The reason was easy to find.
Right now, most of the Marines' attention was focused on that ever-escalating war in the New World—the conflict between Red-Haired Shanks and Charlotte Linlin.
After all, the outcome of their war could shake the entire balance of the New World itself.
Compared to those pirates, as long as Don didn't proclaim himself one, the Navy could simply turn a blind eye.
"Just as long as he doesn't cause any more trouble."
Sengoku murmured under his breath.
"That's impossible!"
Vice Admiral Tsuru walked in, clearly having overheard him—and could already guess what Sengoku was thinking about.
"Don is bound to stir up trouble again. The latest intel says he's traveling with Hawkeye Mihawk and Issho (Fujitora)—and they've headed for District Thirteen, targeting none other than the Dark King Rayleigh."
Sengoku froze, then looked sharply at Tsuru.
"And then?"
He pressed urgently.
"Nothing certain yet. Don's group has already left Water 7. He really did go there to build a ship this time,
but by now, they should be nearly back to the Sabaody Archipelago."
After sitting down, Tsuru fell briefly into thought before continuing.
"He'll likely make contact with the Dark King Rayleigh…
But what happens after that, I can't predict."
"Should we prepare for something?"
Sengoku frowned deeply.
"Probably not necessary. We don't need to intervene.
Given Don's temperament, he might cross swords with Rayleigh,
but I doubt they'll become enemies."
Tsuru pondered for a moment before adding,
"It might even tie into that Hunter Guild he mentioned before."
"You think he'll invite Rayleigh to join?"
Sengoku blinked in surprise.
"Not very likely. But Rayleigh's reputation is enormous.
If Don challenges him—win or lose—he'll gain tremendous fame."
"As if he isn't famous enough already," Sengoku muttered helplessly.
"We're the only ones truly keeping tabs on him.
The seas are vast—great events happen every day," Tsuru replied evenly.
In truth, she had gathered her own intelligence.
For most, Don was still just a name—even those who'd heard of him might only know he once fought two Marine Admirals.
And that was it.
But Rayleigh, the former right hand of the Pirate King,
was another story entirely—his name still carried immense weight across the seas,
even decades after retiring from piracy.
"If that's truly the case," Sengoku said gravely,
"then Don's ambition may be far greater than we thought."
And that was not good news.
"The seas are already chaotic enough.
We don't have the resources to deal with Don directly.
It's best to maintain a neutral relationship.
If he'd just accept a Warlord of the Sea title,
that'd be the most convenient solution."
"He refused—Garp mentioned it," Tsuru said.
"That was then. Things change.
But remember—Celestial Dragons often visit Sabaody," Tsuru warned quietly.
Sengoku nodded slowly.
"Send Borsalino to check in—just in case something happens."
After all, Don had mentioned the Celestial Dragons before.
And knowing him, he might not hold back if provoked.
If a situation spiraled out of control, it'd already be too late.
"Good idea. His strength is sufficient,
and he won't overstep his duties," Tsuru agreed.
Though Kizaru could be lazy,
when it came to official missions, he was reliable enough.
"Now, about Shanks and Big Mom—their war seems to be expanding.
Followers of both sides have clashed violently across a vast stretch of sea.
This conflict might drag on for a long time."
"And your suggestion?" Sengoku asked.
"Intervene—either stop them or force a resolution.
If it keeps spreading, it'll become impossible to contain."
Indeed, while pirates fighting pirates usually benefited the Marines,
this scale of war was another matter entirely.
As the chaos grew, more pirate crews would be drawn in.
If Whitebeard or Kaido joined the fray,
the entire New World would descend into madness—beyond anyone's control,
not even the combatants themselves.
"We'll need to wait for the right moment," Sengoku said after a pause.
"Still, I'm curious—once Don reaches the New World,
will he get involved in this war too?"
"If he doesn't linger long on Sabaody, it's possible," Tsuru replied thoughtfully.
"Then I'll inform Garp and Kuzan.
We'll wait and see how it unfolds," Sengoku decided.
"By the way, if Don heads for Fish-Man Island or Dressrosa afterward,
things might get noisy again.
He's already had run-ins with Jinbe and Doflamingo."
"In that case, I'll have Kizaru meet him in advance," Sengoku said, after a moment's thought.
Tsuru blinked—then sighed internally,
silently offering a prayer for Kizaru.
Please don't let this turn into a fight.
If it does, Kizaru might end up surrounded by four top-tier monsters—Don, Mihawk, Fujitora, and Rayleigh.
Sabaody Archipelago
A brand-new ship glided into the harbor,
its bow adorned with a massive orange-red flower shimmering in the sunlight.
As it docked, Don stepped to the side, spotting the group waiting on the pier below.
He raised his hand in greeting and disembarked with Robin, Tom following behind.
"You sure took your time getting here," Don said casually.
"I came as fast as I could. I haven't stopped once since leaving Alabasta—but your pace is ridiculous,"
Crocodile replied, glancing at Tom behind Don.
"So this is the shipwright you mentioned?"
Tom's expression showed clear surprise.
The man Don had wanted him to meet… was one of the Seven Warlords?
"He's the craftsman who built the Pirate King's ship.
This vessel of mine is his work too.
Once the Guild is established, we'll need expertise like his."
"Impressive," Crocodile admitted without hesitation.
"How's the Sky Island project coming along?"
At the mention of Skypiea, Crocodile's expression grew solemn.
"I've been trying to find a safe method to reach it.
The one you suggested is too dangerous—not suitable for everyone,
and the success rate is far too low."
Don nodded in understanding.
Indeed, even without Enel guarding it,
reaching the Sky Island alone was perilous enough.
"Do your best to expedite it.
I plan to turn Skypiea into a trial ground—though it can serve as part of the test,
we'll need to ensure safety first."
END OF CHAPTER
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