The bathroom roared with splashing waves and echoing grunts, a storm of noise and motion.
Originally, Leno had only wanted to soak and unwind after the tough battle — but Hancock kept teasing him, intentionally or not.
That hazy silhouette, that snow-pale skin — they whispered to him again and again: Devour me. Devour me!
By the end, the walls, the tub, even beneath the showerhead — everything had been engulfed by bombardment.
An hour later…
Leno stepped out onto the deck, refreshed and full of vigor, ready to discuss their return to the North Blue.
As for Hancock? Under Leno's relentless "barrage," she had long since surrendered her arms — likely still twitching on the bed even now.
"You big idiot, you finally came out!"
Seeing that Leno at last emerge, Nami hurried toward him, anxious to report the situation.
"Our situation isn't looking good. We ended up in the New World completely unprepared!"
"At this point, we don't even have a clear heading. Even if we want to return to the North Blue, it'll be next to impossible."
"So tell me, genius — which way are we supposed to go now?"
She was at her wits' end — even the most skillful navigator couldn't conjure direction out of nothing.
"Hmm… let's head back to the North Blue first."
"As for navigation, ask Reiju. She should know the way."
For Leno, the next destination had always been clear — take care of things in the North Blue first.
As for the New World? That could wait. They'd be back here eventually, one way or another.
"Oh my, nothing escapes Captain Leno's sharp eyes, does it~?"
Reiju approached gracefully, a glass of red wine in hand, catlike steps soft on the deck. She looked at him with a hint of amazement.
Only a handful of her family knew about the special tracking devices implanted in their bodies — technology that could pinpoint their headquarters at any time.
How on earth did this man know such a closely guarded secret? Truly, a man shrouded in mystery.
"What?!"
"You knew — then why didn't you say anything sooner?! I've been agonizing over this for days!"
Nami's temper flared instantly. Not knowing their heading had driven her crazy, like an ant on a hot stove.
And this woman — she knew and said nothing? How could she act so calm and innocent?
"You didn't ask me~"
"You—!"
"Giggle giggle..."
Reiju couldn't help laughing. For some reason, she found teasing Nami endlessly entertaining.
Maybe it made her feel like a big sister again, or maybe it was simply that she'd found someone to share her emotions with. Even she wasn't sure.
After a bit of playful chaos, the Gale confirmed its course and sped onward.
But what none of them knew — less than a day later, the news of their clash with the Red-Haired Pirates spread across the seas.
A single newspaper ignited the world like wildfire. Countless powers and individuals expressed anger, disbelief — and finally, deep, shaking awe.
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
The harbor's batteries and nearby structures had long been repaired. Squads of Marines stood in perfect order at their posts.
Warships came and went busily through the port, but inside the Fleet Admiral's office, the air was heavy with tension.
"Well then, let's hear it. What do you all think?"
Behind the desk, Fleet Admiral Sengoku rested his chin on his hands, eyes sharp as he gazed at the senior officers.
At his words, Vice Admiral Tsuru, the three Admirals, and several Vice Admirals turned their eyes toward the newspaper on the table.
Its front-page headline blazed like fire:
[A New Emperor Rises!]
[The Fall of the Red King?!]
[Who Will Be Next?]
The photo beneath it — Shanks sprawled on the ground, while Leno stood tall with his blade — burned itself into everyone's minds.
"In truth," Vice Admiral Tsuru finally began, "the impact on the Navy may not be as bad as we think."
She looked around the room, her calm voice cutting through the silence.
"After the previous incident, our reputation took a serious blow."
"Since then, the World Government's stance toward Thunder God has become… ambiguous. And now he's defeated another Yonko."
"To put it plainly — the ones suffering most are the pirates. Let's not forget, even though Thunder God has a bounty, he's considered an adventurer, not a pirate."
She paused, summarizing her view before offering her recommendation.
"If the World Government won't pursue it, then we in the Navy have no reason to, either."
"Besides, based on the intelligence we've gathered, Thunder God and his crew haven't committed any real crimes."
"So, my suggestion—"
"What about those Marines who died?!"
Admiral Akainu slammed the desk, rising furiously and cutting her off before she could finish. Just as he was about to continue—
Smack!
"Huh? The meeting's over already?"
The sudden pop of a bursting bubble startled Garp awake. He blinked blearily around, thinking the meeting was finished, and began to stand.
"Garp, you idiot! Sit down!"
Fuming, Sengoku snatched up his teacup and hurled it at him.
Garp tilted his head, dodging it easily, then sat back down with a sigh, grumbling:
"What? It's not over yet? I'm starving…"
"Huh?"
Just as he settled in, Garp's gaze fell upon the newspaper. His eyes lit up instantly as he grabbed it and began to read.
Moments later, a booming laugh erupted from his chest.
"Ahahaha! Nicely done, kido! That red-haired bastard — I've been wanting to clobber him for years, but never got the chance!"
Every time he thought of that troublesome grandson of his, Garp's blood boiled.
A Marine's grandson, shouting about becoming Pirate King! Outrageous!
He had always dreamed that Luffy would join the Navy — but no, the brat had his heart set on piracy.
And the man who'd led him down that path — Shanks — Garp despised him to the core. He'd wanted to teach him a lesson for years.
Now, seeing the photo of Shanks beaten into the dirt — oh, that was pure satisfaction. Serves you right, you damn punk!
"That's enough, Garp! We're discussing the Navy's position on this incident, not your personal vendettas!"
Sengoku could barely contain himself — this old fool never knew when to stop.
If this weren't an official meeting, he'd have smacked him across the face already.
"Ha? What position? How does this affect us, anyway?"
Garp picked at his nose lazily, giving everyone a disdainful glance.
"You're all overthinking it. Just let the dogs fight among themselves."
"Why stick our noses in and make life harder for ourselves?"
"..."
"..."