Based on what Lucas Moore knew about Garp...
That old guy wasn't the kind to invite just anyone into the Navy.
The only time he'd extend an invitation was when he saw extraordinary potential in someone.
But this was their first meeting.
They hadn't even exchanged a proper conversation.
So what was there to "think about"?
Lucas didn't hesitate. "Not interested. I refuse."
"Hahaha!" Garp burst out laughing. "Kid, don't tell me you've already joined Shanks' crew!"
Shanks?
Lucas's expression flickered with surprise as he glanced at Garp.
How did this guy know about his connection to Shanks?
Could it be… that Shanks told him during their last call?
No. That didn't make sense.
Knowing Shanks, he'd never spill something like that.
So, the most likely explanation—this old fox had figured it out on his own.
As expected of Garp...
Lucas didn't answer directly. Instead, he replied offhandedly, "I'm just a traveler."
"Eh?" Garp blinked, then slapped the table and laughed so hard the plates rattled. "A traveler? You? A brat like you? That's hilarious! That's a life with no future. What's so bad about being a Marine? I've got two grandsons—one's a bit younger than you, and the other about your age. The three of you can join the Navy together and protect justice on the seas!"
The two grandsons he was referring to were Luffy, his biological grandson, and Ace—son of the former Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. At this point in time, almost no one knew Ace's true heritage.
Garp had always wanted both Luffy and Ace to join the Navy.
But in the end, they both became notorious pirates—infuriating Garp to no end.
In any case, no matter what Garp said, Lucas had no intention of changing his mind.
"Still not interested."
Lucas left a stack of beri on the table to pay for the meal, then turned and headed toward the spiral staircase leading to the second floor.
A few waiters carrying food came down and immediately stopped him.
"Hey kid, you're going the wrong way. The exit's over there."
"The upstairs area is for staff and private use. Customers aren't allowed. If you want to order more food, just call out."
Lucas didn't bother to respond.
This was a good chance to test out Shunpo.
In the middle of the chefs' warning, he lightly and swiftly darted past them like a shadow.
By the time they blinked, he had already vanished.
"Huh? Where'd that kid go?" one of them asked in disbelief.
"No idea. He was just right in front of us… then poof. Gone," the other said, shaking his head.
Garp had been watching everything clearly from the dining room.
He had been uncertain about Lucas's strength, since he'd never seen it firsthand.
But that footwork…
It caught his eye immediately. Even slowed down his dessert.
He'd never seen a movement technique like that—one that could boost speed so drastically.
This kid was anything but ordinary.
"Things just keep getting more interesting," Garp grinned, shoveling more dessert into his mouth.
Within seconds, Lucas arrived outside Zeff's office. The old man was busy scribbling in a ledger.
Sensing someone at the door, Zeff glanced up.
A kid he'd never seen before?
"This ain't a place for you, brat. Go back downstairs," Zeff muttered, eyes returning to the page.
A moment passed.
When Lucas didn't move, Zeff slammed his pen down and growled, "Hey! You deaf or something?"
As he spoke, the twin braided mustaches on his face quivered comically.
Once a ruthless pirate known for his cruelty, Zeff had softened after nearly starving to death with Sanji. After being rescued, they had opened the Baratie together. Though less cruel now, his temper was still explosive.
Lucas said nothing, simply stared.
Then came the sound of rapid footsteps in the hallway.
Sanji appeared, catching sight of Lucas standing outside Zeff's door.
"Huh? Isn't that the customer from earlier? What's he doing here?"
He didn't think much of it and quickened his pace. As he reached Lucas, he tried to shove him aside—but Lucas slipped to the side with minimal effort, avoiding his touch entirely.
"…Weird guy," Sanji muttered. Then he shouted into the room, "Hey old man! When are you gonna teach me how to cook? I'm sick of just doing chores!"
Zeff's face darkened as he stood up.
"You little punk!"
He raised his right leg—his prosthetic—and kicked Sanji so hard he flew across the hallway.
"You think you've earned that right? Back to scrubbing floors!"
Zeff had lost that leg back when he and Sanji were stranded—cut it off to save the boy's life.
"Damn it!" Sanji growled from where he landed several meters away. "You always say that! When will I ever be qualified?"
Zeff didn't answer. Instead, he turned back to Lucas with a glare.
"And you! Done spectating? Get your ass back to the dining room!"
He launched a kick at Lucas with his prosthetic leg.
But just before it landed, Lucas activated Shunpo, dodging the blow with ease.
Zeff's expression shifted with surprise as he chased after him, unleashing a flurry of kicks.
Lucas continued to evade with Shunpo.
At level one, it was barely enough to keep up—but if Zeff got serious, Lucas might actually get hit.
There was a reason he was called Red-Leg Zeff. His legwork was no joke.
"Oh? Not bad, kid," Zeff narrowed his eyes, the pressure in the air intensifying as he sped up.
Lucas hadn't planned to fight.
But if pushed this far...
He wasn't about to keep dodging forever.
Realizing he couldn't evade the next attack, Lucas's eyes flickered as he coated his hand in Armament Haki.
He caught Zeff's prosthetic leg mid-strike.
Using Zeff's momentum, he twisted and spun, hurling the old man sideways.
CRASH!
Zeff smashed through the wooden wall and landed in a heap inside his own office.
Sanji's jaw dropped.
"No way... the old man just got thrown... by a kid my age?"
"Damn you!" Zeff growled, staggering to his feet, covered in splinters. He glared at Lucas. "You wrecked my ship!"
Lucas shrugged. "Self-defense. Not my fault."
"You call that self-defense?!" Zeff barked. "You broke my wall! You're paying for that!"
"How much?" Lucas asked casually.
Zeff squinted at him and said without hesitation, "Ten thousand beri!"