Watching Shirahoshi — who had been timidly hiding moments ago — now laughing brightly and chatting happily with Hibari and Vivi, Rorschach couldn't help but smile.
He really liked this kind of warm, friendly atmosphere.
Thinking about it carefully, wasn't this exactly what he had always been pursuing? A world where everyone could live peacefully and harmoniously together?
All the battles and killing — weren't they just means to achieve that simple goal?
From time to time, bursts of silver-bell laughter echoed across the deck, carried far by the gentle sea breeze.
Rorschach walked to the bow of the ship, gazing at the enormous North Sea Giant Kraken floating on the water like a small mountain. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, wondering how to deal with such a delicious ingredient.
This thing was way too big — dragging it away would be difficult.
Bringing it along wasn't realistic either.
After all, his next stop was the Holy Land, Mary Geoise — not Marine Headquarters.
But if he were to just leave such a nutritious and flavorful treasure of the sea here — enough to fill the entire logistics warehouse of the headquarters — Rorschach knew he wouldn't be able to sleep soundly at night.
"Eat it here? Hmm, there's too much of it — no way we can finish it all. And besides, no cooks around either."
After pondering for a while, Rorschach's eyes suddenly lit up. He clenched his right fist and struck his left palm.
"Right! Let's hold a takoyaki banquet right here! We'll invite everyone over. Whatever we can't finish, we'll send back to Headquarters for the soldiers as a bonus meal."
Once he decided, Rorschach immediately informed Neptune and Cobra, saying he was going to host a banquet here and invite some people to come and eat takoyaki.
Naturally, neither Neptune nor Cobra had any objections.
The Holy Land was right ahead, Marine Headquarters nearby, and with Rorschach here, there was no danger to worry about.
Besides, there were still a few days left before the World Conference began, and many kings were still on their way.
So, they weren't in a hurry either.
Rorschach borrowed a Den Den Mushi from Hibari and began dialing the numbers of the Marine admirals he remembered so clearly.
Thanks to the constant stimulation of his lightning powers, his cells were highly active — and his memory was razor sharp.
He could perfectly recall every Den Den Mushi number he'd ever seen, without a single mistake.
"Hello? Teacher Zephyr, it's me, Rorschach! Where are you right now? I caught the North Sea Giant Kraken — yes, that legendary sea monster that's been all over the reports! Come have some takoyaki — we're not far from the Holy Land! I promise you'll eat your fill!"
"Mosimosi, Uncle Borsalino, I've got takoyaki! What's that? You can't leave because you're guarding the Celestial Dragons? Those garbage— ahem —I mean, never mind that, you're not that far, just come over! Hibari's making your favorite miso ramen! Oh, and Uncle Kuzan's with you, right? Bring him too! Huh? You need to leave one Admiral in the Holy Land? Fine, fine, we'll pack some up for him later."
"Granny Tsuru~ It's me, Rorschach! Where are you? Ah, in the South Sea? That's a shame — I really wanted you to taste this special North Sea Giant Kraken takoyaki. Alright then, take care, the South Sea's windy this time of year — dress warmly!"
"Magellan, old man… Yeah, I know you're busy, it's fine. I'll have Vice Admiral Onz bring you a piece of Kraken tentacle for Impel Down. Oh, right, I'll be there soon anyway — for that matter. Yeah, see you then."
"Garp, old man! Up for an eating contest? The venue is—"
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku… Ah, sorry, wrong number! No, I'm not Rorschach — you misheard — I'm Enel."
On the deck, Neptune, Cobra, and the others stood slack-jawed as Rorschach chatted easily through the Den Den Mushi, one call after another — each to a world-renowned Marine officer — laughing and joking like close friends.
No matter their age or rank — superior, subordinate, senior, or junior — Rorschach could talk to everyone naturally.
Neptune and Cobra exchanged glances, both deeply shaken.
As kings of member nations, they had met countless people of all kinds — but someone with this kind of charisma, who could connect effortlessly with everyone? That was something they'd never seen before.
Even Sengoku, the current Fleet Admiral, might not have this kind of universal warmth and respect.
As time passed, the sun slowly sank in the west.
Warships began arriving one after another from all directions, all heading toward Rorschach's position.
