After a long while, and following Akainu's near office-incinerating explanation, Sengoku and Garp finally, though extremely disappointed, accepted the conclusion: Sakazuki is still single.
Yet even with the misunderstanding cleared, the two elderly Marines couldn't help but keep their gaze lingering on the blushing Lillian and the equally flushed Akainu, silently pondering.
Of course, Lillian's blush was from shyness, while Akainu's was pure anger.
Well, that's what happens when you're named Akainu—you're destined to be a lifelong bachelor.
Once the misunderstanding was resolved, Sengoku sent Lillian away after she submitted her report.
The office was left with just three towering men.
Sengoku strode back to his desk and asked Akainu:
"Has something happened, Sakazuki?"
If a Marine Admiral personally reports an issue, it's either urgent or highly unusual.
Seeing how much Akainu had argued earlier, Sengoku knew immediately: this had to be something exceptional.
As expected!
Hearing the question, Akainu's usual stern demeanor returned. He quickly set aside his prior annoyance, squared his posture, and began a formal report:
"My subordinates just reported that in the World Government-affiliated nation of Serdakk in the Grand Line, a group calling themselves 'Heroes' suddenly appeared.
They captured all pirates around the main island and its neighboring isles."
"It is said that these people all come from the Starry Sky Hero Academy, which had caused a stir not long ago but has since gone quiet."
"The leader?
Princess Vivi of the Arabasta Kingdom."
"I believe their actions seriously infringe upon the Marine's image and interests. I hope Fleet Admiral Sengoku can decide on appropriate measures against this force as soon as possible."
BANG!
Hearing the report, Sengoku slammed the report onto the desk.
Looking at Garp, who had returned to his lazy self, Sengoku slammed another report with the "Starry Sky" label, gritting his teeth in anger:
"Starry Sky again…"
"GARP!!!"
"Are you really not going to check on your grandson!?"
"Last time in Arabasta he fought Crocodile, and now he's gone up against Doflamingo!"
"At this rate, who knows what he'll do next…"
Over decades of shared experience, Sengoku and Garp's bond had grown beyond friendship, deeper than family.
Garp's grandson—Luffy—was practically Sengoku's family.
Without necessity, Sengoku did not wish to interfere too harshly with Luffy.
So when Arabasta erupted in chaos, Sengoku had used his authority to intercept intelligence personally.
He even sent trusted aides to ensure the report submitted to the World Government got deliberately muddled.
Otherwise, given Luffy's actions, how could the World Government's reaction have been so slow?
Layer after layer, the incident had been managed and suppressed.
Yet…
Who was involved, and why they did what they did… no one knew.
Even Sengoku, aware of his own power, realized that some things were beyond even a Fleet Admiral's control.
He was curious—who else, besides him, was secretly protecting Garp's grandson?
At this moment, facing Sengoku's inquiry, Garp fell silent.
Akainu, after reporting, obediently stood aside.
Despite being a Marine Admiral, commanding thousands of ships and men, and speaking justice at every turn, in front of these two veteran admirals, he was nothing—he dared not act brazenly.
After all…
When he was just a young marine, these two were already legends, hailed as the Marine's greatest hope.
Offend one, and the other might temper him.
Offend both… and he'd better pack up and leave quickly, or perhaps escape with his life.
…
"Garp…"
Sengoku glanced at the brooding Garp, a sudden melancholy settling over him.
After all, it was Garp's grandson—how could he not worry?
He may pretend otherwise, but constant pressure could exhaust anyone.
Sengoku even reflected on himself for a moment.
Did I overdo it just now? Should I not have slammed the desk, after all these years of camaraderie…
Time trickled by as the three men remained lost in thought.
Three minutes passed—still silent.
Then…
"Snore… snore… snore…"
Garp had fallen asleep mid-thought, snoring evenly, as if proudly showcasing how comfortable he was.
SWISH!
A handprint was suddenly left on the solid wood desk.
Enraged, Sengoku roared again, a voice echoing across Marineford:
"GARP!!!!!!"
…
That same day, Marine ships were suddenly mobilized in great numbers. Famous Vice Admirals boarded their vessels, setting sail into the open sea.
…
"Ahahaha…"
"Sorry! Sorry!"
"So you really came for Luffy, huh!"
In another town on Gaia Island, inside an upscale tavern, a slightly tipsy Zoro slapped Doflamingo's shoulder dramatically.
He poured Doflamingo's drink repeatedly, laughing apologetically, as if trying to make amends for the deep cut he'd inflicted on him before.
The smell of alcohol wafted from Zoro toward Doflamingo.
Doflamingo's brow twitched, struggling to endure this nuisance.
If I weren't powerless against you, I'd have killed you!
This was Doflamingo's true inner thought.
The Starry Sky crew had gathered in full.
Even Butternut the Whale, who watches the ship, and gluttonous Yama, had arrived at the tavern.
They secured the entire place, even sending the tavern owner away, to ensure privacy.
As Vice-Captain, Zoro was the main host of this small celebration. Having previously embarrassed Doflamingo, he now came to apologize and sat beside him.
From Doflamingo's reluctant expression, it was clear he was not pleased.
But that didn't matter.
The Starry Sky crew drank freely, without restraint, within the modest tavern.
Since Sanji had been busy devouring the Pluton, Luffy hadn't arranged a formal opening feast.
Today was a rare opportunity—a celebration for Starry Sky's new member, Wutian.
After a while, satisfied from food and drink, Luffy grabbed Robin's wrist and strode directly opposite Doflamingo, sitting with the full aura of a crime boss.
His glass of milk trembled slightly, forming a perfect cling to the cup.
Seeing Doflamingo hesitate, Luffy spoke in a low, subtle, almost mafia-like tone:
"Relax. Everyone here is on my side. Say whatever you need to say."
Doflamingo's sharp eyes pierced through his sunglasses.
Luffy returned the gaze openly.
He knew the former Celestial, Doflamingo, held many secrets.
He also had a strong hunch—Doflamingo's sudden appearance was likely connected to the Void Century.
This was his super intuition!
Sure enough…
After locking eyes with Luffy, Doflamingo's defeated expression vanished, replaced by arrogant malice.
"Luffy-sama, you really surprised me!"
He stretched out his arm, revealing a spiral, rune-like marking on his wrist—ready for imprints—just like someone lightly defeated by Zoro hadn't actually beaten him.
The evil smile returned to his lips.
"The ancient weapon, the Pluton battleship… you've already excavated it, haven't you!?"