Garp and the others, guided by the visibly troubled Mock, took in the sight of Cocoyashi Town with serious expressions.
Their initial expressions of disdain gradually shifted to calm observation, then to a subtle astonishment.
Before their eyes stretched an expanse of stone-paved roads-clean, orderly, and meticulously maintained. Buildings rose tall on every side, their structures uniform, pristine, and radiant, clearly having been recently constructed.
While it might not rival the grandeur of Sabaody Archipelago, a renowned tourist destination on the Grand Line, they all knew the unique circumstances surrounding that place. To see such a level of development in a small East Blue town like Cocoyashi was nothing short of astonishing.
What truly stood out, however, were the people. Crowds moved through the streets, their clothes clean, their faces lit with genuine smiles, and their eyes brimming with hope for the future. It was a sight you'd never find in Sabaody.
It was worth remembering that Cocoyashi Town was just an unremarkable village in the Conomi Archipelago of East Blue. Its only claim to distinction was its location within the jurisdiction of the Marine 16th Branch.
Garp's hand, which had been shoveling snacks into his mouth, paused. For a moment, his mind wandered to Foosha Village, another small settlement.
It lay on Goa Kingdom Island, independent of the Kingdom itself, and it was his hometown-a place he had sworn to protect. Yet, even under his guardianship, Foosha had never flourished like this.
Then, with a hearty laugh, he shrugged off the thought and resumed eating his snacks with gusto. "What an interesting fellow, Bwahaha!"
As his laughter faded, Marine Petty Officer Tashigi, who had been eating with far more grace than Garp, looked serious as she spoke. "It seems we've misjudged Captain Dante. He's a good man, after all."
He had driven away the Fish-Man and Captain Nezumi, protected the village, and led its impoverished residents to prosperity. He had even opened the town's doors to refugees from other islands, offering them a new lease on life.
"Truly admirable," Tashigi murmured, her voice filled with respect.
However, Smoker, her superior, remained unmoved. He removed the cigar from his mouth, flicked off the ash, and responded coldly, "Don't be naive. This was all funded by military funds embezzled from Marine Headquarters. And..."
He cast a glance at the lively civilians around them, his eyes narrowing as he turned to Mock. "That man, as a Marine Captain, collaborating with pirates is an undeniable crime-one that can't be excused."
"Hey, don't you dare badmouth our boss!" Mock snapped, his face red with anger. Still blaming himself for leading the Marines here, he wasn't about to let Smoker slander Dante. "We may be Pirates, but we've never done anything wrong. Our boss has always kept us in line!"
"Being a pirate is evil in itself," Smoker retorted.
"You damned Marine-" Mock began, rolling up his sleeves, ready to confront Smoker.
But before he could act, a calm voice interrupted from behind. "Captain Smoker, you're jesting, aren't you? Surely, we know what true evil is."
The group turned to see Nota from the 16th Branch standing there, having appeared unnoticed.
"There are over twenty villages like this in the Conomi Archipelago," Nota said, stepping forward with a resigned expression. "Cocoyashi might stand out now and is thriving, but it started as just another struggling village-worse off than most, given its proximity to Arlong Park. I come from one of the other villages in this Archipelago, and I've seen this archipelago grow from a place where even a meal for a few days was a luxury to what it is today."
He paused, his gaze settling on Smoker, his tone heavy with emotion. "Back then, the entire Conomi Archipelago was under the thumb of Captain Nezumi and the Fish-Man. Adults were forced to pay 100,000 Berries every month, and even newborns were taxed 50,000 Berries. Those who couldn't pay were publicly executed, even children. How could anyone survive under such conditions? It was hopeless... until Captain Dante who turned things around. He helped us get back on our feet. He gave us a chance to live."
His eyes met Smoker's, filled with conviction. "Yes, he used military funds to help us at first-but only to ensure we had enough to eat. Since then, I can guarantee every Berry allocated by Marine Headquarters has been used for legitimate Marine purposes. The development you see here? That's not funded by Marine coffers. A single East Blue branch doesn't have that kind of budget. We both know Headquarters wouldn't give above certain limit."
Smoker fell silent. He knew Nota spoke the truth. The Marine's focus had always been on the Grand Line and the New World. A backwater like East Blue wouldn't receive significant funding. Still, he wasn't ready to concede.
"That doesn't excuse colluding with Pirates to embezzle funds," Smoker said coldly. "I'll hold off on arresting Captain Dante for now, but you need to provide an explanation."
However, Nota's response was unexpected. "Colluding with pirates? We've done no such thing," he said, his gaze shifting away. "The 16th Branch doesn't know any Mock Pirates."
Mock, catching on, whistled innocently and looked away. "That's right. I'm the captain of the Mock Pirates. Why would I know any Marines?"
The four of them stared at Mock, dumbfounded.
Even Smoker's usually stoic expression cracked, his eyebrow twitching in irritation. "Do you take me for a fool?" he growled, his gloved hand tightening around his weapon, a seastone jitte.
But before he could act, Garp stepped in. "Calm down, Smoker," he said, brushing crumbs from his hands. He didn't seem bothered by the deception and turned to Nota with a grin. "We've seen what we needed to see. It's all been... unexpected, to say the least. Now, it's time to have a proper chat with Captain Dante."
His eyes held a glint of amusement. "I'm curious to see how he'll talk his way out of this."
"..." Nota sighed inwardly. He knew matters had escalated beyond his control. Stepping aside, he gestured for them to follow. "This way, please. Captain Dante is expecting you."
Led by Nota, the group, including the still-sulking Mock, made their way to a grand, white building. Before Nota could announce their arrival, Garp strode past him, his booming voice filling the air. "Hahaha! Captain Dante, I'm here! So, how do you plan to explain yourself?"
The group entered to find Captain Dante seated behind a large desk, his pristine white Marine uniform crisp, a black fur coat draped over his shoulders. His hands were steepled under his chin, and beside him stood Nami, dressed in a white shirt and black skirt, her sharp gaze fixed on the newcomers.
Before Garp could say more, Captain Dante spoke with grave tone. "Vice Admiral Garp, we've received word that your grandson has taken to the seas... as a Pirate."
Nota and Mock "What?!"
Smoker and Tashigi "Huh?!"
"...?" Garp, mid-nose pick and still grinning, froze.
Feeling the weight of the room's stunned gazes, Garp's expression darkened as he turned to Dante. 'This kid... is playing dirty!'
(E/N: It's a bluff, Garp knowing Luffy's character is likely to believe it. This is like saying, 'People in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks at others'.)