The admirals Rorschach had invited were mostly already en route to the Holy Land for escort duties.
Gathering here wasn't delaying their missions.
In fact, many kings they were escorting decided to stay as well — especially after seeing Cobra, Neptune, and the dazzlingly beautiful Shirahoshi. They happily joined Neptune's grand ship to chat and reminisce.
Of course, a few kings insisted on heading straight to the Holy Land, and Rorschach didn't stop them.
He simply sliced off generous chunks of octopus meat for their ships to take along, smiling as he waved them off.
Soon, the sun set, the sky darkened, and the cold moon rose high.
More than thirty warships were now anchored nearby, their lights reflecting on the waves — an incredible sight.
To outsiders, it might even look like a war was about to break out.
Half the ships had come directly from Marine Headquarters — not for escort missions, but because they'd received Rorschach's invitation to the feast (and, of course, to bring food back).
For this, Sengoku scolded Rorschach for a good ten minutes — until Rorschach promised to send him a box of takoyaki for a midnight snack.
Then Sengoku calmed down — though he demanded ten portions instead of one.
"Hahaha! Vice Admiral Rorschach! I'm here! Hasn't been long, but you've already been promoted again? Congratulations! Oh, and I brought you a gift — spring blossom wine from our Holy Poplar Kingdom. It's our finest, even the Celestial Dragons love it!"
A loud, hearty laugh came from a gaudy golden double-masted ship approaching under the moonlight.
Rorschach looked over and saw a plump, middle-aged man in a gilded robe, his bald head gleaming beneath a golden crown.
"Ah, King Poplar! Haven't seen you in days — you've gotten fatter again. Careful with your health!" Rorschach greeted him with a grin.
"Haha, can't help it! Ever since you saved my kingdom, I've been eating and sleeping well every day. I've been growing like a fattened pig!" Poplar V roared with laughter.
Rorschach chuckled too — Poplar was a funny man.
No royal airs, no arrogance.
Last time in the City of the Spring Queen, he'd gotten drunk and cursed the King of the Flower Country right at the table — saying he'd scold him again at the World Conference. Garp had loved him instantly.
Though he wasn't as capable as Cobra, he was far more genuine than kings like Judge.
His small nation — the Holy Poplar Kingdom, made of three islands on the Grand Line — had one of the highest living standards among all member nations.
In fact, their per capita GDP ranked easily among the top ten.
And that didn't even include Admiral Jonathan's private assets.
"Hey! Rorschach! Hibari! We meet again — are you happy?"
Beside Poplar, Sera waved cheerfully — dressed, for once, in an elegant gown instead of her usual armor.
"Ha… happy." Rorschach answered weakly.
Then his eyes suddenly brightened — spotting a familiar green-haired youth standing beside Sera, looking stiff as ever.
"Huh? Isn't that Zoro? What are you doing here?"
With a smile, Rorschach kicked off the deck and leapt onto the golden ship, landing in front of the swordsman.
Zoro looked leaner than when they'd met at Reverse Mountain — but sharper, too. Clearly, he'd learned a lot under Jonathan these past days.
Right now, though, his expression was tense as he scanned the area — sensing the powerful auras radiating from every direction.
He felt like a weakling here.
Weaker even than Sera.
At least a hundred people in this area were stronger than him.
Maybe more.
Lost in his thoughts, Zoro didn't even notice Rorschach teasing him.
Sera sighed, shaking her head. "Ignore him. He's a blockhead. All he ever does is train, challenge people, sleep, or get lost. He's basically a wooden puppet."
"That's called focus," Rorschach said with a grin. "To reach the top of the world, one must embrace madness. Without obsession, there is no enlightenment."
Those words snapped Zoro out of his trance.
"Without obsession, there is no enlightenment… profound, and true." Zoro nodded solemnly. "No wonder you're so strong — your spiritual training has already far surpassed mine."
Rorschach's mouth twitched.
He took it seriously?
Knowing that Zoro practiced "Poetry-Flow Swordsmanship," where longer, more poetic verses made his attacks stronger, Rorschach suddenly had the urge to give him a copy of Three Hundred Tang Poems.
