Chapter 7 Garp's Expectations

"Yo, boy, it's been a long time. How are you doing?"

Garp's booming voice echoed through the quiet Windmill Village. After finishing his disciplinary "lesson" with Luffy, Garp turned to Satoru, a mischievous grin on his face. He raised a hand as if to slap Satoru on the back, but paused for a fraction of a second before completing the motion.

The brief hesitation didn't go unnoticed by Garp, but he said nothing. He knew this pause wasn't due to his age or lack of reflexes—it was Satoru's doing, the strange ability he possessed.

Garp chuckled, recalling the countless conversations he'd had with the village chief about the boy. Even without extensive contact, Garp had kept tabs on Satoru's peculiar nature. His pale blue eyes, which seemed to pierce through everything, were unlike anything Garp had ever encountered.

Though the world of pirates was filled with unusual races and abilities—giants, long-armed clans, and even furfolk—none of them evoked the same feeling as Satoru. Driven by curiosity, Garp had even searched Navy Headquarters archives for any mention of similar traits but found nothing. It puzzled and intrigued him.

"Not bad," Satoru replied coolly, meeting Garp's gaze. "I love it here. If possible, I'd like to never leave."

Garp's grin widened. "Hahaha! That's the spirit! But that's impossible, boy. I hope you'll become a great Marine someday! With your abilities, wasting your life anywhere else would be a crime. Destroying pirates and upholding justice—that's your future!"

Satoru's lips twitched slightly, amused. *This man really is relentless. No wonder his family rebels so often.*

"The Navy might be a good path," Satoru replied, "but can you honestly say every Marine represents justice? Or that the Navy always acts righteously?"

The sharp questions caught Garp off guard, and he was momentarily at a loss for words.

"Bah, you're too mature for your age!" Garp finally said, shaking his head. "Kids should be carefree, not questioning the world. If you grow up too fast, you'll have no friends!"

"Of course, I have friends. Isn't Luffy a great one?" Satoru gestured toward the sleeping boy, now sporting a massive bump on his head.

"Hahaha! That's right! You're both my grandsons, after all. And I've got another one to introduce soon. You'll all get along perfectly, I'm sure!"

Satoru's eyes flickered with recognition. *Another grandson? That must be Ace.*

He smirked inwardly, already imagining how he'd handle the fiery kid. As for the title of eldest brother, he'd claim it without contest. Ace and Sabo could argue about the second and third spots.

Lost in thought, Satoru failed to notice Garp's massive fist descending on him.

*Bam!*

Pain exploded in his head as the blow connected, bringing tears to his eyes.

"What's wrong, boy? Why so distracted?" Garp asked, feigning innocence as he rubbed his knuckles.

"Nothing," Satoru muttered, clutching his head. Despite his best efforts, tears rolled down his cheeks—not from emotion, but sheer pain.

Garp scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Strange. I felt some resistance earlier when I patted his shoulder, but this time, the blow landed clean. Could Haki be the key to bypassing his abilities?"

Fortunately, Satoru couldn't hear Garp's musings. If he knew Garp had deliberately used Haki on him, he'd have stormed out of the village in protest.

"Mr. Garp! What are you doing to Satoru?!"

Makino rushed over, pulling Satoru into her arms protectively. She glared at Garp with a mix of anger and disbelief.

"Hahaha! Relax, Makino," Garp said, waving her off. "Kids need a few knocks to toughen up. It's good for them!"

Makino's expression didn't soften. "That's nonsense! You can't just bully children like this!"

Garp merely laughed louder, but Satoru, cradled in Makino's arms, smirked slightly. *It's good to have allies.*