Kaya's father stepped forward beside Kairo D. Arashi, gave a slight bow to Garp, and spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Mr. Garp, I am a villager of Syrup Village. Two years ago, I saw you once in Loguetown. I know you are a hero of the Marines—and a man who truly stands for justice."
"So please, Mr. Garp, do not tarnish your reputation by wronging a good person! To us villagers of Syrup Village, Mr. Kairo D. Arashi is a good man—our benefactor!"
"If you insist on arresting Mr. Kairo D. Arashi…"
"Then…"
"Then you will have to step over our corpses first."
"Because if Mr. Kairo D. Arashi hadn't appeared, we would already have been killed by those marines!"
"And I won't let you take Mr. Kairo D. Arashi either—never!"
The mont Kaya's father finished speaking, Kaya imdiately ran to Kairo D. Arashi's side, tightly grabbing his arm. She had completely forgotten that she was the one who needed protection, her face filled with fear that he might be taken away.
This scene shocked not only Garp and his n—but even Kairo D. Arashi himself.
He hadn't expected these simple villagers, who had been trembling in fear of the Marines just monts ago, to now stand firm and confront them head-on.
Especially Kaya's father—despite knowing Garp's reputation—he remained astonishingly composed.
Of course, Kaya's father wasn't truly calm.
On the surface, he seed steady as a rock, but inside, he was panicking like crazy.
However, as a businessman who had traveled widely, he understood what kind of man Garp was. Having witnessed Garp in Loguetown two years ago, he knew this legendary Marine was different.
That was why he dared to step forward.
And more importantly—Kairo D. Arashi had saved Syrup Village. If he didn't stand up now, he would be unworthy of that kindness!
Garp froze on the spot.
His subordinates were equally at a loss.
As n serving under the legendary Marine hero, they might act carefree aboard the ship—but when it ca to matters of right and wrong, they upheld strict discipline.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them a truly righteous branch of the Marines.
So when they saw all the villagers standing behind Kairo D. Arashi, the only thing they could do was look to Garp, awaiting his decision.
"...Haa."
After staring at Kaya and her father for a long mont, Garp let out a long breath and looked at Kairo D. Arashi sowhat awkwardly. "Kairo D. Arashi brat… what exactly is going on here?"
"This situation is a bit troubleso for you, old geezer. After all, it's Marines who died."
Kairo D. Arashi shrugged slightly. "How about this—you go find out what happened first. Once you're done, co to the mansion and find ."
With that, he took Kaya's hand and turned to leave.
"Huh?!"
Seeing Kairo D. Arashi just walk away like that, Garp's eyes widened as he roared, "You brat, if you leave, how am I supposed to investigate—what the hell! …Fine, fine. This has to be resolved. I'll co find you later."
"Vice Admiral Garp…"
Seeing that Garp didn't stop Kairo D. Arashi, Swick stepped forward and asked, "Are we just going to let him go? Should I bring him back—"
"Swick, don't act recklessly."
Garp stopped him and said seriously, "If what the villagers said is true, then it ans there's a problem within the Marines of East Blue. If we don't fix it, there will be endless trouble in the future. Besides… even if all of you go together, you wouldn't be his match. So let investigate first before dealing with him."
"What?!"
Swick and the others' eyes widened instantly.
Even all of them together… wouldn't be his opponent?!
Was he really that terrifying?
Garp ignored their reactions. Seeing that none of the villagers had left, he scratched his head awkwardly and laughed. "Everyone, trust . I'll definitely get to the bottom of this. Now… who will tell what exactly happened here?"
......
Inside Kaya's mansion, in the living room.
Kairo D. Arashi lounged lazily on the sofa with one leg crossed over the other, while little Kaya thoughtfully brought him a cup of water.
"Mr. Kairo D. Arashi… who was that old gentleman?"
"Old gentleman?"
Kairo D. Arashi took the cup and shook his head with a smile. "He's no gentleman. He's a Vice Admiral from Marine Headquarters—a stubborn old fossil… an old geezer!"
"A Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral… that's a very high rank."
Kaya blinked, worry evident in her eyes. "W-what if… he still decides to arrest you?"
Kairo D. Arashi gently patted her head and said softly, "Don't worry. That old geezer may be strong, but capturing won't be easy."
"Mhm! I believe in you, Mr. Kairo D. Arashi!"
Perhaps influenced by Kairo D. Arashi's confidence, Kaya relaxed a little, a sweet smile appearing on her face under his gentle reassurance.
Ti passed, second by second.
An hour later—
Garp entered the living room under Kaya's father's guidance.
Looking at Kairo D. Arashi sitting there, Garp walked straight over and sat down across from him, asking bluntly, "Kid—give a clear answer."
"????"
Looking at the impatient Garp, Kairo D. Arashi was montarily confused.
What's wrong with this old geezer now?
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