Kizaru's eyes sparkled with mock admiration as he looked at Luffy. "Hmm~ Luffy-san, your ambition is… truly inspiring. But for a Rear Admiral, you're still a bit low-ranking to slack off entirely. Once you reach my level, though, you can delegate most of the work to your subordinates and enjoy the good life."
Luffy raised an eyebrow, considering. "Really? Then wouldn't it be even better if I beca Fleet Admiral? Then I could hand off all the work."
Kizaru chuckled, though he raised a cautionary hand. "Ah, becoming Fleet Admiral might be a bit of a stretch… But with your strength and age, Luffy-san, it's not impossible."
Watching his grandson discuss high-ranking ambitions with Kizaru, Garp's irritation flared, fearing Kizaru's lazy attitude might influence Luffy. But luckily, Kizaru knew better than to encourage Luffy to shirk work outright, especially in Garp's presence. They exchanged a few more thoughts on the subject before letting the matter drop.
But Luffy's curiosity wasn't entirely satisfied, and his eyes glead with interest as he asked, "Uncle Borsalino, after this mission, you're heading directly to Punk Hazard, right? I heard Dr. Vegapunk is there. Any chance I could co along and et him?"
Kizaru tilted his head, feigning a look of uncertainty. "Hmm… If you're serious about visiting, you'd need permission from the governnt first. But, if they approve, it's fine by ."
Luffy's face lit up with excitent, nodding quickly. "Great! I'll put in the request as soon as we're done here. By the ti I'm finished up, the approval should be in."
The real reason for Luffy's interest in Punk Hazard wasn't Vegapunk himself, but the unique replica of the Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon, a fruit that closely mimicked Kaido's legendary power. He vividly recalled his disappointnt in the original tiline when that incredible fruit ended up with Momonosuke. But this ti, he thought, things would be different.
I just need to figure out who deserves it… he mused, thinking over his crew mbers. Koala or Nami were the only ones without Devil Fruits, but Nami had her eye on a Logia fruit. That left Koala as the most fitting choice. Perfect, he thought, smiling to himself. With that fruit, she won't need to worry about water battles again.
With his mind made up, Luffy wrapped up the conversation with Kuzan and Kizaru, exchanging brief farewells before heading off to draft his application. The girls had no reason to linger, so they followed suit, leaving Garp's office one by one.
As Luffy departed, Kuzan and Kizaru also made their way out, saying their goodbyes to Garp. It was nearing lunchti, and the two admirals were planning to catch up on so rest. Neither of them knew if or when Kaido might make a move, so they chose to stay at G-2 for the ti being to be on standby. However, the Marines were keeping close watch over Wano's waters with reconnaissance ships, ready to alert headquarters if Kaido's forces showed any sign of movent. Sengoku was prepared to respond quickly, with reinforcents and new strategies if necessary.
The brewing tension between the Marines and Kaido didn't go unnoticed by the rest of the New World. Rivals, spies, and opportunists kept a close watch, hoping for a clash that would weaken both sides. If the Marines and Kaido entered open conflict, there would be spoils for the taking, regardless of the victor.
However, to the surprise of many, Kaido's next move wasn't an attack on the Marines. Instead, he set sail from Wano and headed straight for Dressrosa, Doflamingo's stronghold. This unexpected turn confused many onlookers, who wondered why Kaido wasn't going after the Marines who had killed Jack.
What's he doing going after a Shichibukai? Speculations rippled through the New World, as rival pirates and leaders of powerful factions pondered Kaido's motives. Was he avoiding a direct conflict with the Marines, or was there sothing deeper behind his move?
But Kaido's intentions had nothing to do with venting his anger on Doflamingo. Driven by purpose, he was headed to Dressrosa for a very specific reason.
On the morning of the fourth day after Jack's defeat made headlines, Doflamingo, along with the entire Donquixote Family, assembled on Green Bit, the isolated island north of Dressrosa. Underneath Doflamingo's usually calm exterior, his expression was tense, his face darkened with barely contained fury. The veins on his forehead pulsed visibly, and his clenched fists betrayed his rage.
Doflamingo's officers remained silent, exchanging nervous glances. No one dared to speak, afraid that even the smallest sound might provoke their young master's wrath.
With every mory of Kaido's threats and Sengoku's reprimands echoing in his mind, Doflamingo's regret simred into fury. If only I'd known cooperating with Kaido would lead to this… he thought bitterly. The idea of joining forces with Kaido had once seed lucrative, but now it felt like a trap. In a mont of exasperation, he wished he'd taken his artificial Devil Fruits to Whitebeard instead.
==============================================
Support at [email protected]/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.
==============================================
Reviews
All reviews (0)