Chapter 13 – The Name That Never Dies

Sengoku stood in front of the large window at Marineford, gazing at the vast ocean. The sharp, salty scent of the sea filled the air, but his thoughts were fixated on one name that haunted the report in his hand: Gerald Lazhar.

"How many years has it been since this name appeared in official documents?" he muttered to himself.

Garp remained seated, but his eyes were no longer filled with the usual playful light. They were sharp, focused, and serious. "The last time his name came up in a report... was about two decades ago. During the hunt for the remnants of Roger's crew."

"He should have been dead by now," Sengoku continued. "At least, that's what we believed."

"Someone like Lazhar doesn't die that easily," Garp replied, his tone flat. "He's not just any pirate. He stood on the same ship as Roger. Not everyone on Roger's crew had power, but Lazhar... he was one of the dangerous ones."

Sengoku turned the page of the report. There, a crude sketch of a young boy: Bastien de Vill. Below it, unofficial notes.

'Orphan, approximately 11 years old. Involved in the capture of pirates in Mad Hat. Likely an apprentice or adopted child of Gerald Lazhar.'

"Interesting," Sengoku murmured. "He took on an apprentice?"

"Or an heir," Garp added. "Lazhar never cared about anyone but himself. If he's taking in a child, there's always a hidden agenda."

Sengoku rubbed his chin, deep in thought. "But why now? Why would Lazhar, a man known for his solitary nature, suddenly take on a child? And more importantly, why let him get involved with something as dangerous as this?"

Garp leaned against the doorframe, folding his arms. "You know as well as I do, Sengoku. Lazhar isn't someone who acts without reason. And this kid, Bastien... he's no stranger to danger himself. It's all part of the bigger picture."

Sengoku turned his body, placing the report on the table. "According to this report, Mad Hat is under the control of a man named Rick Blacknose. A merchant, but also the leader of a criminal organization. It's suspected that he controls pirate traffic in the West Blue."

"Rick Blacknose... I've heard that name before," Garp said. "Cunning. Not a fighter, but dangerous because he knows how to control people."

"And he's involved with Lazhar." Sengoku let out a long sigh. "West Blue is stirring. I don't like this."

Garp rose from his seat and walked slowly toward the door. "You want to send someone?"

Sengoku paused for a moment, then nodded. "Gion is already stationed in that area. I'll send her direct orders. If Lazhar is active again, we can't let him roam freely for too long."

Garp nodded slightly, but there was a trace of doubt in his eyes.

"Something bothering you?" Sengoku asked quickly.

Garp responded without looking back. "If he's training a kid... that kid isn't ordinary."

"This Bastien kid?"

Garp took a step toward the door, but before disappearing behind it, he said, "Watch the world, Sengoku. But be careful when trying to extinguish a small flame... sometimes that flame is the fuse to something much bigger."

Sengoku watched him leave, his mind racing. The mention of Lazhar's name had stirred something deep within him. He couldn't ignore the feeling that the world was on the brink of something major, something that would involve more than just the Marines. He needed to act fast, but the consequences of underestimating Lazhar were far too great.

The door closed behind Garp, leaving Sengoku standing alone in the silence of his office. He looked down at the report again, the mark of Gol D. Roger faintly imprinted beneath the paper. It was like a shadow from the past, a reminder that some names never truly die.