The City of Freedom was made up of two islands, one large and one small. The larger of the two where the headquarters of Wayne's company was located was known as Star Island.
Star Island had a ring-shaped landmass that partially surrounded the smaller island nestled within it: Tang Island, a naturally occurring hot spring paradise.
"Ah... this is the life."
Wayne leaned back, resting a towel behind his head as he sank into a lavender-scented hot spring. His entire body melted into the soothing warmth, his mind at ease.
One thing he was truly grateful for was that the side effects removed by the Devil Fruit Adapter included the sea and seastone's usual weakening effect. Otherwise, his love for hot springs would've come to a bitter end.
Solomon, however, wasn't so lucky. Though his body tolerated the heat to some degree, he still couldn't soak fully like Wayne. On his side of the pool, the water only reached up to his waist. Any higher, and he'd start feeling sick.
Peeling a sugar mandarin with great care, Solomon popped a whole segment into his mouth and let out a satisfied hum. Then he glanced sideways at Wayne.
"You think... after being away so long, Caesar's still really on our side?"
Wayne paused for a moment, then answered with quiet confidence.
"You've got to trust Caesar. He's reliable. In my eyes, he's just as trustworthy as you."
Solomon gave a thoughtful nod and said no more. There weren't many people Wayne placed that level of trust in. The fact he said it so plainly meant Caesar truly was someone worth relying on.
Caesar was a Rear Admiral in the Navy or more accurately, a piece Wayne had placed there long ago, a spy within the ranks.
Just like Doflamingo had planted Vergo inside the Navy, Wayne had Caesar. Over the years, Caesar had provided him with critical intelligence, playing a vital role in the growth of Wayne's influence.
Wayne had met Caesar eight years ago. At the time, Caesar was just the son of a merchant, accompanying his father on a trading voyage when their ship was attacked by pirates. His parents were killed, and he himself was taken to Mock Town, a pirate den with a notorious reputation.
It was during one of Wayne's travels that he happened upon the boy and rescued him. He even gave Caesar the chance to personally avenge his parents, letting him slay the pirate who'd murdered them. From that day forward, Caesar pledged his loyalty to Wayne and became one of his men.
Back then, Caesar had no strength to speak of, no talents that stood out. But his loyalty was absolute, and his will unbreakable. Wayne, who disliked dead weight while journeying alone, tried to shake him off but Caesar kneeled outside his cabin for three days and nights without food or water.
Moved by his resolve, Wayne finally accepted him. From then on, Caesar became his most loyal companion. As Wayne's forces began to rise, he made the suggestion: Caesar should join the Navy and serve as a spy from within.
Despite hating the Navy, Caesar didn't hesitate. He abandoned the modest position he already held and enlisted.
It took him seven grueling years to climb the ranks from raw recruit to Rear Admiral of Navy Headquarters. He had no connections. All he had was persistence, determination, and sheer talent. And now, Caesar had become Wayne's most valuable asset inside the Navy.
His full name was Theodore Caesar, designation #02 in the Dawn Organization, codename: Dark second only to Solomon.
In fact, only Wayne and Solomon knew Caesar's true identity. Not even Robin or the others had been told.
Wayne bit into a crisp apple, a trace of a smile playing on his lips.
"So, what else did Caesar say?"
Solomon wiped the sweat from his brow with a towel and replied, "He said he's close to being promoted to Vice Admiral. The appointment should come down any day now."
Wayne's face lit up. "That's great news. Once he makes Vice Admiral, he'll finally be considered part of the higher-ups. We'll be able to get our hands on even more critical intel. Still... what a slow climb. Seven years, and he's only just hitting Rear Admiral."
Solomon gave a small nod. "You know how it is in the Navy. It's all about factions. Caesar only recently managed to attach himself to Aokiji's camp. Unless you rack up major achievements or have overwhelming strength, promotions don't come easy."
Wayne nodded thoughtfully. At this point in time, the Navy hadn't yet launched its worldwide recruitment drive. Powerhouses like Fujitora and Ryokugyu were still undiscovered. Without significant strength, rising to Admiral or even Candidate Admiral was almost impossible.
Caesar was no slouch. He'd mastered the Six Powers and both types of Haki. But compared to the current Admirals, he still had a long way to go.
Wayne took a moment to think, then said, "Strength can only be gained through training. I do have a few Devil Fruits, but the abilities are mediocre at best. Giving Caesar one might actually hold him back."
Solomon chuckled, his tone half-teasing.
"There's no rush. We've got time. When the day comes that Caesar becomes Fleet Admiral, we won't need to hide anymore. We'll just declare war on the World Government outright."
Wayne burst out laughing. If that day ever came, he really would stand at the peak of power in the world of pirates.
Still, Wayne's thoughts weren't quite as lighthearted as Solomon's. He knew that in the next few years, the balance of power in the world was going to shift dramatically.
Even though he'd prevented Ace from heading into the Grand Line, who knew? There could still be pirates like "Diga" or "Jack" who would trigger another Marineford-like war.
History never bends easily for any one person. That was something Wayne understood well.
His plan was simple: have Caesar rise to the rank of Vice Admiral within the next two years. That way, when the Navy begins its global recruitment and finds itself in desperate need of top-tier power, Caesar could be elevated directly to Admiral. Only then would Wayne's position truly be untouchable.
Solomon looked over and asked, "So how long are you planning to stay home this time? Don't tell me you're going to vanish again after just a few days."
Wayne shook his head. "Barring anything unexpected, I'll be staying in the New World for the next two years. There's nothing much left for me in the other seas."
His endless travels had been mainly to complete his system's grind-heavy missions. But now, his strength had reached a bottleneck. Improving further would require time and focus.
So rather than chasing power through brute force, he decided to settle down. He'd stay in the New World, honing his swordsmanship, Haki, and physical conditioning.
More importantly, Wayne had another major goal to accomplish at home completing the mission: The Swordsmith's Soul.
[The Swordsmith's Soul]: Forge a blade through your own efforts that rivals even the Supreme Grade Blades. No time limit.
Reward: 20,000 Life Points. Title: The Swordsmith's Soul.
Wayne already possessed a Great Grade blade, Rakshasa, so weapons were no longer his weakness. But this quest came with generous rewards. He planned to spend the next two years mastering the art of forging and creating a sword worthy of the highest echelon.
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