted—but in the end, she gave a small nod.
She realized she couldn't selfishly ask Sakazuki to abandon his dream. That would be like someone forbidding her from playing with bombs—unfair and cruel.
If her father could spend more time with her each day, maybe she could accept it.
Once her mind cleared, Mona wiped her tears, beamed, and waved toward the warship.
"Big brother Sakazuki, don't forget to miss Mona, okay?! And bring me a gift when you come back!"
From the deck, Sakazuki nodded and gave a faint, rare smile.
---
"Well, looks like everything's in order," Garp said. "Guess I better head back before Boss Kong starts yelling. Until next time, Ross!"
"See you next time, Garp."
"Oh right, Ross—just curious. What did you pack into that giant trunk you gave Sakazuki? It's… kinda bothering me."
"Nothing special. Just a bit of pocket money."