"Hmm…"
When Kaoru Tsubasa arrived at Baterila Island, Garp's Observation Haki instantly detected his presence.
Because he had promised Roger to protect his wife, Portgas D. Rouge, Garp had been using his Observation Haki nonstop these past few days to guard against any World Government assassins.
"That mask… you from the World Government?"
Just as Kaoru set foot on the island, Garp suddenly appeared right in front of him, moving faster than lightning.
"Damn, Garp, you're seriously that fast?" Kaoru muttered in disbelief as the old man materialized before him.
Is this really the strongest old man in the world?Well, before Kaoru's transmigration, Garp's portrayal had already been absurdly overpowered.
"Enough talk!"
Without another word, Garp threw a punch straight at Kaoru.
Because of Kaoru's pure white mask, Garp had immediately assumed he was a CP agent from the World Government.
"Hey! You start throwing punches before even saying a word?!" Kaoru shouted as he used the cloak on his back to wrap around Garp's arm, shaking his head helplessly.
Just because I'm wearing a white mask and cloak, that automatically makes me CP?
Okay, fine. Maybe it does look suspicious.
Still, Kaoru wasn't going to blame himself for that. It was those CP idiots' fault for always dressing in pure white despite being an intelligence agency.
"What the… my Haki—?"
"No… even my Armament and physical strength are gone!"
Garp's eyes widened in shock as he realized the Armament Haki coating his fist had completely vanished.
As far as he knew, there had never been a Devil Fruit that could absorb Haki.
Then again, the sea was vast and full of mysteries, so Garp quickly composed himself.
"Who the hell are you?"
His instincts told him Kaoru probably wasn't CP. CP agents usually worked in groups and didn't wear such obvious uniforms.
"Of course I'm not CP," Kaoru replied, loosening the cloak around Garp's hand.
"Then what are you doing here on Baterila Island?"
"I came here because of a promise… from Roger."
Kaoru said it calmly — technically not a lie. Roger had once invited him to join his crew. Kaoru refused back then, but the invitation still counted. So in a way, he could consider himself one-third of Roger's crew.
"What? Roger asked you for help? And you didn't tell me earlier?"
Garp grumbled, picking his nose lazily.
Now that he knew Kaoru was involved, Garp decided to let him handle the incoming CP agents himself while he stayed by Rouge's side to keep watch.
After all, based on that brief clash, Garp could tell Kaoru wasn't weak.
"Fine then," Garp said. "Since Roger asked you to protect Rouge, stay here and deal with anyone suspicious who comes to Baterila."
He had his own reasons for saying that. Though Kaoru claimed Roger sent him, Garp didn't fully believe it. It was safer to keep Rouge close and let this mysterious man watch the perimeter.
"Got it," Kaoru replied with a faint grin.
He was tempted to tell Garp, You see this mask?It can summon an army of immortal ninjas — think I'm worried about a few CP agents?
Even if he didn't lift a finger, the undead could wear them down to exhaustion.
"That's it?"
Garp suddenly raised his guard again, suspicious.
"Hey, relax, old man!" Kaoru said quickly, waving his hands.
"What are you planning?"
Though a Marine, Garp didn't want the people of Baterila Island to suffer because of Rouge.
He knew the World Government all too well. But if he abandoned the Marines, chaos would erupt. The pirates would run rampant, and the Celestial Dragons would be the only ones protected.
"Just watch," Kaoru said quietly.
He stretched his hands outward and whispered,
"Hidden army of the dead… heed my call, and rise from the shadows."
(PS: Honestly, for a chuunibyou like me, that line is just too badass.)
The moment his words ended, black shadows rippled from beneath Kaoru and Garp's feet, and figures began to emerge — men in black cloaks and pants, silent and faceless.
"These guys…?"
Garp's eyes widened. He hadn't sensed a single one of them appear.
And that alone was terrifying.
"This is my Undead Army," Kaoru said, placing a hand over his chest and bowing slightly.
He wanted to see what it felt like to act like one of those refined warriors from his past life. Besides, he couldn't reveal his true identity to Garp — not yet.
In his previous life, he'd come from a family that valued honor and promise.Whatever his clone did in this world didn't matter — it wasn't him, Kaoru Tsubasa.
"Undead Army, huh?" Garp muttered. "Tch. I don't believe there's such a thing as an immortal force."
"Then feel free to test it, Mr. Garp."
Kaoru gestured politely for him to go ahead.
"You sure are confident," Garp said with a smirk — and then vanished.
BOOM!
With a single punch, Garp obliterated most of the shadow soldiers. But unlike ordinary humans, their bodies didn't remain — they dissolved into black smoke and vanished.
"Huh? Did I actually kill them? What's with this fog?"
"Careful, Mr. Garp," Kaoru called out calmly.
Garp turned — and froze. The same men in black were reforming, emerging once again from the shadows.
"These are… the same ones as before?" Garp muttered grimly.
If they were truly immortal, this could become a serious problem.
Judging by Kaoru's words and his connection to Roger, Garp figured this man had to be a pirate — or at least, not an enemy.
"Mind if I run a little experiment?" Garp finally asked.
Kaoru simply nodded, giving him permission.
Without hesitation, Garp walked up to one of the black-clad figures and placed a Marine badge on its chest…