Momousagi's expression suddenly changed.
There were three Admirals in the Navy… yet somehow, everyone had forgotten one of them.
She recalled the earlier report from Morgans, particularly the section about the Hobby-Hobby Fruit…
Hiss—
Could it be?
"Luo Lan, are you sure?"
"You mean the Navy hasn't noticed at all?"
Luo Lan looked puzzled as well.
While the Hobby-Hobby Fruit had formidable powers, it shouldn't be capable of rewriting reality itself.
For example—
Back when Akainu was around, Onigumo had only served under his command—not as the G5 Branch Commander.
So even if Akainu had fallen victim to the Hobby-Hobby Fruit's power, that alone shouldn't have promoted Onigumo to a base commander, right?
Setting aside whether Marine HQ had noticed anything strange—wouldn't Onigumo himself question when he'd ever been appointed by HQ as a base commander?
"Now that you mention it," Momousagi suddenly said aloud, "I do remember something odd happening at G1 Branch recently."
She recollected quickly and continued.
"Apparently, HQ discovered they'd forgotten to assign a base commander to G1. At the same time…"
"…the New World was in turmoil, and HQ somehow neglected to dispatch an Admiral for oversight. That's when Vice Admiral Onigumo was suddenly promoted as base commander, and Admiral Aokiji was hastily transferred to G1 Branch."
"So all of this happened because…"
Peach Rabbit covered her mouth in shock, eyes wide.
"I'll confirm it right now!"
Luo Lan pulled out a Den Den Mushi.
Buru buru buru…
"I'm Tsuru," came the calm, clear voice from the other end.
"Aunt Tsuru, it's me—Luo Lan!"
"Luo Lan, is Gion(Momousagi) with you?"
"She is, Aunt Tsuru!"
Before Luo Lan could reply, Momousagi leaned in and spoke directly.
"Aunt Tsuru, we contacted you because we need you to investigate something important!"
"What is it?"
"Check the Navy's personnel records and command history. See if there's any sign of a third Admiral who's been completely forgotten."
Holding the Den Den Mushi, Luo Lan spoke gravely.
Yes—the Hobby-Hobby Fruit was undoubtedly a terrifying ability, but it wasn't omnipotent.
It couldn't rewrite reality.
Even if everyone had forgotten Akainu, the traces of his existence would still remain.
Tsuru, sharp as ever, immediately understood what Luo Lan was implying.
"You're talking about the Hobby-Hobby Fruit?"
"That's right."
"Understood. I'll investigate right away and get back to you."
Without hesitation, Tsuru ended the call.
She knew exactly how critical this was.
If Luo Lan's theory was true…
The usually calm and composed Tsuru now radiated a deadly aura.
After all, she had grown up alongside Sengoku and Garp—she was no ordinary woman.
Though she held a position in the Strategy Department, her strength… was anything but average. Her Devil Fruit ability alone was terrifying.
With Tsuru personally taking the reins, the investigation progressed swiftly.
Not long after, she called in Sengoku.
"You're saying," Sengoku said, stunned, "that the Navy did have a third Admiral—and that Doflamingo's subordinate, the user of the Hobby-Hobby Fruit, turned him into a toy?"
"Yes. The personnel records, the archived orders, and even a forgotten office in HQ… all of it confirms his existence."
Hiss—
The evidence was overwhelming.
Even someone as experienced as Sengoku couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath.
The Hobby-Hobby Fruit… could affect someone of Admiral level?
"Codename Akainu—Sakazuki?"
"Tsuru, mobilize the entire intelligence network. We need to find Doflamingo immediately!"
"No need," Tsuru said. "This kind of thing is faster to solve… by just asking directly."
With that, she picked up another Den Den Mushi and made the call.
Buru buru buru…
"Aunt Tsuru, do you have an update?"
Luo Lan's voice came through the receiver as soon as the call connected.
Beside her, Sengoku's expression hardened, and he looked over at Tsuru.
She gestured for him to stay silent.
"It's confirmed," Tsuru said solemnly. "Marine HQ did indeed have a third Admiral—codename Akainu—who has been completely forgotten by everyone."
"Really?" Momousagi's voice joined the call, surprised and incredulous.
Sengoku's face twitched again.
Why was Momousagi with Luo Lan?
If he remembered correctly, hadn't Tsuru told him just a few days ago that Momousagi had been sent on a solo mission?
He hadn't thought much of it at the time—after all, Tsuru was the last person he'd ever suspect.
But now…
What the hell was going on?
"It's hard to believe, but both the personnel files and the government's archival records confirm his existence," Tsuru said. "Luo Lan, what do you plan to do next?"
After explaining the situation to Momousagi, she turned her attention to Luo Lan again.
"What do I plan to do? Of course—I'll take care of Doflamingo with my own hands!"
"But to make that happen, I'll need your help with one thing, Aunt Tsuru."
"What is it?"
"I need you to send a few of my warships into the New World."
"…Warships?"
Both Tsuru and Sengoku were confused.
"You might not believe this," Momousagi chimed in again, "but Luo Lan's warships? They're far more powerful than anything the Navy has. Apparently, they used those very ships to blow up Doflamingo last time!"
"What?" Tsuru's face froze in disbelief. "You mean he was taken down by… cannon fire?"
Even someone like her had trouble processing such a thing.
It was absurd.
Sure, cannon fire could take out average pirates—but someone of Doflamingo's level?
Still, Tsuru collected herself quickly.
After a brief moment of thought, she asked, "How many ships?"
"Four," Luo Lan answered.
"Alright, I can arrange that. One coating specialist and enough coating material should be enough, right?"
"That's more than enough. Thank you, Aunt Tsuru!"
"Hold it," she interrupted. "Don't thank me just yet—I have a condition."
Luo Lan immediately felt a bad premonition.
Of course. Nothing came free from this woman…
"Name it, Aunt Tsuru. As long as I can do it—"
"Relax. It's nothing outrageous. I just want two of those warships… for Marine HQ."
"Absolutely not!!!"
Luo Lan rejected her on the spot.
Even for Aunt Tsuru, this was non-negotiable.
Was she kidding? These ships weren't something you just handed over!
"Now now, don't be so hasty, kid," Tsuru said, smiling. "I'm not asking for them for free. Hear my offer first, then decide."
She wasn't surprised by his reaction—it was what she expected.
"Fine," Luo Lan said grudgingly. "But I'm not agreeing to anything yet."
His tone was firm.
…Until a few minutes later.
"Alright, Aunt Tsuru. Once this is over, I'll have someone from G1 come pick up the two ships."
"Oh, and do you want training services included?"
"Completely free, of course!"
In Luo Lan's office, everyone stared at him, dumbfounded.
A moment ago, he had been so adamant—yet now…
He'd folded in mere minutes?
Honestly, Luo Lan felt wronged.
How was this his fault?
The other side's offer was just… too good to refuse!!!
---
For the members: You can check out the New Translation story at Ko-Fi (already at chapter 35). It will be uploaded here once it reach chapter 50.
Naruto: Getting Stronger Just by AFK
https:// ko-fi.com/sami27