Thanks to the economic support from Golden City, the construction of Peach Garden continued steadily, its growth and prosperity surpassing even what it had once been. Months had passed since the initial buzz around Peach Garden began, yet visitors did not dwindle. Instead, the number of daily travelers and immigrants increased, making Peach Garden one of the most famous destinations in the entire pirate world.
People from countless seas had migrated here, swelling the population many times over. It was no exaggeration to call Peach Garden the most prosperous nation in the pirate world.
"Is this really Peach Garden?"
On the main street at the entrance to the Island, a tall and exceptionally striking woman stood with her mouth slightly agape. She had just stepped off her ship, taking in the turmoil of activity before her.
The bustling streets, cheerful voices drifting from every corner, and bright laughter carried by the wind — it was hard to believe this was a territory governed by pirates. It looked no less than a thriving kingdom, filled with joy, commerce, and life.
Inside the Security Office of Shandora, a soft little voice called out, "Super, a woman with a powerful aura has just appeared in Lungan."
Super turned to Aisa, expression guarded, "Where exactly?"
"Sand Country, Yuba Xibalasi Street." Aisa hopped onto a small stool and pointed at the map with a clear sense of urgency.
Super arrived at the location swiftly. The woman Aisa had mentioned was already there, her striking presence impossible to miss. From her, Super sensed a formidable aura — an impressively strong one.
He stepped forward and soon saw her face clearly. This woman was stunning, with sharp features and a distinctive beauty, a small mole at the corner of her mouth setting her apart.
As the captain of the Peach Garden guards, Super immediately recognized her — this was Vice Admiral Gion of Marineford, famed for her strength and command. But unlike her usual appearance in Marine uniform, she stood there in plain clothes, without makeup or disguise, walking openly through Peach Garden with a widely recognized face.
Marines and pirates were sworn enemies. For a Marine Vice Admiral to appear so openly within pirate territory was shocking — but there was more to her presence than just bravado.
Super approached her, cautious but respectful.
"Excuse me, miss, may I ask who you are looking for?" Super kept his voice neutral, not revealing her identity.
Gion's eyes widened when she saw him. This man exuded immense strength, almost comparable to a Marine Admiral. And yet, he didn't wear the uniform of a Marine — instead, Super wore the garb of Peach Garden's guard. His presence here, strong enough to rival Admirals, was astonishing.
The Peach Garden guards certainly wielded great power, but Super's level was something almost unimaginable for a mere guard. If even Peach Garden's security boasted such power, then what kind of strength did Rolan command?
Gion's mind raced. What exactly did this Rolan want to accomplish with Peach Garden?
Originally, most of the World Government believed Peach Garden intended to unify the New World before launching a strike against the World Government itself. After the combined forces of the World Government, Kaido, and Big Mom once besieged Rolan, Peach Garden's prestige rose to unprecedented heights.
At that time, the World Government genuinely listed Peach Garden as a threat potentially greater than the Revolutionary Army. They deployed countless special agents and informants to observe and spy on every movement within Peach Garden.
But over time, their concerns faded. They discovered that Peach Garden was not making any sudden movements toward war. Instead, its growth was steady, stable, and seemingly content with its current success.
The World Government breathed a sigh of relief. History had shown them too many wars already, and another brewing conflict was not something they sought right now.
Though Gion had come without an official mission, as she watched Peach Garden's impressive strength, she could not hide her amazement.
She guessed boldly that Peach Garden was intentionally biding its time, preparing quietly, building its strength before any major action. If Rolan were to strike at Peach Garden's enemies, it would surely be the World Government itself — the only entity that truly stood opposed to him.
Though others might view Rolan as a youthful ruler, his achievements were far beyond what his years suggested. Most individuals with such success would be chasing more, pushing forward without delay. Yet Rolan had not rushed. Instead, he had taken the time to build solid foundations, to grow careful strength before making any moves. Such patience and strategic discernment was terrifying in its precision.
But Gion only pondered these thoughts for a moment before regaining her composure. Those were not her concerns anymore.
The moment she decided to approach Peach Garden, she had already submitted her resignation to Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Though it hadn't yet been officially accepted, in her heart she was no longer a Marine.
"Hello, I am Gion, formerly a Marine."
Super blinked, puzzled, but respectful. "Oh, Vice Admiral Gion. May I ask what brings you to Peach Garden?"
Gion's voice was calm but firm, "I am no longer a Marine."
Super's eyes widened in surprise. She had given up her position — a stable job with rank, influence, and income — willingly? It was hard to believe. Yet she looked sincere and composed.
Recognizing his confusion, Gion continued, "I am here to find someone."
Super's breath caught. Judging by Gion's expression and demeanor, her mission here was personal. And with a woman this striking and powerful, he guessed she must be searching for Rolan.
He offered gently, "Would you like to see our king?"
Gion shook her head, expression steady but hinting at disappointment. "I wonder if Roronoa Zoro is still in Peach Garden."
"Zoro? He and our king left Peach Garden some time ago," Super replied.
Gion's face dimmed slightly, a flicker of personal emotion passing through her eyes. She had hoped to arrive in time to see Zoro, to express feelings she had kept in her heart for so long, and perhaps to begin something real between them. Instead, she had come at the wrong time.
"Do you know when they might return?" Gion asked.
Super shook his head. "I'm not sure, and I don't know whom they went to find either."
Seeing that Super spoke honestly, Gion did not press further. Instead, she said with gentle resolve, "I am Zoro's fiancée."
"Ah?!" Super nearly choked on his breath at the unexpected announcement.
A part of him whispered admiration — Zoro, the fierce swordsman known throughout the seas, actually had a fiancée. Not just any woman, but a Vice Admiral who had chosen to leave the Marines for love.
Indeed, Zoro's reputation for strength was legendary, but even so — to win the heart of a Marine Vice Admiral was astonishing.
"Well then," Super said with a respectful nod, "I wish you success in finding him."
"I will wait for his return," Gion replied simply.
"Would you like me to show you around Peach Garden in the meantime?" Super offered politely.
Gion declined with a composed smile, "I will explore on my own."
Originally she came to see Zoro, but now the prosperity of Peach Garden had captivated her attention. Having left the Marines and relinquished all hesitation, she finally had the freedom to discover the world on her own terms.
---