Luffy lay sprawled across the shattered little boat, suddenly widening his eyes as he stared up at Garp descending from the sky.
"Grandpa?"
Something was wrong.
This pressure, this terrifying aura…
He had never seen his grandfather unleash power like this.
"Fist Bone Impact!"
A massive iron fist fell like a meteor, carrying a destructive force capable of pulverizing everything in its path as it slammed toward the sea below.
The air twisted and folded visibly where Garp's punch passed.
A moment later, a deafening roar thundered across the sea.
The ocean surface caved inward, forming a massive abyssal crater.
The water exploded outward in all directions, waves towering a hundred meters into the sky.
The nearby Marine patrol ship was hurled away by the violent surge.
As for the small boat beneath the descending force, it was crushed into splinters the instant the shockwave reached it. Luffy and Buggy were blasted into the black sea without even managing a scream.
Water rushed back, filling the void left behind.
Garp landed lightly on the deck of the dog-headed warship.
Then came another splash.
His aide, Bogard, dove into the churning waters. Moments later, he resurfaced, carrying the unconscious Luffy over his shoulder before stepping back onto the deck.
"Vice Admiral, he is still alive."
Garp nodded. His gaze fell upon the drenched and motionless Luffy, and an expression of deep conflict flickered in his eyes.
There was pain, anger… but above all, a suffocating guilt.
He had pulled back most of his strength. Otherwise, the boy would already be a corpse.
Yet Garp's heart remained heavy.
In this era, there were at least five people within the Marines who could unleash a blow equal to his own.
Sengoku, who had regained the majesty of a ruler.
Zephyr, who had abandoned mercy and embraced execution.
His own student Kuzan, lazy on the surface but unstoppable once serious.
Then Borsalino and Sakazuki, one whose light-speed kicks pierced all, the other whose magma could burn the world.
And rising fastest of all…
The Blood Hawk, Hawk.
That boy was even more extreme in his methods than Sakazuki.
Soon, the age of pirates would end. What would replace it was an era where the Marines ruled the seas.
As Sengoku's comrade of decades, Garp understood perfectly.
Once Sengoku decided, there would be no compromise, no balance, and no restraint.
All pirates would be crushed and erased.
And in such a world, his foolish grandson still chose to set sail… as a pirate.
Tell me, with enemies like these…
How do you plan to survive?
Garp's fist tightened, knuckles cracking sharply.
Why can't you just listen?
If you became a Marine, these fists could protect you for a lifetime.
His reputation and influence could pave you a smooth road.
But since you chose to be a pirate, to stand against justice…
Then do not blame your grandfather for being ruthless.
"Lock him up. Throw a standard Third-Class Marine uniform into the cell with him."
Garp's voice was cold and emotionless.
"Until he puts that uniform on, he is to receive only the minimum food and water needed to stay alive. No meat."
"Let him learn the taste of death."
Bogard nodded.
At that moment, the patrol ship returned, drawing close.
A Marine captain stood on the bow. Upon seeing Garp, he saluted.
"Vice Admiral Garp!"
Garp turned slightly and nodded. "Sorry to have caused trouble."
The captain straightened his back and ventured carefully, "Sir, are you returning to Headquarters?"
Garp shook his head, his gaze shifting toward the Grand Line.
"To the G-3 Branch."
He had already made his decision.
Knowing Luffy, hunger and confinement would not break him.
And as his grandfather, Garp could not kill him.
So he would use something harsher.
He would throw him into G-3 and let Zephyr and Hawk deal with him.
There was only one condition.
He must not die.
If even this could not change him…
Then Garp would resort to the final measure.
He would send him to Impel Down.
Using his reputation to protect his life.
And once the seas were cleansed, once pirates were buried in history…
He would release him.
Let him see a peaceful world with no place for pirates.
The captain saluted again, then suddenly remembered something.
"Report, Vice Admiral! A group of newly enlisted recruits with clean civilian backgrounds are currently aboard our patrol ship for field training. According to procedure, they are to be transported to G-3 for unified instruction. If it is convenient, sir "
"Bring them aboard."
Garp waved a hand.
Soon, a group of fresh-faced young recruits crossed the plank and stepped onto the dog-headed warship. Each stared in awe at the towering legend before them.
One pink-haired boy trembled with excitement.
This was the hero of the Marines, Vice Admiral Garp.
This was the peak he dreamed of reaching.
He would become someone who could protect countless lives.
Coby's eyes drifted to the unconscious boy slung over a sailor's shoulder.
He froze.
That face looked familiar.
Garp said no more.
With a single order, the massive warship turned, its sails unfurled, and it cut through the waves toward the Grand Line.
…
Level 6. Infinite Hell.
The elevator came to a stop with a metallic groan.
All light vanished, replaced by a chill that seeped into the bones.
Unlike the chaos and screams of the levels above…
Here, there was only deathly silence.
Rows of colossal steel cages lined the corridors, shadowed forms lurking deep within.
Some sat motionless. Others swayed faintly. But the gazes staring from the darkness were filled with malice.
These were criminals who once troubled the World Government itself.
Each one possessed the power to topple a nation alone.
Hawk stepped forward, Zoro and Sanji following him into the eternal darkness.
Zoro felt the icy air and grinned, fingers tightening around Wado Ichimonji.
Every presence here made his blood shake with anticipation.
Sanji exhaled a plume of smoke, the haze lingering in the frigid air.
So these were the criminals of Level 6.
Then, from the shadows to the left, a hoarse and amused voice drifted out.
"Heh… sounds lively up above."
"Those delightful screams. How nostalgic."
"Say, little Marine…"
"Care to let me join the slaughter?"
Hawk stopped walking.
He turned his head slightly toward the darkness.
"Shiryu of the Rain?"