In Eiichiro Oda’s magnum opus, only a few deaths have taken place so far. However, that does not make it any easier for the fans to witness these heart-aching events. One such possibility was the avoidance of Portgas D. Ace’s death at the Marineford Arc, had his grandfather, Monkey D. Garp, decided to take matters into his own hands.
Even though the Hero of the Marines is immensely loved by the fandom, they can’t forgive him. This is because, during the war at the Marine headquarters, he did nothing and watched his grandson get executed at the hands of Akainu.
Surprisingly, the Vice Admiral has made an active effort to save his subordinate, Koby, from the evil clutches of Marshall D. Teach, popularly known as Blackbeard. The community is flabbergasted at the duality of the character because he used to claim Ace as his own grandson! So, why exactly is Garp aiming to save Koby but not Ace?
Monkey D. Garp Allowed His Duty to Come in the Way of His Family!
Over the years, Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has created a special place in the hearts of the otaku community. The adventure series has featured several breathtaking arcs that have left its viewers amused.
One such arc was the Marineford Saga, which featured Ace, who would receive capital punishment at the Marine Headquarters. The Whitebeard Pirates launch an all-out war so that they can rescue one of their own. Sadly, they failed as Akainu punched through Fire-Fist Ace’s chest.
However, fans have often argued that the character could have been saved had Garp made an active effort to save him. In the entire saga, Garp was seen showcasing his loyalty to the Marines. This trait is also his defining characteristic because, through and through, he has lived his life serving the organization.
As a result, he has kept the interest of the Marines above his own. Moreover, he chose the side of the Marines because he actively stopped Marco of the Whitebeard Pirates from saving the pirate from running away from his punishment. Consequently, that choice led to Akainu executing Ace right in front of Monkey D. Luffy.
Though it might be a matter of perspective, going against the Marines to save his grandson would mean overthrowing his loyalty. After all, Portgas D. Ace was the son of the notorious Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.
Ace Never Asked His Grandfather To Save Him
It is well understood that Monkey D. Garp is a loyal marine through and through, and holds a higher value for his duty than the life of his grandson. However, when Ace was being prepared to meet his fate, he told him that he would save him if he asked him to do so.
During the entire saga, Ace is a jerk toward his grandfather, who ignores him and asks Whitebeard, his father, to save him from meeting his doom. This made the Hero of the Marines choose a side, but he did not go all out because he allowed Luffy to get past him easily, hoping that he would save his brother from meeting his fate.
To reinforce the notion, he was immensely mad when Akainu executed his grandson. Sengoku had to physically restrain him because had he not done it, then the then-Vice Admiral would not have seen another day.
Why Is Moneky D. Garp Actively Saving Koby?
With Koby currently being held captive by the Blackbeard Pirates, the Hero of the Marines has played an active role in saving his subordinate. However, Koby’s case is different because the young Marine Captain was taken directly under Garp’s wing.
The veteran Marine saw the dedication and had the potential, training him to become the manifestation of all his wishes. The Vice Admiral always wanted Luffy, Ace, and Sabo to become Marines and was heavily against the idea of them becoming pirates.
Hence, Koby is the active manifestation of the grandson he always wished to have. Since Garp did not have to force Koby to become the soldier of justice, he made a dedicated effort, wasting no time in rescuing him.
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