Since ancient times, there has been no known equipment or technique that could heal the mind. Aside from natural recovery, even seeking Marshal Kong's help might prove useless.
"Either way, we have to try," Sengoku said weakly, his pale face lit by the dull glow of the medical ward. "It's time for the Whitebeard Pirates to make their move."
"I understand," Tsuru replied, nodding firmly. "I'll contact Blackbeard immediately."
She left the room in brisk silence, her heels echoing down the corridor.
Sengoku remained seated, watching the door close. Only he and Garp were left. For a long moment, neither spoke.
Finally, Sengoku sighed and murmured, "Old friend… this time, I truly wronged you."
Garp said nothing, only letting out a soft snore from his slumped position, pretending to sleep.
Revolutionary Army Headquarters – Baldigo, the Island of White Earth
Atop a wind-battered cliff stood the headquarters of the Revolutionary Army. Inside the command hall, the air was heavy with tension.
Monkey D. Dragon, supreme commander of the Revolutionary Army, sat quietly behind his desk, a report clutched in his hand. His face was unreadable, though his eyes burned with focus.
"Again," he muttered. "This name… Kaito. That man never stays quiet."
"This guy's incredibly powerful," said Sabo, the second-in-command, his tone serious. "He defeated Doflamingo — the king of Dressrosa. Should we consider reaching out, try to invite him to join us?"
"Not yet," Dragon replied, shaking his head. "His strength is… unsettling. I've received private reports. During the Sabaody incident, every top Marine was deployed to eliminate him."
Sabo's eyes widened. "All the Admirals? Even Sengoku and Garp-san?"
Dragon nodded. "They went."
Koala gasped. "And what happened?"
"The Marines were defeated," Dragon said grimly. "Sengoku and Akainu fell unconscious. Garp lost his combat power. If not for a moment of hesitation in Garp's heart, most of Marine Headquarters might have perished there."
Sabo's jaw dropped. "That's impossible… That was their full might! And they still lost?"
Dragon's gaze darkened. "Not only that. Kaito clashed with Kaido near Impel Down. From what I've learned, Kaido was left on the brink of death."
Sabo and Koala both stood up, stunned.
"Kaido was nearly killed?!" Koala exclaimed.
"These two events alone," Dragon continued, "would be enough to shake the world. Either one would make Kaito's name echo across the seas forever."
"Then why hasn't this spread?" Sabo demanded.
"Because the Marines covered it up," Dragon replied. "Chief of Staff Tsuru personally sent Kizaru to Morgans' headquarters to silence the news. If it had spread, the entire world would've erupted."
Sabo swallowed hard. "And if you fought him, Dragon-sama…?"
Dragon smiled faintly, almost ruefully. "I would lose. Without question."
Sabo frowned deeply. "Lose? Without a chance?"
"I'm not even confident against that colossal warrior he summons," Dragon said, his voice low. "That power… it's beyond human."
He stood, folding the report neatly and setting it aside. "That's enough about Kaito. If the opportunity arises, I'll personally extend an invitation for him to join us."
Sabo nodded slowly. "Understood."
Shimotsuki Village
By noon, Kaito and Issho finally reached Shimotsuki Village.
In front of the Isshin Dojo, a young man named Genier spotted them and ran over, his expression bright with hope.
"Kaito-san! Did you find my master?"
Kaito chuckled lightly. "Your master hasn't returned yet?"
Genier shook his head, looking dejected. "No, I've been waiting all week! I thought you'd gone to find him."
Kaito placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll check with the local underground intelligence groups, see if they've heard anything about Koushirou's whereabouts."
"Thank you so much, Kaito-sama!" Genier said gratefully.
Kaito waved a hand. "No need for titles. Just Kaito is fine. Stay here — if your master went out for some air, he'll be back soon."
As he was about to take off, Kaito suddenly froze. Through his electromagnetic field, he sensed a familiar energy approaching from the coast — calm, sharp, yet distinctly human.
A faint smile crossed his lips. "Looks like your master's already on his way back."
Genier blinked. "Really?!"
Moments later, a lean figure in a simple kimono appeared at the edge of the road. Koshiro's calm expression softened as he saw the two.
"I had a feeling today would bring guests," he said with a small smile. "I didn't expect one of them to be the famous Kaito."
Kaito returned the smile politely. "You flatter me, Koushirou "
"Master! You're finally back!" Genier ran up eagerly. "You've been gone for days!"
Koushirou chuckled. "And yet I've returned, haven't I? Go on, make some tea. It seems we have much to talk about."
"Yes, Master!"
As Genier ran off, Koushirou gestured toward the dojo. "Come inside, both of you."
The three of them sat around a low wooden table, tea steaming gently between them. As they talked, laughter began to fill the quiet room.
Issho and Koushirou shared stories of their travels and encounters over the years, tales of the Marines and pirates they'd crossed paths with.
By the time the conversation slowed, the sky outside had deepened into twilight.
"So," Koushirou began, turning to Issho, "you're traveling with Kaito now?"
Issho nodded. "Yes. I've already joined his Pirate crew. We came to meet you before heading into the New World."
"Pirates?" Koshiro looked mildly surprised. "This is my first time of hearing of such a crew." His gaze shifted curiously to Kaito.
Kaito chuckled softly. "That's because we're newly formed. So far, there are only four of us — Issho, myself, and two others. We'll announce ourselves publicly once we return."
Koushirou nodded thoughtfully. "For Kaito to join a pirate crew, it must be something special. May I ask who the others are?"
Kaito's smile widened. "Of course. One is Patrick Redfield. The other — Douglas Bullet, formerly of the Roger Pirates."
Koushirou's teacup froze halfway to his lips. His pupils trembled. "What? The Red Earl… and Bullet?! You're serious?"
Kaito's grin didn't fade. "Yeah."
_______
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