Chapter 138
**Chapter 138**
The **Kingdom of Goa**—the homeland of **Garp** and his son, with **Foosha Village** lying on its outskirts—held a weight that neither could ignore.
The moment **Carl** mentioned their destination, **Garp and Dragon froze**.
They didn't move.
Carl's **gaze sharpened**.
"This is an **order**," he said.
Then, without another word, he turned to leave, throwing one last remark over his shoulder:
"Disobey, and you'll face the **consequences**."
A heavy silence followed.
Dragon closed his eyes briefly before speaking.
"Father," he said. "Let's go. We are **the Navy**. We cannot **defy orders**."
Garp frowned, eyeing Dragon **curiously**.
Since when was his son so... **obedient?**
Shaking his head, he sighed.
"Fine, but **treat your wounds first**. That Carl was **rough**!"
---
As soon as **Carl and his group** landed, they were welcomed with **great fanfare**.
The **nobles of Goa** bowed and fawned over him, their faces full of **flattery**.
Though Carl had **come for money**, no one dared **complain**.
Some noblewomen even **flirted openly**, eager to gain his attention.
If it weren't for **Ginny and Lucia** flanking him like silent **bodyguards**, the women might have **swarmed him**.
But the nobles weren't the only ones vying for favor.
Seeing how **Spandam**—a representative of the **World Government**—was **groveling before Carl**, the nobles **doubled their efforts**.
Spandam, however, wasn't pleased.
He snapped at them, his voice sharp.
"**Behave yourselves!**"
"Admiral Black Dragon is here to **rest**. Anyone who disturbs him will be punished for **provoking the World Government!**"
His warning worked instantly.
The nobles fell into **hushed obedience**, leaving only the **king** to speak with Carl.
---
**Dragon** stood off to the side, watching **coldly**.
He saw the way the nobles **fawned** over Carl.
The way they **desperately sought favor**.
And it **disgusted him**.
Carl noticed Dragon's expression but said nothing.
Instead, he turned to the **King of Goa**, who stood beside him, smiling.
"This is the homeland of **Vice Admiral Garp** and **Rear Admiral Dragon**," Carl remarked.
"They are **your people**. Why not go and **greet them**?"
The **king's smile stiffened**.
He hesitated before whispering,
"Admiral Black Dragon… Vice Admiral **Garp** is not easy to get along with."
"Every time he returns, I send people to greet him… but he **always ignores me.**"
Carl smirked but said **nothing more**.
---
Surrounded by nobles, Carl and his group **entered the capital**.
The **outermost part** of the city was the **central street**, where the **civilians** lived.
At the sight of the **king**, the civilians **immediately stopped working**.
They hurriedly stood on both sides of the street, their **heads bowed low**—like **servants**.
Some **stole glances** at Carl.
Seeing the **high-and-mighty king bow before him**, their **eyes widened in shock**.
Spandam, walking beside Carl, **frowned** in displeasure.
He thought to himself,
"This display is **beneath Carl's stature**. According to **World Government laws**, any civilian who fails to **kneel** should be **executed.**"
He let out a quiet sigh.
"Lord Carl is **too lenient.**"
Just as they were **leaving the civilian district**, a sudden voice **broke the silence**.
A **little girl** ran blindly into the street.
She had **purple hair in a bob cut** and wore a **black cloth** over her eyes.
Her small hands **groped the air**, and she muttered,
"Why did everyone get **so quiet** all of a sudden? Where **is everyone**?"
The **nobles stiffened**.
A **young noble** immediately barked,
"Who let this **child** out here?! How **rude**! Guards, **seize her!**"
Before the guards could move, a **middle-aged couple** rushed forward.
The woman—who also had **purple hair**—grabbed the girl tightly, while the man fell to his **knees before Carl**.
"**Please forgive us!**" the father pleaded.
"We didn't take proper care of our daughter! She's just a **child**—we **beg your mercy!**"
Sensing the tension, the little girl hesitated.
Then—she removed the **black cloth** from her face.
Her **large, indigo eyes** blinked up at the guards, who looked just as **nervous as she did**.
But the young noble wasn't satisfied.
His **face twisted in rage**.
"You **fools!**" he snapped.
"Do you want to **doom** the Kingdom of Goa?!"
He turned to Carl, his face full of **sycophantic eagerness**.
"**Admiral Black Dragon!** Please calm your anger! I'll **deal with this child** at once!"
The **king's expression darkened**.
This **noble** was overstepping.
Who was the **real king here**?
Even **Spandam** sneered, thinking,
"This idiot. Does he really think Carl cares about **something so trivial**?"
Garp, who had been **holding back**, clenched his **fist**.
He was about to **teach the noble a lesson** when—
**Ginny tugged on Carl's sleeve.**
Carl glanced at her, then gave a **soft smile** before turning his gaze back to the noble.
His **expression blanked**.
In a **cold, measured voice**, he asked—
"What's your **name**?"
The noble **brightened**, thinking he had impressed Carl.
"Admiral Black Dragon!" he said quickly. "I am **Outlook III!**"
Carl's **brows raised**.
For a moment, he searched his memory.
Then—it **clicked**.
"Outlook III…?"
Carl's eyes **gleamed with interest**.
This man was **Sabo's father**.
But given the **timeline**—
Sabo hadn't even been **born yet**.
Carl's lips curled slightly.
His gaze flicked toward **Spandam**.
Spandam immediately understood.
Without hesitation, he **stepped forward** and—
**Smack!**
The **sound of a slap** echoed through the streets.
Outlook III **staggered backward**, clutching his **cheek**.
A **tooth flew out** from his mouth as he **collapsed to the ground**.
The nobles **gasped in shock**.
Despite the humiliation, Outlook III **didn't dare retaliate**.
Instead, he **cowered**, his voice trembling.
"**Lord Spandam…**" he whimpered. "What did I **do wrong**?"
Spandam **scoffed**.
"Who do you think **Admiral Black Dragon** is?" he sneered.
"Do you really think he **cares** about a little girl?"
He looked down at Outlook III in disgust.
"You just tried to **smear his name.**"