One Piece: Marine Luffy, Garp regrets it

"Why send Kizaru? So we can watch him pretend to fight while actually doing nothing?" Luffy thought to himself, though he kept these sentiments private.

Instead of responding immediately to Fleet Admiral's suggestion, Luffy carefully considered the strategic implications. He glanced at Vice Admiral Gion beside him, noting her subtle nod of confidence, and finally reached his decision.

"With all due respect, Fleet Admiral, that won't be necessary," Luffy stated firmly. "We will handle Kaido ourselves. I personally guarantee we can delay him long enough to prevent any damage to Wano."

His expression hardened with resolve. "Admiral Borsalino would be better utilized supporting the front line against Big Mom. With him and Akainu working in tandem, sir, a mere Big Mom will quickly discover she arrived only to never return."

A cold smile spread across Luffy's face "We can make sure they won't be holding any wedding celebration next month. Instead, they'll be conducting a funeral for Big Mom."

Hearing Luffy's confident assertion that he intended to face Kaido with only his local forces, the faces of Vice Admirals Momonga, Strawberry, and Dalmatian changed dramatically. Their initial thought was that the young Vice Admiral didn't properly comprehend Kaido's true strength and was merely showing off.

But upon further reflection, they recognized that despite his youth, this man had already faced Kaido in direct combat just over six months prior—and had inflicted severe injuries on the Emperor. A feat virtually unheard of in Marine history.

Nevertheless, concern lingered among the senior officers. During that previous encounter, Luffy had been supported by legendary combatants like Garp, Aokiji, and Kizaru. While Vice Admirals Gion and Hancock were formidable fighters in their own right, they simply didn't command the same level of raw power as those three.

Sengoku himself felt uncharacteristic hesitation. the Fleet Admiral couldn't deny the young man's potential and his substantial contributions to the Marines in recent months.

He didn't want to risk losing such a valuable asset, especially not to Kaido's vengeful rampage.

"No," Sengoku stated firmly, shaking his head. "The risk is unacceptable. Even with your capabilities, we cannot underestimate Kaido's monstrous strength."

The Fleet Admiral's typically stern expression betrayed a hint of genuine concern. "Reflect on your previous engagement with him. Not only were you severely wounded, but both Admiral Kuzan and Admiral Borsalino sustained serious injuries as well. For security's sake, I must insist that Borsalino reinforce your position."

Despite recognizing that Sengoku's objection stemmed from legitimate strategic concerns, Luffy remained resolute in his refusal. His strength had evolved considerably since their last confrontation, yet he had recently encountered a plateau in his Conqueror's Haki development. Paradoxically, he needed this challenge—needed Kaido's overwhelming pressure—to break through his current limitations.

So much so that he secretly wished Gion and Hancock wouldn't participate at all, preferring to face Kaido one-on-one.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku," Luffy responded with unexpected formality, "I respectfully ask you to trust in the capabilities of myself and the G-66 branch. Don't just count the three of us, we have two additional officers who possess Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruits."

This revelation caused several video feeds to show visible surprise among the senior officers.

"Furthermore," Luffy continued, "we have a specialist with remarkable regenerative abilities—the user of the Heal-Heal Fruit. Even if we cannot defeat Kaido outright, we can certainly wear him down to the point of exhaustion or retreat."

Hearing these unexpected assets revealed, the assembled Vice Admirals collectively drew sharp breaths of astonishment.

"Listen to how casually he mentions possessing two Mythical Zoan users," Strawberry muttered, loud enough to be heard. "Those are among the rarest Devil Fruits in existence."

"And an equally rare healing ability user," added Momonga. "No wonder he's so confident—it borders on arrogance. But with those resources..."

Even Sengoku momentarily found himself speechless.

"Damn it all," he thought grudgingly. "Kaido may have bitten off more than he can chew this time. Not only was his sneak attack discovered before he could approach, but he's heading straight into a trap with three strong, two Mythical Zoan users, and a dedicated healer against him."

The Fleet Admiral realized that attacking the G-66 branch would likely yield no advantage for Kaido whatsoever. In fact, given these revelations, it seemed increasingly possible that the Beast Emperor might not survive the encounter at all, despite his legendary durability.

Recognizing the changed, Sengoku saw no need for further argument. He nodded silently and rose from his seat.

"Very well. I leave Kaido to your forces. I expect to hear of your success."

His tone left no room for failure as he concluded, "This meeting is adjourned!"

With that declaration, Sengoku's screen went dark, and the other Vice Admirals quickly said their farewells before disconnecting from the conference.

In his video feed—which had remained active throughout—Vice Admiral Garp finally stretched and yawned dramatically. The old Marine hero, who had apparently slept through the entire strategy session, now looked around with feigned surprise as if wondering why everyone was leaving.

Luffy couldn't help but silently marvel at his grandfather's shameless behavior. Whether Garp had genuinely been asleep or simply pretending to avoid participation in the tedious planning session was anyone's guess.

Not particularly concerned with whether his grandfather had absorbed any of the meeting's content, Luffy offered a brief greeting and prepared to disconnect his own feed.

Before he could do so, however, Garp abruptly spoke up.

"Luffy, you reckless brat," he called out, his gruff voice carrying unexpected undertones of genuine concern. "Be careful out there. Don't let your temper get the better of you."

Looking at the video feed showing Garp nonchalantly picking his nose while simultaneously yawning, Luffy's lips twitched with exasperation.

"I should be saying that to you, old man," he retorted. "Don't get too comfortable. Be careful you don't get skewered by Big Mom while you're busy napping. That would be truly embarrassing for the 'Hero of the Marines.'"

"Tch," Garp waved dismissively, evidently unconcerned with the prospect of facing an Emperor. "Get going already. I need to leave too—duty calls!"

His expression softened almost imperceptibly. "If things get dicey, remember you can always call your grandpa. I won't even laugh at you... much."

With a characteristic boisterous laugh, Garp disconnected from the video conference.

Luffy snorted, refusing to dignify his grandfather's teasing with a response. He gathered his materials and prepared to depart with Viola and Gion to make preparations for Kaido's imminent arrival.

Before they could exit the conference room, however, the main screen unexpectedly flickered back to life. Garp's face appeared once more, filling the display with his broad grin.

"Oh, one more thing, Luffy!" The old Marine called out as if remembering something vital. "I heard those 'computer' contraptions you've got are pretty interesting toys. Send me the best one you've got—your grandfather wants to play too!"

Without waiting for Luffy's inevitable refusal, Garp disconnected again, leaving his grandson sputtering in disbelief.

"I @#$%^&... that old..." Luffy shook his head, unable to even complete his thought.

Even in his sixties, Garp remained hopelessly out of touch with modern technology yet paradoxically eager to acquire the latest devices—which he would inevitably break within days through his characteristic roughness.