Malverick wasn't sure what exactly Garp's purpose was this time.
After all—both he and Rayleigh were on Sabaody Archipelago right now.
Both men were wanted by the Navy.
But no matter what, Rayleigh's group needed to leave immediately!
"Sorry, Hancock," Malverick said softly. "This isn't how I wanted us to part. But trust me—it won't be long before we meet again."
He turned and rushed toward the direction of Garp's forces.
Garp's strength was greater than Rayleigh's.
He wasn't called the "Hero of the Marines" for nothing—he was a man who once rivaled the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.
And he wasn't alone.
With this many Marines behind him, even Rayleigh would have no way to escape if caught off guard.
Whether Garp was after him or Rayleigh, Malverick had to buy them time.
As his figure disappeared into the night, Hancock sat silently on the bed, hugging her knees.
"We'll meet again," she whispered. "I believe in you, Malverick."
Then she quickly dressed and ran to warn Shakky and Rayleigh.
–––
"What?! Garp's here?!"
The moment Hancock delivered the message, Rayleigh's expression darkened.
That name brought back memories he'd rather forget—
years of being chased across the seas by Garp, always just barely escaping with Roger and Shakky.
Of all people, Garp was the last man he wanted to see.
"Shakky, pack up! We're leaving right now!"
He grabbed his sword and glanced toward the window.
"Head for Kyōfu Island. If I'm not there by noon tomorrow… don't wait for me."
"Rayleigh!"
Shakky called out, her eyes filled with worry.
"Be careful," she said softly.
He nodded and disappeared into the night.
"Granny Za, Hancock, Sandersonia, Marigold—get ready! We're moving out!"
–––
At the Port
Garp led a full detachment of Marines through Grove 13, his cape billowing behind him.
"Move faster! We will catch that brat this time!"
He was confident.
He'd already gauged Malverick's power once before—strong, yes, but not Garp-level.
Still, that kid's strange abilities made him cautious.
But then, halfway down the road, his unit suddenly stopped.
"…Huh? Where'd that dog come from?"
Standing in the middle of their path was a small, strange-looking puppy.
It wasn't an ordinary dog—
it was standing upright on two legs, front paws spread wide, barring their way with a low growl.
Its eyes were fierce—but paired with that fluffy, round face, the mix of menace and cuteness made it look… oddly adorable.
Then Garp noticed the figure walking up behind it.
A towering man with bull-like horns and a massive weapon resting on his shoulder.
The puppy stepped back a few paces, standing protectively before the horned warrior.
These two were none other than Malverick's Biological-type Imperial Arms:
Lightning-Forged Susanoo and Beast Transformation – Hundred-Arms Giant (Xiaobi)!
Thud!
Susanoo slammed his weapon into the ground, splitting the earth beneath his feet.
Garp's eyes narrowed.
"Oi. Who are you two supposed to be?"
He could tell instantly—neither of them were ordinary enemies.
Susanoo twirled his weapon a few times before answering flatly:
"By my master's order… you go no further."
One of the Marine captains snorted.
"You? Stop Vice Admiral Garp? Don't make me laugh!"
He drew his sword and charged.
A single, casual swing from Susanoo sent him flying through the air, face-first into a pile of rubble.
The Marines gasped.
Garp frowned and stepped forward.
"Who are you?"
Susanoo didn't reply.
He raised his weapon and brought it down with full force—
Clang!
But Garp caught it one-handed.
The ground beneath him cracked apart, but the Marine hero didn't budge an inch.
"Not bad," Garp grinned. "But still not enough."
BOOM!
Garp's fist drove into Susanoo's chest, shattering bone.
The horned warrior flew backward, smashing into a rock wall.
"Nice one, Vice Admiral!" a Marine shouted. "One punch and it's over!"
But Garp wasn't smiling.
His instincts told him—no way was it that easy.
Sure enough, moments later, Susanoo rose to his feet as if nothing had happened.
His weapon flew back to his hand as the cracks in his ribs sealed up instantly.
Hah!
Susanoo roared, the spinning blades along his weapon whirring to life as he launched himself at Garp again.
Garp had no choice but to engage him head-on.
Each time Garp struck, Susanoo's bones snapped—but in seconds, they'd heal.
The horned warrior's endurance was monstrous.
The surrounding Marines could hardly believe what they were seeing.
Their Vice Admiral's coat was slashed in several places, yet Garp himself remained unharmed—
while his opponent just kept getting up, again and again.
"What the hell is that thing?!" someone shouted.
"He's like… unkillable!"
–––
Meanwhile, not far away, Xiaobi faced off against the other Marines.
After watching Susanoo's battle, they no longer underestimated the strange "dog."
"Fire!" the vice captain ordered.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Bullets riddled Xiaobi's body—but he didn't even flinch.
He just stood there, eyes gleaming red, letting them hit him.
The Marines blinked.
"…Is this dog stupid or something?"
It was true—Xiaobi didn't look particularly intelligent.
But mere bullets couldn't harm a biological Imperial Arm.
In seconds, every bullet hole in his body sealed up, the flesh knitting together seamlessly—
not even a scar remained.
"What kind of monster is that?!" a soldier screamed.
They immediately thought of the other creature fighting Garp.
Same impossible regeneration. Same unearthly power.
ROAR!
Suddenly, Xiaobi threw back his head and bellowed.
His body began to expand rapidly.
The Beast Transformation – Hundred-Armed Giant had three forms:
Base Form – A harmless-looking little dog.
Advanced Form – A towering ten-meter giant, brimming with destructive strength.
Berserk Form – Blood-red skin, fanged jaws, and uncontrollable savagery.
Right now, Xiaobi was in his second form.
In moments, a ten-meter monster loomed over the Marines, its mouth lined with sharp teeth—
still resembling that cute puppy, but now horrifyingly massive.
ROAR!
The giant beast leapt high into the air—
and came crashing down toward the ground like a meteor!
~~--------------------------
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