"Leaving already?" Garp stood by the shore, watching Yamato and Jack as they arrived panting.
"Though you've kept in touch with me and often met with Rosinante... your loyal subordinates haven't seen you in a long time."
"Just as eagles push their young off cliffs to force them to learn to fly and stand on their own... in my eyes, they've long been capable pillars of the Marines," Michael shook his head and chuckled softly.
"They'll have plenty of chances to see me until they're sick of it—why cling to this moment?"
"Fair point," Garp nodded, his eyes gradually darkening with seriousness.
"As it stands, the Marines and the World Government are barely maintaining a facade of harmony..."
"I know—it was inevitable," Michael fastened Oto and Kogarashi at his waist, the two swords gleaming brilliantly under the sunlight.
"The World Government wants full control over the Marines but doesn't trust them. Under such conditions, a fallout was bound to happen... After all, neither Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Tsuru-san, nor our three Admirals are fools. Especially not after I shattered the illusion of blind loyalty years ago."
"Soon, the seas will tremble again because of the World Government and the Marines," Garp sighed.
"No matter what, it's the civilians who'll suffer... The growing pains are unavoidable."
"But they can be minimized," Michael said quietly. "In truth, these pains are also opportunities—to further endear the Marines to the people and to widen the disconnect between the World Government and the populace."
"Disconnect from the people..." Garp fell silent, but Zephyr beside him seemed thoughtful before smiling faintly.
"In that case, for a long time to come, Marine soldiers will need to strictly mind their words and actions—especially those under Akainu's command."
"Seriously, you still have time to chat with Vice Admiral Garp and Instructor Zephyr?" Jack panted.
"You have no idea—Hancock has completely lost it! There's no stopping her now!"
"So let's hurry up and leave, Father!" Yamato grinned mischievously.
"After all, Hancock's a Marine now! How can the Revolutionary Army's Chief of Staff meet with the Marines' backbone?"
Hearing this, Michael turned to look in the direction they'd come from.
Indeed, faint sounds of combat and Hancock's furious shouts could be heard.
"That girl... really has a temper."
Michael smiled faintly before leaping off the cliff before him.
"In that case, I'll make my escape first!"
"By the way, during this period, we can have members of the SWORD permanently at Egghead... The Marine must now ensure Vegapunk's absolute ownership."
With that, Michael accelerated mid-air and dashed toward the coastline.
Jack and Yamato hurriedly followed after him.
"Michael-sama! Wait for me!"
"Jack, you idiot, stop getting in the way!"
Zephyr watched Michael's receding figure and couldn't help but chuckle softly:
"Is there anything in this world that Michael can't do?"
"Of course there is!" Garp laughed heartily. "Isn't his terrible luck with women enough? Have you not seen the look in Gion's eyes every time she hears Michael's name—that mix of love and disdain? It's absolutely priceless."
"Gion, Stella, Crocodile... Say what you will, but Michael's taste has always been consistent."
"Hmm? Why didn't you count Hancock-chan and Yamato in that list?"
"Do you think Michael is the type to go after younger women?" Zephyr rolled his eyes.
"Even if he were, he wouldn't go after someone who genuinely calls him 'Father'... That would be downright beastly."
"Tsk, now that you mention it, I just remembered Michael is already in his late thirties!"
"Alright, if we don't step in soon, your other disciple might just faint from rage."
...
Three days later, news of the Shiki's death spread across the seas.
The newly risen Neo-Flying Pirates had fallen as swiftly as they had risen.
Everyone knew this legendary pirate had met his end by Michael's blade.
This added an even bigger shockwave to the already sensational news.
Michael, who had vanished five years ago during the Marine's massive manhunt, had officially returned—as a member of the Revolutionary Army.
And his first act was to take down the Shiki, a legendary pirate.
Truly terrifying!
It seemed the rumors of him wounding an Admiral could now be confirmed beyond doubt.
With the Shiki's demise, the bounties of the other top pirates in the Neo-Flying Pirates were instantly doubled.
Those pirate crews who had flocked to the Shiki's fleet under his fearsome reputation were also caught in the fallout, becoming the most wanted men on the seas.
One by one, these crews seized the opportunity to join other factions.
The Beast Pirates, led by Kaido, absorbed the most of them.
In recent years, the Beast Pirates had expanded their influence outward from Thunder God Island, seizing control of nearly all the surrounding islands.
Now, with the remnants and territories of the Neo-Flying Pirates under their belt, their domain had grown to rival even that of Whole Cake Island.
For Kaido, who had been biding his time, this was a crucial boost to his forces.
Especially with so many new recruits...
His stockpile of SMILE fruits, accumulated over a long period, finally had fresh hosts to bear them.
It was clear that even without conquering Wano, the Beast Pirates were on the verge of a power surge.
But all that was a story for another time.
....
For now, Michael and his two companions were aboard the Seraphim Ship, sailing toward Baltigo.
The Revolutionary Army had re-emerged with a bang, taking over the Lulusia Kingdom.
Naturally, the next step was to push further.
The entire Paradise was now their target... but the question was, where to begin?
This was a matter to discuss with Dragon and the other top officers.
So, after leaving the New World, they headed straight for Baltigo.
"After such a fierce battle, drifting peacefully on the sea like this feels like a rare luxury," Jack mused.
"Jack, have you really become this mellow?" Michael leaned against the railing, eyeing Jack as he held a fishing rod.
"This isn't like you."
"After witnessing your fight with the Shiki, it's hard not to feel mellow," Jack sighed. "I can't help but feel utterly useless."
BANG!
Just then, the cabin door was kicked open.
Yamato rushed toward Michael, her hands cupped as if holding something precious.
"F-Father!"
"Among our stored fruits... there's an extra Devil Fruit!"