The Marines seemed accustomed to scenes like this.
Or perhaps it was simply that under Garp's command, these men had encountered too many villages ravaged by pirates.
That was why, the moment they landed, they moved with practiced order. Marine doctors hurried into the town to treat the wounded, while soldiers fanned out to search—not for treasure, but for survivors clinging to life.
Others began gathering the bodies of fishmen and villagers alike.
Watching them, Don turned his gaze back to the sea. His face remained calm, but his empty right hand clenched slightly.
He felt no sense of belonging to this world.
As someone transplanted from reality itself, he could never quite shake the feeling of being out of place here.
Even killing pirates earlier hadn't felt real to him.
But now, seeing someone he'd spoken with a few times lying dead by a pirate's blade—something inside him soured.
Footsteps approached from behind.
A young girl walked up, holding her little sister by the hand.
"Thank you. You saved our village—you saved my sister."
The older girl's eyes glistened with gratitude as she stared up at Don's tall back.
"No need to thank me."
Even without turning, Don understood their expressions perfectly.
Gratitude shone on the older girl's face, while fear shadowed the younger one's.
"I'm just a bounty hunter. I came here to hunt pirates for the reward."
He added the explanation flatly.
The girl faltered. Clearly unused to such a response, she blushed as she struggled for words.
"Go home. Live your lives well," Don sighed, sensing her hesitation.
"Our father and mother are dead!"
At that, the little one broke into sobs.
"It's alright. Big sister will take care of you," the older girl whispered, lifting her sibling into her arms and comforting her softly. Feeling her sister's resolve, the child buried her face in her chest, whimpering.
Cradling the girl, the elder sister looked back at Don once more before finally turning away.
Don slung En onto his shoulder and scratched his head.
"How does it feel?"
Garp's voice rumbled behind him just as the sisters departed.
Don turned to see the towering old Marine step closer. He shook his head.
"Not good."
"Not good, how? You don't like being thanked?"
Garp raised an eyebrow, curious.
He could tell Don carried justice in his heart—or at least, that he followed a code of conduct laced with a certain kindness.
"Sorry. No, it really doesn't feel good," Don said bluntly, shaking his head again. His tone sharpened.
"And you still have the nerve to laugh. If I'd come any later, more people would be dead."
"That's because we don't have enough Marines. There are too many pirates these days. Every year, more set out to sea."
Garp's words carried an unspoken weight.
"But I've heard that some only became pirates because they couldn't pay the Celestial Tribute."
Don's words struck home. Garp's face stiffened.
Because Don was right.
Even nations unable to pay the Tribute—even if struck by pirates—would receive no Marine aid.
It was the World Government's decree.
"With your strength, you could accomplish anything on this sea."
Don's eyes locked on Garp's.
"But once you join the Marines, every move you make is bound by orders. Even you can't act on a whim, can you, Vice Admiral Garp?"
Don's words left Garp silent.
This young man saw far too clearly.
Or perhaps, he thought too much like himself.
"What if—just what if—the Marines could one day wipe out all pirates?"
Garp spoke the words like a dream.
Don burst out laughing, throwing his head back.
"Hahaha! Vice Admiral Garp, are you trying to make me laugh? Well done—you succeeded!"
Garp's face darkened as Don laughed until his sides shook. His fists clenched tight.
"There are too many across this vast sea. To truly dominate it, the Navy would need to expand severalfold—no, dozens of times over. That cost would bankrupt the World Government. And then what would become of the Celestial Dragons' luxuries?
"After all, the World Government exists for one purpose—to keep those parasites living comfortably.
"And if the Marines ever truly gained the power to crush every pirate… in the eyes of the Government, what would you be but another kind of pirate under a different name?"
Don chuckled again before his smile faded.
"You should've been in the Navy's political bureau. If you joined, maybe you could actually change something."
"Like hell that's my problem!"
Don tilted his chin up, his expression insolent.
Garp's face twitched.
"In the end, it's your issue. Peace will never truly come to this world. Not when the gap in power between people is this vast."
Don raised his fist, Armament Haki coating it in black sheen.
"When individuals are this far apart in strength, fairness doesn't exist. You can't expect everyone with power to think like me. Who knows—maybe before long, I'll change too."
It was an honest admission.
For now, he was simply giving himself something to do. In the near future, after new trials—his path might shift.
Garp listened quietly, reflecting on Don's words. His expression grew solemn.
Little Tsuru would surely like this young man, he thought. How did his mind grow this sharp?
He himself had lived decades without ever considering such things.
Scratching his short hair, Garp's gaze on Don grew tinged with regret.
"Come on. I'll get you back. I bet you want to cash in those fishmen quickly—this village needs money."
With that, Garp bent his knees and launched skyward, whipping up a fierce gale and a cloud of dust as he soared toward the ship offshore.
"Pah!"
Don scowled at his retreating back. He suspected the old man had done that on purpose.
Then he, too, leapt, landing on the warship's deck.
Garp turned, grinning broadly, scratching his head with a proud air.
"Mr. Don!"
Bogart, standing on deck, saluted him with a grave expression.
"Sorry for the trouble," Don nodded back.
"Are the bodies loaded?" Garp cut in.
"Yes, sir. They're already on board."
"Then we return to base," Garp ordered with a wave.
"Yes, sir!" Bogart snapped to salute before hurrying off.
Don laid his sword aside and clenched his fist, eyes fixed on Garp.
"Iron Fist Garp—let me test your punch."
END OF CHAPTER
patreon.com/MrBehringer
Fireborne Legends
🔹 Rising Bounty – Read up to 15 chapters ahead
🔸 Legendary Bounty – Command up to 35 chapters ahead