"Big News! Pirates in Disarray! Is the Golden Lion Pirates Crew About to Disband?!"
"Severely Weakened! Golden Lion Pirates Vice Captain Departs the Crew!"
"Shocking! The Real Reason Fitt Roldy Left the Golden Lion Pirates Is Because of Him?!"
Early that morning, Sengoku had just changed into his uniform and arrived at the Fleet Admiral's desk, preparing to handle the day's documents.
He took a sip of coffee, casually glancing at the freshly printed newspaper—
The next second, his eyes bulged.
Coffee sprayed everywhere.
"Nani?!"
He shot to his feet, snatching up the paper and reading it word for word, afraid to miss a single detail.
"That brat Roldy… actually left Golden Lion's crew?"
He muttered to himself.
Very few people knew about the agreement between Roldy and Shiki. Within Marine Headquarters, only Zephyr and Garp were aware. Zephyr would never casually reveal such information.
As for Garp—
After his mood improved, he had simply forgotten about it.
This sudden bombshell caught Sengoku completely off guard.
Not only would their operational plans against the Golden Lion Pirates need revision, but they would also have to account for Roldy as an independent factor.
"These damn pirates…!"
The recent turbulence in the New World already gave him headaches. Matters within Marine Headquarters only made things worse.
"First that bastard Dragon, now that brat Roldy…"
Just as Sengoku was lamenting—
The Fleet Admiral's office door was kicked open.
He looked up to see Garp standing there with the expression of a man who had discovered a new continent, carrying a packet of tea leaves.
"Sengoku! Look what I got from Tsuru! This year's freshest jasmine tea! Where's your limited-edition rice crackers? Hurry up and bring them out!"
Garp casually tossed the tea onto the desk and began rummaging through Sengoku's tea set like it was his own.
He didn't notice Sengoku's face turning black as soot.
After clumsily fetching hot water—and yelping when he burned himself—Sengoku finally exploded.
"GARP, YOU IDIOT!!!"
He hurled the newspaper at him.
Garp caught it easily, still more concerned about the tea.
Only after carefully placing the kettle down did he glance at the headline.
"Hm? Roldy left the Golden Lion Pirates? Well, that timing sounds about right."
He munched on rice crackers as he spoke.
Sengoku froze.
"…Why do you sound like you expected this?"
"Huh? Didn't the kid tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
"That he and Golden Lion had an agreement. He'd join for a while, then leave."
Sengoku: …
Moments later, the Fleet Admiral's office once again echoed with furious roars so loud they bordered on criminal obscenity.
Not far away, in the Chief Staff Office, Vice Admiral Tsuru calmly brewed herself a strong cup of tea.
She stood by the window, gazing at the clear blue sky.
Mm.
Another peaceful and beautiful day.
…
New WorldAn Unnamed Island
"Hey, Pops!"
On a whale-shaped pirate ship, a blond boy shouted toward the shore.
"Wait for me!"
As he spoke, a pair of blue flames burst forth—
Wings spread from his back as he flew toward a group of men in the distance.
"Marco, didn't I tell you to stay and guard the ship?"
The man who spoke stood over six meters tall, broad and imposing. He carried a massive naginata. His long golden hair flowed behind him, and a crescent-shaped white mustache framed his face.
An overwhelming presence radiated from him.
He was the captain of the Whitebeard Pirates—
Whitebeard — Edward Newgate.
His bounty stood at a staggering
4,211,000,000 Berries.
"Guarding the ship's fine with Jozu and the others! Let me come with you!"
Whitebeard looked at Marco's eager face and eventually nodded.
After long voyages, a fierce battle with the Roger Pirates, and a grand banquet afterward, the Whitebeard Pirates were running low on supplies.
This island had several towns—they intended to restock.
Marco, the restless blond apprentice, was one of Whitebeard's youngest crew members.
Whitebeard treated all his crew as sons.
And he was surprisingly lenient with the younger ones.
"Alright. Come along."
Whitebeard walked at the front, naginata in hand. Veteran crew followed behind.
It was supposed to be a simple supply trip.
Instead—
They encountered someone unexpected.
Inside a Town Tavern
Whitebeard, craving a drink, pushed open the tavern door. He was about to order a barrel of whiskey to soothe his dry throat—
When he saw a massive figure inside.
"…Roldy?"
Whitebeard spoke first.
Behind him, several crew members instinctively readied for combat.
Inside the tavern, Roldy was holding a large barrel.
Hearing the familiar voice, he turned in confusion.
"Newgate-san?"
But just as their gazes met—
A small, blond figure's eyes widened in shock.
"R–Roldy-san?!"
Marco stared, mouth agape.
Roldy blinked, puzzled, only seeing a blond kid charging toward him.
Marco rushed forward—
And latched onto Roldy's leg.
Then he burst into tears.
Sobbing uncontrollably.
Snot and tears everywhere.
Everyone froze.
Roldy's eyebrow twitched.
"…Uh. I don't know who you are, but could you please not wipe your nose on my pants?"
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Sagamaster789