The entire Marine unanimously agreed — Garp was being far too reckless!
Far too reckless!
He actually intended to go to Paradise alone!
That was nothing short of suicide.
Even if the entire Marine were to mobilize toward Paradise, they'd have to carefully assess the risks and be mentally prepared for the worst. Yet Garp, despite all his experience and power, was charging in alone — risking his life as if it meant nothing!
And with both Big Mom and Kaido already heading toward Paradise, the outcome would be disastrous. If Garp went alone, he wouldn't stand a chance. He'd be crushed... perhaps even killed without hesitation.
"Dragon's death hit him hard," Tsuru sighed. "And before that, the death of Ace was another devastating blow."
"Hmph."
Akainu snorted, his expression cold and unforgiving.
"He brought this on himself," Akainu growled. "He's a so-called Hero of the Marines—an idol to countless soldiers across the entire Marine. But how many of them know the truth? That his adopted grandson was Roger's son... that his biological grandson is Straw Hat Luffy, and his own son was the leader of the Revolutionary Army! If he's heartbroken now, it's only because of his own failures. He should've dealt with those problems back then instead of letting them grow into the monsters they became!"
Akainu's words cut deep. From his perspective, Garp had failed — not only as a father and grandfather but as a Marine. Instead of guiding his family into the ranks of justice, he'd raised three men who defied the World Government and shook the very foundation of order.
In Akainu's eyes, Ace — Roger's bloodline — was destined to die. And now, any grief Garp felt was, to him, just the consequence of his own weakness.
Normally, Akainu wouldn't care about Garp's emotional impulses. But things were different now. With war looming, the Marine couldn't afford to lose one of its strongest fighting forces.
"No matter what," Akainu muttered darkly, "Garp's power is too valuable. He can't afford to be reckless."
"Well…" Tsuru sighed again, shaking her head.
Outside the Sabaody Archipelago
Out at sea, just beyond the Sabaody Archipelago, Garp was pinned to the deck — his head pressed hard against the planks by none other than Sengoku.
The former Fleet Admiral, now transformed into his giant golden Buddha form, held Garp down with unrelenting force. The deck beneath them was cracked and splintered, spreading outward like a spider web .The Marines nearby watched in stunned silence, their scalps prickling with tension.
It was the first time Sengoku had ever raised a hand against his oldest friend.
But he had no choice. If he didn't stop Garp here and now, the old fool would charge straight into Paradise—and never return.
He knew exactly how dangerous Elior was.
That young man's calm smile hid a monstrous ruthlessness. When it came to killing, he never hesitated.
And Garp—blinded by rage—was walking straight into his death.
"You old fool!" Sengoku shouted. "Do you even realize who you're up against if you go to Paradise?"
"Not just Elior — but his entire crew! And don't forget Big Mom and Kaido! When they all gather in one place — what exactly are you going to fight them with? Your bare fists? Do you have a death wish?!"
"Damn it, Garp!"
Sengoku's roar echoed across the sea. He had never felt so desperate—not once in his entire career.
He and Garp had known each other since they were teenagers. They joined the Marines together, rose through its ranks side by side, fought countless battles, and faced death more times than either could count.Now, in their seventies, they shared nearly sixty years of friendship.
"Sengoku…"
"I…"
Garp's voice trembled. His face pressed into the deck, tears streaming down the wrinkles of his weathered cheeks.
The grief over Dragon's death was crushing him from within.
"Garp, I understand," Sengoku said softly, easing his grip.
He knew that kind of pain. He had once lost Rosinante — the man he saw as his own son — and it had shattered him completely. He understood the endless guilt and sorrow that Garp was drowning in now.
But still, he couldn't let his friend die like this.
Sengoku had done what he needed to do—he had stopped Garp's suicidal charge.
Meanwhile, in Paradise
Far away, in the heart of Paradise, Elior received a report from Gion. Through her Den Den Mushi, she informed him that Marine had held an emergency strategy meeting to counter their movements.
Elior's actions had drawn too much attention. With both Big Mom and Kaido moving toward him, it was only natural that the Marines and the World Government would react with panic.
Gion also reported that both forces had now shifted their primary focus — their new objective was Elior, the man who had led the assault on Mary Geoise.
"Elior, what should we do now? Marine is preparing to mobilize!"
Gion's tone was filled with worry.
"Let them come," Elior replied calmly.
"There you go again!" she snapped. "Everyone was worried sick about you after what happened at Mary Geoise! Can't you be serious for once?"
"Aren't I strong enough?" Elior said with a faint smile.
"Ugh… fine! Just promise me you'll be careful! Oh—and when can I finally stay by your side?"
Her voice softened, tinged with longing.It was something she'd been hoping for—for far too long.
She feared that being away from Elior would make him forget her completely. Her heart was already far from the Marine's ideals. Justice meant nothing to her anymore.
All she cared about was him.
"Just wait," Elior said after a moment of thought. "I'll need your help soon. Until then, stay where you are."
"Alright…"
Gion sighed, a little disappointed. How long will I have to wait?
It had been too long since she'd last stood beside him.
"Elior, this time the entire Marine is mobilizing! Every top officer will be deployed—including me! So… what should I do?"
"When the time comes," Elior said casually, "just hold back. Don't give it your all."
"Hold back? Oh—I get it!"
Gion's eyes lit up in realization.
"Alright, that's enough for now," Elior said. "If this call gets intercepted, it'll cause trouble."
And with that, he hung up.
Before she could even say goodbye, the line went dead.
Gion lowered the receiver slowly, a small sigh escaping her lips.
But then a smile crept back onto her face.
"We'll meet again soon…"
Just the thought of seeing Elior again filled her with warmth.
At the same time, the entire Marine had gone into full mobilization. News spread rapidly through every division —Marine was preparing for war against the Elior Pirates.
Even the elite officers couldn't hide their tension. After all, this time they weren't facing one Yonko… but three.
Three Yonko together—their combined power could shake the entire New World.
Just imagining that force was terrifying.