Chapter 9

The Hokage's office was bathed in the warm glow of early morning sunlight as Garp strode in, his massive frame seeming to fill the entire room.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat behind his desk, his weathered hands folded neatly in front of him. Despite his genial appearance, there was a sharpness in his eyes that betrayed his legendary status as the God of Shinobi.

"Ah, Monkey D. Garp, I presume?" Hiruzen said, rising to greet his visitor. "Welcome to Konohagakure. I trust you've found your accommodations satisfactory?"

Garp grinned broadly, but his eyes held a keenness that matched the Hokage's. "Bwahahahahahahaha! They're just fine, old man! Your village is quite the sight. My grandkids are having a ball!"

Hiruzen nodded, gesturing for Garp to take a seat. As they settled, the Hokage's gaze never left Garp's face. "I'm glad to hear it. Now, perhaps we could discuss the reason for your visit?"

Garp leaned back in his chair, which creaked ominously under his weight. "Straight to business, eh? Well, can't fault you for that. Truth is, we're here on a bit of a vacation. Tsunade invited us after that little scuffle with the Iwa nin."

'I did say I would be an ambassador for Hanzo, but that sounds boring.' Garp thought to himself, while slightly amused as he imagined the man's anger.

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly. "Ah yes, that 'little scuffle.' I've received some rather interesting reports about that incident. It seems you single-handedly defeated an entire platoon of Iwa's elite forces."

"Oh, that?" Garp waved his hand dismissively. "Just a bit of exercise. Those Iwa boys need to toughen up if they want to play in the big leagues."

The casualness with which Garp dismissed such a feat did not go unnoticed by Hiruzen. He leaned forward slightly, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Garp-san, I hope you understand that in times of war, such displays of power do not go unnoticed or unquestioned. I must ask: where do your allegiances lie?"

The atmosphere in the room shifted, the air growing heavy with tension. Garp's grin faded slightly, replaced by a more measured expression. This was no longer the boisterous grandfather, but a seasoned warrior who had navigated the treacherous waters of power and politics in another lifetime.

"My allegiances, Hokage-sama." Garp began, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to resonate through the room, "Are to my family and to peace. I currently reside in Amegakure, under the protection of Hanzo. But I hold no formal ties to any hidden village."

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed further. "A man of your... capabilities, choosing to remain unaffiliated in these times? Surely you understand how that might be perceived as suspicious."

Garp met Hiruzen's gaze unflinchingly. "I understand perfectly, Hokage-sama. But I've seen enough war to last several lifetimes. My focus now is on raising my grandchildren and teaching them to navigate this world."

The Hokage studied Garp intently, searching for any sign of deception. Finding none, he decided to press further. "And what are your true intentions in coming to Konoha? Surely not just a simple vacation."

At this, Garp's usual grin returned, though his eyes remained sharp. "Can't an old man show his grandkids the sights? But if you're asking if I have any nefarious plans for your village, the answer is no. We're here to learn, to experience, and perhaps to build some bridges."

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "Bridges?"

Garp nodded, his expression growing serious once more. "This war has gone on long enough, don't you think? Perhaps it's time for some... unconventional approaches to peace."

The implications of Garp's words hung heavy in the air. Hiruzen leaned back, his mind racing with the possibilities and potential consequences of what Garp was suggesting.

After a moment of tense silence, Hiruzen spoke again, his voice low and laden with authority. "Garp-san, I hope you understand the position I'm in. As Hokage, it's my duty to protect this village and its people. Your presence here, with your immense strength and unclear allegiances, poses a potential threat."

As he spoke, Hiruzen began to exert his chakra, filling the room with an oppressive aura that would have brought most shinobi to their knees. It was a display of power befitting the God of Shinobi, a reminder of why he held his position.

But Garp's reaction was not what Hiruzen expected. Instead of being cowed or impressed, Garp threw his head back and laughed, his booming "Bwahahahahahah!" seeming to dispel the heavy atmosphere like a gust of wind scattering leaves.

"That's a neat trick, old man!" Garp exclaimed, wiping a tear of mirth from his eye. "Reminds me of a fellow I used to know. But you'll have to do better than that to rattle these old bones!"

