Gustave and his crew spent half a month at Marineford, during which they became acquainted with all the senior Marine officials at Marine Headquarters.
Ever since Kizaru had been invited to dinner that memorable evening, he'd found ways to visit for free meals daily. When not eating, he'd take Luffy around Marineford for sightseeing adventures, and the pair had become unexpectedly close friends.
Unlike Kizaru, who spent his days bonding with Luffy, Gustave and his crew encountered Akainu several times. The man perpetually wore a stern expression, as if the entire world owed him money.
However, after learning from Zephyr that Ace planned to join the Marine in the future, Akainu's demeanor toward the boy became noticeably warmer—though this courtesy extended only to Ace. He respected the young talent's determination to serve the Marine, while sneering at individuals like Gustave and Po who possessed incredible abilities yet lacked ambition, content merely to run their small restaurant.
Zephyr recovered completely within a week. During this time, Gustave learned extensively from the former admiral. Compared to Garp's "iron fist" educational approach, Zephyr's theoretical knowledge proved far more sophisticated. Many physical combat techniques that had previously confused Gustave were systematically explained and resolved by Zephyr's expert instruction.
Thanks to this tutelage, Gustave's physical combat abilities improved dramatically, and his overall strength increased substantially during their half-month stay.
The Marine base housing Vice Admiral Tsuru and Vice Admiral Momousagi with their female marines was typically off-limits to men. However, Po and Tom had become the only two males granted access to the women's quarters.
Gustave felt incredibly jealous. Despite his handsome appearance, he couldn't gain entry, while Po and Tom became exceptions purely due to their adorable appearances.
Admittedly, this made sense—without prior knowledge, who would suspect that beneath Po's chubby, honest, and endearing exterior lay power rivaling that of an admiral?
As for Tom, cats naturally attracted women, especially one capable of performing tricks and acting cute on command.
Gustave grew irritated whenever this topic arose. Po, at least, maintained some dignity. Though popular among the female marines, he possessed enough modesty to decline entering their quarters despite having permission.
Tom, however, was entirely different. Though usually extremely lazy, he'd actively perform and charm anyone willing to pay attention. The female marines would compete to embrace him, and he'd return home daily with his face covered in lipstick marks.
Momousagi, the Marine's premier female swordsman, had become particularly enamored with Tom after sparring with him. Finding a cat capable of being cute, performing tricks, AND wielding a sword was virtually impossible!
Tom's special treatment from the female marines and Momousagi made a certain brown-nosing vice admiral codenamed "Chaton" extremely jealous. If looks could kill, Tom would have perished thousands of times under Chaton's murderous glares.
Meanwhile, Aokiji continued guarding the G-3 branch while Garp remained at Marine Headquarters, preparing for potential attacks from the Whitebeard Pirates or Beast Pirates. Since Jack hadn't yet been transferred to Impel Down, such an important prisoner would require Garp's return to G-3 before Aokiji could personally escort him.
Originally, Sengoku had considered recalling Aokiji and dispatching another veteran vice admiral to G-3. However, he realized that Marine Headquarters currently housed six admiral-level fighters: himself, Garp, Zephyr, Akainu, Kizaru, and Po. This force could withstand combined assaults from both the Beast Pirates and Whitebeard Pirates, so he allowed Aokiji to continue his post.
This period represented the Marine's peak strength. Even without Po, they possessed six admiral-level combatants, while the Four Emperors hadn't yet fully consolidated their power. When comparing both sides' capabilities, the Marine held a decisive advantage.
"Mr. Garp, it's been half a month with no movement from Whitebeard or Kaido. I doubt they're coming for revenge," Gustave said with obvious boredom. He'd nearly exhausted Marineford's tourist attractions and couldn't wait to reach Water 7 for shipbuilding.
"It's strange indeed. Kaido's lack of action makes sense—that guy's so moody and unpredictable that avoiding direct confrontation fits his pattern," Garp mused.
"But why hasn't Whitebeard moved? Sengoku already spread news that his son was captured, yet there's been complete silence. Doesn't this guy value family above everything else?"
Garp was genuinely puzzled. The Marine had publicly announced Weevil's capture, yet the Whitebeard Pirates showed no response whatsoever. This didn't match Whitebeard's legendary character.
What Garp couldn't know was that Whitebeard was equally confused. He had no memory of having a son like Weevil. After extensive consideration, he could only conclude that the Marine was spreading false propaganda.
"Even if there's no immediate threat, you should remain at Marineford a while longer until we're certain it's safe," Garp advised.
"I suppose that's our only option," Gustave reluctantly agreed. He couldn't exactly explain that Whitebeard was unaware of having such a "son" and therefore wouldn't attempt any rescue. He had to accept Garp's counsel and stay put.
After another week of tedium, Gustave reached his breaking point. He informed both Garp and Sengoku of his intention to visit the Sabaody Archipelago.
The two leaders considered this proposal carefully. The Sabaody Archipelago wasn't far from Marineford—if trouble arose, they could quickly provide support. This might even present an opportunity to lure Kaido or Whitebeard into the open. They decided not to oppose Gustave's departure.
Gustave returned to gather Po and the others, preparing to depart for the Sabaody Archipelago.
However, he encountered Momousagi en route.
"Gustave, are you heading out somewhere?" Momousagi spotted Gustave and his group walking toward the harbor and approached with interest.
"Ah, Vice Admiral Momousagi. We're planning to visit the Sabaody Archipelago," Gustave replied upon seeing her approach.
"The Sabaody Archipelago? I could escort you there—I'm very familiar with the area," Momousagi offered enthusiastically.
"Vice Admiral Momousagi must be busy with military duties. I'd hate to impose," Gustave responded diplomatically.
"It's no problem! I'll just inform Sister Tsuru. There's nothing inappropriate about it," Momousagi said casually.
"Ah, well..." Gustave hesitated.
He'd planned to visit Shakky's Rip-off Bar hoping to encounter Rayleigh. Having Momousagi along would complicate such plans considerably.
"Gustave, you're not planning to take Tom and Luffy to some... unsavory establishment in the Sabaody Archipelago, are you?" Momousagi asked suspiciously, noticing his hesitation.
"How could you think that?! What kind of person do you take me for?!" Gustave protested indignantly. He was a gentleman—how could she suggest he'd expose children to inappropriate venues? This was a serious slander against his character!
"Oh, really?" Momousagi remained skeptical.
"Absolutely! In fact, Vice Admiral Momousagi, why don't you come with us? There's no way I'd take Tom and Luffy anywhere inappropriate! I'm a complete gentleman!" Gustave declared with utmost seriousness.
"Very well, let's go together," Momousagi decided, scooping Tom into her arms before striding forward confidently.
Gustave had no choice but to follow.
However, fate intervened. Tsuru summoned Momousagi for urgent military intelligence, forcing her to leave Tom behind and attend the emergency briefing.
The urgent intelligence concerned a clash between Kaido and Shanks. Kaido believed that Shanks had defeated Jack, and that Gustave's crew had simply been fortunate enough to capture him afterward.