Chapter 96: The Unruly Hero
This was Ian's first time fighting in his Awakened Form, and the result of that single punch left him deeply satisfied.
A freer attitude...
But it wasn't as simple as just growing larger! There were more intriguing ways to fight, and Ian was eager to explore them. Yet, through his Observation Haki, he knew he likely wouldn't get the chance today...
"The power of an Awakened Human-Human Fruit... is it meant to surpass the limits of the human body?" Garling's voice cut through the settling dust. "To think there's someone like you among the young Marines." He stepped forward, his gaze dismissive. "But no matter how far you push, you are merely extending the mortal coil a little further. How can a mortal hope to defeat a god?"
"Let me teach you how to speak to the Supreme Commander of the God's Knights."
Figarland Garling emerged slowly from the smoke and dust. In that brief exchange, it had seemed Ian held the initiative, but he had failed to land any substantial blow. He had only managed to push Garling back, preventing him from attacking Ian's subordinates. To possess such combat power at such a young age... It seemed not everyone in the Marine ranks was useless.
"The God's Knights? What's that?" Ian retorted, his tone dripping with feigned ignorance. Then, with a provocative curl of his finger, he added, "You want to teach me how to talk? I don't think you'll get the chance! You... come here!"
Even with the composure and authority of a Holy Knight, Garling felt a vein throb on his forehead at Ian's blatant disrespect.
HISS!
Conqueror's Haki flared once more as Garling's aura peaked.
At that very moment, a streak of purple light shot out from the giant trees at the edge of the grove.
"Garling!" a booming voice echoed across the battlefield. "Looking for a fight, old man? I'll be your opponent!"
Peacock: "Vice Admiral Garp!!"
T-Bone: "Vice Admiral Garp!!"
Nami: "Vice Admiral Garp!!"
Garling: "..."
BOOM!
Garp's figure landed, the impact of his feet hitting the ground causing the earth to tremble. He planted himself firmly in front of Ian, facing down the advancing Garling with a stern, icy expression that held no trace of fear.
The most unruly man in the Marine Headquarters had arrived!
"Vice Admiral Garp," Garling's voice was tight with controlled anger as he sheathed his sword. "What is the meaning of this? I am acting on the authority of the God's Knights. Do you believe you can stop me?"
His earlier arrogance was gone. Garling had witnessed Garp's strength firsthand at the God Valley Incident. And judging by Garp's current demeanor, he seemed utterly unconcerned about the prospect of actual combat. Was he really willing to fight a Celestial Dragon? A Commander of the God's Knights?
"Rear Admiral Jock Ian of Marine Headquarters!" Garp's voice was a powerful rumble, carrying across the entire scene. "I ask you: Is the death of the Celestial Dragon, Saint Charlos, related to you? Was it due to negligence by the Marines?"
Ian let his Awakened Form recede, returning to his normal stature. "It has nothing to do with me," he declared loudly, "and nothing to do with the Marines."
A fierce grin split Garp's face. His fists clenched, the knuckles popping with explosive sounds. "Did you hear that, Garling? The death of Saint Charlos has nothing to do with Marine Headquarters. On whose orders are you attacking your fellow Marines?" Garp's voice rose to a roar. "Or do you think we 'fools' who maintain order can be killed at will? You want a fight? Fine! Come and fight me!"
Ian: "!!!"
His Observation Haki had foreseen Garp's arrival and that Garling would halt his assault. But he never expected Garp to be this confrontational! This was completely different from the goofy, laughing old man he knew. Was this the true face of the Marine Hero?
Peacock, T-Bone, and Nami stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ian, a united front.
Peacock: "Old Man Garp! Your words make my blood boil!"
T-Bone: "How can you judge us guilty without evidence?"
Nami: "Vice Admiral Garp is amazing! We did nothing wrong!"
Swish!
A petite figure dropped down from a nearby rooftop, landing softly behind the cadre and taking her place behind Ian.
"Major General Ian, I'm sorry..." Skylark's voice was small. "I heard the fighting and... I was so worried. So I just... I just..."
It was Skylark, who had been ordered to wait. When they parted, she had felt Ian's anxiety and fear. She knew whatever he was facing couldn't be simple. As his comrade, as his subordinate... even at the risk of punishment for disobeying orders, she had followed her heart and chased after him. Now, seeing Ian safe, she felt a wave of panic, sure she had done wrong.
A large hand settled on her head, ruffling her hair gently.
"It's you, little Skylark," Ian said, his voice warm with relief. "I knew you'd come, no matter what I ordered. Who has a subordinate as willful as you?" He gave her a reassuring look. "Return to formation!"
He didn't blame her. Instead, he felt a surge of gratitude. She had come to help, even knowing the danger. This was a comrade he could trust.
BOOM!
BOOM!
...
Behind the line of cadres, the scattered Marines, who had been forced back by the shockwaves of the battle, began to regroup, their spirits lifting at the sight of their legendary Vice Admiral standing firm against a World Noble.