Luffy's cries of pain carried through the Den Den Mushi and reached Sengoku's ears back at Marine Headquarters.
Just from the sound, Sengoku already knew exactly what Garp was doing—spending his time at home with his grandson.
"Return as soon as possible. On your way back, look for that person. Don't tell me you really don't know where he is."
After saying this into the Den Den Mushi, Sengoku ended the call with a weary sigh.
That man… utterly unreliable.
"Still not used to it?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru, the Headquarters' Chief of Staff, her hair already silver, smiled warmly at Sengoku.
Meeting her gaze, Sengoku could only shake his head with a bitter smile.
"I should've known better, but somehow, he still gets under my skin every time."
Tsuru nodded, then her expression turned serious. "According to the latest reports, that young bounty hunter is most likely a Logia-type. A flame-related ability—quite possibly the Mera Mera no Mi."
Her smile faded as she spoke, replaced by sternness.
Sengoku nodded slowly.
"Indeed. To shrug off sword strikes like that, it's highly possible. Either way, anyone with a Devil Fruit power is worth drawing to our side. The longer he roams free on the seas, the higher the chance he turns pirate—and then we'll have a real problem."
A rising tide must be countered with equal force.
That was Sengoku's reasoning.
A young man suspected to have a Logia ability—if he became a pirate, it would be a nightmare for the Marines. But if he joined them, the Navy would gain a formidable asset.
"…Forget it. Let's see what Garp brings back." Sengoku shook his head, then looked at Tsuru. "The selection for the Seven Warlords needs to be accelerated."
At the mention of the Shichibukai, Tsuru studied his expression.
"Doflamingo is among the candidates. It's the World Government who suggested him. Negotiations have already begun."
She knew well how deeply Sengoku resented Doflamingo. After all, Rosinante had been killed by his own brother. If Doflamingo really became a Warlord, Sengoku would never be able to touch him again.
At her words, Sengoku fell silent.
"Either way, we must hasten the selection. Once Akainu and the other two ascend as Admirals, the seas must be kept in check. The Seven Warlords will serve that purpose. At the very least, Paradise and the Four Blues must remain firmly under Marine control."
Ever since Roger's death, the number of pirates had surged like wildfire. Stopping it was no easy task.
The simplest solution was expansion. But the World Government would never approve—it would mean astronomical costs.
"I'll keep an eye on it," Tsuru nodded. "Also, Crocodile and Boa Hancock have outright refused to come to Marine Headquarters."
That didn't surprise Sengoku at all.
Even as Warlords, they were still pirates. How could they possibly walk into Marineford willingly?
"Go make preparations."
Sengoku waved her off, his gaze falling on the towering stack of documents piled on his desk. He grabbed one and casually handed it to the elderly goat at his side.
The goat took it without hesitation, chomping slowly and chewing it down.
Tsuru nodded and left the office.
"Big Sis!"
Outside, a young female Marine snapped to attention and called out to her.
"Mm. Let's head back," Tsuru replied with a wave, leaving with the girl.
The news of the Fleet Admiral's succession and the appointment of three new Admirals naturally sent ripples across the seas.
But in the Four Blues, the uproar was muted.
Most people barely cared.
In Frost Moon Village, no one even bothered to discuss it.
Don's training continued steadily.
[Body Datafication: Your vital points have vanished. Attacks are converted into HP loss. Attribute values shift with your strength. You cannot die unless HP reaches zero.]
[Current Age: 14]
[Constitution: 29 (rapidly evolving under certain influences)]
[HP: 100% (recovering; food accelerates recovery)]
[Innate Talent – Indomitable: When HP reaches zero, enter a brief empowered state. All attributes increase tenfold. HP loss is negated. All negative statuses cleared. Current Duration: 10 minutes. Cooldown: 1 day.]
[Abilities]
[Mera Mera no Mi (Proficient): A powerful Logia-type granting control over fire and the ability to embody it. Continually enhances the body. Fruit drawbacks removed (weakness and lingering soul eradicated). Current Development: 17%.]
[Swordsmanship (Proficient): You have mastered basic techniques and training methods. You hold a faint vision of the path you seek.]
[Kenbunshoku Haki (Beginner): You can faintly sense the energy of all things.]
[Busoshoku Haki (Beginner): You can partially control your inner energy for attack and defense.]
Compared to a few days ago, his Constitution had grown by eight points—more than what he had gained in the entire past month. Likely, it was linked to awakening Busoshoku and maintaining it constantly.
His mastery of the fruit's power had also advanced slightly.
Even without using his fruit, his dual Haki and physical swordsmanship alone were already formidable.
And if he did use the fruit, then at least in East Blue, unless he ran into someone like Garp, there would be no one who could claim victory over him.
That thought lingered, but he quickly shook his head to drive it away.
No—dangerous. He couldn't afford arrogance.
As he mused, his bamboo sword casually intercepted the strike aimed his way.
Two bamboo swords came at him from Zoro—blocked. In a smooth motion, he swung back, catching Kuina's descending blade and forcing her several steps back with the rebound.
"Opening!"
Zoro shouted muffledly, lowering his stance and sweeping both bamboo swords toward Don's legs.
Smack!
Without even turning, Don swung his bamboo sword backward.
The blow cracked against Zoro's skull. His vision spun, the sword in his mouth slipped free, and he collapsed in a heap.
"This won't work!"
Dazed and dizzy, Zoro still climbed back to his feet, refusing to back down.
"What won't work?"
Don turned his head, as though his eyes could pierce the blindfold over them.
"You're keeping Kenbunshoku and Busoshoku active all the time. We can't beat you like this."
Zoro hated this feeling of powerlessness.
"And what then? Do you expect enemies on the seas to abandon their strengths just to fight fair with you? Do you think they'd agree?"
Don's reply silenced him.
Of course. No opponent would ever fight fair.
"Again!"
Kuina's voice rang out, but in the next instant, Don's strike sent her flying back.
"I get it now!"
Zoro shouted, staring at the blindfolded Don.
"What are you yelling for?" Don dug at his ear in exasperation. "If you want to fight, then fight to win. There's no need to announce your attacks ahead of time."
Zoro flushed, embarrassed.
Just as he faltered, Don suddenly turned sharply toward the harbor, ripping the black cloth from his face.
"So, they've come after all."