Yamato cast a fleeting glance back, a trace of worry etched across her face for her "good sister," Kujaku. But Luffy's cheerful tone quickly drew her attention back. His words, brimming with ease and confidence, washed away her concerns like waves on the shore.
With a broad grin, Yamato followed Luffy, her steps light with excitement.
Kujaku: I'm surrounded by traitors!
After helping Yamato select a room and settle in, Luffy finally considered her a part of the crew—a new, albeit eccentric, member of their growing family. All that remained was for Luffy to convince the Marine higher-ups, particularly Sengoku, to lift Yamato's prisoner status. Once that hurdle was cleared, her integration into their ranks would be seamless.
However, before Luffy could put his plan into action, fate intervened.
Sengoku summoned him first, requesting his presence in none other than Garp's office.
Leaning on crutches, Luffy made his way to the familiar office alone, a smirk tugging at his lips as he approached the door.
Knock, knock.
"Come in," came Sengoku's voice, gruff but steady.
Pushing the door open, Luffy's eyes immediately landed on the room's two occupants: Sengoku, looking as composed as ever, and Garp, munching on donuts with unapologetic enthusiasm.
"Ahem, Fleet Admiral? Grandpa?" Luffy's voice broke the momentary silence.
Sengoku practically leapt away from Garp, straightening his disheveled uniform in record time. Attempting to mask his embarrassment, he casually sat on a guest sofa as if nothing had happened.
Garp, unfazed by Sengoku's antics, stuffed another donut into his mouth, chewing noisily to get on the Fleet Admiral's nerves.
Luffy chose to ignore their comedic routine, hobbling to the nearest sofa and plopping down with exaggerated care. His crutches rested against the armrest as he stretched out his legs.
"You're up and moving already?" Sengoku asked, raising a curious eyebrow. "Your leg healed that fast? Don't push yourself too hard—you might end up with lingering issues."
Luffy chuckled, brushing off the concern with a wave of his hand. "Don't worry, Fleet Admiral. No matter how bad my injuries, as long as I'm not dead, I'll bounce back in no time. A few good meals are all I need."
The pride in his tone was unmistakable, and Sengoku found himself momentarily taken aback. Such rapid recovery was rare—even among Devil Fruit users. The thought flickered through his mind: Could this kid be a natural-born monster, like Charlotte Linlin? Only, instead of durability, his stats are maxed out in health regeneration…
Shaking off the thought, Sengoku nodded approvingly. The stronger Luffy became, the more valuable he is to the Marines.
"Garp," Sengoku said, his tone brisk, "bring the box."
"Mmph," Garp mumbled through a mouthful of donut, swallowing quickly before grabbing a small, ornate box from a nearby shelf.
The design was familiar to Luffy, who had seen such boxes countless times before. He already suspected what was inside.
Sengoku confirmed his hunch by opening the box to reveal a pristine white Devil Fruit, its surface adorned with the signature swirling pattern.
"You asked for a Logia-type fruit," Sengoku began, holding up the fruit for emphasis. "While I was in the Holy Land, I managed to secure this for you." Without further ado, he tossed the fruit to Luffy, who caught it effortlessly.
Luffy's eyes widened as Sengoku continued. "Additionally, the Five Elders have approved your plan to adopt a baby girl for Amazon Lily. Consider it a reward for your recent exemplary performance."
"Wow, the Five Elders actually agreed?" Luffy marveled, examining the fruit.
"Hah!" Garp scoffed, his disdain barely concealed. "Don't read too much into it, brat. To them, the Marine's no better than a pack of loyal dogs. Tossing us a bone every now and then keeps us from biting back. It's nothing but scraps."
"Garp!" Sengoku's voice boomed, his glare sharp enough to cut through steel.
Ignoring Sengoku's warning look, Garp leaned back in his chair, arms crossed and expression unapologetic.
Sengoku sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "The Five Elders have their reasons, Luffy. We follow their orders, nothing more. And yes, they approved these measures as a reward for your contributions—not to 'appease' anyone."
"Sure," Garp muttered, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Tell that to someone who believes in bedtime stories."
Sengoku's jaw tightened, his frustration barely contained. But with Luffy present, he opted to let the insult slide.
"Anyway," Sengoku said, turning back to Luffy, "the fruit you're holding is the Logia Cloud Cloud Fruit. A rare and powerful ability. But… you're planning to give it to your little girlfriend? Isn't that a bit wasteful?"
Sengoku's expression was laced with disappointment. Logia fruits were rare treasures, capable of producing some of the Marine's most formidable warriors. To see one handed over to a "newcomer," no matter how promising, was almost painful for him.
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