Village Chief Martin wasn't bothered by Garp's repeated suggestion.
Although he didn't know why Garp was so enthusiastic about them selling wine in the East Blue, he replied helplessly: "Besides, we're already under supply pressure just serving the West Blue."
Then he looked at Garp and smiled brightly: "But don't worry, since brother Garp said so, we'll definitely arrange it. It won't be long before production expands, and we will be selling in the East Blue. We will be counting on you by then."
"Hahaha! Sure, sure!"
Garp laughed loudly and slapped Village Chief Martin on the shoulder. "When that time comes, this old man will help you promote it well!"
Feeling the force of Garp's slap, Village Chief Martin's face darkened. He twisted his shoulder and quickly stepped aside.
Did this guy not realize he was just a regular old man?
Then he looked out at the bustling docks again, pride rising in his chest, and he prepared to resume organizing the work.
"Someone in trouble!!!"
But this time, a shout suddenly came from the front of the docks, making Village Chief Martin stop and exchange a look with the still-cheerful Garp beside him.
"Someone in trouble?"
Garp scratched his head. "What, someone fell into the sea?"
"I'm not sure either."
Village Chief Martin frowned for a moment, then looked ahead. "Let's go check it out!"
Without hesitation, the two of them walked forward together.
When they reached the crowded place, Village Chief Martin immediately grabbed a villager.
"What's going on? Did someone fall into the sea?"
"Village Chief Martin?"
The villager was initially annoyed at being grabbed, but when he saw who it was, he instantly grinned. "Don't worry, village chief, no one from the island fell into the sea!"
"Then what is this...?"
"Oh, it's just that a merchant ship nearby fished someone out of the sea."
The villager seemed to understand what the chief was worried about and quickly added with a laugh: "Everyone saw it already, it's not someone from our island. Probably someone from a merchant ship fell overboard and just happened to be rescued. But no one recognizes him yet."
"Not from our island?"
Village Chief Martin blinked, relieved. Then he glanced forward. "Move aside, let me take a look!"
As he spoke, the surrounding villagers quickly made way. Village Chief Martin and the cheerful Garp walked inside together, both looking on curiously.
When Garp saw the man lying on the ground, he froze for a moment, then he scratched his head and stared closely. "Why does this guy look familiar? Wait, isn't that...?"
Before he could finish, Village Chief Martin clapped his hands, suddenly nervous. "Isn't that Ian's friend? How did he fall into the sea?!"
He immediately blocked others. "Hurry, hurry! Go get a doctor! Don't just stand there!"
Garp blinked in confusion, then looked down at the figure on the ground. "That kid's friend?"
…
What the hell is this!
Your courage has been shattered!
Your Armament Haki has weakened!
You simply don't dare face the enemy who defeated you; you're just making excuses!
Those words, like a cold, bone-piercing wind, continued to echo in Crocodile's mind, sinking deep into his bones.
Even after sinking into the sea, they continued haunting him.
Annoyed beyond belief, Crocodile opened his eyes and roared: "Ian, you son of—!"
But as soon as he yelled…
"Huh? You're awake?"
A stranger's voice suddenly sounded beside him.
Crocodile jerked his head to the side and saw a vaguely familiar figure.
Before he could speak…
"Ian doesn't have a father for you to insult."
The old man laughed. "You can curse him, but that one's impossible."
Hearing that nonsense, Crocodile's angry face twitched. But now, realizing who he was looking at, he narrowed his eyes.
He reached for his pocket but didn't find the cigarette he always kept there. He frowned, then looked up and spoke with a faintly complicated tone: "Was it that guy who saved me?"
"That guy?"
Martin blinked, then seemed to realize something.
Smiling brightly, he replied, "You mean Ian? You two were friends indeed. The first thing you ask is how Ian is doing. What happened to you two? Why were you the one who fell into the sea?"
Village Chief Martin's words made Crocodile choke, his expression turning green, then black.
What is this old fool saying?!
Friend?
Who's friends with that foul-mouthed kid?!
Before he could argue…
"Pff!"
Garp, who was casually drinking water, finally couldn't hold it in and sprayed water everywhere while laughing loudly. "Hahahaha!"
"Hey! Garp, what are you doing?! There's a patient here!"
Village Chief Martin scolded, then looked back at Crocodile while still smiling proudly.
"Last night was so stressful. By the time we were done, it was already dark. Robin's pregnant, and I was worried the couple would be nervous. Since you're fine, I didn't tell Ian last night. But don't worry, I already had someone tell Ian this morning."
Just after he finished speaking.
Knock! Knock!
Someone knocked and then immediately opened the door.
"Village Chief Martin! You said my friend was rescued? Who is it? Don't tell me Captain Enchi fell into the sea?"
As Ian's cheerful voice came in, both Martin and Crocodile looked toward the doorway.
A tall, sturdy figure stepped in while supporting his pregnant wife.
"Ian, you're here!"
Village Chief Martin grinned: "Come! What were you two doing yesterday? How did someone end up falling into the sea? If that merchant ship didn't fish him up, he'd be gone! Luckily, I reacted quickly, so your friend is fine now."
At this moment, Ian finally saw the so-called friend and fell silent while giving Village Chief Martin a complicated look.
This old man... Just what kind of people does he rescue?!
Ian really didn't care whether Crocodile lived or not, but he still frowned and stared back at Crocodile, who was also staring at him.
Before Ian could speak…
"Hmph, don't worry!"
Crocodile touched his pocket again, remembering his missing cigarette, his gaze turned cold.
"You were right, I'm no longer interested in your wife!"
Garp: "...?!"
Before Ian could say anything, Garp was instantly energized while watching the scene before him, clearly regretting not bringing snacks for the show.
"You really hurt me yesterday, kid!"
Crocodile stood up from the bed, bandages wrapped around his chest.
"Come on, let's continue what we started yesterday! Don't think that was my real power! I'll show you how strong a pirate from the New World truly is!"
"What in the world—?"
Village Chief Martin finally snapped out of his confusion, now clearly anxious.
"Ian, this guy isn't your friend? Is... Is he your love rival? Damn it, he dares to try to steal your wife? I should have left him to drown!"
Crocodile: "..."
Ian: "..."
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