One Piece: Starting in God Valley as a Slave

Garp raised his fist and shook it, saying,

"Boy, haven't you tasted my iron fist of love for too long?"

Dragon broke free from the wall. He wanted to continue insisting, but when he looked up at Garp, he saw a hint of tension on his face.

After a pause, Dragon swallowed back what he wanted to say, sighed lightly, and regained his calmness.

He whispered,

"I'm sorry, father. I had a nightmare, and my mind is a little confused. You don't have to take what I just said seriously."

Garp was relieved when he heard this. He stepped forward and patted Dragon on the shoulder.

"I know you've been hit hard, but you're still young. It's possible you'll catch up with Carl in the future."

"But Carl seems to be younger than me."

"Uh, ahem! Carl's situation is special. He experienced the battle with the Whitebeard Pirates as a student and stayed at sea for another year after graduation. It makes sense that his strength improved quickly!"

"Okay, father, don't mention him anymore. There's nothing wrong with my body. Let's go back."

"Well, you are indeed my son. Your body is strong. By the way, I have good news for you. You passed the assessment, and the department has decided to award you the rank of Rear Admiral! Haha, you are almost catching up with me!"

Dragon responded lightly, having no interest in the rank of Rear Admiral.

Garp noticed this but didn't feel it was wrong. After all, he himself never cared much for ranks. For Dragon, his son, to feel the same was only natural.

Meanwhile, Carl had returned to his office. He first called the headquarters hospital to "inquire" about Dragon's condition.

After learning about Dragon's performance, he hung up with great satisfaction, a playful smile on his face. After thinking for a moment, Carl called Den Den Mushi again, this time to Garling.

After a series of "blu" sounds, Garling's voice emerged from the Den Den Mushi,

"Carl, what is it this time?"

Carl smirked, "Uncle Garling, can't I call you just to chat?"

Den Den Mushi imitated Garling's sneer,

"Don't play games with me, kid. Tell me what's on your mind. In our family, we don't beat around the bush!"

"Alright, alright, Uncle Garling. It's about the Heavenly Tribute this year, right?"

"Yeah, about a month left. What's up? Got your eye on something? I can have the people below keep an eye out."

"No, not yet. But there's an interesting graduate this year, and I want him involved in guarding the Heavenly Tribute this time."

The annual Heavenly Tribute is a top priority. It requires participation from CP9, and the Navy also sends part of its forces.

Garling asked curiously,

"Oh? Are you referring to Aramaki?"

"No, his name is Monkey D. Dragon. Garp's son."

Hearing Garp, Den Den Mushi narrowed its eyes, and Garling said coldly,

"Him? Garp doesn't align with the World Government. His son must be no different."

"It seems you're well-informed, Uncle."

"Humph, of course. If it weren't for his fighting skills and connections with high-ranking Navy members, he'd have been dealt with long ago! The D in his name is a real thorn in the side."

"Hehe, that's why I want Dragon to escort the Heavenly Tribute. Over the years, Garp has avoided the escort duty through his position, but his son doesn't have that luxury. We can teach Garp a lesson and assess his son's loyalty."

"Fine, I'll have the World Government issue the order. By the way, what's Dragon's rank now?"

"Rear Admiral."

"Hmm, seems like he has potential. But you should still send someone reliable with him. The Heavenly Tribute is vital."

"Uncle Garling, you don't need to worry. I'll lead the escort myself. Is that reliable enough?"

"You are a diligent boy."

"Haha, of course, Uncle. The Heavenly Tribute is our property, after all."

After hanging up, Carl raised a glass of red wine, recalling the day's events with a sinister smile. The Vampire Fruit gave him the ability to make people fall asleep through his fangs, manipulating their dreams. He had already used this power to deepen Dragon's disillusionment with the World Government.

But it wasn't enough for Carl. He didn't just want Dragon to leave the Navy, he wanted him to defect so Carl could carry out his vision of justice.

"Dragon," he murmured, sipping his wine,

"Can you resist this time?"

Within a week, the World Government's document arrived at Navy Headquarters. Kong immediately convened a high-level meeting to announce that Dragon would join the Heavenly Tribute escort. When Garp heard, he suddenly stood up in anger.

"What?! Dragon just graduated! Why did the World Government assign him to this?!"

It was clear that Garp was distressed. He despised the Celestial Dragons, and now they wanted his son to serve them. He couldn't accept it. Dragon had already expressed his dissatisfaction with the Navy, and Garp feared that witnessing the Celestial Dragons' corruption might push him over the edge.

-----------

+95 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg