Back at Marineford.

The group looked back at the island as they sailed away. Two figures stood on the beach, one of them was holding a letter.

Alex and Shanks smiled and waved back at the two.

Shanks sighed. "It's nice to finally get away for good."

Alex laughed. "Yeah, but it's also kinda sad. Somehow, I feel like I'll miss our little games of cat and mouse."

Shanks smiled. "I know what you mean."

The little group of misfits continued to sail in the clam waters under the moonlight. Eventually they could no longer see the island they had just left.

A week later.

At Marineford.

Garp was sitting on his couch and eating the crackers Alex had made for him. He hadn't ate anything else in the last two weeks. He actually ate only crackers for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Well, he did sometimes eat some snacks in between, those consisted of tea and crackers.

He was a full on addict at this point. It was genuinely concerning.

Anyway, there was a knock at the front door. Garp walked over and opened the door to see two beautiful young girls standing in the doorway with a letter in their hands.

Garp scratched his head. "Do I know you two?"

"I'm Sarah. A friend of Alex… hopefully more than just a friend soon." One of them said.

"And I'm Maya! Shanks is my darling!" The other added.

Garp laughed. "So, what are you guys doing here? Chasing after my kids?"

The two girls looked down sadly. "Well… actually… here." Sarah said as she handed Garp the letter.

Garp looked down at the letter and a cracker fell from his mouth and hit the ground. He grabbed the letter and read it.

[To: Uncle Garp/ Dad From: Dragon, Alex and Shanks]

Garp's hands started to tremble.

The two girls watch on, curious and confused as to what was happening.

Garp slowly opened the letter and read it.

Hey, Uncle Garp.

Sorry we couldn't say this in person, but we knew that you would never let us go if we did. Me and Shanks want to thank you for everything you have done for us. Over the last year, you have become someone special in both of our hearts and we will never forget the kindness you have shown to us. Not only did you take us in and raise us as your sons, but you trained us, taught us how to fight and survive in this world, and even allowed me to have access to the labs and workshops on the island. For that we have to thank you. We have grown more than we ever could have alone or even with Pops and the Captains help. It's just a shame you never taught us the six powers. Though, I did still learn two of them ;).

Other than that… well, I think you know why we have to go. While our time in the marines was fun, we are pirates at heart. We want to be free while we sail the seas and to be honest, we both miss our crews. You probably knew this day would come, but that still doesn't make this any less hard for all of us. We really do love you and we are going to miss you. And if you are ever in need in the future, you can count on us to help, we're family after all.

P.s. Buggy says he will miss you as well. Also, he and his girlfriend might give you a grandchild before Dragon does, they keep us up almost every night.

Hey… this is Dragon.

Old man… no Dad. I always knew this day would come, but I never wanted it to. I am not leaving the marines because of you, you have been the best father a man could ask for and I have always loved you. But, I can't stay a marine, like you want me to be. Just like how you refuse the promotion to admiral constantly because you can't stand the world nobles. I too believe that this world needs to change. Not just the nobles, but the marines too. I'm not saying that all marines are bad. Some marines are perfect examples of justice and righteousness… but there are too many corrupt and evil men within the marines organization. And when the marines answer directly to the world government… that will only continue to get worse. So, I have decided to embark on my own path. Not one of a pirate nor one of a soldier, but I will live my own way and do what I believe is right. And right now, what I need to do is to distance myself from the marines… and by proxy, you. One day I'll come back, stronger and after achieving my goal of changing this world and I hope that when I do, you will be willing to forgive me. I love you Dad.

P.s. Should the day ever come where our ideals clash and we stand against each other. Don't hold back, I'll be stronger than you by that point anyway.

P.p.s. Buggy might really give you a grandkid first. Sorry, but I just can't keep up with the little guy.

Garp's hands started to shake as he read the letter. Tear's leaked from his eyes and started dripping onto the floor.

"Y-you little brats. W-why did you have to leave me?" He said through the tears.

"If only you all could just grow up into fine young marines! Then, this wouldn't be so complicated!" Garp started shaking in anger. "I-if only those damn nobles weren't so rotten. Then we could have stayed together!"

Garp looked back down and read the letter again. "I love you all too. I'll make sure to catch you and bring you back to the marines. So, stay safe out there, make sure no one but me can catch you."

"GARP! WHAT DID YOU DO?!" Sengoku screamed from the doorway. He swung the door open with an angry look on his face.

"DO YOU KNO-" Sengoku froze when he saw the tears streaming down Garp's face.

Garp sniffled. "I-I know. I have to bring them back now."

Sengoku sighed and walked over to Garp before putting a hand on his shoulder. "... Then, I'll assign you, your next mission. As punishment for allowing your disciples and children to desert the marines, you must go out and capture the two deadliest new pirates in the world. Go take down the Roger pirates and the Whitebeard pirates! And if you happen to see the new criminal, Dragon, make sure to bring him in too."

Garp sniffled one last time before laughing. "Bwahahaha! Thank you Sengoku. You're a good friend."

Sengoku sighed. "I don't know what you're talking about. This is a punishment…" Sengoku began to walk away. "... But, it would be pretty nice if you happened to bump into some old friends and could bring them back along the way."

Garp smiled and nodded in understanding. "They just haven't had enough of these fists of love. I'll set those brats straight."

Sengoku smiled before walking away.

The two girls stood in the living room awkwardly. They wanted to leave a while ago, but they didn't know how.

Garp laughed and looked at the two. "You're those brats friends, right? Or potential girlfriends!"

The girls nodded.

"Bwahahaha! Good! Then you're coming with me! We have pirates to catch!" Garp said as he picked up the cracker he dropped on the floor and finished it.

The girls smiled and nodded. "Let's catch some pirates!"