Sky Island
Sky Island, God's Island.
Following the orders of Thunder God Beelzebub Astrix, the Sky Island Committee—led by Gan Fall and Kalgara—began distributing land to the citizens.
The strongest warriors from both tribes had been conscripted into the Thunder Cloud Guards to maintain order at the scene.
Of course, the Thunder Cloud Guards answered only to the Thunder God.
Even though Astrix's power alone was enough to wipe out all of Sky Island, he still kept military authority firmly in his hands to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Astrix hadn't come to Sky Island to kill. He came to find a quiet place to cultivate—far from the interference of the World Government and the Marines.
While land distribution proceeded in full swing, Thunder God Astrix trained alone in front of a Poneglyph.
To awaken Armament Haki on his own, he imitated Garp's training method—striking the Poneglyph with his bare fists.
It was said that Garp once used his fists to smash eight mountains without relying on Armament Haki. After that training, he flattened Chinjao's pointed head with a single punch.
Since deciding to purchase Iron Balloon, Astrix no longer had enough points to buy Armament and Observation Haki.
Unless another wealthy buyer like Mr. Warhammer appeared and purchased the most expensive Den Den Mushi.
But the chances of that were almost zero.
After all, even Captain Roger's sword, Ace—one of the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades—only had a system buyback value of 10,000 points.
Yet Astrix had priced a Den Den Mushi at the same level, clearly targeting only the richest buyers.
In front of the Poneglyph—
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Astrix swung his bloodied fists again and again, each strike landing heavily against the ancient stone.
Training like this was monotonous.
Especially when his thoughts kept drifting to one thing:
Why hasn't Mr. Warhammer placed an order yet?
"9,999…"
"10,000."
After twelve hours, he finally completed his daily training:
Three laps around Sky Island, ten thousand punches, ten thousand push-ups, and ten thousand kicks.
His body was drenched in sweat, and salt residue coated his skin.
But it was all worth it.
To live freely. To choose one's own path. To remain unrestrained.
Strength was the prerequisite.
Because the weak never have the right to choose.
They never have.
On the evening of November 1st, Astrix finished washing up and lay in bed, looking slightly helpless.
Mr. Warhammer still hadn't placed an order.
Late the next night—still nothing.
The third morning—no change.
By the fourth day at dawn—
Astrix sat alone atop the Thunder God Palace, watching the sunrise on the horizon.
"The next major event… if I remember correctly… should be the Ohara Buster Call in two years."
When it came to Nico Robin's homeland, Ohara, Astrix felt genuine respect for its scholars.
They were, in a way, foolish—but in the most admirable sense.
In a world where the government suppressed the truth of the Void Century, the scholars of Ohara chose to stand for knowledge and historical justice.
Just as Professor Clover had declared:
"We must pass down the truth of history!"
They were martyrs with clear minds.
They knew the danger—yet still pursued the truth.
Not because they sought death, but because their conscience as historians would not allow them to turn away.
It was like finally understanding why Daiyu wept—once you understand, you cannot help but feel the weight of it.
Only by understanding erased history can one truly respect it.
"I should go there when the time comes."
Even if he couldn't save the people, he could at least preserve the books within the Tree of Knowledge.
Whatever the World Government opposed, Astrix would support.
As a former member of the Roger Pirates who had reached Laugh Tale, he and the World Government stood on opposite sides by nature.
Shaking off his thoughts, Astrix returned to his daily training on Sky Island.
---
East Blue, Foosha Village.
The East Blue was known as the weakest sea—and that reputation was closely tied to Garp, who hailed from Foosha Village.
After escorting Roger to Loguetown for his execution, Garp resumed his patrols across the East Blue, dealing with troublesome pirates before finally returning home.
He intended to rest for a while.
Having chased Roger for most of his life, Roger's sudden departure left him feeling strangely empty—like a driving force had vanished overnight.
Still, Garp hadn't forgotten Roger's final request during their meeting in Impel Down.
To avoid suspicion, he planned to secretly travel to Baterilla in the South Blue to find Roger's wife, Portgas D. Rouge.
But the moment he stepped into his house in Foosha Village, he froze.
Inside, a pregnant woman with long pink hair and freckles lay sunbathing comfortably.
"Nani?!"
"Are you Dragon's wife?"
Aside from his son Monkey D. Dragon, Garp couldn't think of anyone else who would bring a pregnant woman into his home.
The woman stood and smiled. "I could be."
"Could be?" Garp blinked in confusion.
If she could be, then she wasn't.
A realization struck him. He quickly shut the door and lowered his voice.
"Rouge?"
Rouge nodded.
Garp sucked in a breath. "That's not right… shouldn't you be in the South Blue?"
Roger had made it very clear—Baterilla, South Blue.
Pouring him a cup of tea, Rouge replied calmly, "Three months ago… he had someone bring me here."
"Who?" Garp asked immediately.
"Beelzebub Astrix."
Garp scratched his head. "That name sounds familiar…"
Rouge added, "White hair."
The memory clicked.
"That white-haired kid who cooks really well…"
As if remembering something, Rouge returned to her room and brought out a letter.
"He left this for you."
Garp took the envelope, opened it, and began reading.
To the great Marine Hero, Vice Admiral Garp.
Entrusted by Mr. Dragon, I have safely brought your daughter-in-law, Portgas D. Rouge, to your hometown.
Mr. Dragon has already named your grandson Ace. For the sake of his future, please do not reveal his father's identity.
If you dislike the name Ace, feel free to change it. I personally suggest "Luffy."
After all, you wouldn't want the World Government discovering that this child's father is the leader of the Revolutionary Army… would you?
After reading it once, Garp looked up.
"He told you everything?"
Rouge nodded.
"And you agreed?"
She nodded again.
Garp fell silent for two seconds, then lowered his head and reread the letter several times.
Only then did he grasp the hidden meaning.
[Old man Garp, Ace is your biological grandson.]
[Stop mentioning Roger.]
---
Happy Reading!!!
Be sure to leave a review.