With Garp's experience, it was obvious that Don genuinely had little interest in the Seven Warlords.
Or rather, he didn't care much about anything related to the World Government.
"What do you think this young man could achieve in the future?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru fixed her eyes on Garp, asking seriously.
Having been longtime comrades, Tsuru knew that Garp could be unreliable at times—but his judgment was never in question.
Sengoku, too, looked on with curiosity.
"Do you want the truth, or a lie?"
Garp scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"Obviously, the truth."
Sengoku couldn't help but roll his eyes. Since when did Garp start teasing like this?
"The truth, huh… then I really don't know!"
Garp shrugged, feigning ignorance—but then he shifted tone.
"Still, his talent is exceptional. Let me put it this way: although it's not obvious yet, and he has no fame, Don's potential might even surpass that crazy woman from Whole Cake Island."
The words caused a sudden hush in Sengoku's office.
Both Sengoku and Tsuru stiffened.
That crazy woman from Whole Cake Island?
Charlotte Linlin?
Only someone with the current title of Empress could prompt Garp to say that.
As someone closely monitored since the Rocks era, the Navy had detailed knowledge of Charlotte Linlin. Her natural talent was terrifying—achieving her current strength with minimal training.
And now there was a young man whose talent could rival Charlotte Linlin.
"This is too exaggerated!"
Tsuru said instinctively.
"Somewhat exaggerated, yes—but that's the feeling I get," Garp replied, then fell silent.
"Really hopeless?"
Sengoku's dissatisfaction grew.
"No… well, maybe," Garp said, noticing his old friend's expression. He hesitated, then sighed.
"He probably has strong opinions about the Celestial Dragons. You know their style of rule."
At this, both Sengoku and Tsuru's expressions darkened.
So that was the reason. Indeed, recruiting Don into the Navy would be extremely difficult—and he might even oppose them in the future.
"I've said all I can. From my contact with him, I don't worry that he'll willingly become a pirate. But with talent like his, he's bound to make waves eventually.
If he truly causes a stir, the World Government might have the Navy issue a bounty—but you'll have to deal with that headache yourselves."
Garp stood up.
"I've been away on duty for a while. I'll head back to rest. Don't bother me these next few days."
Before Sengoku could even react, Garp had left.
"Garp, that bastard!"
Sengoku muttered automatically—a habit by now. But then his expression stiffened. On duty? More like out sightseeing.
"If that's the case, and he hasn't declared himself a pirate, we'll need to act if the World Government makes a move," Tsuru reminded Sengoku.
"I know—but these matters aren't entirely under my control," Sengoku said.
Only as Fleet Admiral did he fully understand the complexity of dealing with all sides. The World Government, pirates, even with the Navy's top three admirals active, there were endless troubles. Every day was a whirlwind.
"Big Sister, why not just capture him? Then we can explain the Navy's ideals. Since he opposes pirates, he should accept the Navy's principles."
Tsuru's sworn sister suddenly spoke up.
"You're right, but there's one problem: what if we don't capture him?"
Tsuru glanced at her sister, shaking her head slightly.
"Let's take Don's situation step by step. Garp said his talent is exceptional, but growth takes time. Perhaps during this period, a better opportunity will arise to engage with him."
With that, Tsuru stood, nodded to Sengoku, and departed with her sister.
The office was left with Sengoku alone.
He couldn't shake the feeling that Don would make a major stir soon.
After all, he had already provoked Jinbe and Doflamingo, and once he reaches the Grand Line, conflict is almost inevitable.
Sengoku rubbed his brow, troubled.
If Jinbe and Doflamingo were defeated, the Seven Warlords plan would be severely affected. Perhaps this could even be used as leverage for the World Government to adjust its plans.
In this world, the strong weren't just pirates—there were many hidden beyond the Navy and the pirate ranks. Sengoku frowned in thought, considering how to track them down.
Kano Country
Don and hooded Robin disembarked from the ship.
But seeing it firsthand, Don could only think it was all for show. Not even the appearance was authentic—at best, some random pieces were thrown together.
"You seem a bit disdainful, as if you look down on something," Robin said, her ability to read people sharpened by a life on the run.
She saw Don's expression clearly and could sense his thoughts—especially since he wasn't hiding them.
"Do you know the saying, 'Attempting to paint a tiger but ending up like a dog'?"
Don turned to Robin, smiling.
"Hm?"
Robin paused, thinking, then answered slowly.
"It means… you only understand the surface of something?"
"Something like that," Don nodded.
He didn't elaborate further.
"Kano Country's style is certainly different. Have you seen more authentic designs?" Robin asked, genuinely curious.
The country had existed for centuries, and as a historian, Robin naturally knew its history. Could it be a lost ancient kingdom, unrecorded in history?
Her thoughts froze. Could it be… the Blank?
Robin turned to Don, her eyes full of shock and suspicion.
"Let's go. Let's see where 'Green Pepper' is," Don said, beckoning.
Robin hesitated, curiosity brewing, but she didn't voice her doubts.
"You're a bounty hunter… are you trying to capture Green Pepper for the reward?"
Robin quickened her pace and whispered to Don.
"Huh?"
Don looked at her in surprise.
He hadn't thought about that at all.
He just wanted to spar with Green Pepper.
After all, Green Pepper's fame came from his mastery of Armament Haki, and sparring with him could improve Don's own skills.
As for catching him for the bounty? Kano Country was the stronghold of the Eight Treasure Navy.
Seeing Don's reaction, Robin realized she'd misjudged him.
"Then why not just sneak onto the ship?"
Robin suggested, noting Don's lack of aggressive intent.
END OF CHAPTER
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