The young staff officer standing across from Sengoku straightened instinctively.
"Reporting, Fleet Admiral — none of our deployed intel units have returned with a confirmed sighting yet."
"But please rest assured," he continued quickly, stepping forward and pointing at several marked spots on the strategy map.
"We've established surveillance networks around Drum Island, Tor Island, and the islands surrounding the peak of Whiskey Mountain. Additionally—"
His finger slid downward toward the kingdom of Alabasta.
"Since they likely obtained an Eternal Pose from Crocodile, we've also stationed agents at several major ports along the Sandora River."
"Wherever they appear, you'll be notified immediately."
Sengoku stared at the clusters of red markers on the map.
Despite the seemingly airtight formation, that slippery brat had vanished as if into thin air. Could it be…
His gaze shifted toward a tiny, easily overlooked island beside the Whiskey Peak route.
"Did we send anyone to Little Garden?"
"That place?"
The staffer blinked. "Almost no ships pass through there. Aside from the threat of Island Eaters, the Log Pose requires a full year to record. So we didn't—"
Buru-buru-buru—!!
The Den Den Mushi on the desk suddenly rang frantically, cutting him off.
"Hello? Sengoku speaking."
The Fleet Admiral lifted the receiver — and after only a few seconds, his expression hardened sharply.
"Is that true? You're certain?"
"Absolutely, Fleet Admiral!" the voice on the other end replied, breathless with excitement.
"We staked out for three full days! Half an hour ago, we personally witnessed the Curtailfall Pirates' ship docking on Tor Island!"
"Where are they now?" Sengoku asked immediately.
"They marched straight into the city — spending money all over the entertainment districts. It seems they plan to stay and indulge for several days! If Marine HQ dispatches forces now, you can absolutely make it in time!"
The air in the office froze.
Sengoku rose to his feet. "Notify the three Admirals. Tell them to report to my office at once."
"Yes, sir!"
The young officer saluted sharply and left, visibly exhilarated.
Less than ten minutes later, Marine Headquarters' greatest military powers entered the room one after another.
Aokiji lounged against the doorframe, his sleep mask still crooked on his head — clearly dragged here from a nap.
"Ahh… you called us in at this hour? So much for taking it easy…"
Kizaru crossed one leg over the other on the couch, slowly trimming his nails.
"Well~~ considering that rookie's terrifying momentum… taking down Onigumo Vice Admiral and a Warlord of the Sea back-to-back…"
He stretched out his words lazily.
"If you let a fellow like that run wild, I imagine even a Fleet Admiral would lose sleep, hmm~~?"
"Enough nonsense, Borsalino."
Sengoku shot him a sharp glare. "Let's get to the point. You all know the situation. News of Crocodile's death won't stay contained for long. Before the public reaction explodes, we must capture this crew."
"As for the others — alive or dead, I don't care. But the swordsman Shanu, and the defector Smoker — those two must be brought back alive if possible."
He swept his gaze across the room.
"So? Who's taking the mission?"
Aokiji yawned, raising a hand lazily.
"Guess I'll go. I've been on break for a while… could use some exercise."
"No. I'll handle it."
The voice cut him off like a blade.
Aokiji and Kizaru both turned.
From the shadows, Akainu stepped forward, eyes cold beneath the brim of his cap.
"If I recall correctly, Kuzan… you're acquainted with Smoker, aren't you? With that kind of personal connection, I have no confidence you'll do what must be done."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Aokiji frowned.
"Exactly what I said."
Akainu's voice was flat.
"Criminals who stain the honor of justice should be eradicated, nothing less. I won't risk someone hesitating because of sentiment."
"Sentiment?" Aokiji's lips twitched upward.
"You mean the real reason you're so eager — avenging Vice Admiral Onigumo?"
"Onigumo was our comrade. He died upholding justice. Shouldn't we avenge him?"
Their gazes collided — cold, sharp, tense.
Kizaru shrank deeper into the couch.
"My my~~ such a scary atmosphere…"
"Sakazuki!"
Sengoku's shout cut through the tension.
"Did you forget what I said? You may go — but you will prioritize taking them alive. That is an order. Understood!?"
"...Understood."
Akainu paused, then nodded stiffly. As he turned to leave, he added coldly:
"But Fleet Admiral — the battlefield changes every second. If circumstances force my hand, don't expect me to show mercy to traitors."
He strode out.
Aokiji watched him go, narrowed his eyes slightly… then left through the opposite door without a word.
Sengoku sighed heavily and sank back into his mountain of paperwork.
Kizaru casually flicked away a bit of nail dust.
Dawn — Little Garden
The morning mist still clung to the giant-bone clearing as Shanu rolled his stiff shoulders.
Last night's feast had gotten far too merry — he had matched drinks with the two giants, swallowing enough liquor to drown a small army. His temples still throbbed faintly.
He looked toward the horizon.
Only the tip of the sun peeked over the edge of the world. The air still carried the smell of dying embers from last night's bonfire.
"Oho! Up early, Shanu boy!"
The ground rumbled as Dorry approached, hefting his massive sword. Brogy followed behind him, secretly using the reflective surface of his axe to straighten his wild beard.
When Shanu glanced his way, he immediately hid the axe and began humming nonchalantly.
"Ready?" Dorry grinned, showing rows of teeth.
"Training from Elbaf doesn't go easy."
"Ready as ever."
Shanu cracked his neck, excitement flashing bright in his eyes.
"Come at me with everything you've got, you two!"
"In that case—"
Dorry raised his sword high.
"Your training starts now!!!"
WHOOM!!
The blade screamed through the air.
Shanu vanished with Soru, dashing left.
"Gwahaha! Found ya!"
Before he even touched ground, Brogy had already predicted his landing spot — swinging his axe in a brutal arc.
Shanu's eyes widened. Instinct honed through years of battle yanked his body backward, bending low enough for the blade to whistle past his scalp.
FWOOM—!!
The wind alone shook his skin. His pupils tightened — then burned with exhilaration.
So this was what it felt like up close.
Not just brute strength — they moved with terrifying agility for their size.
And most importantly—
They were monsters when fighting together.
Not a simple "one plus one."
A combined force beyond anything he'd faced.
Perfect.
This is exactly what I need.
He locked onto Dorry's descending sword, his blood boiling.
At this pace, he might unlock Observation Haki — today.
"Warm-up is over, Shanu boy!!"
Dorry roared.
"Be careful! This time we're using full strength!!"
A chill flashed up Shanu's spine.
Every nerve screamed.
Brogy and Dorry inhaled deeply—
Their voices rose in unison:
"Spear of Elbaf…"
The world trembled.
"HAKOKU SOVEREIGNTY!!!"