The world is vast—so vast that two people in the same organization might never come within hundreds of kilometers of each other in their entire lives.
But the world is also small.
When Michael acknowledged having a daughter named "Angel D. Yamato," the news spread across the seas at lightning speed.
In recent years, the seas had grown relatively calm, but this revelation was like tossing a pebble into still waters, sending ripples far and wide.
Michael's status was no longer that of an ordinary Marine vice admiral who operated from the shadows.
Now, he was one of the Marine's true top brass—the Grand Inspector, responsible for internal conduct oversight.
Arguably, this was the biggest scandal since Fisher Tiger seized the moment to liberate the slaves of Mary Geoise.
The entire world reveled in the gossip.
And right on cue, the World Economic News published a photo of Michael and Yamato together.
Ignoring the fact that the daughter was much taller than her father and had a pair of demonic horns, Michael did have the kind of face that could father a beautiful daughter.
However, discussions about Michael and Yamato's relationship soon devolved into debates over whether Michael's "preference" was for "larger partners."
One could easily imagine Kaido spitting blood upon hearing this latest wave of rumors.
Yet, despite the uproar across the seas, Michael remained blissfully undisturbed at Marine Headquarters…
"Blissfully undisturbed, my ass. You're just sitting back and enjoying the show, aren't you?"
Garp and Michael lounged on beach chairs by the shore, utterly at ease.
Blue skies, sandy beaches, a gentle breeze… and two shameless bastards.
"Can't really call this just watching the show, can I? What's the point of an old man like me getting involved in some stupid fight between girls?" Michael rolled his eyes.
"Honestly, those two hit it off the moment they met… What a relief. I was initially worried there might be friction between Yamato and Hancock. Seems I overthought it."
"Michael… Are you genuinely this oblivious, or just being sarcastic?"
Garp sat up straight, pointing helplessly at the nearby patch of forest that looked like it had been ravaged by a hurricane.
"One's an outstanding female Marine, the base commander of the 'Empress' branch, and the other's a promising new recruit fresh to the Marine. Sparring between them is perfectly normal, isn't it?" Michael waved his hand dismissively.
"Old man Garp, you're getting way too worked up over nothing."
"Are you fucking serious right now?"
Garp's lips twitched before he finally lay back down again.
If even the father wasn't going to intervene, what was the point of an old man like him sticking his nose in?
Still, moments like these always made Garp inwardly marvel at Michael's talent for poaching talent…
'Damn, this guy's relentless!'
'Even Kaido's daughter couldn't escape his recruiting shovel!'
And judging by the fight, Yamato's potential was undeniably among the very best on the seas.
Thinking about it that way…
Let them fight.
As long as they'd grow into the Marine's future pillars, they could fight a hundred times a day for all he cared.
Back in the day, Akainu, Kizaru, Aokiji, Momousagi, and Chaton were the same—fighting every few days, either brawling or on their way to brawl.
You just get used to it.
Honestly, this could be considered a tradition passed down among the Marine's strongest.
...
"Hah! You're really something, woman!"
"Hmph! You're not bad yourself!"
Hancock and Yamato stood in the middle of the devastated battlefield, neither backing down.
Still, Hancock clearly had the upper hand in terms of condition.
After all, she'd been trained since childhood by elite instructors like Garp and Zephyr in the Marine.
In the original timeline, even after spending years as a slave, she returned to Amazon Lily, set sail soon after, and earned an 80-million bounty in a single expedition, eventually becoming a Warlord.
In other words, she'd gone from a powerless slave to the Pirate Empress in just a few years, purely on raw talent.
And that was nothing compared to this version of Hancock, who'd been groomed as a prodigy from the start.
Moreover, unlike Yamato, Hancock had accumulated vast combat experience—something Yamato lacked.
Yet managing to hold her own against Hancock was already impressive.
Given time, she'd undoubtedly catch up.
"But as Michael's daughter, I won't disgrace the name of the Angel Family!"
"…Just hearing that pisses me off!" Hancock's blood boiled as she saw Yamato ready herself for another round.
"No matter how you look at it, there's no way you're Michael's real daughter, right?!"
"Not by blood, but closer than blood." Yamato gave a bitter smile.
"At least Michael doesn't see me as just an unfinished blade in his hands, unlike my birth father."
With that, Yamato—now in her hybrid form—raised her kanabo and leaped high, descending upon Hancock from above.
"Ice Rend!"
The frost power from the "Dog-Dog Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Okuchi makami" surged forth, mingled with the unconsciously released Conqueror's Haki.
Hancock raised her head and sighed, "The power is indeed strong... but too slow."
Then a faint smile appeared at the corner of her lips.
With a sudden stomp of her foot, she vanished from the spot instantly.
This was a new movement technique that combined her formidable physical prowess with the "Soru" method of movement.
"Since I learned this move, I've never truly used it in battle before. Because none of my previous opponents lasted long enough for me to even attempt it... You're the first."
Hancock reappeared mid-air in an inverted stance, materializing behind Yamato.
"Femur Bone Impact!"
A terrifying surge of Haki condensed around Hancock's leg at that moment, followed by a bicycle kick that struck Yamato directly.
Simultaneously, a massive shockwave instantly engulfed the entire battlefield.
The already battered grove was now completely obliterated.
...
"Holy shit! When did Hancock learn your old bastard's techniques!?"
"Hah? Can't an old man teach a few students?" Garp curled his lip.
"What could I do? I wanted to teach these moves to Kuzan and you, but neither of you showed any interest. Had to settle for second best."
"Is that the point here!?" Michael sprang to his feet.
"The point is, did you think everyone has a body as monstrous as Whitebeard's like you, old man!?"
"But unfortunately, they both mastered it."
"Wait, 'they'? Care to explain?"
"Besides Hancock, have you forgotten... my first disciple was Stella."
"...I can't believe this shit!"
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