Hiruzen's eyes widened in surprise, his chakra pressure dissipating in the face of Garp's unshakeable demeanor. In all his years, he had never encountered someone who could shrug off his power so casually.

Garp, seeing the shock on the Hokage's face, softened his expression. "Look, Hokage-sama, I understand your concerns. In your position, I'd be wary too. But I give you my word: I'm not here to cause trouble. I'm just a grandfather wanting to show his kids a good time and maybe, just maybe, plant some seeds for a better future."

Hiruzen studied Garp for a long moment, weighing his words and actions. Finally, he spoke, his voice carrying a mix of wariness and grudging respect. "Very well, Garp-san. I'll take you at your word... for now. You and your grandchildren are welcome to continue your stay in Konoha. But understand that you will be watched."

Garp nodded, his grin returning full force. "Wouldn't expect anything less from the God of Shinobi! However, you might want to be a bit more subtle with your crystal ball technique. It's not nice to spy on guests, you know."

Hiruzen's eyes sharpened as he asked a question that had been plaguing him. "Yes. How did you...?"

"Let's just say I've got a few tricks up my sleeve too." Garp winked. "Now, if there's nothing else, I've got three excited kids waiting to explore more of your lovely village."

The Hokage nodded, still somewhat off-balance from the encounter. "Of course. Please, enjoy your stay. And Garp-san... I hope we can speak again soon. Your perspective on... peace... intrigues me."

Garp stood, giving a casual salute. "Anytime, Hokage-sama. Just send word, and I'll be here faster than you can say 'Fist of Love'!"

As Garp turned to leave, his hand on the doorknob, he paused. Slowly, he turned his head, looking back at Hiruzen with one eye. The playful grandfather was gone once again, replaced by something old and dangerous.

"One more thing, Hokage-sama." Garp said, his voice low and resonant. "A piece of advice, from one old warrior to another."

Before Hiruzen could respond, the air in the room seemed to thicken. An invisible wave of power emanated from Garp, filling every corner of the office. It was Conqueror's Haki at its full, terrifying strength.

Hiruzen, the God of Shinobi, found himself rooted to his chair, his body trembling against his will. His pipe clattered to the desk, forgotten. In the shadows of the room, the hidden ANBU guards froze, paralyzed by a fear they had never known before.

"Be careful who you place your trust in." Garp continued, his voice cutting through the oppressive atmosphere like a blade. "Because if the ROOTS of this tree attempt to touch my Grandchildren, I'll pluck them out myself."

As suddenly as it had come, the pressure vanished. Garp's usual grin was back in place as if nothing had happened. "See you around, old man! Don't work too hard now!"

With that, Garp left, closing the door behind him with a gentle click that seemed absurdly normal after what had just transpired.

Hiruzen sat in stunned silence for several long moments, his aged hands shaking as he reached for his fallen pipe. The ANBU guards slowly emerged from their hiding spots, their usual grace replaced by unsteady movements.

"H-Hokage-sama." one of them ventured, his voice still quavering slightly. "W-What... what was that?"

Hiruzen took a long drag from his pipe, using the familiar action to center himself. When he spoke, his voice was filled with a mix of awe and caution.

"That... was power beyond anything I've ever encountered. And a warning I would do well to heed."

As the ANBU tried to process this, Hiruzen turned to gaze out the window, his eyes following Garp's massive form as he made his way back to his waiting grandchildren.

"Monkey D. Garp." Hiruzen murmured, "Can I count on you to not become my enemy? Or should I not become your enemy?"

Outside, unaware of the turmoil he had left in his wake, Garp scooped up Yahiko, who had been impatiently waiting with Konan and Nagato.

"So, Gramps?" Yahiko asked excitedly. "How did it go? Is the Hokage really as strong as they say?"

Garp laughed, setting the boy on his broad shoulders. "Oh, he's plenty strong, all right. But strength comes in many forms, my boy. Remember that."

As they set off to continue their exploration of Konoha, Garp's mind was already several steps ahead. His threat had to be clear, because if anyone harmed his family

They would die.

[AN: I'm back!!! Sunday is the new update day due to a scheduling conflict!!!]