After hearing Garp's report, Sengoku fell silent on the other end of the Den Den Mushi. A moment later his voice came, tight with anger: "A Marine scum like this is worse than any pirate. Bring him back at once. He must be punished severely as a warning to others!"
He hung up. Beside him, the Marine staff officer Tsuru frowned. "Sengoku, this Leno might be the one the Holy Land ordered us to find a while back. Should we…"
"There's no proof it's him, is there? And he isn't a pirate, nor has he done evil. We can't move on him right now. From Garp's description, he has admiral-level strength and his stance toward the Marines is unclear. For the time being, let's not provoke him," Sengoku said, brows knitted.
"That Marine trash—I recommend a public execution! And we secretly investigate the branches across the Four Seas, root out every internal degenerate!" Admiral Akainu said, cigar clenched, arms folded, his expression vicious.
Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru nodded without a word.
"Scary… to fight Vice Admiral Garp ten days and nights," Admiral Kizaru drawled, feigning fear.
At that, everyone looked back down at the newspaper on the table. Even Admiral Aokiji lifted his sleep mask for a glance.
New World, a small uninhabited island
"Boss, big news! Someone in East Blue fought Garp for ten days straight!" a crewmate ran in, shoving a paper at a bleary-eyed Shanks.
"Oh? Another strong one from East Blue? And he's the one who killed Golden Lion? A young powerhouse!"
"Huh? Luffy? Haven't seen him in ages," Yasopp said suddenly as he eyed a photo.
"What?! Luffy? Where? Where?" Shanks flipped back and forth but couldn't find him.
"There," Yasopp pointed at the straw hat peeking out behind the three girls.
"What the!" Shanks pouted. He'd expected a face shot—turned out it was just the hat.
New World, Totto Land, Whole Cake Island
"Linlin, the mysterious man who killed Golden Lion has appeared—and he fought Garp!" Streusen said, bringing over the paper.
"Mama mama… Killed Golden Lion? Fought Garp? Then invite him to join Mama's crew—and I'll allow him to marry one of Mama's daughters. Mama mama…"
"Understood, Linlin. I'll make arrangements," Streusen said and withdrew. Beside them, Katakuri stared at Leno's photo, eyes flashing. If you want to marry my sister, show me you have the strength.
New World, Wano Country, Onigashima
"Captain Kaido, the one who killed Golden Lion is named Leno. He showed up in East Blue and fought Garp," King said, holding the paper.
"Hmm? To trade blows with Garp? That old man's iron fist isn't easy to take. Seems he's got skill. Wororororo… When he reaches the New World, I'll fight him!" Kaido swigged from his gourd.
Grand Line, Calm Belt, Amazon Lily, Royal Palace
"Ahh—Leno-sama has set sail. We'll meet soon. Is this the legendary 'proposal'?!" Boa Hancock hugged the paper to her chest and melted to the floor, lost in love.
Nearby, Sandersonia also held a copy. "After years apart, Leno-sama is even stronger—he actually fought the legendary Marine Hero. So strong!"
"So this is the man who slew the Celestial Dragons and saved you sisters? Truly powerful," Elder Nyon said.
"Right, but I remember Leno-sama's ability was the Rumble-Rumble Fruit. How does he now have a Mythical Zoan too?" Marigold asked, puzzled.
"What?! Are you sure he used to be a Rumble-Rumble user?!" Elder Nyon blanched.
If so, this man was terrifying. If such news spread, the world would explode—wouldn't it?
"Even if Leno-sama bears the devil's power, I will not abandon him. I will stay by his side and protect him—for we are to be married! Ahh—" Hancock clutched her heart and collapsed as if 'mortally wounded.'
"Elder Sister!" x2
"Hancock! Are you alright?!"
Grand Line, a small cross-shaped boat drifting
"Look! Some idiot's rowing with a sword! Hahaha!" pirates jeered from a passing ship.
"Hah! Weird things happen every year, but this year's special!"
"That little… raft? He dares to sail? Hahaha—"
Shiiing! Steel sang. Craaaack! The pirate ship split clean in two.
"Argh! Our ship—cut apart!"
"Help! We're sinking!"
Ignoring their cries, "Hawk-Eyes" Mihawk glanced down at the paper. "A Grandmaster Swordsman… Another strong one from East Blue? My sword path… can still advance."
Sabaody Archipelago, Shakky's Rip-Off Bar
"Well-Well, so it really was Thunder God-kun. How surprising!" Shakky widened her eyes at the paper. "So Thunder God-kun isn't hiding anymore?"
"His growth is scary. Just a few years, and he's already at this level," Rayleigh sighed. For a moment, he nearly mimicked Kizaru: Scary—kids these days.
East Blue, Cocoyasi Village
"Aileen-chan! Come quick—news of your brother and sisters!" Genzo called to the girl swinging her sword.
"What?! Let me see!" Aileen ran over with her blade.
Looking at the photo she asked, "Papa, what does it say?"
"It says your brother Leno fought someone for ten days and nights without a decisive result and left unharmed. Look—there are photos. Your sisters are there too."
"That's great… I'm so jealous they can sail with him. When I grow up, I'll go to sea and find them!" Aileen declared, brandishing her little sword.
"Achoo!" Leno, lounging on a deck chair, rubbed his nose. "Who's talking about me?" He closed his eyes again to sunbathe.
"Idiot Leno, get up! We're almost at Shells Town. Let's get ready to land and stock up," Nami urged.
"Yeah, yeah…" Leno got up with a stretch and looked ahead.
Shells Town sat on a small island, buildings packed tight. On the central high ground rose two cylindrical towers—one tall, one short, wide at the base and narrow at the top—the headquarters of Marine Branch 153, which oversaw public order in Shells Town and surrounding waters.
The streets bustled with foot traffic, hawking and shouts filling the air—prosperous and lively.
Leno's group walked in at an easy pace. Nami handed him a list—he'd handle the supply run; with his inventory, it was easiest for him to carry everything.