Boom!
The two fists continued to collide, sending shockwaves through the shipyard.
"…"
"…"
Both combatants staggered back two steps in unison, their bodies quivering under the force.
"Good kid!"
Garp grinned broadly, gathered strength, and threw another punch, striking Shirogai's left cheek with a thunderous impact.
"Heh heh, again!"
Shirogai stepped forward, matching Garp's wind-up, and swung his fist toward the Naval Hero.
Bang!
A dull thud echoed. Surprisingly, no other sound followed.
"Huh?"
Everyone nearby, expecting a tremendous roar, was momentarily stunned.
Though silent, both fighters sank deeply into the bluestone ground, knees pressing hard into the solid floor.
"So… so powerful!"
Behind Garp, Koby, now a Marine Sergeant, stood dumbfounded, jaw dropped.
"He can channel all of his opponent's force through his body into his feet, without spreading it outward…"
"Even contending with Teacher purely through physical strength…"
Helmeppo, another Marine Sergeant, said in disbelief,
"Could he be that monster…"
"Kid, your strength is impressive!"
Garp yanked his feet from the ground, grinning at the smiling pirate before him,
"However, the old man still wins!"
Stepping forward, Garp delivered a simple punch, unadorned by Armament Haki, which whistled through the air like a clap of thunder.
Wham!
"A Super Serious Punch!"
"Heh heh, then I'll just take this one too!"
Shirogai smiled, stepping into the attack. His fist collided with Garp's, creating a deafening boom.
Bang!
This time, the thunderous roar resounded, causing ears to ring across the shipyard. Black, lightning-like energy flickered over both their fists.
"Good kid, your fists are solid!"
"The same to you!"
Both exchanged satisfied smiles.
Swish!
Their fists shot forward simultaneously, radiating raw energy into the sky.
Crack! Crack!
The black lightning arced upward, exploding a thousand meters above, stirring clouds and generating sizable waves in surrounding waters.
Flop…
Helmeppo fell to the ground in disbelief,
"He generated such a devastating force using only physical strength! Imagine if he had used Armament Haki!"
Koby inhaled sharply, awe evident in his eyes,
"This is unbelievable! Pure physical strength can create such an impact? Truly astonishing!"
This was the realm of the strongest—raw power without Haki, rivaling even the legendary Teacher.
Shirogai's prowess was undeniable, a monstrous strength that rivaled the Fifth Emperor himself.
"Are we… really here to face such a powerful being?"
Helmeppo trembled, gripping the hilt of his sword, swallowing hard.
"Could we truly capture him? Even an Admiral would struggle against this Pirate!"
Koby shivered, forcing a wry smile,
"If that's the case, let's prepare to fight to our deaths!"
"Hey! Don't say such things!"
Helmeppo rose, scolding Koby,
"No, we must be ready if we face a Pirate of this caliber. Death could come in a single strike."
…
"Kid, you're Shirogai, right?"
Garp grinned, gesturing toward the still-sleeping Luffy,
"Help me wake that kid. This little brat doesn't even notice his grandpa is here!"
"Grandpa???"
The crew gaped in astonishment. Luffy's grandfather was a Marine Vice Admiral?
"Navy Hero Garp…"
Robin whispered in disbelief.
"Iron Fist Garp, equal to Pirate King Roger? He's Luffy's grandfather?"
Shirogai lifted Luffy by the arm, shaking him gently.
"Huh? Mealtime?"
Luffy's eyes widened at the sight of a grinning, terrifying old man.
"Wah! A nightmare again!"
Garp, infuriated, slammed a punch onto Luffy's face.
"You brat! You call seeing Grandpa a nightmare?"
Bang!
Luffy flew backward, screaming,
"Ow! It hurts!!"
His arm remained in Shirogai's grasp, bouncing him back after a long arc.
"Grandpa! Why hit me immediately upon meeting?"
Garp rolled up his sleeves, teeth gritted,
"You went out to sea, became a Pirate, and caused a headache for the Marines. You even… recruited a troublesome crewmate!"
Shirogai held Luffy firmly, smiling slightly.
"But becoming a Pirate is my dream!" Luffy protested.
"And Shirogai is a trusted companion. If the Marines hadn't interfered, we wouldn't be enemies!"
"You think that's reasonable?"
Garp smacked Luffy's head twice, planting three cactus-sized bumps with a loving, painful fist.
"Ow! It hurts!"
Luffy scrambled behind Shirogai, arms crossed in defense.
"Grandpa! If you hit me again, I'll let Shirogai deal with you! Even Admirals aren't a match for him!"
Hmph, Garp frowned at Luffy's defiance and casually handed a bag to Shirogai:
"By the way, on behalf of the Marines, here's your promotion—Marine Vice Admiral and Marine Chief Instructor!"
"Oh?"
Shirogai raised an eyebrow, chuckling thoughtfully,
"So this was the Marines' plan…"
"What? Shirogai became a Marine Vice Admiral?"
The crew stared in disbelief. A Pirate granted a Vice Admiral rank? Chief Instructor title? Insanity seemed to reign in this world.