Garp's Vacation #127

As the sun began its descent towards the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the Ryugu Kingdom, Cedric and his companions stood near the port, gathering their supplies and finalizing preparations for their departure. The majestic ship, the Silver Gale, now fully coated and gleaming under the sunlight, towered over them, ready to set sail.

Cedric glanced around, taking in the bustling activity of the Ryugu Kingdom's ports. Merchants haggled over goods, sailors loaded provisions onto their vessels, and colorful fish swam through the crystal-clear waters around them. The atmosphere teemed with anticipation and a sense of adventure.

At the edge of the port, a group of familiar faces awaited them. Shirahoshi, the gentle giant princess of the Ryugu Kingdom, stood beside her brother, Fukaboshi, and her father, King Neptune. They were there to bid farewell and offer their blessings for a safe journey.

The mermaids from the Mermaid Cafe, adorned in vibrant dresses and flowing hair, had also gathered to see them off. Cedric couldn't help but be captivated by their beauty and the ethereal quality of their voices, his eyes glued to two particular mermaids.

Reluctantly prying his gaze away from the enchanting mermaids, Cedric approached Shirahoshi and her family, a respectful nod accompanying his warm smile. "Princess Shirahoshi, Prince Fukaboshi, King Neptune," he greeted them, his voice carrying a tone of appreciation. "You didn't have to go out of your way to see us off..."

Shirahoshi's eyes shimmered with a mix of gratitude and sadness. "Y-you saved our home and freed me... saying goodbye is the least I could do," she said, her voice soft and gentle. "I hope that your journey will be filled with joy and success. P-please, take care."

Fukaboshi nodded in agreement, his expression solemn. "My friend, you have shown great courage and determination," he said, his voice carrying a note of respect. "The Ryugu Kingdom will always be grateful for your help. May your path be guided by the currents of fortune."

King Neptune, wise and regal, laid a hand on Cedric's shoulder, his voice filled with warmth. "My boy, you have earned our trust and admiration-jamon," he said, his voice resonating with authority. "Take the knowledge and experiences of our kingdom with you as you sail. May the sea be your ally."

Cedric smiled as he absorbed their words. He wanted to win the royal family's favor, and it seemed like he managed to do both. He bowed respectfully to the trio, expressing his gratitude once more. "Thank you, Princess Shirahoshi, Prince Fukaboshi, King Neptune, for your kind words. Though I imagine we'll return sooner or later."

The group from the Mermaid Cafe approached once the royal family said their goodbyes, their faces radiating joy and anticipation. The leader of the group, a mermaid named Coraline, stepped forward, her voice filled with excitement.

"Cedric! We've come to bid you farewell and wish you luck on your journey!" Coraline exclaimed, her voice carrying enthusiasm as she lunged at Cedric, wrapping her arms around him. "We've prepared some special treats and supplies for your voyage. Please accept them as tokens of our support."

Cedric smiled gratefully at Coraline and gave her a quick peck on the forehead. He didn't know her for long but was still very fond of her. "Thank you, sweetheart," he replied, his voice genuine and appreciative.

The mermaids presented the group with baskets filled with provisions, ranging from fresh fruits to delicacies from the sea. Their gestures spoke of unity and solidarity, a reminder that Cedric and his companions were no longer the same suspicious humans who first arrived at Fisman Island.

With heartfelt farewells and promises to return one day, Cedric took Den and his companions and boarded the Silver Gale. The crew raised the anchor, and the ship slowly glided toward the dark embrace of the sea depths, leaving the vibrant kingdom and its inhabitants behind.

...

Marineford buzzed with activity as marines went about their duties, their crisp uniforms a sharp contrast to the chaos that usually unfolded in this renowned Marine headquarters. Amidst it all, Vice Admiral Garp, known for his eccentricity, strolled through the halls wearing what appeared to be vacation clothes— a loud Hawaiian shirt, flip-flops, and shorts.

Passing by a few bewildered marines, Garp sauntered towards the office of Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the highest-ranking marine officer. With an air of nonchalance, he knocked on the door and barged in without waiting for a response.

Sengoku, a stoic figure in his admiral uniform, looked up from his paperwork, his eyebrows raised in surprise. "Garp, what on earth are you wearing? And how many times have I told you not to barge into my office," he exclaimed, unable to hide his bemusement.

Garp grinned mischievously, leaning against the door frame. "Vacation clothes, Sengoku!" he declared, his voice exuding excitement. "I'm about to set sail and enjoy some well-deserved time off."

Sengoku sighed, rubbing his temples. Dealing with Garp's antics was a part of his daily routine. "Well-deserved? You? And what have you done to deserve a vacation besides stealing my crackers?"

"Don't be like that, old pal," Garp said, shamelessly opening the nearest drawer and retrieving one of Sengoku's rice cracker treats. "I've been working hard these past couple of months..." He added, stuffing his face with crackers.

"I doubt it. Still, I almost don't want to ask, but where do you intend to spend your vacation?" Sengoku inquired, preparing himself for the absurd answer that was sure to come.

Garp's eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned in closer, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial tone. "East Blue, Sengoku," he whispered as if sharing a secret. "It's been a while a since I've visited the two twerps back home...."

Sengoku's eyebrows shot up, surprise replacing his bemusement. "Your grandsons, huh?" he remarked, his tone tinged with exasperation. "And here I was thinking you'd forgotten about them already..."

Garp waved off Sengoku's concerns with a dismissive gesture. "Ah, they'll be fine, Sengoku," he replied confidently. "I raised them to be strong and left them in good hands. I only ever show up when I mess the two little shits..."

"But before going to East Blue, I have another detour planned..." Garp said with a mischievous glint in his eyes as if waiting for Sengoku to bite the bait.

Sengoku leaned back in his chair, curiosity piqued. "And where would that be?" he asked, obliging his old friend as he knew the vice admiral would keep staring at him expectantly otherwise.

A broad grin spread across Garp's face. "Fishman Island, Sengoku," he announced, his voice filled with excitement. "I want to see what my former student has been up to. It's been a while since he left the Marines. I'm curious to see what kind of pirate he's become!"

Sengoku couldn't help but sigh at Garp's words. "Your audacity never ceases to amaze me, Garp," he said, shaking his head in amusement. "I suppose it's only fitting that you check on the progress of your former student. Just remember, don't cause any trouble."

Garp raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Who, me? Cause trouble? Never!" he replied, solemnly shaking his head.

Sengoku sighed, knowing better than to expect anything less from Garp. "Just be sure not to cause any trouble... the tension between humans and fishmen is already mounting as it is..." he said with a hint of concern.

"Oh, and if you see Cedric, give him a good smack on my behalf... that little brat's recklessness created so much paperwork that I feel tempted to board a ship and hunt him down myself..." He concluded.

Garp saluted with exaggerated enthusiasm. "You can count on me, Fleet Admiral! I intended to give the brat a taste of the old fist of Love anyway. That ought to keep his head under the clouds," he declared, with a loud laugh, his voice booming through the office.

As Garp exited the office, Sengoku couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle. Garp's eccentricities may have been a constant source of amusement, but deep down, everyone knew that he was a force to be reckoned with, as a marine, a grandfather, and a teacher.

And so, clad in his vacation clothes and with a sense of adventure in his heart, Garp set sail for Fishman Island, eager to witness firsthand the exploits of his former student and the wonders that awaited him beneath the sea.

...

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