"Since you're unwilling to come over, then in my opinion, let's call it here. It was only a sparring match to begin with."
Seeing that Garp truly refused to step forward, Sengoku smoothly used the moment to cancel the duel.
"Hey, don't, I'm coming right now!"
Garp was having way too much fun. Of course he did not want the match to end. As he spoke, he loosened his stance, about to charge in and attack.
"Ahem. I just remembered there's a top-secret file delivered this morning from the intelligence agents that I still haven't handled. So let's forget this today."
"When I have time, I'll spar with you slowly and properly."
Sengoku had finally found an excuse, so naturally he did not want to fight anymore.
"Give me some face. Let's call it today. Tonight, I'll treat you to dinner." After saying that aloud, Sengoku walked closer to Garp and added in a low voice, almost conspiratorially.
Garp laughed.
"Hahahaha, fine. Since you've admitted defeat, Sengoku, we'll let it go this time!"
Even though he had not gotten to fight to his heart's content, he had basically tested the power of this style.
As long as he trained it more, given enough time, he would definitely have a chance to climb yet another step higher.
"Alright, you brats, disperse, disperse!"
Garp waved his hand, sending the crowd away.
Then he followed Sengoku back to the Fleet Admiral's office.
The moment they returned, Sengoku made sure no one was around. Then he leaned in immediately.
"Garp, where did you get that new style of fighting?"
"Hahahaha, I just comprehended it in the East Blue. A brand-new combat technique. So, how about it? Isn't it interesting?"
'Yeah right. I believe you, my ass. You rotten old man, you're bad to the bone.'
Sengoku stared at him with pure contempt.
"Hahahaha, I knew I couldn't fool you, you Marine strategist!"
After that single glance from Sengoku, Garp scratched the back of his head and laughed cheerfully.
At their stage in life, there were not many things that could make them genuinely happy. Only in front of an old friend would they show such an unguarded side.
"It was that Amon Nagi, wasn't it? I remember the Fifth Division reported to me that after you loaned out a billion Beli last time, you got a lot of interesting things from that Jar merchant."
"I didn't believe it at first. But I didn't expect those Jars to be so miraculous, to the point that you can even learn this kind of secret technique."
Sengoku had not believed the reports from the East Blue before.
But after personally witnessing the sudden leap in Garp's strength, he immediately recalled what the Marines stationed there had reported.
Then he remembered how tense Garp had looked when Sengoku sent people to capture Amon. With that, the conclusion was almost obvious.
"Hahaha, yes! I didn't expect you'd already know!"
After being ruthlessly exposed, Garp scratched his head again and laughed loudly.
"So it really is true!"
Now that Garp confirmed it, Sengoku's expression turned downright stunned.
"Of course. That kid's Jars are ridiculously miraculous. It's just that they're expensive."
"I spent a billion just to open something I wanted."
Garp nodded.
Sengoku sighed, carrying more regret than he wanted to admit.
"Damn it. If I'd known, I would've personally gone last time…"
"I heard Kizaru also opened a pretty decent item from that kid. After he returned to headquarters, he immediately shut himself in and started training."
"And he even told me he got injured in the last battle and needed to rest. I thought he was just looking for an excuse to slack off."
"Now it looks like he really did get something good…"
His voice was tinged with unmistakable envy.
As Fleet Admiral, he rarely had the chance to leave Marine Headquarters. There were simply too many things demanding his attention. Most of the time, it was the Admirals and Vice Admirals who went out to handle matters.
"Garp… hm? Hey."
Sengoku was still talking when he realized there was no response.
He turned his head and saw Garp, a donut still in hand, already asleep.
Garp had rushed back from the East Blue for days without rest, exhausting himself. Then he had gotten into a fight with Sengoku, enjoyed himself thoroughly, and promptly fell asleep on the spot.
Sengoku stared at him and cursed him out silently inside his heart.
But after thinking it over, he still did not disturb him.
Because Garp, much like Mihawk, had a terrifyingly nasty temper when woken up.
With no other choice, Sengoku stopped the topic and returned to his chair, beginning to read through the documents on his desk.
He decided he would continue the conversation once Garp woke up.
...
East Blue.
Syrup Village.
Amon was already packing his things. He planned to travel to the next place, selling Jars along the way.
At the dock…
After saying goodbye to Merry and the others one by one, and after reaching a certain agreement with Kaya, Amon stepped onto his own ship.
"Mr. Amon, fair winds on your journey!"
"Mr. Amon, you must take care of yourself!"
"Mr. Amo…"
On the shore, Merry and the others waved goodbye.
They had only spent a few days with Amon, yet they were completely won over by his personal charm.
Of course, what truly conquered them was also their stomachs.
Over the past few days, Amon had cooked for them, changing styles every time, and they had eaten like kings.
They had even learned how to use chopsticks properly now.
Even though they felt reluctant to see him leave, they also understood very clearly that Syrup Village could never keep someone as extraordinary as Amon.
So the only thing they could do was come and send him off.
"Alright, go back now."
Standing on the deck of the large ship, Amon lifted a hand and waved to them. Then he said, "This trip to Syrup Village made me very happy. If fate allows, we'll meet again."
He paused slightly.
His gaze settled on Kaya, who stood at the very front of the crowd, and he smiled gently.
"Kaya, don't forget our promise."
"Mm."
Kaya's eyes were filled with tears. Holding the little Kirliya tightly, she nodded hard.
"I definitely won't, sir!"
"When you travel, remember that there's Kaya in Syrup Village waiting for you to come back."
"I will definitely grow tea properly from now on. When you return, I'll brew tea for you every single day!"
"Sir, when your journey ends, you have to remember to come back and see me and… Coco too!"
As she spoke, Kaya forced a smile, waving her small hand even though she could not bear to let go.
"Sir, goodbye!"
"Alright. Sir will definitely come back to see Kaya."
Amon nodded with a smile.
"When that time comes, I'll drink the tea you brew every day. Goodbye, Kaya."
Then, he turned around, raised the sails, and set off.
Next stop.
Nami's hometown.
Cocoyasi Village.