233. Garp & Abona

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Daiki refrained from any unnecessary words, directly showcasing the might of the Marine's steel warship.

This served as a warning to everyone present that they were not to leave this designated part of the sea, at least until noon.

A Marine admiral, one of the strongest individuals in the Marines, had been blocked here by forces from a single nation. To say he wasn't angry would be a complete lie.

"Vice Admiral Garp, what should we do now?"

Gion, leaning against the railing with a look of concern, turned to Garp, who was lounging lazily but clearly troubled.

"Ahhh~!"

Garp sighed deeply before sitting up and casting a helpless glance at Abona.

"Do nothing here. These people aren't like pirates or those from other nations. If we attack, they might retaliate with a declaration of war. I'll go talk to them first."

With that, Garp leapt into the air, stepping across it using Geppo, and headed directly toward Abona's position.

The soldiers of the Tru Empire immediately went on high alert, their cannons all swivelling toward Garp.

"Stand down!"

Abona's commanding voice rang out, halting the tension.

He knew Garp hadn't come to start a battle but rather to talk.

Before the tension could escalate, Garp landed gracefully on the deck of the steel warship directly in front of Abona and stared at him with a complicated expression.

"TH-2, retreat 500 meters. All other fleets, remain on standby."

Abona issued the order calmly to his adjutant.

As he spoke, a chair was promptly brought forward and placed next to him clearly prepared for Garp. The security personnel around the deck quietly moved away, giving the two space to speak.

On the Marine side, the soldiers were puzzled. Why had their vice admiral gone aboard the enemy's ship? And why was the other side retreating instead of engaging?

Meanwhile, aboard the steel warship TH-2, Garp hesitated before speaking, his voice heavy.

"How did you end up here, in the Tru Empire?"

Abona's face remained stoic as he replied, "I ran because I had no other choice. His Majesty saved me and entrusted me with this responsibility. Staying here is, perhaps, the best decision I've made."

"You should have waited a little longer. I had already negotiated with the Celestial Dragons. I would've gotten you out in a few days..."

"Into Impel Down?" Abona interrupted with a sharp sneer. "And then what? Do you have a way to get me out after that? Don't joke with me, Garp. I'm a pirate, and you're a Marine. If you had that kind of power, your 'big sister' wouldn't still be stuck in that small corner of the world, refusing to move a single step. And your son wouldn't have grown up not knowing who his mother was!"

Garp winced at the harsh words but didn't interrupt. The weight of the truth in Abona's words left him at a loss for a rebuttal. He had indeed tried his best, but once someone was sent to Impel Down, there was little even a vice admiral could do.

"Did you kill the Celestial Dragon?"

Garp's question was sudden, but his tone wasn't one of anger. The life of a Celestial Dragon meant little to him.

Abona didn't respond immediately. The memory of that night was still fresh in his mind, as vivid as if it had happened yesterday.

Seeing his silence, Garp pressed on. "What's going on in the Tru Empire? How did so many powerful fighters suddenly appear? Do you have some kind of secret military training base? And what's the strength of King Anos?"

Garp's questions weren't just born of curiosity. He had come here not only to see an old acquaintance but also to assess the power of the Tru Empire.

The relationship between the two sides had grown tense, and Garp knew that the Marines were already preparing for the worst.

Abona scoffed, his eyes filled with disdain.

"Don't bother asking about the Tru Empire. Even if I told you, what would you do with the information? Yes, we have military bases, but you'll never find them. No one in the world could even guess their locations."

"As for His Majesty the King..." Abona paused, his voice lowering. "You've never seen him fight, and neither have I. Guessing the extent of his strength would be a fool's errand."

Garp leaned forward slightly. "Abona, have you thought about returning to the Marines? I could secure you the position of vice admiral. Why tie yourself to the South Blue and the Tru Empire?"

Garp's words were sincere. He didn't trust the Tru Empire's intentions, whether in military or commercial matters. Their every move seemed deliberate and calculated.

The Marines had already noticed their growing influence, and it was only a matter of time before conflict arose.

Abona took a deep breath, his tone firm.

"The Tru Empire is far more advanced than you imagine, Garp. But you've never taken this nation seriously. If you want my advice, visit as an ordinary man, not as a Marine officer. You'll see the difference for yourself.

"As for rejoining the Marines..." Abona shook his head. "Forget it. That organization has no heart. I'm better off here, doing something meaningful."

Garp sighed, his expression softening. "I just hope we don't end up on opposite sides one day."

Abona smirked slightly. "If you're so worried, maybe you should deal with your son first. He's the leader of the Revolutionary Army now. I'm sure the World Government and the Marines have already taken notice. You're already on opposing sides with him. What will you do then?"

Garp didn't answer, the weight of Abona's words settling heavily on him.

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