The giant red hand grabbed the massive shell like a bowling ball and suddenly dragged it down to the bottom of the sea. A deep vibration echoed from the seabed shortly after.
"What is that?"
On the warship, several Navy soldiers were left stunned.
"It looks like… an arm?"
"Could it be a giant?"
"I'm not sure…"
But before they could come to a conclusion, a roar erupted from below, and a colossal figure burst out from the depths of the sea. With furious eyes locked on the warship, it let out a deafening roar, unleashing a violent gust that rocked the vessel with sheer force.
"Is that… Oars?" Garp was momentarily stunned, but he quickly shook his head. "No, Oars is already dead. Could it be a descendant of Oars? Wait… that tail…"
His gaze locked onto the giant creature's tail, and surprise flashed in his eyes again.
"Could it be a hybrid? A descendant of Oars and a Sea King?"
After considering the size, Garp felt the possibility was high. After all, only a Sea King could match Oars in sheer scale.
"But this one seems to be part of their pirate crew…" The realization made Garp frown. A new pirate crew, with not only powerful individuals aboard but also a monstrous being like this at sea? That was truly unsettling.
"The stronger they are, the more we can't let them escape," Garp muttered. "Close in on them. Since the shells are useless, we'll engage directly."
The Navy soldiers immediately began maneuvering the ship.
At the bow of his own ship, Mio narrowed his eyes at the approaching dog-headed warship. "Garp? He should be in the New World right now… Why is he in the East Blue?"
He frowned and muttered, "Visiting Luffy? No, Luffy shouldn't even be born yet."
"Wait a minute…"
A sudden thought crossed Mio's mind, and clarity struck him like lightning. "Ah, I see. If it's because of that, then there's nothing to worry about."
A small smirk appeared on Mio's lips as he raised a hand toward Hanba. The towering creature immediately understood. With a powerful flick of its massive tail, a tremendous wave surged toward the warship.
For a moment, it seemed like the wave would submerge everything.
But this was no ordinary ship—it was Vice Admiral Garp's warship. One of his adjutants leapt into action with ease. A powerful storm kick burst forth from his legs, countering the oncoming wave and dispersing the water.
"Master, are we stopping them from getting closer?" Lilith asked as she walked up beside Mio.
"Exactly. Your ability is best suited for this," Mio nodded calmly.
Lilith smiled sweetly at Mio, then stepped forward. As she walked, the wings behind her unfurled and grew into massive, majestic appendages. With a light leap, she soared into the sky, her radiant wings catching everyone's attention.
The naval soldiers stared in awe, many of them visibly charmed by her appearance—some even with hearts in their eyes.
"Another strange ability…" Garp muttered, clicking his tongue.
"But her aura isn't weak," he added, noting her presence. "She's at least on par with a headquarters Rear Admiral… maybe even stronger."
This pirate crew was far too advanced to be in the East Blue—or even the first half of the Grand Line. They belonged in the New World.
"If they're allowed to grow, they could become another great power at sea," Garp thought.
Lilith, unaware of Garp's evaluation, hovered above the sea and flapped her wings. A storm formed in an instant. It spun wildly, dragging seawater into its core. In moments, a massive tornado swept across the sea, heading straight toward the warship.
"Tch. Is this a Mythical Zoan-type ability?" Garp clicked his tongue again as his shoulder shifted, letting his justice cloak slide off.
He stepped calmly to the front of the warship and looked up at the approaching cyclone.
"I can't let you destroy the warship," he murmured.
Then, he moved.
Garp launched himself into the air with a powerful leap, his right fist clenched and immediately coated in pure black Armament Haki.
"Iron Fist!"
With a thunderous roar, Garp threw his punch.
A shockwave burst forth, and the tornado shattered at its core. The storm collapsed, and seawater began to rain from the sky like a downpour.
Mio, watching from the bow of his own ship, couldn't help but grin.
"That punch was insane…"
He had always known that Garp was strong—easily at the level of a Yonko. But seeing it in person, the sheer force and mastery of Haki left him speechless.
"Breaking a tornado with one punch? His Haki and raw power must be on another level."
Still, Mio exhaled with relief. "Good thing I planned an escape. Otherwise, I'd be on my way to Impel Down by now."
With that thought, he looked up at Hanba, then lightly jumped onto the giant's head and sat down cross-legged.
Garp spotted him immediately.
"Are you the captain of the Black Crow Pirates?" Garp called out, still pinching his nose despite the serious mood.
"Yes, that's me," Mio replied, nodding calmly. "Didn't expect to see you in the East Blue, Vice Admiral Garp. Not sure if that's good or bad luck for me."
"If you understand the situation, don't resist. Just surrender. I've got other matters to handle and no time to waste," Garp said with a serious tone.
Mio chuckled. "Even if we may not be a match for you, Vice Admiral… are you really sure about trying to capture us?"
"It's the Navy's duty to capture pirates on sight," Garp responded without hesitation.
"Heh…" Mio smiled again and stood up, unsheathing his Raikiri. "But if this ship sinks, not everyone aboard can swim, you know?"
He added softly, "Some of us can survive in the sea… but others won't. Are you willing to risk that, Vice Admiral?"
Garp's expression darkened as he glared at Mio.
Mio simply smiled in return.
The tension thickened like fog.
But Mio wasn't about to waste any more time. He gave the order with a shout: "Hanba, let's go!"
Hanba let out a low growl and dove beneath the waves, grabbing the underwater towlines to pull the ship away at high speed.
"Vice Admiral Garp! They're escaping! Should we pursue them?" the adjutant beside Garp asked urgently.
Garp watched the pirate ship fade into the distance, then scratched his head and laughed. "Nah, let 'em go. Didn't you see that monster? If they wreck our ship, then what? Let's head back to Windmill Village. I need a nap. Wake me when we arrive."
Without another word, Garp turned around and headed for his quarters. A bitter smile crossed his face.
"Damn you, Roger… It's because of you I let a dangerous one get away. Sengoku and Tsuru will chew me out for sure…"
"But… does that kid know about Ace?"
Inside his cabin, Garp closed the door quietly.
He lifted the blanket on his bed to reveal a peacefully sleeping infant.
"Ace…" he whispered.
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters—
Sengoku set down the Den Den Mushi with a conflicted expression.
"Garp… you old fool…"
He reached for another Den Den Mushi to contact Commander Kong—but after a moment of hesitation, he let out a sigh and set it back down.
After all…
This was the year Ace was born.