Steelbone Kong forced himself to calm down after Sengoku's reminder.
"Sabaody Archipelago, Grove One," he growled. "A Celestial Dragon was assaulted. The highest authority has given the order take the perpetrator alive!"
"What? A Celestial Dragon was beaten?"
Even Sengoku, who had guessed a major incident had taken place, couldn't hide his shock.
"Yes! Today of all days, someone dared to pummel a Celestial Dragon! The entire Sabaody Archipelago is in chaos, and even the Holy Land, Mary Geoise, is boiling over!"
"That insane? Who would dare raise a hand against a Celestial Dragon?"
Sengoku's heart pounded. He knew full well how untouchable the World Nobles were. Even brushing against one meant death. Beating one to the ground? That was something no sane man would ever attempt!
"Rakuya," Kong spat. "A new upstart."
"Rakuya?" Sengoku's eyes narrowed. "Understood. I'll head for Grove One immediately and bring him in."
"Good. Remember this alive."
"Roger."
The line went dead, and Sengoku rushed toward Grove One.
Kong, however, wasn't done. His gut told him one admiral wasn't enough. Without hesitation, he dialed another number.
The line clicked.
"Fleet Admiral? What's up?" came the unmistakably casual voice of Vice Admiral Garp.
"Where are you?"
Kong clenched his jaw. The anger in his chest had lessened somewhat, and his voice carried a controlled edge.
"Sabaody Archipelago," Garp replied.
"You're on Sabaody too?" Kong's brows eased. That saved him the trouble of pulling Garp in from another sea.
"Yeah, why?" Garp's instincts flared. Kong never called without wanting something. Definitely another mission.
"Listen well. Grove One. A Celestial Dragon was assaulted. Highest authority has demanded the perpetrator alive. Move now and arrest the brat!"
"What? Wait, what did you just say?" Garp blinked. "Did I hear that right? A World Noble got beaten up?"
"You heard me. A Celestial Dragon. Assaulted. On Sabaody!"
The shame burned in Kong's gut. The World Nobles, the so-called "gods," had been humiliated. And in his waters. The slap to the Marines' face couldn't be louder.
"Who's responsible?"
"Rakuya. Some upstart punk."
Kong nearly ground his teeth flat speaking the name.
There was a pause. Then came a booming laugh.
"Wahahaha! Now that's a good one! A brat with that kind of guts? He's my kind of kid! Wahahahaha!"
Veins bulged on Kong's forehead.
"Funny? You think this is funny?"
His temper reignited in an instant, Garp's laughter pouring fuel on the fire.
"Come on, Fleet Admiral, don't you feel the least bit satisfied? Wahaha! Someone finally had the guts to clobber a Celestial Dragon. Bold brat!"
"Shut it!" Kong roared. "This is an order! Head for Grove One immediately and bring him in alive!"
"Uh…" Garp scratched his head on the other end. "Fleet Admiral, you see, I'm right in the middle of chasing down Gol D. Roger. Can't exactly pull away now. Why not send Sengoku? He's stronger than me anyway, he'll bag the brat for sure."
"This is an order, Garp! Move to Grove One immediately!"
"Eh? Hello? Fleet Admiral? What was that? Bad signal. Can't hear you. Hello? Hello? … Beep… beep… beep…"
The line went dead.
Kong's face darkened. Again. At this crucial moment, Garp had pulled his favorite trick disappearing.
"That damn fool! Garp! Don't you dare set foot in Headquarters again! If you do, I'll make you regret it!"
…
Sabaody Archipelago, Grove Fifteen.
Onboard a Marine warship, Garp lowered the receiver with a carefree grin.
"Vice Admiral," a nervous officer asked, "hanging up on the Fleet Admiral like that… won't that cause trouble?"
"Trouble? What trouble?" Garp barked a laugh. "At worst, he'll chew me out. Old man Kong's scolding doesn't hurt anymore. My hide's long been tempered to be scolding-proof. Hahaha! Right now, chasing Roger takes priority. Orders be damned."
He turned his gaze toward the distant Grove One. His eyes gleamed.
"That brat… he's interesting. Haven't seen such a fun kid in years. If I get the chance, I'll test him myself."
"Vice Admiral, what are your orders now?"
"Full speed ahead! After Gol D. Roger! A chance like this doesn't come twice. We're not letting him slip away!"
"Yes, sir!"
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