Sakazuki narrowed his eyes slightly. "Have headquarters' intelligence departnt report Mihawk's movents to at all tis. This guy has enough pride and backbone. When this operation ends, I want that backbone crushed piece by piece. Marine Hunter... heh. Doesn't know his place."
Bullet let out a vicious smile. "Got it. I like the tough ones best. Let's see how long he can stay tough."
He folded both hands at his chest, then cracked his knuckles.
* * *
In the first half of the Grand Line, the Kuja Pirates sailed across the sea.
Twelve-year-old Boa Hancock sat on the head of the sea serpent that pulled the ship, holding a telescope while playing pirate gas with her two sisters.
Boa Marigold, with her orange hair, stood at the starboard railing. "No ships to the right!"
Boa Sandersonia, with green hair, stood on the port side. "No ships to the left either!"
anwhile, Hancock looked ahead through the telescope. "No ships in front! Clear view, nothing unusual!"
Two female warriors ca out of the cold storage carrying ingredients and called out, "Don't fall into the sea, Hancock."
She turned back. "Don't treat like a fool! How could I fall into the sea? I'm already a capable warrior on my own!"
The two warriors chuckled as they carried the food.
"Alright, alright~ then patrol duty is yours."
"Good luck!"
They walked toward the dining area while her sisters looked at her with admiration.
"As expected of Big Sis! Amazing!"
"Let's help with the patrol too!"
At so point, three shadows appeared under the ship unnoticed. Then using special gear, they climbed the vessel's side. Seeing the three girls nearby, the slave traders grinned wickedly.
Swoosh!
Hancock suddenly turned around. "There's—"
Before she could finish, the sedative kicked in and she and her sisters fainted.
All that was left behind were scattered footprints and puddles.
Not long after, one of the previous female warriors ca out with a few waterlons. "You must be hungry. I brought so snacks!"
But there was no response. She froze.
"Hancock? Sonia? Mari?"
* * *
In the East Blue, on an unnad island.
Dragon stood silently at the mountain peak, wearing a dark green cloak. He gazed out at the distant ocean, watching as a marine ship grew closer, then finally docked at the shore.
He turned to look behind him at the baby, just recently born and now asleep, and smiled gently. "Let's go. Ti to et your grandpa."
Halfway down the mountain. Garp t his son, his fists clenched tight. "What are you doing, Dragon?"
Others might not recognize the face on the wanted poster, but as a father, he didn't need any clues. Even with tattoos and changed features, he instantly knew this was his son.
"Sorry, dad, this involves too much, so I can't tell you everything. I ca today to ask you to take care of Luffy," Dragon responded calmly.
Garp was stunned as the man handed the baby to him. "Luffy?"
With a slight nod, Dragon confird. "Yes, Luffy. My son."
Veins bulging, Garp started to speak. "When did you—"
Dragon's body started to fade, from feet to head. "It's not the right ti yet. His identity must be kept secret. If it isn't..."
His figure vanished like the wind.
Holding Luffy in one hand, Garp slamd his fist on the ground where Dragon had disappeared.
"You bastard!"
The sudden motion startled the baby awake.
"Waaahhh!!"
As the cries rang out, Garp panicked and rushed toward his ship holding the wailing child.
"Don't cry! Don't cry! Damn it! That bastard Dragon!!!"
* * *
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Rosinante, now a Commander, returned ho. He slumped onto the sofa, looking exhausted and lost.
In his hand was a newspaper. The headline reported the Donquixote Pirates launching arms deals in the North Blue.
"It's already co to this, huh… brother…"
He sat there blankly.
When he finally ca to, it was already late at night.
Click!
The lights flicked on as Sengoku, back from a long day of work, stepped inside. He was a little puzzled once he saw Rosinante staring into space on the couch.
"What's wrong, Rosinante?"
Rosinante took a deep breath. His mind was made up. "Father, I want to…"
* * *
New World, Punk Hazard.
Handing a device to Vegapunk like he was presenting a prize, Enel said, "Hehe. Teacher, I brought you sothing good!"
Vegapunk looked disheveled. His clothes were ssy and he clearly hadn't slept in days.
"Oh? What is it?"
Enel grinned. "It's Vinsmoke Judge's research and notes on bloodline factors. Also a complete data set on his entire production chain."
The scientist's eyes widened. "The governnt made a move?"
"Not really." Enel scratched his head awkwardly. "I took it myself, but it wasn't a big deal. Uncle smoothed it over."
Vegapunk's mouth twitched. 'Of course... with that kind of heavy-handed approach, only Sakazuki would let it slide.'
Putting that thought aside, he said, "Quick, quick, hook it up to the screen. Let take a look."
But Enel pulled the device back. "Nope, I think you should sleep first. There's too much in here to go through in one sitting. You have to get so rest."
Vegapunk hesitated. "But..."
Enel pressed on, "You've got dark circles under your eyes, and a few more hours won't change anything. Why push yourself so hard?"
The scientist blinked, then chuckled. "Alright then, stay on the island for a while, I'm going to sleep."
Enel nodded. "Sure."
Vegapunk shook his head with a smile and walked toward the lounge next to his lab.
Ti passed quietly...
* * *
Punk Hazard, Evening.
Vegapunk slowly woke after sleeping through most of the day.
He stretched. "Hoo…"
Loosening up a bit, he pushed open the door and stepped out. When he entered the office, he imdiately heard Enel's surprised voice.
"Huh? Undercover? Go undercover for what? What pirate crew? Just wipe them out. Uncle and Bullet should still be in the North Blue, I'll give them a call and have them take care of it. Make sure not even dust is left of those pirates."
* * *
Back in Marine HQ, Rosinante sighed. "No, no, please don't. I want to handle this myself, Enel. It's just… he's my real brother."
On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, Enel frowned. "That so...?"
A real brother... yeah, that's not soone you just kill. Having others get involved wouldn't sit right either.
"When are you leaving?"
Rosinante replied, "Around the end of the year. We've already started setting up the fake identity and backstory."
Enel's voice ca through the snail. "Okay, wait for . I'll send you sothing useful."
* * *
Click.
As Enel hung up and stood up, Vegapunk approached. "What's going on, Enel?"
**
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