As Ezra's fist came crashing toward them, Luffy and the others finally understood what true, overwhelming power meant.
This was not strength that could be challenged.
It was absolute.
Just as despair began to swallow them, a violent shockwave ripped through the air.
Garp appeared in front of them in a blur.
"That kind of power, Ezra. You really are trying to kill Luffy."
His right arm instantly turned jet black.
"Armament Fist. Bone Crusher."
Boom.
Garp's fist collided with Ezra's.
The impact exploded outward, sending a shockwave tearing across the shore. Luffy and the others were thrown backward, tumbling across the sand.
They barely managed to lift their heads, staring in disbelief at the two men.
"What is that?"
"Is this the true power of the Marine Headquarters?"
On the Thousand Sunny, Carina snapped back to her senses first.
"Luffy. Now. Get on the ship."
"But Grandpa…"
"Luffy, Vice Admiral Garp and Ezra are both Marines. He will be fine."
Sanji said it firmly.
Only then did the crew retreat to the ship, setting sail at full speed away from Water Seven.
Garp, however, was not having an easy time.
It had been a very long time since he had faced such terrifying power.
The last time he felt this strained was… well, the last time, too.
He grunted as Ezra's strength pressed down on him like a mountain.
"Kid, I am at my limit. Are you really trying to kill me too?"
Ezra clicked his tongue.
Despite everything, Garp was closer to him than even Luffy.
Ezra withdrew his spiritual pressure.
Garp finally exhaled, lowering his trembling arm.
"Tch. Old man, was this really necessary?"
Garp snorted.
"That is my grandson."
Ezra shrugged.
"And? I trained him for years too. He still chose to become a pirate."
Garp had no reply.
Ezra glanced at the Thousand Sunny, now disappearing beyond the horizon. He could have chased them, but he chose not to.
This time, he would give Garp his favor.
"Old man, I want ten boxes of crackers."
"No problem."
Ezra sighed.
"Remember this. This was the first and last time. If I meet him again, I will not hold back."
Garp knew Ezra had truly intended to kill Luffy.
He nodded solemnly.
"Next time, do not worry about how I feel. If he chose this path, he must be ready to be captured."
Ezra nodded.
"Then that is that. There is nothing else to do here. Want to go back to Marineford?"
Garp shook his head.
"My mission is not finished yet."
"Take care then."
With that, Ezra vanished in a flash.
Garp chuckled softly.
"That troublesome kid."
Compared to his son and grandson, Ezra had always been the one who kept him grounded.
He gazed toward the horizon where the Sunny had disappeared.
"Luffy… where you go from here is up to you."
He turned and walked away from the shore.
Far away, on Banaro Island, Marshall D. Teach held today's newspaper.
Across the front page was the news of Luffy destroying Enies Lobby.
"Zehahahaha. That brat's bounty is already three hundred million."
Van Augur wiped his beloved rifle Long Nine.
"Captain, have you picked our next target?"
Teach slammed the wanted poster onto the ground.
"Yes. Him."
Jesus Burgess grinned.
"He does not look that strong, Captain."
"Zehahahaha. Never judge strength by appearances."
Just as the Blackbeard Pirates were preparing to leave, a voice rang out.
"Marshall D. Teach. This time you will not escape."
They turned.
A man in an orange cowboy hat stood there.
Teach narrowed his eyes.
"Ace. So you caught up."
Ace snorted.
"From the moment you killed Thatch, I was never going to stop chasing you."
Teach sat down cross legged.
"Ace, Whitebeard is old now. His era is ending. Join me. The future belongs to us."
Ace's expression darkened.
"Teach, what nonsense are you spouting?"
Teach laughed.
"Zehahahaha. Let me be honest. I plan to hunt pirates with bounties over one hundred million."
Ace froze.
"What are you planning?"
Teach clenched his hand.
"I will draw the attention of the World Government and become one of the Seven Warlords."
"You have lost your mind."
Before Teach could speak, Burgess charged forward.
"Captain, enough talk. Let me kill him."
"Burgess, stop."
Too late.
Burgess swung his fist at Ace.
"Flame Pillar."
Ace's arm turned into fire. A blazing column erupted, sending Burgess flying.
Van Augur raised his rifle.
"Everything is fate."
Three bullets streaked toward Ace's head.
They passed straight through his body.
"What?"
Teach snorted.
"Idiot. Ace ate the Flame Flame Fruit. Physical attacks are useless."
Teach looked at Ace.
"I apologize for my men. But I still want you to join us. Together, let us capture this pirate."
He lifted the wanted poster from the ground.
Ace's eyes widened.
The face on it was Luffy's.