Chapter 352: Feel the Fist of Love
As Garp's voice reached Iori Yagami's ears, his retreating figure paused. He turned his head to look at the Marine calling out to him.
He could sense this marine's strength.
The legendary Vice Admiral Garp—a name even Iori Yagami knew. Though solitary by nature, he wasn't entirely cut off from the world.
Before setting out, he'd gathered some basic intel about this world.
"Hey there, Iori Yagami, right? These pirates on the ground are worth a decent chunk of Berries. Isn't it a waste to leave them? I'll have someone cash in their bounties for you!"
Seeing Iori Yagami staring at him without responding, Garp pressed on, unfazed.
"It'll take a bit to process the bounties. How about we grab a few drinks in the meantime, young man?"
The crowd overheard Garp's words.
Some groaned inwardly—those pirates were money on the ground!
With the legendary Vice Admiral Garp stepping in like this, that cash was gone. A golden opportunity to pick up free money slipped away, leaving them frustrated.
But this was Garp! And he'd said it right in front of that ruthless killer.
Even with a hundred times their courage, they wouldn't dare snatch it from under his nose.
Tap, tap, tap!
As Garp approached, chatting away and even reaching out as if to pat his shoulder.
Iori Yagami's brow furrowed. He coldly snapped, "Don't get close to me casually. Do you want to die, Marine?"
Uh… Hearing this, Garp's hand, mid-reach for Iori's shoulder, froze awkwardly in place.
He was a bit incredulous. Could this kid not know who he was?
Even setting that aside, he was trying to help! To talk to him like that—what an impolite brat! He has no respect for his elders.
Garp grumbled inwardly.
Seeing Garp retract his hand, Iori Yagami gave him a faint glance, then turned to leave with his guitar on his back.
He left only a single cold sentance behind:
"No need."
It was clearly a response to Garp's earlier offer.
So bold!
He didn't even give the legendary Vice Admiral Garp a shred of face. Would this Marine icon lash out after being rebuffed like that?
The onlookers wondered silently.
After all, they'd just seen a similar scene play out moments ago.
The familiar setup made their eyes widen, but Garp didn't stop Iori Yagami as they'd hoped.
Instead, he scratched the back of his head, watching Iori's retreating figure. This guy didn't seem to respond to the soft approach!
He turned to his adjutant beside him, instructing him to handle the fallen pirates,
Then leisurely followed after Iori Yagami.
Among the crowd, a few civilian paparazzi watched Garp's departure with glinting eyes.
They stowed their camera and trailed behind him, feigning casual strolls.
The adjutant at the scene shook his head at the paparazzi, then used a Den Den Mushi to call the warship docked at the coast, ordering men to come detain the pirates.
On the other side.
Iori Yagami wandered to a quieter stretch of the island's coast.
Golden sand stretched across the ground, waves lapped at the shore, and a line of vegetation stood not far off.
Standing by the water, Iori turned just in time to catch Garp tailing him—boldly, without even trying to hide.
"Hahaha, what a coincidence, young man! We met again so soon. It must be fate."
Seeing Iori turn to look, Garp showed no embarrassment. Facing the cool, salty sea breeze, he laughed heartily and waved at Iori.
His overly familiar demeanor made Iori's fists clench.
"Stop following me, Marine. Do you want to die?"
"Whoa, don't be so cold! Open your heart—this world's full of warmth."
Noticing a flash of bloodlust in Iori's eyes, Garp dropped the carefree act.
He spoke earnestly,
"Iori Yagami, I'd like to invite you to join the marines. This world needs strong people like you to protect it. Come on! Wandering alone is meaningless. In the marines, at least, you'll find comrades you can trust."
"If it's strength you want, we've got Admirals who can guide you. I think you'd get along with our Admiral Sun King. What do you say? Think it over!"
Garp could tell Iori's personality wouldn't tolerate a long-winded spiel.
So he cut to the chase, offering what he thought might appeal based on his limited understanding.
This man likely cared little for power or wealth. Garp figured justice, camaraderie, or strength might sway him.
One of those had to work. Plus, Sun King's name was massive these days.
Young people idolized his power—surely hearing an offer tied to him would at least stir some interest, right?
Garp thought to himself.
---
Sun King, huh? Iori Yagami mulled over Garp's final words briefly.
He'd heard of this true veteran—his reputation was thunderous. But still, "None of that interests me. I refuse. Stop following me, or you'll die."
Hearing Iori's rejection, Garp was dumbfounded.
He hadn't expected such a swift, unhesitating refusal.
Wait—could it be that Iori didn't know who he was, so his words lacked credibility?
A sudden idea struck Garp, and he called out to Iori's retreating back.
"Wait, Iori Yagami! Let me introduce myself—I'm Vice Admiral Garp of the Marines. I think—hey!"
Before he could finish, Iori spun around and unleashed a "108th Style: Dark Sweep."
A massive wave of purple flames roared along the ground toward Garp—clearly annoyed by his unfinished chatter.
The move caught Garp off guard, his eyes widening. All he'd done was talk a bit more—did this kid have to be so hotheaded?!
He leapt aside, dodging the attack.
The purple flames surged past the sand, crashing into the trees by the shore.
Boom!
The trees erupted in flames and shattered.
"Young man, don't be so hot-tempered at your age. How about this—I'll show you the Fist of Love. If I beat you, calm down and consider my offer!"
Garp started with a lecturing tone, then prepared to fight.
He couldn't help it—he wasn't cut out to be a diplomat. He was better at punching than persuading.
Clearly, he figured he'd need to show some strength to get through to this aloof man.
A good Fist of Love might just knock some sense into him.
Seeing Garp dodge his attack and still not give up,
Iori Yagami's patience ran dry. But he knew this opponent wouldn't be easy to shake off.
He could feel the man's formidable power.
So, he removed the bass guitar from his back. Under Garp's curious gaze, it vanished into thin air.
( End of This Chapter )