"Also, to celebrate my dear."
Robin smiled while looking at the axe in Ian's hand. "What a precious gift! Dear, how are you going to thank her?"
…
"You're up late, kid!"
The next day, when Ian opened the door, he heard a loud voice.
He looked up and saw Garp, sitting on a boulder in the courtyard, picking his nose.
Before Ian could say anything…
"You left so early last night, and you're up even later this morning than I am."
Garp smiled and said. "Isn't your wife pregnant? How dare you do such a thing?"
"You don't understand!"
"I don't understand?"
Hearing Ian's words, Garp suddenly let out a hearty laugh. Then he said nonchalantly, "I have grandchildren, how could I not understand?"
"What a shame."
Ian ignored Garp's teasing. He took his axe and sat down to the side.
He shrugged and said, "You're not a Devil Fruit user."
"What does that have to do with Devil Fruit?"
Garp looked at Ian in confusion, but after a moment, his carefree smile returned. "Forget it, let's not talk about that. You've been up to a lot lately! Many forces in the West Blue suspect that I and Zephyr are your protectors. Shouldn't you give me an explanation? Hmph, you even dared to use my photo for advertising."
However, facing Garp's questioning, Ian just raised his eyelids and said nonchalantly, "Just say it. Why did you come here? If you're asking about that, go talk to instructor Zephyr. He arranged it."
"Hahaha, what a cunning kid."
Hearing Ian's straightforward dismissal, Garp couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Then, with a hint of resignation, he said, "If you have time, talk to Zephyr for me. He's already at this age, no need to be so stubborn."
"Talk to instructor Zephyr?"
Ian frowned while looking at Garp speechlessly. "I'm not a Marine now, and I haven't even been to Marine Headquarters. Perhaps you should go to Ain and Binz for this matter?"
"Do you really think I can't see it? Those two little brats only listen to their teacher."
Garp picked his nose and said cheerfully, "Now Zephyr won't even listen to me. Perhaps you can persuade him? I'm really worried he will do something stupid one day!"
He really would do something foolish later, trying to form his own Marines and even planning to destroy the New World.
After hearing Garp's words, Ian fell silent, frowning, as if deep in thought.
But before he could speak, a voice came from the distance.
"Ian, Ian."
It was Village Chief Martin who was running over to their side.
Ian's thoughts faded, and he looked up in surprise at Village Chief Martin.
He asked, puzzled: "Aren't you supposed to be working today?"
"A little break!"
Village Chief Martin didn't mind and sat down to the side.
He smiled and said, "We had an all-night banquet last night, and everyone's been busy as hell lately. So, I decided to give everyone a little break. Mr. Garp, you're here too!"
"Hahaha, I have something to ask this guy."
Garp smiled and nodded. Then, as if remembering something, his eyes lit up, and he said, "Since we're taking a break, we should have a banquet to celebrate."
Village Chief Martin: "..."
Ian: "..."
As soon as these words fell, the two of them stared at Garp in silence.
Even Village Chief Martin, who also loved hosting banquets, had a look of helplessness on his face.
While he truly enjoyed banquets, they couldn't be held every day!
"We just had one last night. Maybe next time."
Village Chief Martin said with a wry smile. "I've come to see this kid about something."
He looked at Ian, his face turning serious. "Ian, this can't go on. We have to recruit talent from outside. Many of the kids are already exhausted."
"Recruiting people?"
Hearing Village Chief Martin's words, Ian stroked his chin and pondered.
The population of the Sibia River Archipelago is small. Brewing enough wine to supply the entire West Blue with just that small population is indeed difficult, not to mention the other jobs available on the island.
To be honest, he initially just wanted to generate some income for the villagers, but he didn't expect it to grow so much.
The island's population is now limiting its development.
Expanding the labor force is essential if it wants to continue to grow.
Thinking of this, Ian raised his head again and looked at Village Chief Martin. "Where are you planning to recruit from? Do you want Gini's side to help?"
As soon as he finished speaking, before Village Chief Martin could reply, Garp, who had been listening quietly, suddenly narrowed his eyes, as if thinking of something. "I actually know a good place. The people there are hardworking, ask for low wages, and if you just give them food, they will work hard..."
"No need."
However, before he could finish his words, Ian interrupted him while saying angrily, "I know the place that you're going to say, but there is no shortage of places like that in the West Blue either."
"You already know before I've even finished speaking?"
Garp frowned in dissatisfaction.
"Isn't it the Gray Terminal? The Kingdom of Goa is quite well-known across the seas as a successful model of a segregated society. Even many countries in the West Blue are learning from them."
Ian had no intention of hiding anything. "So the West Blue doesn't lack places like that either. Plus, the East Blue is way too far from the Sibia River Archipelago."
"How did you know that, kid?"
Hearing Ian's words, Garp was stunned. He looked at Ian with some surprise, but then said helplessly: "You're right, kid. That bastard king of the Kingdom of Goa really set the worst example!"
He then looked at Ian with anticipation. "You really won't consider it, kid? You know, I'm quite famous in the East Blue. Maybe I can make your wine a big seller there, too?"
"Transportation costs are too high, and there's the possibility of accidents. As for selling as well in the East Blue... right now, the green grape wine can't even supply the entire West Blue, so I'm not considering the East Blue for now."
Ian shook his head, but seeing Garp's expectant look, he nodded reluctantly and said, "If I need help in the future, or if I want to open a winery in the East Blue, I'll consider it!"
"I knew you were a good guy! Hahaha!"