The mont Michael words left his mouth, Rouge and Rayleigh instantly bewildered.
What the hell? What nonsense is he spouting now? Change her surna and gain an extra father?
They recognized every word, but when strung together, it made absolutely no sense.
anwhile, Garp face went from tomato red to straight-up purple.
When Michael first dropped this plan on him, Garp shot it down—hard.
But Michael kept pushing, saying there was no other way.
Only an identity like his could really fool everyone.
Let's be real, nothing screams misdirection like the whole "Marine Hero" and "Roger Nesis" gig. That combo so blinding, nobody gonna notice what's happening right under their noses.
Even Admiral Sengoku wouldnt notice it!
After Michael relentless brainwashing during their journey, Garp had more or less accepted the plan. But ntal acceptance didn't an his body wouldn't react.
Rouge gaining an extra father would naturally feel awkward.
But Garp suddenly gaining a daughter would definitely feel just as awkward.
"But do you have a better solution right now?" Michael shrugged. "Honestly, the Marines and CP agent searching the island right now aren't worth worrying about. If we really wanted to evade them, I could just fly Rouge away from Baterilla Island under cover of darkness."
"But the question is—what then? The Marines and World Governnt influence spans the entire world. Even if you hide in so remote corner under an assud na, you'll eventually be found. So having a completely unsuspicious new identity is the optimal solution." Michael spoke with absolute conviction.
In the original story, the reason Ace true identity was uncovered by the Marines was precisely because his background had too many holes.
Garp suddenly having a grandson? What about the child's parents?
While the Marines didn't know much about Garp family situation beyond Dragon existence, they would definitely grow suspicious.
Then cross-checking the tiline and locations... Considering old man Garp personality... It would be easy to deduce Ace identity.
[A/N : Idk if the marine simply discover ace identity or teach told them]
But having a living mother changed everything.
Because then the family tree would appear complete.
People don't randomly speculate about things that seem complete and harmonious—that's human nature. As for when the old man Sengoku inevitably asked questions, Garp could simply say his daughter was born in another sea and grew up living with Dragon.
What's he going to do—go ask Dragon for confirmation?
As if!
The chances of even eting Dragon were practically zero!
"This is... really too... weird." Rayleigh, after all, was the right-hand man of the Pirate King.
Honestly, He was thrown for a loop by that wild idea, but his brain finally kicked back in.
"What do you think? Did you believe conventional ans could withstand the alternating investigations of both the Marines and the CP organization's intelligence systems?" Michael said sowhat helplessly.
"You're pirates—if the World Governnt wants to investigate, they can find out even the color of your underwear."
Hearing this, Rayleigh also smiled wryly. "No wonder no matter how we hid before, Garp always managed to catch up to us ..."
"So, Rouge, can you accept this thod?" Michael waved his hand in front of Rouge, finally snapping her out of her daze.
She thought for a while... but still looked hesitant.
"I have no issues with changing my surna. Vice Admiral Garp age is more than enough to be my father, and such kindness is akin to being reborn. I'd be more than happy to call Vice Admiral Garp 'Father'."
"But the problem is, even with an identity, what about my appearance? Though the Marines don't have my records now, they can still obtain them from Baterilla Island, right?"
Michael imdiately leaned in, his face practically screaming.
"I was waiting for you to ask that!"
Rubbing his hands together, he said to Rouge "Of course, I can handle that! Otherwise, wouldn't this plan be pointless?"
As he gestured around Rouge head, Michael explained.
"I can slightly alter your bone structure using Holy Fla and Haki. And by consuming fifty percent of my Holy Light, I can condense a Holy Light seed. Once you eat it, your hair will be permanently changed to my color." He pointed at his own head for emphasis.
"But the only downside is, this change is permanent and irreversible. Even eating Seastone won't undo it."
"Everything is ready. All that's left... is your resolve." After speaking, Michael fell silent.
The final decision rested with Rouge.
The hardest hurdle was herself.
Sure enough, after Michael finished speaking, Rouge expression grew even more conflicted.
She gently caressed her heavily swollen belly, For the sake of her child these things seed... not so hard to accept.
"Michael, I'm ready. Ready to beco Monkey D. Rouge, ready to beco soone else. For Ace, I can sacrifice anything."
***
The morning sun rose, its golden light gradually spreading from the sea to the shore. Then across the entirety of Baterilla Island.
anwhile, the Marines led by Onigumo, having searched from two directions simultaneously, finally arrived at the Portgas Manor perched on the cliffside by dawn.
Onigumo glanced at the Marines approaching from the other direction and asked in confusion.
"During your search, did any of you see Vice Admiral Garp or Lieutenant Commander Michael?"
"Report, Vice Admiral! We haven't seen them!"
"That's strange... Could Vice Admiral Garp have returned to his flagship to rest? That doesn't seem like him." Onigumo muttered a few words but didn't dwell on it.
What high-ranking officer would work through the night with them?
So after asking, he quickly put the matter out of his mind.
Now, the only place left unsearched on the entire island was here.
Before this, they had found nineteen pregnant won on the island whose estimated due dates were close. If Garp hadn't arrived, he would have forcibly taken these won away, killing any civilians who dared to resist.
But now, they could only keep the information and politely advise them not to leave Baterilla Island for the ti being.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Marine, conducting a search by order! Please cooperate!"
After Onigumo knocked on the manor gate, he finally heard so movent inside.
The door to the house opened, and a man sauntered out lazily, walking toward the gate.
Onigumo narrowed his eyes—why did this guy look familiar?
Wasn't he… That brat, Michael?!
"Knock, knock, knock! All you do is knock! Rushing people first thing in the morning?!" Michael rubbed his sleepy eyes and opened the iron gate, letting the Marines in.
"M-Michael? What are you doing here?"
"Huh? Is it weird for to be here?" Michael rubbed his eyes and said casually.
"Old Man Garp is staying at his daughter place and I just tagged along to crash in a spare room."
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