"Hahaha! Rorschach, my boy! I'm here! Eating contest, right? Perfect! Let's see who's the Marine Headquarters' real big eater! Between you and me, no one else even comes close!"
From the distance, Garp's laughter boomed across the sea as his dog-headed warship approached.
"I disagree! Garp, you can't even beat me, and you think you can take on Rorschach? Don't kid yourself!"
A loud metallic clang! echoed — a burly purple-haired man with a mechanical arm leapt across the sea like a meteor and landed before Rorschach.
"Teacher Zephyr!"
Seeing him, Rorschach's face lit up with joy as he threw an arm around Zephyr's shoulder.
"Where'd you learn to be so clingy? Get off, brat!" Zephyr grumbled, trying to shake him off — but Rorschach's arm was like a steel clamp.
Grinning, Rorschach looked toward the golden beam of light descending from the Red Line, splitting the night sky. "I learned it from Uncle Borsalino! He said he's always admired you, Teacher Zephyr!"
The golden beam faltered mid-air — nearly crashing into the sea.
A moment later, a pouting Kizaru appeared, scratching his head. "You're making up stories again, Rorschach. That's not nice."
"I heard it from Drake! He said you love Teacher Zephyr like a father — always scolding you, but deep down, he's your favorite person!" Rorschach continued loudly so everyone could hear.
Kizaru twitched. "Did… Drake really say that? I don't recall ever saying such things…"
"Enough! That's disgusting!" Zephyr barked, shoving Rorschach away and smacking him hard on the head.
"Ow! That hurts!" Rorschach winced, rubbing his scalp.
"Hahahaha! If that's true, Zephyr, why not just become Borsalino's father? Having a son at your age would be quite a blessing!" Garp roared with laughter, setting off a wave of laughter from the surrounding Marines.
"Get lost!" Zephyr fumed, but couldn't hide his fluster.
Rorschach seized the moment, leaping into the air and launching a glowing orb of lightning that illuminated the sea below. "Let's start the banquet! Tonight we celebrate Teacher Zephyr's 70th birthday!"
"Woooah! Happy birthday to Teacher Zephyr!" The cheers of thousands of Marines thundered across the ocean.
Zephyr froze, stunned. "You brat… how did you know I'm seventy?"
"Teacher Zephyr, who doesn't know? We're your proud disciples — right, everyone?" Rorschach grinned.
"Right! Of course we remember!"
"Cake! Ain, did you bring the cake? If not, I'll have to make a takoyaki cake on the spot!"
Laughter erupted across the ships.
On one warship, Ain's eyes glistened with tears as she and Binz lifted a massive seven-tier cake high.
"I bought the cake! From Sabaody Archipelago!"
"I brought fireworks!" Law shouted, with Bepo and Pamel behind him carrying crates of fireworks.
"I brought wine! Teacher Zephyr's favorite sherry!" shouted Smoker, raising a bottle.
"I brought kelp strips… though I wanted to bring cigars. Shame Zephyr-sensei can't smoke due to his asthma!" Burning Mountain joked.
"You brats…" Zephyr muttered, his voice trembling. Seeing the familiar faces around him and their sincere smiles, his eyes grew wet.
High above, Rorschach's voice rolled like thunder.
"Everyone together — let's wish Teacher Zephyr a Happy Birthday!"
"Teacher Zephyr, Happy Birthday!!!"
The roar of voices surged skyward, shaking the sea itself.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Fireworks of all colors exploded in the sky, blooming into brilliant patterns.
In their shifting light, Zephyr's tears finally flowed freely down his face.
"Damn it, Zephyr, you lucky old man," Garp grumbled with mock jealousy, his voice drowned in cheers and laughter.
At Marine Headquarters, Sengoku poured himself a glass of wine. From afar, he raised it toward the glowing horizon and whispered softly, "Zephyr, happy birthday."
Atop the Red Line, Kuzan stood by the cliff, holding a bottle of wine as he watched the distant fireworks. A gentle smile touched his lips as he raised the bottle.
"Teacher Zephyr, happy birthday."
End of Chapter)
────────────────────────────────────
"If you want early access to nearly 60+ chapters, join my patreon:- patreon.com/BaDwYGaMeR"