"And also, Makino…" Kaito said quietly.
"Makino?" Ace frowned, his brow creasing in confusion. "What does this have to do with Makino? You know her?"
"You'll understand when you return to Windmill Village," Kaito replied calmly, sidestepping the question.
"Back to Windmill Village?" Ace's eyes widened as if struck by lightning. "Wait! Don't tell me… you're Makino's husband?!"
Kaito's expression twitched, his patience thinning. What kind of nonsense is this guy spouting? He exhaled sharply. "No."
"Then what's your relationship with Makino?" Ace pressed, his curiosity relentless, like a child peppering a parent with endless questions.
Kaito waved a hand dismissively. "Enough. We'll talk when you're back in Windmill Village. For now, I'll tell you one last thing. If you still plan to chase Teach after hearing this, then it's on you."
Ace folded his arms, his fiery demeanor cooling slightly. "Fine. Go on."
Kaito's voice grew heavier. "Do you know how Shanks got the three scars over his left eye?"
Ace's expression darkened. "Don't tell me it was Teach…"
"That's right," Kaito confirmed, his tone low and steady. "Teach was the one who scarred Red-Hair—one of the Four Emperors. You really think someone who could wound Shanks is just a weak coward running from you? His strength is terrifying. And now that he's gained a new Devil Fruit… if you go after him, you can imagine how that ends."
Ace fell silent. The weight of Kaito's words sank in. He wasn't stupid—he understood what Kaito was warning him about. Chasing Teach now would be suicide.
"Think about it," Kaito continued, his voice calm but sharp. "Whitebeard's getting older. His power isn't what it used to be. You're young, Ace—ambitious. One day, you'll lead the Whitebeard Pirates. Don't throw that away out of reckless pride."
He patted Ace on the shoulder, tossed a few Beli onto the table for their meal, and turned toward the door.
"For Makino's sake, I've said all I can," Kaito muttered as he stepped outside. "If he still goes after Teach… then fate will teach him instead."
He could already see it—Ace's capture, the Marines' propaganda, the chaos that would follow. If events played out as before, a great war would erupt… and Kaito might have no choice but to intervene.
"Makino… you really attract troublesome men," he sighed.
Later that evening, Kaito checked into a small inn near the port. The room was quiet, filled with the faint scent of seawater. He sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought.
His current mission was nearly complete. The next step? Forming his own pirate crew—strong, loyal, and bound by willpower rather than greed.
But before that, there were obstacles to overcome.
"Doflamingo first," he muttered. "Then Fujitora… he should still be free right now."
The plan was straightforward: take down Doflamingo, recruit Fujitora, and head for the New World. But first, he had to get through the Sabaody Archipelago.
"Troublesome," he sighed, massaging his temples. "I don't even know the route from here. Guess I'll have to chart it myself."
The next day, his journey brought him to the Capital of Seven Waters—a city of gleaming beauty built upon the sea. Its canals wove through the heart of the city like veins, connecting vast docks and bustling markets. Seven mighty waterways flowed down from the mountains above, giving the city its name.
It was magnificent—more than that, legendary.
Shipwrights from across the world gathered here, crafting vessels that shaped history. Even Shanks' ship, the Red Force, had been built in this very city.
Descending from the sky using chakra control, Kaito landed softly near the docks. The ocean breeze tousled his dark hair.
"Looks peaceful here," Kaito replied, his expression unreadable.
Unbeknownst to him, Marine scouts stationed nearby had already spotted his arrival. Within minutes, word spread like wildfire through their ranks.
---
Marine Division – Capital of Seven Waters
"Contact Headquarters immediately!" the officer barked. "We've located Kaito—the man who vanished weeks ago!"
---
Marine Headquarters – Grand Line
Fleet Admiral Sengoku was buried in paperwork about the Straw Hat Pirates when the transponder snail began to ring.
"This is Sengoku," he said, setting his pen aside. "Report."
"Marshal Sengoku! This is T. Penn from the Seven Waters Division. We've just confirmed the presence of Kaito!"
"What?" Sengoku's face hardened. "You're certain?"
"Positive, sir. What are your orders?"
Sengoku leaned back, tension tightening his jaw. "Hold position. Don't engage. I'll dispatch Sakazuki."
"Yes, sir!"
When the line cut off, Sengoku called out, "Someone, get in here!"
A young aide rushed through the door. "Marshal Sengoku, sir!"
"Fetch Admiral Sakazuki immediately. Tell him we've found Kaito."
"Yes, Marshal!" The aide bowed quickly and exited.
Left alone with Vice Admiral Tsuru, Sengoku sighed. "You know what's coming, don't you?"
Tsuru crossed her arms. "You're really sending Akainu after him?"
"Do I have a choice?" Sengoku grumbled. "Even if I don't, Sakazuki will find out and go on his own. He's been restless ever since Kaito killed his nephew."
"He's losing control," Tsuru warned. "And you're sending him alone? He might not come back."
Sengoku frowned. "You think he can't handle one man?"
"One man?" Tsuru shot back. "Momousagi said Kaito wasn't even fighting seriously. He was playing with her."
Sengoku hesitated, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.
"Besides," Tsuru continued, "Kizaru's on assignment, Aokiji's gone missing, and Garp—well, he does whatever he wants. If you're sending Akainu, at least give him backup."
"Who do you suggest?" Sengoku asked.
"Weasel, Doberman, Ghost Spider and Doberman are all in headquarters," she replied. "Add Momousagi for balance. Together, they can back him up—or pull him out if he loses."
Sengoku nodded slowly. "Fine. Consider it a Buster Call… on one man."
As they finalized the orders, the office door swung open and Sakazuki entered, his magma-like aura already filling the room.
"You called for me, Sengoku?" His voice was like grinding stone.
"Yes," Sengoku said grimly. "We've found Kaito."
Sakazuki's eyes narrowed, a dangerous grin forming. "Finally."
____
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