"This is the information on all the mbers of the Black Crow Pirates. Although this pirate crew has only appeared on the seas for a year, it poses a trendous threat and must be eliminated imdiately."
Sora placed the docunts he received from Sengoku on the table before him, his tiger-like eyes staring intently at the Five Elders.
The bald old man who specialized in swordsmanship picked up one of the files, examined it seriously, and then said slowly, "Indeed, the threat is significant. It must be nipped in the bud at once."
"But we can't spare too many military forces at the mont," another Elder said with a furrowed brow. "Garp's son, the one who defected from the Navy, is trying to form a revolutionary army. You're all aware of the danger that ideology poses. It could shake the very foundations of the World Governnt. Most of our troops are currently deployed in the pursuit of Dragon."
"With Dragon's ability, how could he be caught so easily?" Sora frowned. He, too, was troubled by Garp's son. If any regular Vice Admiral had a son like that, he would have been captured and thrown into Impel Down long ago.
But Garp...
They couldn't just arrest him.
Doing so would crush the morale of the entire Navy.
Of course, Sora had no intention of actually capturing him.
"Even if we can't catch him, we still must pursue him," one of the Elders said in a grim tone. "What, are we supposed to ignore him because he's strong? Who's going to take responsibility if the Revolutionary Army becos a true threat?"
"But the Black Crow Pirates are incredibly dangerous, and they've only been active for a year. We can't afford to ignore them."
"Yes, this is a serious matter. Judging by their crew composition, they're all extrely threatening individuals. The sea doesn't need another Rocks."
The Five Elders continued discussing the matter with Sora.
Then, suddenly—
Bulu Bulu—
Bulu Bulu—
The silver Den Den Mushi on the table began to ring.
The entire hall fell silent at the sound.
Even Sora widened his eyes slightly and held his tongue.
Ever since he beca the Supre Commander of the Ard Forces, he had co to understand how deep and intricate the foundation of the World Governnt truly was—especially who might be calling through that particular Den Den Mushi.
The slightly plump Elder respectfully picked it up and answered.
Then he spoke directly. "Please give your orders."
A quiet voice ca through the Den Den Mushi—soft, but distinctly audible.
His eyes briefly flickered with shock, but he quickly composed himself and responded solemnly, "Understood. I will carry out your orders."
"Yes."
After one final acknowledgnt, the call ended.
The Elder who answered the phone waved a hand at Sora and said calmly, "We're aware of the Black Crow Pirates and will discuss the matter further. You've got plenty to handle on your end. Return to your duties."
"Understood," Sora replied with a firm nod. He didn't hesitate and turned to leave.
As his figure disappeared from the chamber, the remaining Four Elders all turned their eyes toward the one who had answered the call.
Even now, there was still astonishnt and confusion in their eyes.
The Elder said solemnly, "Lord Im has ordered us not to take any action against the Black Crow Pirates for now."
"What?"
"How could that be?"
"Why would Lord Im care about a pirate crew?"
"Are you joking?"
Shock was etched across the faces of the Four Elders.
"I don't know either," the Elder who had received the call said. "But those were Master Im's instructions. It seems they want to observe this crew for the ti being... to learn sothing."
Silence filled the grand hall.
Each of the Five Elders appeared deep in thought.
They were trying to understand what it was their master sought to know.
After a long pause, they sighed.
"If it is the master's will, we shall simply observe for now. No intervention."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"..."
—anwhile—
Within the Flower Chamber
A figure sat calmly among a sea of flowers, knees drawn close, butterflies fluttering around him.
Scattered across the petals were several bounty posters.
The topmost one featured Mio.
The figure delicately picked up the poster. Their fingers were slender and elegant.
Gazing at Mio's portrait, a soft murmur left their lips—subtle and elusive.
"It feels like... he doesn't belong to this world..."
"Interesting..."
"It's been so long since I've had this feeling..."
The figure shook his head slowly, letting the poster fall back among the blooms.
The First Half of the Grand Line
Mio, of course, had no idea what had just transpired in Mary Geoise.
His ship continued to sail steadily.
At that mont, Mio was engaged in a sword fight with Erica on the deck. Swordsmanship remained one of his primary thods of combat and a crucial direction for improving his power.
He was a swordsman, and despite having not wielded a blade for a full year, he had quickly regained his form during his fights with Erica.
He was now also actively seeking Erica's guidance on the way of the sword.
Like how to channel Armant Haki into his slashes.
On the deck, the two figures exchanged fierce blows, sparks flying from each clash.
Then, suddenly—
Boom—!
The Black Glory shuddered.
A massive arm shot up from the sea.
It was Hanba.
The towering undead reached out and grabbed a 50-ter sea beast with a single hand.
"My lord, do you want food?" Hanba asked with a dumb smile.
"Of course. Sea beast at makes for great barbecue," Mio replied with no hesitation, pulling away from his clash with Erica.
Hanba imdiately flung the sea beast onto the ship.
With a gleam in his eyes, Mio raised Raikiri.
He slashed upward.
The sky shimred with phantoms as the blade carved through the air.
The sea beast was neatly diced mid-air and rained down in sliced pieces onto the deck.
"Robin, could you help carry it to the kitchen?" Mio called out.
Robin, who had been reading quietly nearby, lowered her book and rolled her eyes. "Captain, I'm not a porter."
"I know, I know," Mio said casually, waving a hand.
Despite her complaint, Robin wrapped her arms around herself and used her ability to sprout multiple arms from the deck to move the at.
"Let's continue," Mio said, taking a sip of whiskey and gesturing at Erica.
The two resud their duel.
Even as his stamina was consud, Mio's energy quickly regenerated.
He could now spar with Erica for five days and nights without stopping.
Days passed.
Eventually, an island ca into view ahead.
It was Mio's next destination.
New Naia Island.
—On the Island—
Inside the Joker Tavern, in a dark private room.
Doflamingo lounged on a sofa, a beautiful woman wrapped in one arm and a goblet of blood-red wine in the other.
He truly knew how to enjoy himself.
Then, suddenly—
A smirk crept across his lips.
"Hehehe... Diamante, get ready. Our guests are about to arrive."
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