As the Mok Pirate Ship sailed further away, Cocoyasi Town gradually disappeared from sight.
Smoker, who had been leaning against the ship's railing, felt his previously irritated heart slowly calm down.
He took the cigar from the corner of his mouth, flicked the ash off, then turned his head to look at Vice Admiral Garp, who was still lazily lying down on the pirate ship.
His eyebrows furrowed slightly.
This mission had been more unexpected than he had thought.
It was supposed to be an investigation into whether Navy Captain Dande Chacher had been colluding with pirates to embezzle Navy funds, but the investigation had confirmed the truth.
The evidence was irrefutable, and even an immediate arrest and trial would have been enough.
However…
What he hadn't expected was…
The very person who should have been leading this mission, Vice Admiral Garp, had ended up working directly with that guy.
And that wasn't even the worst part. What was even more ridiculous was that the Navy Hero actually planned to help him embezzle Navy Headquarters' funds?!
It was absurd!
He couldn't understand what the Navy Hero was thinking.
Moreover, there was still a doubt lingering in his mind…
At that moment…
Suddenly…
Just as Smoker was deep in thought, his frown still present…
"Hahaha~" Garp's laugh rang out.
Leaning back with his legs crossed and his hands behind his head, not even lifting his head, he relaxed on the deck chair of the Mok Pirate Ship, gazing at the sea. He said, "The mission's over, Smoker kid. Why are you still wearing that sour face?"
"..."
"Do you still have the nerve to ask me that?"
Smoker, who had regained his composure, took a deep breath but still wore a serious expression on his face. "Vice Admiral Garp, do you even realize what you've done this time?"
"Of course~" Garp replied nonchalantly, sticking his finger up his nose.
"Isn't it just about planning to scam the Navy out of money with that kid, Chacher?"
"..."
So, why does he say it with such confidence?
Smoker, who was now looking completely exasperated by Garp's words, was about to say something when—
"Ah, sorry, you can't be saying that around! What if we get investigated? Take it back, take it back~"
Garp said with a carefree smile, though there was no sign of fear on his face. He was still happily talking.
"You're just not as fun as that kid, Chacher~. Smoker, looks like you have something to say?"
"This mission, I'll keep quiet for now, as agreed, but if that guy does something that goes against the Navy's justice, I'll report everything, including today's events and everything Vice Admiral Garp has done, to the Fleet Admiral."
"Don't worry, I'll make sure to deny knowing that kid!"
"..."
Smoker raised an eyebrow and ignored Vice Admiral Garp, who was still poking his nose and talking nonsense.
Taking another deep breath, he said with a serious expression, "There is one more thing I'd like to ask. I hope Vice Admiral Garp can enlighten me."
"Go ahead, ask. Let's see if I know anything!" Garp continued poking his nose, still cheerfully speaking.
"The God Valley incident..."
"Don't know!"
"..."
Is this old man messing with him?
Seeing that he hadn't even finished asking and Garp had already dismissed it with a "don't know" and was absentmindedly poking his nose, Smoker's forehead twitched with veins bulging. His right hand clenched into a fist. At that moment, he really wanted to punch this guy!
Of course~
He knew he wouldn't be able to win.
But...
The Gods Valley... What exactly happened there?
As a Marine, he had heard about the God Valley incident.
During that event, Vice Admiral Garp was awarded the title of "Marine Hero" by the World Government for saving the Celestial Dragons.
But now, it seemed things were not that simple?
At that time, Chacher seemed to want to say something but was interrupted by Vice Admiral Garp. Now, when he brought it up again, he was interrupted once more.
So, what exactly happened that even the Marine Hero was unwilling to mention?
Just as Smoker was lost in thought again...
"Smoker, kid, there are some things that, as a Marine, it's better not to know," Garp, who had been happily picking his nose, suddenly became serious.
"Stop dwelling on it. As a Marine, all you need to do is follow the justice in your heart."
Saying this, before Smoker could ask anything else, Garp went back to his cheerful expression, lazily stretched, and turned around to shout toward Moke, who was behind him, "Mok, kid, what do we have to eat on the ship? Hurry up, I'm so bored!"
"Coming! Want the Cocoyashi Town specialty canned oranges and orange jam?" Mok's loud voice echoed back, "It's made with some spring water, something like little hills, dirt! And there's something about mixing it with your hands, anyway, it's super delicious!"
Before Garp could even understand what Mok was talking about…
One of the crew members, helplessly, shouted loudly, "Idiot Captain! The boss said we have to promote our orange jam and canned oranges like this: The oranges are irrigated with natural mineral water from the primeval forest, with each orange seedling carefully selected and nourished with healthy organic fertilizer.
The orchard is located on a gentle hillside, surrounded by peaks and valleys, with spring water lingering, clouds swirling, and the rain nurturing the fruit, making the oranges sweet, plump, and fresh.
Every can of orange jam is personally crafted by eight master jam makers. Master craftsmanship, great tradition, great sales!"
"???"
Upon hearing the crew member, Garp was left dumbfounded, his eyes wide open. Even Smoker, who had been deep in thought, was snapped out of it, and both he and Tashigi stared at the scene with curiosity.
Is the orange really that amazing?
"That's right, that's what I meant, I forgot, but anyway, it's really delicious!" Although mocked by his underling, Mok didn't mind. He scratched his head and chuckled, saying, "Wanna try it?"
"Not bad, just listening to it sounds really tasty." Garp burst out laughing, saying with great interest, "Hurry, bring it over so I can try!"
With that said.
Not long after.
Mok came over with the orange jam and canned oranges, and Smoker and Tashigi, who were nearby, curiously gathered around.
"Can I try some?"
"No problem, there's plenty more!" Mok wasn't bothered at all and directly handed Tashigi one, even giving one to the frowning Smoker, saying, "Try some too!"
As soon as Mok finished speaking, the three of them had already opened the cans. After tasting a bit out of curiosity, their eyes immediately brightened.
But…
Although it was quite delicious, it didn't seem that exaggerated!
**********
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