29 Chapter 27: To Baterilla Island

"Vice Admiral Garp, why are you blocking us?"

As the Southern Pier of Marine Headquarters came into view, Rear Admiral Onigumo looked at Garp, who stood before him, with a puzzled expression.

He and Sakazuki had already discussed and planned to depart as soon as possible. He had arranged the warship early in the morning, ensuring everything was prepared for their departure upon Sakazuki's arrival.

However, at this moment, Garp unexpectedly arrived with a few individuals and declared his intention to accompany them to the South Blue. This immediately raised Rear Admiral Onigumo's suspicions. This was a significant mission, and even the esteemed hero Garp's involvement didn't mean he was willing to relinquish control.

Approaching Rear Admiral Onigumo, Garp clapped him on the shoulder and declared, "This time, I'll be joining you on the journey to the South Blue. Roger's legacy still lingers; I cannot simply turn a blind eye to it."

"But this assignment..."

Rear Admiral Onigumo began to protest, but Garp cut him off, asserting, "My decision is made. There's no room for debate. Do you understand?" His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Rear Admiral Onigumo couldn't push further. Garp was not one to be relied upon, and crossing him could result in dire consequences. With no recourse, he could only await Sakazuki's response.

Just as Rear Admiral Onigumo felt uncomfortable, Sakazuki arrived with Lucas and a contingent of soldiers. Rushing to Sakazuki, Rear Admiral Onigumo relayed, "Vice Admiral Sakazuki, you've arrived at last. Vice Admiral Garp also wishes to accompany us. What do you think?"

"Then, let him come. What other choice do we have?" Sakazuki's response caught Rear Admiral Onigumo off guard. He had expected Sakazuki to refuse, not to accept so readily.

Garp laughed jovially and slapped Sakazuki's shoulder firmly, displaying familiarity. "I knew you wouldn't leave me behind, Sakazuki. We make a great team, don't we?"

Disentangling himself from Garp's grip, Sakazuki retorted, "We may have worked together, Garp, but don't forget, your closest ally is Sengoku, not me."

Sakazuki didn't mind Garp's inclusion. After all, he hadn't yet decided on his course of action. Having Garp along might not be detrimental, and refusing him might result in Garp's unpredictable behaviour anyway.

'Besides, Garp knows Rogue's exact location.' Sakazuki thought.

The sailors accustomed to Garp's antics followed without question, while those under Sakazuki's command watched in surprise. The legendary hero Garp's behaviour appeared eccentric to them.

Observing Sakazuki's agreement, Rear Admiral Onigumo couldn't help but whisper, "Is this truly wise?"

Garp overheard and chided, "Hey, kid, stop whispering. Your superior has consented. Show some discipline."

Sakazuki sighed inwardly. Garp and Dragon were both father and son. Thoughts of Dragon momentarily distracted him until he saw Dragon approaching.

"Hey, Sakazuki," Dragon greeted with a smile.

However, Sakazuki interrupted abruptly, turning to Garp without hesitation. "Vice Admiral Garp, if you want to come, send him back."

Dragon's smile faded. Sakazuki's request was unexpected.

Garp was equally puzzled. He recalled Dragon's words, speaking highly of their rapport. Why, then, was Sakazuki so eager to dismiss Dragon?

"Why?" Garp inquired.

Sakazuki didn't mince words. "He's a nuisance. His presence hampers my duties. It's simple: either he goes or you both do. Your call."

Others anticipated Garp's hesitation, but he wasted no time, commanding Dragon, "You useless fool. Stop wasting time and leave. Your presence is an embarrassment to me. Go."

Dragon glared at Sakazuki, his plans thwarted. Despite his cleverness, he found himself outmanoeuvred.

Sakazuki boarded the warship, relieved to have rid himself of Dragon. Garp, wearing a confused expression, followed with only his lieutenant.

Ignoring Garp's antics, Sakazuki focused on the journey ahead. Garp's chatter, though incessant, was preferable to Dragon's clinginess.

Watching the warship depart, Dragon shook his head, crestfallen. His eagerness turned to disappointment, foiled by Sakazuki's decision.

'Sakazuki is trying to get rid of me, but why?' Dragon thought while leaving.

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"Sakazuki, what are your plans after our venture to the South Blue?" Garp, devoid of his elder statesman persona, queried as they sailed.

Glancing at him, Sakazuki asked, "Why the sudden interest, Vice Admiral Garp?"

Garp chuckled. "Just concerned about eliminating Roger's legacy. It's too much of a threat."

Sensing Garp's dishonesty, Sakazuki refrained from comment. Instead, he shared, "According to CP0 intelligence, Roger left Baterilla about a month ago. This implies his woman has been pregnant for at least two months."

"Given Roger's brief stay, the pregnancy cannot exceed six months. In other words, the woman is in her second to sixth month of pregnancy."

"That makes sense," Garp nodded, although he lacked this information previously. With more details, his investigation would be more fruitful.

With this new insight, Garp felt more equipped for the task at hand. He knew the woman's name and address but lacked a physical description. Reluctant to rely on others, Garp saw value in gathering as much intelligence as possible.

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