Chapter 2 Garp's Dominance

The warship's relentless barrage caused the sea around the pirate vessel to erupt with explosions. The water surged violently, rocking the pirate ship back and forth. The crew could barely maintain their footing amidst the chaos. Every member of the pirate group was thrown about, unable to steady themselves on the tumultuous deck. Even the pirate captain struggled to remain upright, highlighting just how weak this crew was. It was evident that they weren't prepared for the challenges of the Grand Line. If they couldn't even handle this, the region's treacherous weather and fierce adversaries would undoubtedly seal their doom.

"Damn those navy dogs! Hiding behind their cannons!" the pirate captain growled, his tone venomous. "Once I close the gap, I'll slaughter every last one of them!"

His arrogance, born from ignorance, would only hasten his downfall.

The naval warship continued its calculated shelling, deliberately avoiding direct hits on the pirate vessel. Each explosion was designed to intimidate and disorient rather than destroy. Within moments, the ships drew close enough to engage in a direct confrontation.

The contrast between the two crews was stark. The navy stood tall and disciplined, their resolve unwavering. Each sailor carried an air of elite training. In stark comparison, the pirates were disheveled and seasick, their vomit staining the deck. The earlier bombardment had left them shaken, their usual bravado replaced by nausea and fear.

Vice Admiral Garp observed the pirates with open disdain. "What a pathetic bunch," he muttered, his voice dripping with disappointment. "Why do such weaklings even bother taking to the seas? Is Roger's treasure truly that tempting?"

To Garp, wealth and treasure were meaningless. Even a mountain of gold was nothing more than scrap metal, useful only for punching practice.

"Men! Brace yourselves! The navy is here!" the pirate captain roared, attempting to rally his crew. Though he had recovered from his seasickness, the sight of the imposing naval force drained him of confidence.

Despite his efforts, the pirates' morale remained low. Their weapons trembled in their hands, and many leaned against railings to steady themselves.

"A group of spineless fools," Garp scoffed, his frustration mounting. The sight of bloodstains on the pirates' weapons only fueled his anger. The lawlessness of the sea, propagated by Roger's era, had created far too many like these.

"Prepare for battle!" Garp commanded, his tone stern. "Send these scum to the depths!"

"Yes, Vice Admiral Garp!" the sailors responded in unison, their voices echoing across the sea.

The name "Garp" struck a chord among the pirates. One of them hesitated, muttering, "Garp… I've heard that name before…"

Another pirate chimed in, though confused, "Yeah, sounds familiar. He's not a pirate, right?"

"Are you an idiot? What pirate wears a navy uniform and commands a warship?" snapped another, slapping the back of his comrade's head.

"Wait! I remember now!" one pirate shouted, his face pale. "Vice Admiral Garp… He's the hero of the navy! The man who captured the Pirate King, Roger!"

The realization spread like wildfire, and fear gripped the crew.

"Hmph. Too late to realize who I am now," Garp said coldly, observing the panic on their faces. The pirates, including their captain, were visibly trembling. Their weapons lowered, and their will to fight evaporated.

"Trash like this doesn't deserve to roam the seas," Garp muttered before giving the order.

The battle began but was entirely one-sided. The disciplined navy overwhelmed the disorganized pirates. Some surrendered immediately, while others resisted futilely, only to meet swift and decisive ends.

"Report, Vice Admiral Garp!" a sailor said after the skirmish. "Seven pirates killed, thirty-six captured. Zero casualties on our side."

"Good work," Garp replied. "I'll ensure you're commended for your efforts."

Even the pirate captain had surrendered without a fight, his arrogance shattered by the realization of Garp's strength. A few desperate pirates had tried underhanded tactics, such as aiming hidden guns at Garp, but they were swiftly dealt with by the vigilant navy.

In truth, even if they had managed to fire, their bullets would have been useless. Against a man like Garp, without the power of Armament Haki, such attempts were laughable. And in the East Blue, the chance of encountering pirates who could use Haki was virtually nonexistent.

The pirate vessel was secured, its crew subdued. The sea, once a playground for criminals, had just been cleansed by the iron fist of the navy's mightiest hero.