The heavy pat! pat! of footsteps echoed from inside. Blackbeard emerged, crimson-faced, carrying the unconscious Ace in his arms. With a heavy boom, he dropped down, panting heavily, and declared with effort, "Captain Ace… it seems I've still won."
He grinned broadly, placing Ace on the deck. "From now on, you can safely go down to Impel."
Picking up a Den Den Mushi, he spoke into it: "It's done. I hope you'll honor your word."
"Don't worry. One of your kind will be there at the Shichibukai's place — when shall we close the deal?"
"In a few days. I need time to recover."
Out on the vast sea, Kaito frowned as he gazed at the stationary warship ahead. The sea stretched, but it was calm, deceptively so — yet here, a Marine vessel loomed.
"Captain, what's wrong?" Issho asked, concerned, as he noticed their ship halt.
"Marine warship," Kaito said.
No Marine's fighting strength truly matched his. What could they possibly want to discuss with him?
As they drifted, the Marine ship drew closer. A figure stood at its bow, still as a statue, watching Kaito's ship. Suddenly a ripple of justice haki sparked behind the figure, and then, in a flash, he leapt forward, landing gracefully aboard Kaito's vessel.
"Kaito-sama! Surely you recognize me — Marine Vice Admiral Tea Dolphin!" The man bowed with a polite smile, his face gentle yet firm.
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Yes? What is this about?"
Tea Dolphin cleared his throat. "Tsuru sama's staffinformed us recently: the Marines would like to offer you a position among the Shichibukai." He paused. "You have defeated two existing Shichibukai. Your power is more than sufficient."
A slow smile curved Kaito's lips. "Shichibukai?" He let the word hang in the air, then relaxed his posture.
"I understand that you find it curious — Marines wanting you to become one of them."
What does Tsuru mean by this? And what of Sengoku?"
Tea Dolphin frowned slightly. "When I first came it was said that Fleet Admiral Sengoku was … indisposed. Now, we are all under Tsuru sama staff's direction. Their word, effectively, is Sengoku's as well."
Kaito considered this. "I need time. I will think about it."
"Of course," Tea Dolphin said, nodding. "When you've decided, simply contact the Tsuru staff via Sengoku's Den Den Mushi."
"Understood."
With a respectful bow, Tea Dolphin turned and returned to his ship, calling out, "We depart!" The Marine warship moved away slowly, and within moments Kaito's vessel was alone again, the Vice Admiral out of sight.
Lost in thought, Kaito gave orders and the wooden ship went on.
"Captain, do you truly intend to join the Shichibukai?" Issho asked softly.
Kaito looked at him. "Do you think I should?"
Issho frowned, then smiled wryly. "There is protection from the World Government, and you'd be a legal pirate — but many despise the Shichibukai. Marines hate them, and other pirates see them as traitors. Once the system ends, they might even become targets."
"That's true," Kaito agreed. "They cause disorder on the seas, yet some still envy them."
Issho nodded. "Is it truly legal to plunder?"
"To some extent, yes."
"So what is your intention?" Issho pressed, curious. "Are you really going to join?"
Kaito's said looking bored. "I don't necessarily need their title. But I foresee something: conflict between the Marines and Whitebeard is coming. When it starts, we'll be able to have some fun — this status could be the perfect cover."
"Marine and Whitebeard?" Issho's voice dropped. "Are you serious?"
Kaito's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Very serious. It's coming, and not in the distant future."
He fell silent. In his mind, he saw flashes of Ace fighting Blackbeard, Blackbeard handing Ace over to the Marines, Ace being dragged into Impel Down...
Issho studied him quietly, sensing there was more than met the eye.
A week passed as swiftly as a gust of wind. Kaito's ship sailed smoothly, undisturbed, until they reached the Sabaody Archipelago once again. The island, once deserted, now roared with life: the Marine presence had receded, and the grand Expo was underway, bringing in a flood of pirates.
Stepping off the merchant ship, Issho smiled broadly. "It seems the Expo has drawn far more pirates."
Kaito nodded. "Indeed. But they are merely ants. Stay focused — I want to introduce you to two old friends."
"Old friends?" Issho raised his eyebrows, surprised. "From your crew?"
"Not exactly. They're retired." Kaito's eyes twinkled. "They used to sail with the Roger Pirates."
Issho's jaw dropped. "Roger Pirates? Do you mean... Pluton Rayleigh?"
Kaito laughed softly. "Yes — Rayleigh himself. He's not a pirate anymore. Just an old man with stories."
They walked together, weaving through the crowd, until they stood before Shakky's Bar. The place was bustling, full of laughter, voices, and life — nothing like the quiet ruins they had visited before.
As they pushed inside, the chatter died down. Heads turned. Whispers filled the air. The name Kaito seemed to ring through the room.