Because Gion was transferred to the New World, but considering that she had not carried out a mission for a long time, and Vice Admiral Tsuru was a little worried that Gion might act impulsively, she assigned Garp to accompany her. After all, Garp was still resting and had nothing urgent to handle, and he had just returned from visiting his grandson in the East Blue.
Therefore, it was the perfect time for Garp to move.
With Garp's presence, Sengoku believed Dressrosa should not be a problem.
That was what Sengoku thought—until now.
Tap, tap, tap.
Urgent footsteps echoed outside the office, and the door was suddenly pushed open. A marine soldier stepped in with a tense expression. "Report to the Fleet Admiral! There's new movement from the Black Crow Pirates. They've departed Crow Island and are suspected to be heading straight for Dressrosa!"
"What?!"
Sengoku's eyes widened in shock.
"It seems Doflamingo really is cooperating with the Black Crow," Tsuru said grimly, frowning. "Lately, the Don Quixote Family has not only entered the New World, but has also begun to collaborate with several underground kings. I had previously suspected that Doflamingo had ties with one of them—but I didn't expect it to be the Black Crow. Their movement this time is most likely meant to intercept the navy en route to Dressrosa."
"Damn it!"
Sengoku slammed his fist down in fury, shattering the desk before him.
But then he calmed himself. "The Don Quixote Family must have paid a heavy price for this. Otherwise, there's no way they could've convinced the Black Crow to act."
"What should we do now?" Sengoku's expression darkened. "The Black Crow's intent is clear. If they stand in our way, Garp won't even be able to approach Dressrosa. By the time he does, the country might already be in Doflamingo's hands."
"Dressrosa was ruled by the Don Quixote family 800 years ago," Tsuru noted. "That might be another reason Doflamingo is so fixated on it. Add in his current position as a Shichibukai—if he manages to take the country before our forces arrive, things will become very complicated."
"Garp alone can't fight the full might of the Black Crow Pirates," she continued. "If we had other Admirals free, maybe. But…"
She sighed.
"Akainu is stationed near Totto Land, monitoring Big Mom's forces. After ascending to the Yonko throne, she's held a massive banquet and drawn powerful figures from across the New World—even the Giants. The Navy suspects she's preparing for something big."
"Kizaru is at Enies Lobby."
Yes—Enies Lobby.
The destruction of Judicial Island was not only known to the World Government but had also ignited fury within the Navy. Resolving that incident was a priority, and Kizaru couldn't be spared.
"And Aokiji is near the waters surrounding Wano."
With both Hei Yan and Big Mom already having claimed Yonko status, the Navy couldn't risk further escalation. Others might soon make their moves to seize thrones of their own.
If the Navy could act preemptively, they might gain the upper hand—but only if their Admirals remained positioned and ready.
Thus, none of the Admirals could be withdrawn.
"I imagine King Riku, the current ruler of Dressrosa, hasn't only informed us," Tsuru said thoughtfully. "The World Government must also be aware. What happens next depends on their response."
"That's all we can do," Sengoku muttered, nodding grimly.
Though filled with rage, he was left with no alternatives. Doflamingo had dared to act because he knew the protections afforded to him—his title, his bloodline, his connections.
Sengoku understood that well—and that's what left him powerless.
But what he didn't know was this:
While the Navy processed the crisis, the World Government had already received news as well.
In the gilded opulence of a golden hall…
The Five Elders sat together, lounging on soft, luxurious sofas, calmly discussing the unfolding events in Dressrosa.
"That brat who severed ties with the Don Quixote family… It's surprising he could get the Black Crow involved."
"He's got some tricks. But clearly, the Black Crow stands to gain something valuable as well."
"Hmph. As expected from the Black Crow."
"Let's not interfere for now. Just dispatch a few people to observe."
"If we anger the Black Crow, it might refuse further cooperation. It's still a pirate crew, after all."
"Yes. In the end, it's just one kingdom. Not as valuable as those ships."
"Agreed."
And with that, their meeting concluded.
Meanwhile, Mio knew nothing of these discussions.
But even if he had—he wouldn't have cared.
The distance between Crow Island and Dressrosa wasn't close, but with the Black Glory traveling at full speed, one day was enough.
And one day later—
The Black Glory reached the waters near Dressrosa.
But it did not enter the country that was soon to be crowned under Doflamingo. Instead, it remained in a nearby sea zone…
Waiting.
Waiting for the Navy to arrive.
On the deck:
Bang bang bang!
Bang bang bang!
Thunder echoed in bursts. Mashi was sparring with Erica, lightning dancing on her fists.
The little troublemaker loved to fight—but hated training. Normally, Mio might not have cared, but with the looming prospect of forging the Golden Ark to reach the Infinite Land, Mio had changed his mind.
Erica was now in charge of Mashi's training.
It was the perfect opportunity to hone her thunder ability and physical strength—both would be necessary for forging and powering the Golden Ark. Mio wasn't about to risk flying halfway to the Infinite Land only to run out of juice because of Mashi's lack of endurance.
Leaning against the bow, wine in hand, Mio enjoyed the sea breeze brushing against his cheek.
Then—
He suddenly stood up, turning his head.
A grin crept across his face. Excitement lit up his eyes.
Gulp.
He downed the rest of his wine in a single gulp, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and looked ahead with wild joy.
A warship approached from the horizon.
Mio laughed. "I thought it'd be Aokiji or one of those other guys. But it's you, Garp!!"
Across the sea, aboard the warship, Garp, wearing his signature dog-head hat, chuckled between bites of senbei. "Hahahaha! Kid, it seems like you were hoping to see me."
Beside Garp stood a striking figure—Gion.
She stared at Mio's distant figure on the pirate ship with a complex expression.
"This guy… He's already this powerful?!" she muttered to herself, heart heavy with concern.