Do you know why the East Blue, despite producing world-renowned powerhouses like Roger, Garp, and Dragon, is still called the "weakest sea"?
The title "weakest sea" only came about in Luffy's era.
That's because when Garp was young, in order to look after Luffy, he frequently traveled between Foosha Village and Marine Headquarters. Along the way, whether it was pirates fresh out of their rookie phase or those with some experience who had come to the East Blue, if they encountered Garp, that boss-level monster, they couldn't escape. There was simply no escaping.
Garp single-handedly "cleaned up" the East Blue, turning it into the "weakest sea." Strong individuals didn't want to come, and rookies were crushed halfway through their development. It would be strange if it weren't weak… "Vice Admiral Garp, are you leaving?"
"Yes, my vacation is over. If I don't leave now, Sengoku will start calling to rush me."
Garp replied, already dressed in his Marine uniform and adjusting his collar.
If it weren't for his status and his old friendship with Sengoku, which Vice Admiral could take a month off after a month of work like him?
"I'll be back next month. During this time, I'm entrusting Luffy to you."
Garp said.
Little Luffy expressed his disagreement.
"Bai Yun and I are clearly about the same age, and he's still in a wheelchair. If anything, I should be looking after him!"
After transmigrating, Bai Yun's body changed from an 18-year-old adult to a child. He wasn't sure of his exact age, so he just said he was the same age as Luffy, seven years old.
Garp's single reply silenced little Luffy.
"Can you cook?"
"…"
"Usually when I'm not around, you go to Makino's bar to help out. Now that Bai Yun is here, you won't need to, and you'll have more time to train."
"I'm off. See you next month."
After giving his instructions, Garp pushed open the door and left. The warship must have been waiting for him at the dock… Garp left, and Luffy seemed a little sad.
"Luffy, Vice Admiral Garp is…"
"Great! Grandpa's finally gone!"
Bai Yun: "…"
I still don't understand you, Luffy.
"Hahaha, Bai Yun, let's go play!"
"I don't care what Grandpa said about training; I've been exhausted these past few days!"
"Let's go to Makino's for some juice."
"I want to hear those uncles tell stories about the Pirate King!"
So, the seeds were already planted here.
Bai Yun smiled helplessly. However, it was indeed more interesting than watching Luffy train by himself.
"Okay."
…Half a month had passed since Garp left Foosha Village. Today, the town was still peaceful, with an easterly wind blowing.
But the arrival of a pirate ship at the harbor shattered that peace.
"Huh? Bai Yun!! Shanks and the others are back! Hahaha!"
Luffy, who was fishing with Bai Yun at the dock, became noticeably excited upon seeing the approaching pirate ship. This was the grandson of a Marine Vice Admiral, indeed.
"Shanks! The Red-Haired Pirates! They're finally here!"
After Garp left, Luffy had told Bai Yun about the Red-Haired Pirates.
During the year Luffy was seven, the Red-Haired Pirates used Foosha Village as their base of operations.
It was during this time that Luffy met Shanks and his crew, learned what pirates were, and developed the desire to go to sea as a pirate.
Using Foosha Village as a base didn't mean they never went to sea; they still had to set sail, but they would return periodically. In the month and a half since Bai Yun transmigrated, Shanks and his crew had been out at sea.
Bai Yun lay in his wheelchair, looking mature for his seven years as he read a newspaper. Hearing Luffy's voice, he immediately put down the paper and looked out at the sea. Sure enough, a pirate ship was slowly approaching.
It was indeed the Red Force of the Red-Haired Pirates. Its pirate flag featured a square-faced skull with three red claw marks over its left eye and two swords behind it… "Ah! Luffy!"
"Long time no see!"
As the ship docked, Luffy immediately ran to the bottom of the ship. At the bow, Shanks, with both arms intact, also smiled and greeted Luffy.
"Alright! Anchor aweigh! Get off the ship! We had a great haul this time, we should celebrate properly!"
Shanks turned and said to Benn Beckman and the others, indicating they had a successful voyage.
But before Shanks and his crew could disembark, Luffy climbed directly onto the ship, standing on the prominent "dragon head" at the bow of the Red Force.
Below, Bai Yun could only push his wheelchair closer with a bitter expression; he knew what Luffy was about to do.
From his elevated position, Luffy put his hands on his hips and declared,
"Hey! Shanks! Take me with you next time you set sail! I want to be a pirate!!"
As the words left his mouth, he was met with the usual mockery from Shanks and his crew. After all, Luffy was just a little kid and couldn't swim.
"Hahahaha! Luffy, stop messing around, get down! What kind of sea would a little kid who can't swim go to! Hahaha!"
Shanks's merciless laughter.
Luffy gritted his white teeth in anger and pulled out a dagger from behind his back.
"I'm not kidding around! I've had enough!"
"I'm going to prove it to you!"
"Hahahahaha… that's hilarious. Go on, try it. I really don't know what you're trying to do."
"Luffy's doing something interesting again."
Shanks and the others clearly didn't believe Luffy, treating him as if they were humoring a child.
But in the next second,
Luffy resolutely cut a gash on his left cheek!
...
A/N: The journey continues! If you're eager to read far ahead and support this story, consider joining the Eternal Phoenix community. You can find me on Patreon by searching for "Eternal_Phoenix".
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