Ian said, rubbing his chin again while pondering for a moment. Then, looking at Garp, he said: "Do you have any Log Pose to an island under the jurisdiction of the 16th Branch Base and the kingdom of Alabasta?"
"The 16th Branch Base in the East Blue? That should be around the Conomi Island."
Garp thought for a moment and said, "And the kingdom of Alabasta? What are you going to do in a place like that?"
"Looking for something."
"Okay."
Although Ian didn't explain clearly, Garp didn't care and said cheerfully, "I'll have someone prepare it for you later!"
"Then I'll trouble you."
Hearing that Garp had it on him, Ian nodded.
That way, he wouldn't have to go through so much trouble. He could just follow the compass to his destination.
As for the Little Garden... He could ask around in the nearby sea areas to see if he could find it.
Just as Ian was pondering his purpose for this trip to the East Blue…
"Hello."
Suddenly, his surroundings went dark, and a figure appeared before Ian, accompanied by a steady voice: "This wine is yours, right? Thank you for taking care of grandpa."
Ian: "...?!"
This voice made Ian look up, a hint of surprise on his face. He didn't seem to expect this person to appear before him.
The King of the Pirates's orphan, Ace...
Before Ian could say anything, another voice rang out from the side.
"Ah? Is this yours? I thought grandpa stole it!"
And then…
Bang! Bang!
Two more hammer strikes.
Behind them, Garp scowled at his grandson, who had defamed him, and said unhappily, "I'm a marine. How could I possibly steal someone else's wine? And it's my own!"
He ignored Luffy and Ace, who were clutching their heads, and looked at Ian with a cheerful smile: "My two grandsons, Luffy... Ace."
But when he said Ace, a strange glint crossed Garp's eyes, and he gave Ian a meaningful look, but quickly returned to his usual cheerful expression.
"I'm a marine, and these two bastards actually want to be pirates. I'm so pissed!"
Although he spoke angrily, his face remained cheerful.
Ian rolled his eyes. Of course, he also understood why Garp had that odd look on his face. It had to be said that, in some ways, he and Garp were similar, except that he married Robin, while Garp... Had adopted his former enemy's son as his grandson.
"These are indeed your grandfather's wines."
Ian looked at Ace, scanning the King of the Pirates' son before him.
Although this guy looked more stable than Luffy, Ian knew he was just as clueless.
Then, looking at Garp again: "Are there any rooms? I've been sailing for so long, I'm planning to rest up. I have to go out to sea tomorrow!"
"Ah, leaving so soon? Not wanting to rest here for a while? And it's banquet time!"
"There are too many banquets going on right now. Don't worry about me. Just enjoy yourselves."
"All right then!"
Garp ignored Ian's words.
After a hearty laugh, he turned to Woop Slap and said, "Woop Slap, find him a place to sleep!"
"You always bother me."
Woop Slap rolled his eyes speechlessly at Garp's words, then looked back at Ian, about to say something.
"Let me do it, Village Chief Woop Slap."
Makino said suddenly while smiling. "There's a place for guests to rest in the bar. Mr. Ian, please come this way."
Hearing Makino's words, Ian didn't hesitate and followed Makino out, heading for the bar in Foosha Village.
Just as Ian was leaving, Garp's loud voice echoed behind him.
"Everyone, drink to your heart's content!"
Garp laughed again while raising his glass. "Tonight is my treat. Let's enjoy the banquet together and welcome my partner, Ian!"
"Cheers to Ian!"
At that moment, everyone raised their glasses with laughter, immersed in the banquet.
Even Luffy and Ace joined in the fun, even doing a chopstick-in-the-nose dance to liven up the atmosphere.
Although Garp had warned them they were not old enough to drink, as the banquet wore on, no one paid much attention.
By the time Garp discovered them, the two guys who had been stealing wine were already completely tipsy, slumped over the table, sending everyone into another round of laughter!
"Hahaha, those two idiot grandsons!"
"Garp, let's get the kids back home to rest!"
"Get the kids back home to rest?"
Hearing Woop Slap's words, Garp was about to nod when something clicked in his mind.
His eyes narrowed slightly, and he said cheerfully: "Woop Slap, get me an empty barrel!"
Woop Slap: "...?"
What does this guy need an empty barrel for now?
...
On the other hand, unlike Garp, who threw a party as soon as the wine was unloaded, after receiving the goods, although he left some for his fleet, most of the wine was sold by Zephyr as requested, and it sold out very quickly.
"This Sibia Green Grape Wine is really selling well!"
Binz said excitedly. "Every local tavern has heard of Sibia Green Grape Wine, but it's just... because the West Blue is too far away, these guys couldn't get the goods. When they heard we were selling wine from the Sibia River Archipelago, everyone got excited. Even the tavern owners came to inquire, and the wine was sold out in no time.
"Hahaha, it seems my reputation is quite useful!"
Hearing Binz's words, Zephyr's face also brightened. "I should have used my reputation to sell wine sooner."
Of course, he also knew that if he were still his old self... As the Chief Instructor at Marine Headquarters, it would have been impossible to do something like selling wine to the Marines.
He wasn't a shameless old man like Garp!
Zephyr turned his head and looked at Ain. "How much did we earn? Is it enough to keep the fleet running?"
"It's enough to keep it running for a while."
Ain nodded with a smile, saying, "If we add the bounty from the pirates, we should have a surplus during this period. Zephyr-sensei, we can use this money to replenish equipment and train new recruits!"
"What equipment? That kid already promised to let me take whatever I want from Gini!"
However, in response to Ain's suggestion, Zephyr flashed a sly smile that didn't match his massive frame. He folded his arms over his chest and laughed: "These weapons are more than enough for us right now, hahaha."
Faced with Zephyr's sly smile, Binz and Ain also smiled helplessly, seemingly surprised that Zephyr would actually smile like that.