Neither was backing down.
Anything that could be thrown became a tool for this grandfather-grandson long-distance communication.
The scene was even more intense than the occasional cannon fire from the naval ships—and the ammunition consumption was staggering.
Of course, this kind of technique was also incredibly draining.
Especially for Luffy, who hadn't recovered much stamina to begin with. Fortunately, Sanji and Zoro handled any stray cannonballs that got through.
At this point, the Going Merry's speed advantage became apparent. The naval battleships couldn't keep up. Even Garp's special Vice Admiral flagship could only follow for so long before falling behind.
With its smaller size, Vivi's wind propulsion, little Merry's control, and Nami's precise navigation, the Going Merry quickly broke through the encirclement.
BOOM!
After another cannonball collision explosion mid-air, Garp watched the small sheep-headed ship recede into the distance. He grinned, his voice still clear across the wind-tossed sea: "Luffy, you brat! You've grown fast!"
How many months had it been?
Garp had been reporting at Marine Headquarters when Luffy slipped out to sea. But before leaving, he'd known exactly how capable his grandson was.
Years of training had put Luffy at barely Shichibukai level.
But the gap between a Shichibukai and an Admiral was immense.
In just months, he had grown this much. Perhaps growth just wasn't suited for him.
For Luffy, this was the highest praise from his monster grandfather.
"Of course!" Luffy grinned back.
Garp laughed loudly. "So be a good boy and listen to your grandpa! Join the Marines! Your future will be bright!"
"Impossible! The Marines have too many rules. No freedom. And besides—you're always getting chewed out by Fleet Admiral Sengoku for being restrained and tied down, aren't you?" Luffy retorted.
"Hey now, I never told you about that."
Garp's expression rarely grew serious for a moment before returning to its usual bold demeanor. "This old man became a Marine to protect those who need protecting, to uphold his own justice. I've never regretted it!"
With that, Garp stepped forward onto the bow of the dog-head ship. He clenched his fist—the size of a cooking pot—and coated it in dense black Busoshoku Haki. The air around his fist began to twist, with small black-red arcs of electricity flickering at the edges!
Was that Haoshoku Haki?!
And used this way?
What a terrifying monster of an old man.
Luffy grimaced, feeling the overwhelming pressure of an ancient beast awakening.
He knew—this time, his grandfather might actually be serious!
Just then, Nami shouted:
"Luffy! There are Marine ships closing in from both sides!"
These were the scattered ships from the Buster Call fleet.
Luffy's eyes lit up. Instead of panicking, he grinned: "Perfect timing! Everyone, hold on! We're doing another high-altitude drop!"
He took a deep breath and stretched his arms toward the two approaching ships. His rubber arms, like huge cables, wrapped precisely around the masts of both vessels!
"What is he doing?!"
The Marines on both ships watched in horror.
"Vivi! Maximum wind! Upward!" Luffy yelled.
"Got it!"
Vivi understood. She pushed her Fūfū no Mi to its limit, generating a powerful updraft that lifted the Going Merry's hull.
"Merry, work with me!"
"Leave it to me!" Little Merry gripped the helm, pouring out her ship spirit power.
The next moment, using the two ships as launching points, combining the huge elastic potential with Vivi's updraft and little Merry's control, the Going Merry shot up like it had been launched from a giant slingshot, soaring over the heads of the two closing battleships.
"That's possible too?!"
Bogard watched the flying ship, astonished once again.
Even Garp was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter: "Puhahaha! That's my grandson!"
"Vice Admiral Garp, should we continue pursuit?"
The two subordinate ships were in disarray, desperately trying to recover after their masts had been used as launching points.
Garp scratched his head awkwardly, then said to Bogard: "Pursue! Of course we continue pursuit!"
As for the mess—let Kuzan deal with it!
Bogard couldn't help but wonder if Garp had perhaps seen that outcome all along.
The dog-head ship adjusted course, weaving past the chaotic friendly vessels, and continued toward the direction the Going Merry had vanished.
Days later. Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
The highest-level strategy conference room.
The atmosphere was extremely solemn.
The officers gathered here were truly the Marines' highest ranks. Around the elliptical table sat Vice Admirals—each with at least two stars on their epaulets.
Another bounty meeting.
Normally, only the Emperors of the New World warranted this level of attention.
This time was different.
Enies Lobby—the symbol of absolute justice—had been destroyed!
The Vice Admirals sat with solemn expressions, their gazes sharp.
The air was thick with the sense of approaching storm.
Near the front, beside the podium, one figure stood out.
Admiral Aokiji—Kuzan—sat with his chin propped on one hand, his head nodding slightly, apparently dozing off again.
It was fortunate that Admiral Akainu wasn't present, or the two would already be arguing.
The impact of this incident was too severe. It shook the entire Marine establishment.
A madman who declared war on the World Government. A pirate who fought an Admiral head-on and seemingly escaped unscathed. A crew that broke through a Buster Call's absolute force and fled. Even the Marine Hero, Vice Admiral Garp, had personally pursued them—and there was still no confirmation of their capture.
Every single development was like a slap in the face of the World Government and Marines alike.
Presiding over the meeting was a familiar figure.
Brannew—the King of Meetings.
He stood before a large white screen, his expression grave. Taking a deep breath, he slapped the whiteboard beside him with a sharp crack, drawing everyone's attention.
"Gentlemen!"
Brannew announced: "Today, we gather to assess a pirate crew of unprecedented danger—one that has struck at the very authority of the World Government. The Straw Hat Pirates!"
He pulled down the screen. A new set of wanted posters was prominently displayed. At the top was a young man, steam rising from his body, the ruins of Enies Lobby behind him.
***
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