Borsalino was a hundred times unwilling to visit Dr. Vegapunk.
However, since Wright had taken on the task of notifying four of the Seven Warlords, as his senpai, Borsalino couldn't completely shirk his responsibilities.
Still, he had a nagging feeling that Fleet Admiral Sengoku was doing this on purpose—there was something strange about his expression when he gave the order.
Just as Kizaru was about to reluctantly accept, a Marine officer came rushing in, panic written all over his face.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku! Bad news—"
"What's got you so flustered?"
Sengoku looked up at the approaching captain.
"Is it Whitebeard?"
"No… not exactly! It's news from the Sabaody Archipelago—"
"Sabaody Archipelago?"
"Yes! The rookie pirates known as this year's 'Supernovas' have all gathered there…"
"'Supernovas'? Another one of Morgans' exaggerated headlines about rookies with bounties over a hundred million berries—so what?"
"Well… they attacked three World Nobles who had gone to the 'Human Auctioning House'—ahem, I mean the 'Public Employment Security Office'!"
"Not only that, but all communication from the area has been cut off… This is an unprecedented crisis!"
"… …"
Sengoku pinched the bridge of his nose, pressing down on the vein throbbing on his forehead.
"That brat again…"
"He keeps causing trouble—his whole family is the same!"
Borsalino's eyes gleamed.
"Sengoku-san~ No matter what happened~ if someone~ dared to lay hands on the World Nobles~"
"We~ simply cannot ignore it~"
Sengoku's eye twitched as he looked at him. "…"
"Go handle it."
"I'll be back soon~ Don't worry~"
"Hmm, notify Kuma before you leave."
"…But~ the World Nobles—"
"Contact them by Den Den Mushi."
"Alright~"
...
"Jinbe, this is the best compromise I could secure for you."
At Ryugu Kingdom's audience hall on Fish-Man Island, Wright sat across from Jinbe.
Though Wright's official task was to notify the Warlords, his first priority was to recall Issho and Ain from Gran Tesoro.
Only after making the necessary arrangements did Wright come to Fish-Man Island.
Despite the initial wave of migration, the island was still teeming with life—after all, its population numbered five million.
"So… the day has finally come…"
Jinbe sighed, bowing respectfully to Wright.
"Admiral Wright, words cannot express my gratitude. The fact that you've even devised this compromise means a lot to me…"
"As for Teach, I know of him… but I never expected he'd go this far. He was just an unremarkable crew member before."
"But… must we really do this to Pops?"
Wright met Jinbe's pleading gaze and gently shook his head.
"Jinbe, you know that Whitebeard's very existence is the greatest threat to the current world order."
"If we do not remove him, 'world peace' will remain an empty phrase."
"The times are changing… Whitebeard has ruled the seas for twenty years. It is time for his curtain call… Sending him off with a grand war would not disgrace the 'World's Strongest Man.'"
Jinbe fell silent.
After a long pause, he let out a deep sigh, tears slipping from his eyes.
"This is… truly tragic. None of us did anything wrong, yet this is the fate we must suffer…"
"All Pops ever wanted… was a family."
"Jinbe, it is this world that is at fault."
Wright stood, patting Jinbe on the shoulder—he couldn't reach while sitting.
"All I can say is that once we achieve 'world peace,' at the very least, tragedies like this won't happen as often."
"Perhaps, in that world, even Whitebeard would find solace."
...
Lunar Base.
Enel and Dr. Tsukimi were enjoying tea and rice dumplings.
No one knew exactly what Enel had been through lately, but one thing was certain—he now had more respect for "scientists" than for Marine Admirals.
"Admiral Wright! You're finally here…"
Seeing Wright descend, Enel nearly teared up with relief—did this mean he could finally return to the Blue Sea?
"Oh? Dr. Tsukimi, Enel, you seem to be in good spirits… Hmm, these dumplings are quite good."
Wright popped one into his mouth and nodded in satisfaction.
"Hehe, Admiral Wright, long time no see… This is just an old man's humble cooking. If you like it, take some with you."
Dr. Tsukimi chuckled, subtly glancing at the trembling Enel.
"Much appreciated, Doctor!"
Wright patted Enel's shoulder.
"Let's go. There's work to do—the grand battle of the Blue Sea's strongest is about to begin."
"You'll return to Raijin Island first. Leave your subordinates behind. Rosinante will escort you to Marineford."
"It's finally happening!"
Enel's eyes shone with excitement. "Who are the strongest fighters?!"
"Rosinante will brief you on the details. Six of the Seven Warlords will be present, alongside all four Marine Admirals and the Fleet Admiral, facing the so-called 'World's Strongest Man'—Whitebeard!"
Stroking his chin, Wright smirked.
"With some luck, you might even find yourself a worthy opponent."
Taking a dumpling from a small robot, Wright waved at the two.
"Well then, I'm off… Doctor, if you're interested, you should return to the world below—the war will be broadcasted worldwide!"
As Wright vanished in a flash of golden light, Dr. Tsukimi smiled.
"A grand event indeed… Even this old man is intrigued."
"Oi! Enel! If you get beaten to a pulp, I won't forgive you!"
"…I know, old man! Just hurry up and return to the Blue Sea! And bring more dumplings!"
...
Kuraigana Island.
Wright emerged from a Lightforged Beacon, gazing up at the gloomy sky.
"No matter how many times I see it… this island is hardly fit for human habitation."
"Dracule Mihawk's tastes are truly unique."
"…Hmm? There seems to be an unexpected guest here."
Creak—
Wright pushed open the castle door. Inside, Mihawk was sipping wine and reading a newspaper. Floating nearby was…
"Oh? Isn't that Moria's adoptive daughter, 'Ghost Princess' Perona?"
"A-Admiral Wright?!"
Perona's eyes nearly popped out.
"Why are you here?!"
"I should be the one asking you that…" Wright replied, glancing at her before turning his attention to the room. "I came here to see Hawkeye, of course. If I hadn't called ahead with a Den Den Mushi to let him know I was coming, who knows where he would've disappeared to by now?"
With practiced ease, Wright walked over and sat across from Mihawk, grabbing a cup and pouring himself a glass of red wine.
"So, what's the urgent matter this time? You're being pretty secretive… The Seven Warlords were just filled again, so don't tell me we've already lost another one?"
Mihawk casually flicked his newspaper, revealing a headline: "Blackbeard Appointed as a Warlord of the Sea—Marco and Two Others Captured!"
"That won't be an issue…"
"Oooh~ Lord Moria~! Hawkeye, you really have no sense of how to comfort a lady!"
"If you apologized and poured me a cup of hot cocoa, then maybe—just maybe—I'd forgive you!"
"…I never invited you here in the first place."
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