"So? What do you think, guys? Pretty flawless plan, right?"
As captain, Roger had eagerly taken charge of drafting their strategy. After a grand total of two and a half minutes of "careful consideration," he produced what he believed to be a meticulous, airtight plan. Beaming with pride, he laid it out before the crew—
Only to be met with a circle of strange stares.
"Huh?"
Seeing the blank look on Roger's face, Rayleigh finally lost his patience. He grabbed Roger by the collar and hurled him away like discarded trash.
"You idiot captain! What kind of plan is 'pretend to surrender to the World Government and steal all their treasure once they lower their guard'?! Do you really think they're as simple-minded as you? At a time like this, you think they'd just accept our surrender?!"
The so-called genius strategy was dismantled in mere seconds by his first mate. Only someone like Roger could come up with such an idea.
The rest of the crew, long accustomed to their captain's personality, didn't even react. Instead, they formed a circle and began seriously discussing an actual battle plan.
The captain's decision—to get involved—still stood.
But only by pooling everyone's ideas could they create the best possible approach.
Call them disunited? They even brought the apprentices along.
Call them united? They'd just kicked their captain out of the circle.
"Damn it! Rayleigh's getting more and more disrespectful. Seventy percent of the crew are his students now!"
Roger pulled his head out of the sand, spat out the grit in his mouth, and glared resentfully at Rayleigh's back.
Even so, he trusted him completely.
His most reliable partner had passed down everything he knew without reservation. Under Rayleigh's guidance, the crew had grown significantly stronger.
If that was the case—
Then there was no reason for them to miss this grand war.
Time flew by.
Over the course of a month, a strange equilibrium settled across the seas.
No large-scale clashes broke out between pirates and the Marines. The most notorious powerhouses stopped expanding their territories. News of God Valley had spread to nearly every major power—
Yet tragically, the people on that island remained completely unaware.
Thirty days.
Fast like students rushing out for lunch.
Slow like the final hour before work ends.
But the day finally arrived.
World Government
"Is everything prepared?"
"Yes. The CP agents and the Marines have delivered the 'rabbits' to the destination. The nobles are ready as well."
"Good. Proceed according to plan. Saturn, this celebration is in your hands. If anything unexpected occurs, summon us at once."
Inside the council chamber of Pangaea Castle, the Five Elders concluded their brief discussion. Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, imposing in stature, set down his teacup, took up his staff, and strode out of the room.
By the time he reached the harbor, the tea in his cup was still warm.
Five massive and lavish ships stood ready at the docks.
Nobles dressed in combat attire gathered in small groups, chatting idly. Some boasted about the priceless blades at their waists. Others bragged about the "quality" of the slaves they had purchased the previous day.
They were somewhat different from the Celestial Dragons who remained in Mary Geoise. Most were well-built, and the aura they exuded made one thing clear—
These were not merely pampered aristocrats.
They had real strength.
Listening to the crude and vulgar conversations drifting through the air, Saturn let out a faint sigh.
But when his gaze fell upon a lone young Celestial Dragon standing apart from the others, eyes closed in quiet composure, a faint smile formed on his face.
"Greetings, Saint Saturn."
The young noble noticed him first and bowed respectfully. His fiery red hair was particularly striking.
"A child of the Figarland(Holy Knight) Family. No need for such formality."
Saturn smiled lightly.
The other Celestial Dragons quickly bowed as well. Though they shared the same status, there was a considerable gap between them and one of the Five Elders.
"Excellent. I see in you the great hope of the Celestial Dragons. In this grand hunt, whoever claims first place will receive not only abundant rewards—but also a personal gift from me. Show me the full extent of your strength."
At those words, their eyes burned with greed.
Among the Celestial Dragons, the Five Elders were unquestionably among the wealthiest. Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, the Warrior God of Science and Defense, hailed from a powerful lineage himself. Any reward from him would be a treasure beyond measure in the eyes of ordinary Celestial Dragons.
"Board the ships. Depart."
Satisfied by the fire ignited within them, Saturn gave the order to a nearby CP agent and stepped aboard the largest vessel.
Their destination—
God Valley.
Marine Headquarters
"Sengoku. Garp. The mission ahead will be extremely difficult."
Fleet Admiral Kong looked at the two men before him.
"We have confirmed that the Rocks Pirates have already begun moving. More than ten well-known pirate crews from the New World have set sail as well. Powerful figures are appearing throughout the Grand Line. Still—I have confidence in you."
Sengoku nodded solemnly, assuring him that the mission would not fail.
Beside him, Garp continued picking his nose. Kong's speech earned only a perfunctory nod.
"Remember—protecting the Celestial Dragons is your top priority. As long as the celebration concludes safely, we consider it a victory. And especially you, Garp—keep that temper of yours under control!"
Kong's tone grew stern.
Garp's hand didn't move.
"And remember—Roldy has betrayed the Marines. He is our enemy. When you face him, I expect you to act rationally."
"Now—depart!"
"Yes!"
Only one voice answered.
Garp had already turned and walked away.
Kong opened his mouth as if to say more—but in the end, he said nothing.
He understood Garp perfectly.
Garp would never raise his fist against Roldy .
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