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Chapter 35
Jepack slurped a mouthful of noodles and spoke calmly.
"I don't believe you, old man. Half the things that come out of your mouth are lies. What if you just fly off the ship tomorrow? I wouldn't even be able to catch you."
Garp's face reddened with anger at the words. He growled:
"I never lie! As long as you feed me, I swear I'll pay you back in Loguetown—"
Jepack cut him off mid-sentence.
"I've got a better idea. I won't become your disciple, but you can take Guina and Nami as your students. Teach them for a few days."
"That way, as their teacher, you won't have to pay me anything, right?"
"Plus, you can keep tabs on me through them. The only reason you want me in the Navy is because you're worried I'll turn against them later, isn't it?"
"Isn't this killing three birds with one stone? What do you think of my suggestion?"
In truth, Jepack had been thinking about this since waking up earlier. It would be a waste not to use such a powerful figure.
He didn't need a teacher—his system allowed him to grow stronger on his own. But Guina and Nami desperately needed proper guidance and training. He had long seen Garp as the perfect tool for the job.
Garp thought for a moment, then said:
"Hmm… what you're saying makes some sense. It's worth considering. But…"
Seeing Garp showing signs of agreement, Jepack quickly handed him an extra-large, extra-soupy bowl of freshly cooked Kangshifu Spicy Beef Noodles. He asked with a fawning smile:
"Eat while it's hot, sir. Whatever 'but' you have, just tell me—I might be able to think of a solution."
"You little punk (points like Ip Man) —you're way too cunning. Now you're trying to butter me up."
Jepack waved his hands quickly: "Hehe~ No, no—just kidding earlier. Look, I already cooked extra. I prepared your portion from the start."
Garp picked up the bowl and slurped loudly—slurp slurp—the sound echoing across the deck. Three big mouthfuls and the bowl was empty.
"Ahh!~ So good! Truly delicious! Another bowl!"
He set the empty bowl down and asked for more. Jepack didn't hesitate and immediately served him another heaping portion.
Garp took the new bowl and began slurping again, then spoke:
"I'm not unreasonable. If I take disciples… slurp slurp… they have to join the Navy with me… slurp slurp…"
"But from what I've seen these past few days, those two would rather… slurp slurp… kick me off the ship than let me disturb your rest. And you… slurp slurp… refuse to join the Navy, so they definitely won't come with me either."
"Another bowl!"
Jepack served yet another bowl, set it down, and replied:
"In my opinion, it doesn't have to be formal disciples. Just take them as named disciples. You're only staying on the ship for a few days anyway—just teach them during that time. Named disciples are more than enough!"
"What do you think of that arrangement?"
Garp set his bowl down and laughed heartily at Jepack:
"Hahahaha! You little punk are way too clever—taking all the benefits for yourself."
"I'd be teaching them, and they'd be my nominal students."
"They wouldn't have to join the Navy with me, and you get two of my disciples as your crewmates, right?"
Jepack immediately countered:
"But you're not getting nothing out of it either. Two talented disciples sailing the seas under your name. You can keep track of me through them at any time. They'll also develop a good impression of the Navy. If they ever run into corrupt Navy causing trouble, they can step in and fix things. And I'd never abandon them to sail alone—so your two disciples get bodyguards too."
"Isn't that perfect for everyone? You, me, and them?"
Garp pondered Jepack's words while slurping noodles.
After finishing the bowl and setting it down, he finally spoke:
"You make a good point, kid. Fine—you've convinced this old man with that slick mouth of yours."
"If the two girls agree, I'll take responsibility for teaching them for a while on your ship. But you'll need to change the course a bit—I want a few extra days to train them properly!"
Jepack recalled the coordinates Garp had mentioned earlier and immediately realized it pointed toward Windmill Village—Luffy's hometown.
"Changing course is no problem. I'll convince the girls. You just wait to take on two obedient disciples!"
In the following time, Jepack pulled out a bunch of snacks to keep Garp happy—after all, this was a massive thigh to hug. Whether or not they'd get bounties from the Navy depended on keeping this old man on their side.
Garp happily munched on spicy strips, peanuts, gluten, and konjac—pushing his beloved doughnuts aside. In the end, he was slurping ice-cold Vita Lemon Tea with satisfaction!
Scene shift—Guina and Nami—
The two girls had finished their work for the day and were heading back to their rooms to rest. Spotting Jepack and Garp chatting and laughing on the deck, they grew curious and approached.
Jepack noticed them the moment they stepped out and waved them over.
(End-of-chapter teaser: This chapter isn't over—click next page for more excitement!)
"Perfect timing—you two arrived just right. I've got some freshly cooked noodles here—eat while they're hot. After you finish, I'll explain something to you. Think it over carefully—you can agree or disagree, no pressure."
"What is it?" Guina and Nami exchanged glances, sat down, and asked in unison.
"Eat first while it's hot. The noodles will get sticky if they cool. I'll tell you after."
Jepack said, then turned back to chat and laugh with Garp again.
While Guina and Nami ate the Kangshifu Spicy Beef Noodles in confusion, Jepack finally looked over and spoke.
"This old man next to me—you already know he's the world-famous Navy Hero Garp, right?"
"After some persuading, he's decided to take you two as named disciples."
"Named disciples?"
"What does that mean?"
"It means the old man will act as your teacher. During the time until we reach the next stop, he'll be responsible for training you. But you won't be formal disciples. How much you learn in that time depends on your own talent."
At that moment, Garp chimed in:
"If you want to become my formal disciples, that's fine too—but then you'd have to join the Navy with me. That means you couldn't keep adventuring with this little punk."
"Don't let this old man mislead you. Just treat him as a temporary teacher and learn from him for a while."
"So—are you two willing to become Vice Admiral Garp's disciples?"
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