Chapter 90

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Under the absolute dominance of holy water, Smoker's Fruit abilities almost completely lost their effectiveness.

Ultimately, it's either that this Logia fruit is too weak, or perhaps Smoker hasn't developed its potential enough, with his elemental transformation being almost pointless except for basic transformations.

If it had been the Magma-Magma or Light-Light Fruit, a single magma punch or light-speed kick could instantly break through Aqua's water barrier!

Of course, Aqua, who has not yet mastered Armament Haki, would also find it difficult to hit the agile smoke.

Just as Smoker gave up on using his fruit powers and was about to settle the battle with physical techniques, Zyhark timely intervened to halt the duel.

Aqua wasn't at an advantage in physical combat, and being beaten up in front of so many could provoke this prideful yet foolish goddess into causing a big scene.

More importantly, he didn't want Aqua to reveal all her abilities to the Navy.

Even if the opponents were Garp and Smoker.

The power displayed so far was more than enough for Garp to report back!

Smoker accepted Zyhark's proposal for a ceasefire very calmly, almost immediately agreeing to it.

After all, he isn't the type to seek strength and victory, and having achieved his primary goal, he naturally wouldn't insist on continuing.

Aqua, however, was making a fuss and strongly reprimanded Zyhark.

"What? Just like that? Are you joking? I wasn't even serious yet! If I used all my power, I could definitely defeat that smoke man instantly. Are you saying you're worried I might lose, Zyhark?"

Zyhark stepped forward and whispered to the indignant Aqua, "Aqua, the opponent is the Naval Officer of Loguetown, and he's a decent man. I'm afraid if you got serious, it would be a pity if you killed him."

"Is that so, is that so... Well, since he's a good person, let's leave it at that!" Aqua immediately slapped her chest, generously expressing her understanding.

"Truly worthy of the Goddess of Water, Aqua. Such magnanimity is admirable," Zyhark praised.

"Of course!"

Aqua lifted her head proudly, her gaze towards Smoker carrying a lofty attitude of superiority: I'm letting you off this time, for Zyhark's and Loguetown's sake!

Smoker, whose mood was inadvertently irritated by her look, took several deep drags of his cigar to calm down.

"Is that sufficient, then?"

Zyhark, having appeased Aqua, approached Garp, "Please take good care of Aqua for me, Old Man Garp."

"Zyhark, you've noticed, haven't you?" Garp looked up at the triumphant Aqua and sighed heavily, "I am a Marine, after all. I can't just ignore a power that could affect the world's balance..."

"You said it yourself, you're on vacation now. Navy matters shouldn't concern you," Zyhark retorted with a smile.

"You kid, I guess Luffy didn't learn all his tricks from you, huh?" Garp laughed and cursed.

Standing silently for a few seconds, he then shifted his gaze away from the dazed Aqua—Zyhark's "persuasion" of Aqua hadn't escaped his keen hearing.

"Ah, moving around made me suddenly hungry. Bring on whatever delicious food you have, and we'll talk about other matters after I've filled my stomach."

"Speaking of which, it's been a long time since I last tasted your cooking. I've actually missed it!"

This comment implied quite clearly:

While he couldn't hide Aqua's existence due to his position, he would still help to minimize her presence to Headquarters and the World Government.

"Absolutely no problem!"

Zyhark readily agreed, turned, and walked down to the restaurant to start cooking.

Thus, the potentially significant issue of Aqua being a Water-type ability user had reached a more or less perfect resolution.

At least for the short term, the World Government shouldn't be troubling them!

As the enticing aroma from the restaurant kitchen wafted through the air, completing the confinement work of the Krieg pirate crew, the marines also returned to their ship, contentedly munching on the dry bread rations.

With so many soldiers on the two naval ships, even if he wanted to, Zyhark couldn't possibly cook enough food for all.

The ship had plenty of alcohol, but strictly speaking, the marines were on duty and it wasn't appropriate for them to drink.

In an effort to curry favor, the floating restaurant still brought out the citrus fruits bought from Cocoyasi Village to simply entertain the group of marines.

Using the cheapest costs to win over the favor of these young marines, who knows, they might meet again on the high seas?

When Zyhark finished preparing all the dishes and came out of the kitchen, he was surprised to see that the marines on the ship all wore expressions of extreme shock.

Even Smoker, remaining on the Endless Dream, had an incredulous look on his normally composed face.

Garp, a pinnacle figure in the world, was on his hands and knees on the deck, enveloped in a state of utter disbelief as if he had received a considerable blow.

It seemed he was deeply affected!

In contrast, Aqua leisurely drank her beer, and King stood indifferently, his demeanor subtly exuding an undeniable air of authority.

Zyhark found this scene puzzling, but after inquiring with Aqua and understanding the whole story, his pupils suddenly dilated.

Perhaps due to King's formidable appearance yet undetectable aura and strength, Garp, having nothing better to do while Zyhark cooked, had taken interest in the intimidating King and challenged him.

King, having no reason to refuse, was forced to accept, and the two squared off on the second deck of the Endless Dream.

The outcome greatly surprised all the marines present—in an absolutely fair face-off, the legendary Marine hero, Vice Admiral Garp, was utterly defeated by the blond man from the floating restaurant, and it was a complete defeat!!

'Did Garp choose King's only advantage as the battle condition? Should we say Garp was too confident in his own strength, or was King's Conqueror's Haki luck simply too outrageous?'

Zyhark covered his face with his hand, chuckling helplessly and shaking his head.

No wonder he had heard the sound of the Emperor Engine roaring while he was cooking...

Yes!

To minimize the potential damage from the fight, Garp chose to confront King directly, comparing the rate and sound of their heartbeats!

"Hahaha! Truly an utter defeat, it's been a long time since I've tasted such a thorough defeat!"

Watching Garp get over the shock and stand there scratching his head and laughing.

Zyhark could hardly imagine what kind of hilarious expression this old man would have when he learns that King's limit strength is a 25kg dumbbell!

Who knows whether letting the marines witness King's "complete victory" over Garp is a good or bad thing for King and their entire team...

"Hey! Zyhark, is the food ready? I can smell something incredible!" Garp interrupted Zyhark's thoughts.

Without waiting for Zyhark to respond, Garp, who had already smelled the aroma, quickly slipped to the first floor restaurant and began voraciously eating and drinking.

(End of Chapter)