ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

Caesar raised his eyebrows slightly. "No problem."

[42] Leaving Shimotsuki Village, I Ran Into Garp!

Though helpless, Caesar understood that obtaining materials for a Great Grade (Ō Wazamono) sword was no easy feat.

After all, this was to be his personal blade. Finding the right materials was inevitable.

The Next Day

"Is it time to go?"

Brad hesitated, feeling reluctant. Life here was peaceful, unlike the constant battles at sea.

Not having to deal with cutthroat pirates every day? That was a rare luxury.

Gnaly shot him a sidelong glance. "Are you lingering?"

Caesar smiled. "We've stayed long enough. Sorry for the delay—this trip was to find materials for forging my sword."

"Come on, let's say goodbye."

Caesar and his group returned to Isshin Dojo.

The children had noticed his absence and kept glancing outside during training. When they spotted him, they rushed forward eagerly.

"Caesar—!"

Shimotsuki Kozaburo sighed, rubbing his temples. "Really now…"

After settling the children, Caesar approached the old swordsmith.

"Master Kozaburo, I'd like to borrow Wadō Ichimonji from you."

At present, he lacked a proper sword, leaving him at a disadvantage. If he encountered a Vice Admiral like Zephyr, he wouldn't be able to fight at full strength.

"What did you just say?"

Kozaburo's forehead veins bulged. This brat… does he even understand how important Wadō Ichimonji is?!

It was a blade crafted as a legacy of the Shimotsuki Clan!

Yet, as much as he hated the idea, he also didn't want this man lingering any longer.

"Aren't you a pirate? Do pirates borrow swords and actually return them?"

Caesar shrugged. "Though Wadō Ichimonji is a formidable Ō Wazamono blade, it's not exactly suited to me."

"I need a sword that truly complements me, allowing me to unleash my full potential."

Then, scratching his chin, he added sheepishly, "I just need something in the meantime. Once I gather the materials and forge my blade, I'll return it."

Kozaburo pressed his lips together, deep in thought. Finally, with a heavy sigh, he nodded.

"Fine. But you must return it. Otherwise, you can forget about ever forging a new sword."

Caesar nodded solemnly.

When he left the dojo again, a white-sheathed katana was now secured at his waist—Wadō Ichimonji.

Back on the ship, Brad and Gnaly crowded around him.

Brad's eyes gleamed. "Whoa, that sword looks so cool! Did that old dojo guy give it to you?"

"He didn't give it to me," Caesar corrected. "I borrowed it."

Gnaly observed Caesar with the blade and suddenly felt his presence had grown stronger. Now he understood why Caesar had insisted on this visit.

"You really don't act like a pirate."

The pirates he had seen at the Gray Terminal never borrowed anything. They stole. Himself included.

Caesar chuckled. "Pirates don't have a fixed image."

Gnaly blinked, momentarily lost in thought. Then he snapped back to the present.

"So, where do we go now to find the materials?"

Brad looked at him curiously.

Caesar shook his head. "These materials are rare, but they're available at auction houses."

"The real issue is whether we have enough funds."

He unfurled a map and pointed. "We'll go here—Sky Island."

"Sky Island?"

"The place is full of gold. I plan to take some and use it to buy what we need."

As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed two pairs of wide-eyed, stunned expressions.

Brad's gaze screamed: Are you insane?!

"Sky Island?" Gnaly, who had never sailed before, looked confused.

Brad, having little experience at sea himself, was equally doubtful.

"Sky Island is just a myth! There's no way it actually exists."

He turned to Gnaly and began explaining the legend.

After listening, Gnaly furrowed his brows. "Has anyone ever returned from there?"

Caesar smirked. "Of course."

"Wait, really?!"

"Really."

Brad and Gnaly exchanged glances before reluctantly nodding.

"Alright… let's go, then."

And with that, they set sail toward the location leading to Sky Island.

---

[43] Confronting Garp—Escape into the Calm Belt!

Meanwhile, off the coast of the Goa Kingdom, a Marine ship docked at the harbor.

Hoo… hoo hoo… BANG!

The loud snoring came to an abrupt stop.

Garp, sprawled across a deck chair, cracked open an eye. Stretching lazily, he yawned.

"Ahhh… Man, this weather is too comfortable…"

The Marines beside him shared a glance, unsure whether to speak.

But then—

Garp suddenly turned toward the coastline, his eyes sharpening.

On the other side, Caesar had barely set sail when his Observation Haki flared. His expression darkened.

"…Garp?"

Brad stiffened, his legs trembling.

"That's—! THAT'S—THE Garp?! 'Fist of Love' Garp?!"

His voice cracked in pure terror.

Gnaly, confused, asked, "Is he strong?"

Caesar exhaled sharply. "Very."

At that moment, Garp met Caesar's gaze and grinned.

"Well, well… what's a brat like you doing in the East Blue?"

Caesar smirked. "That's none of your business, Vice Admiral."

Garp laughed. "Hahahaha! You've got guts, kid!"

BOOM!

Without warning, Garp lunged, fist cocked.

Their blows met midair—giant blackened fists colliding in a fiery explosion. The sheer impact sent waves rippling across the sea.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Caesar was blown backward, crashing onto the deck. But just before impact, his momentum slowed unnaturally, softening the landing. The wood beneath him only cracked slightly.

Garp raised an eyebrow. "Strange… That punch should've shattered his boat."

He glanced at Gnaly. "Is that his ability?"

Gnaly stood frozen, unable to process what he just saw.

Brad's voice shook. "This guy… he went toe-to-toe with Rocks back in the day…"

Caesar flexed his fingers, feeling the sting. Garp's Armament Haki was overwhelming—far beyond his own.

But Garp wasn't done.

As Caesar steadied himself, the Vice Admiral charged in again, fists clenched.

BANG!

Caesar instantly unsheathed Wadō Ichimonji.

The clash of blade and fist sent golden sparks flying.

Their Armament Haki clashed, black lightning crackling between them.

CRACK! CRACK!

A storm of blows followed.

Caesar gritted his teeth. This old man… really is a monster.

The sea roared around them. And the battle raged on.