One Piece:I am King Luffy!

Although Sengoku and Garp both hoped that one of the admirals, Kizaru or Aokiji, could be their successor, they realized the reality: only Aokiji could be considered. Kizaru's brand of "ambiguous justice" meant he wavered too much, seeing his job as little more than something to pass time until the next day off. Akainu was far too extreme, someone neither Sengoku nor Garp favored.

That left Aokiji—the fiery-spirited Marine who had once looked at the world with hope, only to be deeply disillusioned by its darkness.

"Then why don't you just keep doing it yourself, Sengoku? We're still young, after all," Garp laughed over the Den Den Mushi.

"Can't stay young forever…"

The two chatted for a while longer before Garp decided to consult Luffy, figuring the boy would know what Uta liked most since they were practically inseparable.

Returning, Garp found the boy tapping on some bowls and chopsticks, singing snippets of a song. To his surprise, Luffy actually sang quite well—was that Uta's influence?

"Luffy, do you know what Uta likes?" Garp asked.

"What, so Grandpa didn't prepare a gift after all?" Luffy teased.

"Brat! I just wanted to confirm she'd actually like the gift!" Garp barked, smacking Luffy on the head, sending him tumbling to the floor.

"How about a big ship?" Luffy suggested, standing back up.

"That way, I can take her sailing. We've already explored all of Foosha Village and the Goa Kingdom, and Uta's curiosity never stops."

"You know how to steer a ship?" Garp asked skeptically.

"No."

"Can you read the wind?"

"No."

"So what can you do?" Garp scoffed, laughing. "Does Uta like ships, or is it you?"

"That's what I've got you for, Grandpa!" Luffy shot back.

"I can't steer a ship either!" Garp huffed proudly, crossing his arms.

"But you could find someone who can," Luffy reasoned, making Garp pause.

"Oh, right—I could get someone to steer…wait a minute!" Garp's fist struck Luffy's head again. "The ocean's way too dangerous for a kid!"

But staying here wasn't an option, Luffy thought. The papers were already buzzing with news he couldn't ignore: Jinbei joining the Seven Warlords of the Sea!

The paper praised the Warlords' might, claiming Jinbei's membership would bring peace and goodwill between humans and Fish-Men. But in reality, Jinbei's political significance went beyond strength—by joining the Warlords, he'd halted his mission of freeing slaves, and in exchange, the World Government had released Arlong.

This same Arlong, after clashing with Vice Admiral Borsalino and realizing his own limitations, now seemed set on leaving the Grand Line and targeting the weakest of the seas—the East Blue.

As a former member of the Sun Pirates, Arlong had once fought alongside Jinbei across the seas. But now, separated from Jinbei's influence, he planned to run rampant in the East Blue, terrorizing anyone in his path. If Luffy wanted to protect those he cared about, he'd need to find a way out to sea.

"The ocean may be dangerous, but I'm pretty strong, right?" Luffy said.

"Strong? The waves will rock the entire ship. Even in the relatively calm East Blue, there are giant beasts out there that could sink you with a single wave," Garp explained.

This world's animals came in two types: normally proportioned creatures that posed no threat and massive beasts, towering tens or even hundreds of meters tall, often regarded as colossal threats.

"The sea's dangerous, Luffy. Besides pirates, you'd need to contend with the waves and all that lives in them," Garp warned. "You're too young for the sea—learn the Rokushiki's Rankyaku at least."

"No matter what you say, if Uta wants to go out to sea, I'll find a way."

"Are you even listening to me?" Garp's fist clenched in frustration.

"Fine, I'll get you two a ship…just for close-to-shore sailing," Garp finally conceded, coming to a decision.

"Thanks, Grandpa."

---

"A ship could be a good way for them to get used to life in the Marines. I'll buy my granddaughter a warship!" Garp declared, calling his second-in-command.

Despite his wishes, there was no way to openly buy a warship. His lieutenant, Bogart, simply dialed the nearest Marine base, Branch 153:

"This is Vice Admiral Garp. I need a new warship stripped of its Marine flags, insignias, and weapons, with only essential equipment remaining. Deliver it to the Goa Kingdom's waters."

"It would be an honor, sir!" came the enthusiastic reply from the other end.

Bogart then decorated the ship with festive balloons and ribbons, transforming it into a colorful vessel fit for a birthday celebration before anchoring it just off Foosha Village—right on time for Uta's birthday.

---

On her birthday evening, Uta received heartfelt messages from people who had heard her songs over the Den Den Mushi broadcasts.

"Helping people through my songs feels amazing, doesn't it, Luffy?" Uta beamed, holding her Den Den Mushi close.

"Do you know what day it is?" she asked him.

"Of course. It's your birthday, Uta. Here's my gift." Luffy handed her a small, homemade cake and sang her a song he'd been practicing.

"Too sneaky, Luffy! Getting a head start!" Ace and Sabo popped out with handmade flower crowns, woven just for her.

"Miss Makino said something hand-made would be special, so…" The boys looked sheepish.

"Thank you both!" Uta's face lit up as she put the flower crowns on her head.

"You're a year older now, Uta! How wonderful—you're one step closer to being an adult," Makino said warmly, offering her own wishes.

Soon, the villagers began to gather, each bringing gifts for the Songstress of Foosha Village.

"What's your gift, Garp?" The village elder tapped him with his cane, a mischievous smile on his face.

"Well…mine's the best, and it's coming at the very end!" Garp wiped a bit of sweat from his forehead. Why did everyone seem to know about Uta's birthday? And since when did the village make such a big deal of it?

"You're not too late, are you? We even brought some good stuff for the occasion!" Dadan appeared with her gang, hauling a giant roasted bear on a cart.

With everyone else's gifts presented, only Garp remained.

The villagers all turned expectantly, their eyes on him.

Just then, a loud horn echoed across the sea, drawing everyone's attention to the massive form approaching from the waters. Balloons and decorations adorned the enormous vessel in the distance.

"Hahaha! Feast your eyes—that sh

ip is my gift!" Garp laughed triumphantly.

"Right on time?" Bogart called down from the deck.

"Perfectly so!"

-Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there 

patreon.com/LegendaryTL

Thanks!