Not discouraged after his 83rd rejection, Tokikake still wore a cheerful grin as he sat down directly opposite Momousagi.
"I heard you went to 'New Marineford.' Did you say hello to Boss Sakazuki for me?"
Momousagi gave him a faint glance. "No."
"Ah, so cold! But, I still like you this way!"
Tokikake first made a disappointed expression but quickly recovered, continuing to smile.
"What exactly did you come here to say?" Momousagi frowned.
"Nothing major!" Tokikake shook his head, still smiling.
"The Marine Headquarters is conducting the 'World Military Draft,' right? I heard Taro recommended a very powerful expert. Coincidentally, I know one such expert myself."
"Taro again!" Momousagi's expression froze as she muttered quietly.
"Huh? What?" Tokikake was momentarily stunned.
"Nothing," Momousagi waved her hand. "Who is this expert you mentioned?"
Momousagi knew that while Tokikake didn't have high prestige within the Marines, he was quite popular among civilians. It was indeed possible he had connections with some skilled individuals from the populace.
Tokikake didn't press about Momousagi's earlier muttering. Instead, he said with some excitement,
"It's a monster who fasted for a whole year!"
...Fish-Man Island.
"Huh? Vice Admiral Garp is looking for me?"
When Grant brought the news of Garp's arrival at Sabaody Archipelago, Taro was busy with the film crew, rushing around Fish-Man Island for location shoots.
The movie had already started filming. As this was his first major attempt, Taro cared deeply and was naturally very invested.
"Did George say what it was about?" Taro was puzzled.
Grant shook his head. "No, but he said Vice Admiral Garp didn't look too happy. It seems... it's not good news!"
Taro's heart sank, and his expression turned grim.
"Understood, I'll head back immediately!"
Given Garp's strength, for him to have a dark expression meant the matter was definitely serious.
Taro pondered for a while but couldn't figure it out.
In the two years since the major incident, nothing big had happened with the Marines!
In the end, he could only hastily instruct Mac to take full charge of the film matters,
ordered Sherman and Grant to remain stationed at Fish-Man Island, and hurried back to Sabaody Archipelago himself... Sabaody Archipelago.
Former Lawless Zone, 25-29GR, now the 'Film City' construction site.
"Was this Taro's order?"
Garp stood at the 'Sabaody Archipelago Film City' construction site, looking at the huge signboard in front of him as he asked George.
The signboard listed some basic project details: area, construction period, renderings, etc.
Colonel George had now been promoted to Commodore, but facing the 'marine hero' Garp, he was very nervous. He saluted respectfully.
"Reporting, Vice Admiral Garp, this is a spontaneous commercial venture by the nobles of Sabaody Archipelago. It has no relation to Vice Admiral Taro or the Marines!"
This line was the unified story Taro had prepared long ago. No matter who you asked, you'd only get this answer.
Garp first waved his hand. "This old man has already retired from active duty. No need to be so tense!"
Then, he sneered. "Those words, that brat Taro taught you to say them, right? I don't believe it. Besides that damned brat, what other Marine could come up with such nonsense to fool people!"
Hearing his Vice Admiral being cursed, George's face instantly turned awkward, his tone weakening.
"It really was spontaneous by the nobles! The Marines didn't spend a single coin!"
Garp raised an eyebrow. "Oh? The Marines didn't spend a single coin?" Immediately after, he glared at George again.
"Then you still dare deny it wasn't that bastard's idea? Besides him, who else could pull this off? Can you?"
George became even more awkward and shut up resentfully.
Garp didn't press further, waving his hand. "This old man will look around. No need to follow. When that brat returns, have him come see me!"
After saying that, he strode off into the construction site... By the time Taro returned to Sabaody Archipelago, it was already afternoon.
He didn't even eat, first inquiring with George about Garp's situation, but got no valuable information, making him even more apprehensive.
Arriving at the construction site uneasily, he found Garp standing on a high slope in 25GR.
His face was so dark!
Taro only needed one look before wanting to turn and run!
But Garp had already leaped high into the air, delivering a heavy punch downwards.
Taro could only cross his arms to protect his forehead. A dark blue Armament Haki instantly coated them, blocking Garp's heavy blow.
"BOOM"
Taro wasn't knocked down, but the area where he stood abruptly sank.
The immense force directly blasted a crater roughly ten meters in diameter beneath Taro's feet.
Damn, he's really angry!
"Vice Admiral Garp, why hit me?"
Taro slightly parted his crossed arms, peeking out with one eye to observe Garp, his tone full of grievance.
"You deserve it!"
Garp roared angrily, his entire face somewhat contorted, but he didn't attack again.
"Huh?"
Seeing Garp had no intention of continuing the attack, Taro finally lowered his arms, wearing a completely bewildered expression.
Then, glancing at the nearby construction site, he cried injustice: "Vice Admiral, it's a misunderstanding! This has nothing to do with me. It was those nobles who put up the money themselves, and they recruited the workers themselves. I didn't do any...!"
"THUD"
Before he could finish, Garp suddenly threw another punch, directly smashing Taro flying.
Taro only felt his protective Internal Energy fluctuate, followed by a wave of dizziness and his body becoming airborne.
"Cough, cough!"
Taro crawled out of the dust, coughed twice, waved his hand to disperse the flying ash, and stared blankly at Garp.
"This old man can't hear a single truthful word from your mouth anymore, is that it?"
Veins bulged on Garp's forehead, his tone low and filled with extreme rage.
The commotion between the two had already attracted the attention of the workers. Even the Marine Soldiers responsible for maintaining order had gathered, looking over.
Garp snorted, swirling his cape. "Follow me!"
Taro shot a fierce glare at those Onlookers before following Garp away.
"You damned brat, your deeds have been exposed!"
Walking one after the other past two GRs, Garp suddenly turned around and roared at Taro.
Exposed?
Taro was first startled, then realized he had been involved in quite a few things.
He felt somewhat confused. Which one are you talking about?
"Huh? What thing?"
Garp clenched his fist, looking at the utterly clueless Taro, wishing he could smash him into the ground.
"The questions I ask you next, answer them honestly!"
Taro's eyes flickered a few times, remaining silent.
I can confess, but that depends on what you ask!
"Is Nico Robin with the Revolutionary Army?" Garp asked with a dark face, his voice deep.
Damn, how do you know?
Taro was stunned, his mouth opening soundlessly twice.
Just now he didn't want to speak; now he couldn't speak!
Garp's heart sank. From Taro's reaction, he could tell his guess was correct.
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