Chapter 46: Garp's Resolve

If we were to identify the most frustrated individuals in the sea after the distribution of rewards, it would undoubtedly be the Five Elders.

The rewards aren't even for their Celestial Dragons, and now the Revolutionary Army possesses an additional Four Emperor-level combatant.

The quiz prize response directly discloses that Garp intends to aid Roja's Revolutionary Army against the Celestial Dragons.

It's a scenario that would be better suited to another world.

The crucial point is that the Five Elders distinctly recall.

It was explicitly mentioned in the voice that surfaced at the outset.

As the narrative unfolds, the two worlds are destined to intertwine progressively.

Considering the Roja Revolutionary Army's swift progress in the alternative world, coupled with the might of Dragon's Volunteer Army, their alliance might have the potential to topple the Celestial Dragons in that realm.

The looming question is, will they be able to withstand the repercussions when the two worlds inevitably collide?

Despite the anxieties plaguing the Five Elders, their current activities involve nothing more than watching movies.

In essence, this is a confirmed reality that has already unfolded in another world.

At this juncture, their only recourse is to wish for obstacles to hinder the development of Roja's revolutionary army.

Following the Q&A session, the image on the colossal screen returned.

[Confronted by the vigilance of Fujitora and Nagli, Roja remains remarkably composed.]

[Garp, too, offers a reassuring smile and lowers his hands, signalling for them to relax: "I don't harbour any ill intentions, everyone."]

["This time, I'm not representing the Kingdom of Goya or carrying out a mission for the World Government. I'm simply a regular Marine, returning to my hometown for a vacation to unwind."]

[Garp comprehends Fujitora's apprehension. He's learned much about this terminal camp from Dadan and everyone in Windmill Village.]

[With his insight, coupled with the gathered information and the well-equipped armed team in the camp brandishing guns,]

[Garp easily deduces that this is a force entirely distinct from the Goa Kingdom.]

[In other words, the capital residents are accustomed to their superiority and remain oblivious to the garbage dump here. Moreover, the surrounding heaps of trash remain uncleared, contributing to their lack of awareness regarding any changes in this area.]

[Ultimately, the two are bound to clash.]

[Considering Garp's Marine standpoint, he should ideally align with the Kingdom of Goa, a member country.]

[However, given his temperament, Garp harbours a strong disdain for nobles, particularly those tainted by corruption.]

[Hence, he finds himself leaning more towards supporting the camp established by Roja.]

[With the confidence he has in Roja, combined with what he has witnessed and heard so far, Garp is convinced that Roja is not the kind of ambitious warmonger he detests.]

[Garp's words, however, fail to ease Fujitora and Naguri's vigilance.]

[Even though Fujitora's perceptual abilities can sense that Garp is truthful, he can't guarantee the absolute accuracy of his perception, considering that the other party's mastery of Haki surpasses his own.]

["No need to worry, Mr. Smile, Naguri. Mr. Garp is not an adversary."]

[It's only when Roja speaks that Fujitora and Naguri ease up, albeit maintaining a baseline level of caution.]

["I initially considered it mere gossip, but I didn't anticipate that you're genuinely the leader here."]

[Garp gazes at Roja with surprise.]

[From his perspective, Fujitora and Nagli aren't weak, especially Fujitora, who, despite being young, exhibits considerable strength with limitless potential for the future.]

[Nevertheless, an individual of this caliber is also taken aback by this young boy.]

[This can only signify that this boy possesses much greater strength than he had initially envisioned.]

["Let's find a place to sit and talk, Mr. Garp, Mr. Kuzan," Roja invites with a gentle smile on his face.]

[Shortly after, everyone in Roja's company gathers at his residence, a house he constructed himself.]

["I must say, you truly astonished me. The terminal of this uncertain object—the old man attempted to alter it but failed. Yet, it only took you half a year to successfully transform this place,"] Garp remarks, seated and expressing a sense of awe.

[Through Garp's account, Roja becomes aware of the efforts Garp invested.]

[In contrast to Nagli, who grew up in the terminal as an orphan, Garp spent his childhood in Windmill Village, harbouring sentiments for the Goa Kingdom.]

[Guided by justice, he once aspired to transform this disfigured dump but met with failure.]

[Initially a commoner, he sought to change this place through his own strength but fell short. Later, as a high-ranking Marine, he became preoccupied with hunting down pirates.]

["Can you share with me how you managed it?" Garp inquires earnestly.]

[What he gleaned from Dadan and the Windmill Village residents was merely superficial. What he desires to learn is the entire journey Roja undertook.]

[Roja doesn't conceal anything, recounting all the regulations he implemented initially.]

["Is it genuinely that straightforward?" Kuzan inquires, displaying surprise.]

["It is that straightforward," Roja responds, gesturing with his hands. "People don't really ask for much. The crux lies in the fact that those in power sometimes fail to regard them as human beings, not even as cattle or horses."]

["It might seem simple, but contemplating it isn't easy. Moreover, having the courage and ability to act upon it is even more challenging." Garp gazes at the teenager before him, commending, "You're truly remarkable, Roja."]

[He now comprehends why Fujitora and Naguri hold such admiration for this boy.]

[Following a brief exchange, even Garp finds himself somewhat convinced.]

[Not because of strength alone, but due to something more profound.]

["I appreciate the compliment." Roja smiles warmly, not letting Marine hero's praise go to his head.]

["Can I extend my stay here?" Garp inquires.]

["Absolutely, no problem. We always welcome friends like Mr. Garp,"] Roja responds sincerely.

[Garp's sense of justice may have its boundaries, but his kindness and benevolence, coupled with his lack of fear towards authority, make him the kind of person who could become a friend of the Revolutionary Army or even a comrade.]

["In that case, I won't be an inconvenience." Garp laughs and rises from his seat.]

[Upon stepping outside, Aokiji queries with curiosity, "Mr. Garp, the headquarters is pressing us to catch up with Roger. Why stay here for a few days?"]

["I have a sense that there's something more significant in this camp," Garp reflects.

["Something more significant?"]

["Yes, the mental state of the people here is surprisingly positive," Garp explains. "While they may lack material abundance, the living conditions and supporting facilities are quite basic."]

["Yet, everyone here wears a smile brimming with hope and vitality, something that can't be attained merely through environmental changes." Garp observes the people around him and remarks with a smile.]

["As for the orders from the headquarters, don't concern yourself. After all, I'm not an Admiral, and I enjoy a considerable degree of freedom."]

["Let Roger take a breather for now."]

[Garp laughs, and behind him stands Aokiji, filled with admiration.]

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