Margaret looked at the sleeping grandfather and grandson. She had originally planned to make a move, but now she found herself unable to act.
She could only stand there, momentarily at a loss.
However, seeing the two of them like this, the vigilance in her heart quietly faded. She let out a soft sigh in her mind. They really are family.
Pop.
The snot bubble on Garp's nose burst, and he woke up first.
The moment he opened his eyes, he saw Luffy still fast asleep in front of him. His expression darkened instantly.
Without hesitation, he raised his fist and brought it down.
Bang!
"Ah! That hurts!"
Margaret turned her gaze away, choosing not to watch.
Forget it. Do whatever you want.
Bang!
Ah!
Bang!
Ah!
After a while, the dust in the clearing slowly settled.
Luffy leaned to one side, his head covered in bumps.
Clap, clap.
Garp dusted off his hands and sat down on the ground. "I came all the way here to see you and even postponed a lot of work. Is this how you welcome your grandfather?"
Originally, he had been with Sengoku and Tsuru at Peach Garden, preparing to return to Marineford. But after hearing from Rolan that Luffy was on Nine Serpent Island, he changed his plans and came here instead.
It was not because he still insisted on Luffy becoming a Marine. That idea had long since lost its importance.
He only wanted Luffy to stay within his sight, so he could protect him.
Now that Luffy had already chosen the path of a pirate, there was nothing more to say.
Besides, Luffy was Rolan's disciple, and with someone like Rolan behind him, his safety was hardly an issue.
This trip was simply a grandfather wanting to see his grandson.
He had also hoped to see his son Dragon, but Dragon had not been at Peach Garden recently, so that plan fell through.
Luffy pouted, looking wronged. "Grandpa, is there any grandfather who treats his grandson like this?"
Garp's eyes widened. "What? You brat, do you have a problem with me?"
Luffy immediately shook his head like a rattle. "No, no."
In truth, with Luffy's current strength, he was no weaker than Garp. But the shadow Garp had left on him since childhood still made him instinctively submit.
Garp nodded in satisfaction before shifting his gaze to Margaret.
"Hahaha, are you Luffy's little girlfriend?"
Margaret's face flushed red, and she waved her hands hurriedly. "I, I am not his girlfriend."
Garp gave her a knowing look. "Oh, is that so?"
Luffy rubbed the bumps on his head, looking confused. "This is Margaret, she is my friend. Also, what is a girlfriend?"
Garp scratched his head, momentarily speechless. "How did you turn out like this? Not a bit of my good traits."
It was obvious. Luffy truly had no understanding of relationships.
Garp, on the other hand, had understood such things early in life. By his twenties, he already had a son.
Now that he was retired, having a great grandson did not sound bad at all.
With that thought, he looked Margaret up and down again, nodding repeatedly.
She fit perfectly with what he imagined.
"Little girl, your name is Margaret, right?"
Margaret nodded. "Yes. I am Margaret, a warrior of Nine Serpent Island."
Garp suddenly grabbed Luffy and dragged him over.
"My grandson is unreliable, right?"
Margaret glanced at Luffy before lowering her head. "No, not at all. Luffy is very good."
Garp placed Luffy right beside her, close enough that their shoulders touched.
"Then I will leave this useless grandson to you. Keep him in line from now on."
Margaret's face turned even redder, all the way to her neck.
"Okay…"
Luffy immediately protested, "Hey! Grandpa! I am already grown, I do not need anyone to take care of me."
Garp laughed loudly, clearly satisfied after seeing the reactions of both of them.
"I am heading back to Marineford. I will not disturb you two."
He stood up and began walking away.
As his figure gradually disappeared into the jungle, his voice echoed back.
"Margaret, do not hold back. Luffy is slow, but I can tell he feels something. If you never start, nothing will happen. And if he ever bullies you, tell me, I will beat him for you."
Margaret watched his back disappear, her eyes slowly lighting up.
"Hey! Grandpa!" Luffy shouted in dissatisfaction.
Then he turned to Margaret. "Do not listen to his nonsense. I will not bully you."
Margaret looked up at him, her gaze soft and clear.
Luffy froze. "What is it?"
She did not answer.
Instead, she stepped forward and hugged him.
Luffy stiffened, completely caught off guard. His hands hovered awkwardly in the air, unsure where to go.
That strange feeling in his chest suddenly intensified.
He had been hugged before. Carina and Kalifa had done so in dangerous situations.
But this felt completely different.
His heartbeat quickened, and warmth spread through his body.
Margaret held him tightly, no longer thinking about consequences. She did not care about the future.
Right now was enough.
"Luffy… I like you."
Her soft voice reached his ears.
After a brief hesitation, Luffy slowly wrapped his arms around her.
Margaret's body trembled slightly, and tears began to fall.
Feeling the dampness on his chest, Luffy gently pulled back and saw her reddened eyes.
He panicked. "Hey! What is wrong? Why are you crying?"
Margaret stepped closer again, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Then she pressed her lips against his.
...