Chapter 9 Gnar’S Past

"Family!!!"

The moment Robin uttered the word "family," everyone— the two giants, Zala, and even Gnar— looked astonished.

It was an answer that none of them had anticipated!

This response carried an emotion far deeper than that of a captain or a comrade.

Until now, Gnar had mostly been fascinated by Robin's intellect and physique, qualities that heightened the allure of most female characters in his adventures.

Yet, Robin's answer now caused an unexpected ripple in his heart.

Could it be that love truly blossoms over time?

After giving her answer, Robin withdrew her gaze and didn't look at Gnar again.

Dorry burst into laughter upon hearing Robin's response.

"ゲギャギャギャ, family? What an unexpected answer! Despite this kid giving off an aura that unsettles me, in this case, we can consider him a friend. We've already shared a drink; it wouldn't be right to refuse your request, kid."

"What is that unsettling aura?"

Curious as he was, Gnar wasted no time and spoke up directly.

"I want to learn the giant Haki techniques from these two warriors."

"Haki!!!"

Brogy, the red ghost, appeared surprised at this request, but then chuckled.

"Kuba... so it's about Haki... Gudong, Gudong, what's the request? Seems like you're a warrior who values strength. Teaching you Haki shouldn't be an issue."

"Yes, but there's one condition. We can only teach you what we know of Haki from our giant clan. Whether you have the potential to cultivate Haki successfully is up to you..."

Satisfied with this progress, Gnar nodded firmly.

"No problem! That's more than enough!"

Seeing Gnar's confident demeanor, Dorry and Brogy also laughed heartily.

"Kuba, this is interesting. If that's the case, then we have no objections!"

"Japan, we'll impart everything we know!"

As the intensive Haki training commenced on Little Garden Island, an unexpected meeting was convened within Marine Headquarters.

Marine Headquarters, Marineford, in the Headquarters building.

On the balcony of Fleet Admiral Sengoku's office, Fleet Admiral Sengoku stood with arms crossed, gazing out at the distant sea.

Despite his determined expression, hints of sadness lingered in the corners of his eyes.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. His chief advisor, He, entered and spoke reassuringly,

"You must stay strong for Rosinante's sake. I doubt he'd want to see you like this if he were alive!"

Sengoku remained silent, then said curtly,

"Has Garp, Zephyr, and the others arrived?"

"Yes."

"Let them in."

Seated in the position symbolizing the highest authority within Marine, Sengoku was joined by a group of formidable figures clad in Marine uniforms, who took their seats on either side of his desk.

To his right, representing the older generation, were Admiral Zephyr, Marine Hero Garp, and Vice Admiral Crane.

To his left, representing the newer generation and successors to quasi-admirals, were Vice Admirals Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Porusalino.

Without preamble, Sengoku laid out the intelligence recently received from CP via Morgans.

"This information has been highly classified. Take a look."

As everyone reviewed the information, their expressions varied in response.

"A Vampire! How ominous..."

The first to speak was Porusalino, though his demeanor betrayed no fear.

Observing their reactions, Sengoku turned to He and asked,

"Has the Devil Fruit's ability been confirmed?"

"Yes."

Crane nodded.

"I consulted the Devil Fruit compendium. The most likely candidate is the Zoan-type Mythical Zoan: Bat Bat Fruit, Model Vampire. It's a legendary Devil Fruit. Its possessor gains near-immortality and ceases to age!"

Garp interjected nonchalantly,

"Immortality? That sounds like every woman's dream fruit!"

Zephyr added gravely,

"Yet, if it falls into the hands of an evildoer, they could become a menace to the seas."

"Indeed. I've dispatched investigators, and their findings are startling.

In addition to nearly a thousand individuals drained of blood overnight at Whiskey Peak, numerous similar vampire incidents have plagued the West Blue for years. The casualties have been considerable, yet until now, these incidents were dismissed as supernatural legends of the sea."

Crane continued, activating a projection phone bug.

The screen displayed the image of a young boy, dressed in a Marine uniform.

The revelation stunned everyone present.

"Wait, are you saying this person was once a Marine?"

"Indeed.

This boy, known as Gnar, was born on Hat Island in West Blue, earning a living as a fisherman.

Three years ago, at the age of thirteen, he briefly enlisted in the Marines.

Records indicate he possessed a Devil Fruit power, though he categorized his fruit as a standard Zoan."

Zephyr frowned, posing a critical question,

"Why wasn't I informed? Any Zoan-type user joining the Marines should trigger immediate alerts at headquarters."

He sighed wearily,

"According to the investigation, the Marine branch colonel was secretly involved in slave trading. During Gnar's brief three-month stint in the Marines, both he and the colonel vanished."

The room fell silent, the gravity of the situation settling in once more.

"Is there a way to reclaim him? This mythical Zoan is exceedingly rare. If harnessed within Marine ranks, it could elevate its wielder to Vice Admiral level, possibly even Admiral!"

Even Garp's demeanor turned serious as he voiced his concerns.

"Unfortunately."

Sengoku clasped his hands, a gesture of resignation visible in his eyes.

"The World Government's directive mandates the retrieval of this Devil Fruit. It cannot be allowed to roam freely on the seas."

His statement left an unspoken understanding among the assembly.

Most senior Marine officials understood the intricate dynamics between Kuzan and Nico Robin. None dared to voice it aloud, but with Sakazuki's temperament, Nico Robin's survival would be unlikely if he were assigned to the task.

At that moment, the potential for conflict between Kuzan and Sakazuki was palpable.

Zephyr grasped the situation and accepted the responsibility without protest, nodding in agreement.

"No issues. Should news and bounties be disseminated as usual?"

After a moment's contemplation, Sengoku made a decision.

"Suppress the news. As for the bounty, Vampire Gnar, possessing the Zoan Bat Bat Fruit, the bounty stands at 45 million Berries, dead or alive..."

Everyone absorbed the implications of Sengoku's strategy, though no one spoke them aloud. On these seas, pirates and bounty hunters were regarded as malignant forces, and their demise was often welcomed...

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