Chapter 20: First Encounter with Gion!

The human body, over time, experiences a gradual decline in cellular activity.

By middle age, metabolism begins to slow down.

Newly formed cells are insufficient to replace the aging ones.

Under such conditions, a person slowly ages.

But this thing—being able to enhance bodily vitality, accelerate metabolism, and boost the activity of new cells—was astonishing!

In theory, as long as there's enough of it, one could never age.

With this thought, Yeyin drifted into a deep sleep.

For the next twenty or so days, they continued their voyage at sea.

On the twenty-seventh day, they finally arrived at their destination—Marineford.

"This is the Marine Headquarters, Marineford!"

Looking at the massive gates before him, the countless intimidating cannons, and the battleships docked at the harbor, it was a sight far more awe-inspiring than what he'd seen in the manga.

"You'll have plenty of time to look around later. First, let me take you to meet someone," Garp said, patting Yeyin on the shoulder.

"Vice Admiral Garp, could you control your strength a little? That hurts!" Yeyin complained.

This guy always seemed to enjoy giving him hard pats on the shoulder or back, leaving Yeyin wincing in pain every time.

If it weren't for his body being somewhat durable, he might have been crushed by Garp already.

Thinking about Luffy and Dragon's childhoods, Yeyin now understood why they didn't want to stay with Garp and become marines. There was clearly a history behind it!

"Hahaha! Your body isn't that fragile!" Garp laughed heartily. "Come with me!"

Garp led Yeyin to the entrance of a large courtyard.

In the densely packed Marine Headquarters, having such a spacious and private courtyard was a clear sign of importance.

"Gion! Gion, girl!" Garp suddenly shouted loudly, not giving Yeyin time to guess who they were visiting.

"Gion?"

"The Special Vice Admiral of the Marines, the Admiral candidate, and the swordswoman known by the codename 'Momousagi'?"

Upon hearing the name, Yeyin's mind was flooded with information.

But the key wasn't just Gion; behind her was an even more significant figure—one of the current three Admirals and the Marines' chief strategist, Tsuru!

Tsuru, after all, was Gion's elder sister.

So now, Garp had brought him to see Tsuru.

But why? Why bring him to meet Tsuru?

Yeyin was momentarily stunned.

After all, he had no direct connection to Tsuru, and Tsuru wasn't someone responsible for training rookies.

If he were to be introduced to a new mentor, wouldn't it make more sense to meet Zephyr?

At this point, Yeyin was filled with confusion.

The logic behind this situation was utterly elusive.

Creak...

At that moment, a young girl opened the door.

"Vice Admiral Garp, my sister said she doesn't want to see you!"

The young Gion poked her head out, speaking mischievously.

"Hahaha, so Tsuru is home, huh? How could she not want to see me..." Garp chuckled to himself and walked right in.

"But my sister said..."

"Vice Admiral Garp..."

Gion couldn't stop Garp and could only call out in vain from behind him.

Watching this, Yeyin almost burst out laughing.

To think that the Gion he knew—the Special Vice Admiral who wore the cloak of justice and wielded the merciless sword, Kin'un—could be so helpless here!

(End of Chapter)