As she spoke, Tsuru pointed toward three locations on the war table's simulated sea map.
"Based on the Roger Pirates' established sailing habits, there are three major routes they could take. Intelligence believes two are most likely."
She indicated the first. "This one leads toward Dressrosa."
Then the second. "This one points toward Totto Land, Big Mom's territory."
"We're caught between those two," she said, glancing up at Darren.
"Dressrosa's an economic powerhouse in the New World," she continued. "Well-resourced, well-connected. A perfect spot for a crew like Roger's to resupply. But Totto Land is just as likely, given how closely Big Mom's movements have been aligned with the Great Pirate activity lately."
Darren nodded, arms crossed, listening. "Vice Admiral Tsuru makes a solid case."
But then he noticed something.
"…Why are you all looking at me like that whenever Big Mom gets mentioned?"
His tone was laced with irritation. "I'm telling you, I barely know that crazy woman."
The officers stared at him in silence.
Darren let out a long sigh, then pointed to the third route marked on the map—a dark, swirling expanse of black on the chart.
"Then why aren't we considering this one?"
All eyes followed his hand.
"The Edd War Sea?" Kong's brow arched. "You've got something in mind, don't you, Darren?"
The moment he spoke, the entire room went still.
The Edd War Sea—a stretch of ocean notorious for its extreme weather, chaotic currents, and near-total navigational unpredictability. Even Marine warships avoided it unless absolutely necessary. Most pirates wouldn't dare approach it at all.
Which is why every Admiral present had written it off without discussion.
But this was Darren. He had never been known for recklessness—his battlefield intuition had turned impossible odds into victories time and again. If he was pointing to the Edd War Sea, it wasn't on a whim.
Kong narrowed his eyes, studying Darren.
"I'm not certain," Darren admitted, shaking his head. "But with Roger's personality, I doubt he'd stick to any predictable course."
The room fell silent again.
"…He's got a screw loose," Darren added, tapping his temple with a flat expression.
The officers blinked.
Oddly enough, no one disagreed.
Sengoku finally spoke. "So all this is just your gut talking?"
Darren gave a half-smile. "Admiral Sengoku, I understand this isn't the most rational argument. But Roger doesn't follow logic. He does whatever he pleases. That's exactly why the Marines have never been able to corner him."
"And that's why I'm sure—he'll choose the route no one expects."
"If you're still not convinced," he continued, "we can always test it."
Sengoku raised an eyebrow. "Test it?"
It wasn't hostility in his tone—just the deep skepticism of a strategist who preferred plans grounded in evidence. Objectively speaking, Dressrosa and Totto Land made far more sense than the Edd War Sea.
A knowing smile crept onto Darren's face.
Under the watchful eyes of the command staff, he pulled out a Military Den Den Mushi and began dialing.
Puru… puru… puru…
As it rang, Darren leaned back in his chair, lighting a cigar.
"The Marine and pirate worlds are natural enemies. Irreconcilable. And among all pirates, Roger shines the brightest."
He exhaled slowly. "Likewise, among the Marines, few can compare with Vice Admiral Garp—our strongest fist. The man who's clashed with Roger more times than anyone else."
"He knows Roger's mind better than anyone alive."
The officers exchanged quiet nods. Every word Darren spoke was true.
At that moment, the Den Den Mushi clicked, and Garp's booming voice erupted through the receiver.
"Hey! It's Garp! What the hell do you want, Young Darren?! I'm busy getting ready to sail!"
Darren chuckled. "Apologies for interrupting, Vice Admiral Garp. Just a quick question—"
"Spit it out! Don't waste my time! …KUZAN, I SWEAR TO GOD—STOP STEALING MY DONUTS!"
A long, awkward silence filled the office.
Darren rubbed his temple. "…Vice Admiral Garp, you mentioned earlier that you were heading out to intercept Roger. Do you happen to know where he's headed?"
"How would I know?!" Garp snapped. "Sengoku's the brains here! I just punch stuff!"
Darren pressed gently, "Then which route are you planning to take?"
"The Edd War Sea!" Garp barked without hesitation.
Darren's eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh? Any particular reason?"
"Why do you ask so many damn questions?! I don't know—I've just got a gut feeling! Now quit yapping! KUZAN! I SWEAR IF I SEE ONE MORE EMPTY DONUT BOX—"
Gacha.
The Den Den Mushi went dead.
Silence.
Every eye turned back to Darren.
He exhaled a cloud of smoke and flashed a slow, smug grin. "Well... there you have it."
Sengoku stared at the table, his brow twitching.
Figures. The man's as insane as Roger.
To be continued...