Faced with Luffy's accusations, Aokiji and Kizaru exchanged glances, realizing he had a point. Reluctantly, they acknowledged that their attempts to exaggerate their injuries could use so refinent. After a quick discussion, the three of them decided to go all-in on their disguises, working together to create a more "reasonable" level of injury.
Under the watchful, bewildered eyes of their comrades, the three wrapped themselves up even more elaborately. Luffy now sat in a wheelchair with both legs and one arm in plaster, while Kizaru sported a bandaged hand and injured leg, hobbling on crutches. Aokiji, although lightly injured, committed to the role by wrapping his upper body in bandages and hanging an arm in a sling.
With their new, over-the-top disguises, they proudly took the frontmost and most visible spot, eagerly awaiting Fleet Admiral Sengoku's arrival.
Seeing the trio's spectacle, Garp, who had initially co out in a clean, unscathed suit, felt oddly out of place standing beside them. After a brief pause, he signaled for soone to bring a bandage, then wrapped it around his neck a couple of tis for good asure. Straightening his posture, he joined his bandaged-up companions, chin held high.
Behind them, the other Marines exchanged glances, whispering among themselves. Please, soone co and take these four clowns away!
They didn't have to wait long. Soon, the shadow of a warship appeared on the horizon. Ten warships were heading toward the G2 branch, with Fleet Admiral Sengoku at the helm. The remaining ten warships, led by Akainu, had been sent directly to the G1 branch, from where they would return to Marineford without delay. With so many Marines dispatched, Sengoku was anxious to secure their ho base before another opportunistic attack occurred.
As the warships drew closer, the figures of Sengoku and his officers beca visible on the lead ship's deck. Sengoku, too, caught sight of Luffy, Garp, and the others lined up in exaggerated bandages, his face growing darker by the second.
"Ready… salute!" commanded Kibin, and the ceremonial 21-gun salute echoed across the port, announcing the arrival of the Marine's supre commander.
Two rows of honor guards stood at attention, displaying the unwavering discipline of the G2 branch. But even the welcoming display couldn't lift the gloom from Sengoku's face.
Once Sengoku and his officers disembarked, Luffy and the others greeted them.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!" they called out in unison, their voices filled with feigned pride.
Sengoku took one look at the quartet, all wrapped in bandages, and his irritation flared. "Garp! What is this nonsense?! How did a mission involving just Kaido end up like this?"
Garp, never one to mince words, shot back, "What do you an, 'just' Kaido? He's not so small-ti pirate! That's Kaido of the Four Emperors—Kaido the Beast, the 'strongest creature in the world'!"
He folded his arms, huffing in indignation. "When he found out his ho was being raided, he fought us like a madman! I got injured taking him on, and even with Kuzan and Borsalino giving it their all, they still got roughed up. My grandson Luffy was knocked out cold for three days and only woke up yesterday! If Hancock hadn't gotten to him in ti, he might not even be here now!"
Garp's eyes flashed with defiance. "And what about you? Where's the success of your attack on Wano? Show what you've got to brag about!"
Sengoku's gaze softened montarily as he took in Luffy's bandaged form in the wheelchair, with Hancock standing behind him, pushing him gently. Seeing his young subordinate so battered, a fresh wave of anger surged in Sengoku, directed squarely at the governnt's recent decisions.
With a deep frown, Sengoku turned on his heel. "Co with . We'll discuss this in the eting room."
Without waiting for anyone to lead him, he strode into the base, his face set in a scowl. Garp, grumbling under his breath, followed close behind.
As they moved, Aokiji and Kizaru prepared to join them. Ever the opportunist, Kizaru called over a nearby female Marine and, with a charming smile, asked her to help him along. With her arm supporting him, he sauntered forward slowly, looking quite pleased.
Watching this, Aokiji regretted his decision not to use crutches. If only I'd thought of that, he mused. I could've had a beautiful lady assisting too.
Noticing their expressions, Luffy couldn't resist a smug grin. A re Marine officer as support? he thought, chuckling to himself. I have the Pirate Empress pushing my wheelchair. Nothing could top that.
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