Dante's original plan had been simple: use Mock as a lightning rod. By having the puppet chase the title of Pirate King, hunt for Laugh Tale, and recklessly probe the World Government's forbidden history, Mock would draw the full, furious gaze of Marine HQ. And while they were busy staring at him, they wouldn't be looking at Zephyr.
It was working, perhaps too well. Mock's bounty had already skyrocketed.
1.3 Billion Berries.
Naturally, how could a humble Branch Captain from the East Blue possibly contend with such a monster?
If Dante stayed put and fought to a "draw" with this terrifying pirate, it would look suspicious. It was far safer to let Mock loose for a stroll. The ocean was vast, even if the Marines wanted to catch him, it would take them time. All Mock had to do was show his face occasionally, cause a little chaos, and remind the world that the "East Blue Overlord" was still active.
As for the downtime? That was up to Mock. Even if he wanted to call Kuma over to warp him back for a secret visit to Romance Dawn, it wouldn't be a problem. He could relax, then warp back to continue his "adventure." Who would know? With Mock's specific abilities, and as long as he didn't grandstand in front of an Admiral, he was essentially uncatchable.
To ensure the fool didn't get himself killed by accident, Dante had subjected Mock to a hellish training regimen. He'd beaten him with Armament Haki and tempered his will with Conqueror's Haki.
At first, the training had been a disaster. That is, until Dante painted the bigger picture. He promised that once this charade was over, Mock would be made a major shareholder of 'Romance Dawn'. When the business expanded across the Four Seas, the Grand Line, and the New World, Mock would have VIP access to any branch he wanted, free of charge.
Instantly, Mock's will had hardened into iron. The sheer determination was enough to shock even Dante.
To supplement that willpower, Dante had commissioned Vegapunk to fabricate the "East Blue Overlord Armor". It didn't offer much in the way of offensive power, but it made Mock incredibly durable, drastically increasing his survival rate. They weren't asking him to fight the Four Emperors, after all, just to fish in troubled waters.
Vegapunk, eccentric as ever, had even thrown in a parting gift to thank Mock for the foot bath trip: a portable, high-tech Smart Foot Bath.
It boasted fully automatic massage, intelligent temperature control, reverse-kneading technology, and synthesized acupressure that simulated a human touch. Paired with Vegapunk's custom herbal packets, it allowed for a comprehensive spa experience anywhere on the high seas.
It sounded impressive. The 16th Branch had even put it into limited production.
Unfortunately, after trying it once, Mock complained that the machine "lacked soul". He couldn't articulate exactly what kind of soul it was missing, only that it didn't provide the immersive feeling of being at Romance Dawn. Still, better than nothing. He took it with him.
The plan was solid. Mock would tease the Marines, draw the World Government's heat, and if he eventually got caught? He'd just take a vacation in Impel Down. With Garp and Kuzan's connections, Mock's stay in prison would likely be comfortable enough.
But now... 'Son of the Pirate King?'
If he got caught with 'that' title attached to him, the old fool might accidentally trigger the Paramount War himself.
Dante couldn't wrap his head around it. How had Mock become Roger's son out of nowhere? And the bounty, it had jumped to 1.5 Billion Berries.
So, who was the East Blue Overlord now? The World Government certainly didn't know.
Dante stepped back, distancing himself from the thought of Mock, and looked down at the newspaper in his hands. It was clear the Government hadn't paid to suppress this news. The front page was dominated by the East Blue Overlord's provocations, a resounding slap in the face to the Gorosei.
It was incredibly arrogant.
And there, in a smaller corner section, was the news about Zephyr. It announced the "retirement" of the Marine Chief Instructor. The photo accompanying the article showed Zephyr tied helplessly to the bow of a ship.
Tremendously humiliating.
But Dante had to admit... it was a really well-composed photo. He nodded in satisfaction.
"Speaking of which," Dante mused, "how long has Buggy been in the Marines?"
The Marines still hadn't exposed Buggy's past. What was HQ holding back for? Was the emergence of the "Son of the Pirate King" not enough reason to reveal that a former member of the Roger Pirates had turned over a new leaf to uphold justice?
With a sigh, Dante folded the newspaper, stretched his limbs, and stood up. Ain was approaching him, a hesitant look on her face. He knew what she wanted to ask.
Now that they had entered the East Blue, it was finally time to release the old teacher.
Dante signaled Viola to follow and headed for the ship's bow. Zephyr was there, no longer raging as he had been in the first few days. The former Admiral was simply staring out at the ocean, his expression calm.
Zephyr sensed him coming. He glanced sideways at Dante, then turned back to the horizon.
"Had enough fun inside?" Zephyr grunted. "Or did you just come out to check if this old man has had enough of the wind?"
"..."
'He's doing this on purpose.'
Dante looked at Zephyr's back with a grimace. "I haven't had my fun yet. I just came to see if Zephyr-sensei has cooled his head a bit."
"Tsk." Zephyr's eye twitched. "You disrespectful, Corrupt Captain. Are you finally preparing to release me? I thought you planned to leave me hanging from the New World all the way to the East Blue to air-dry like jerky."
"I wouldn't go that far! Never that far!" Dante laughed awkwardly, waving his hand to the crew. "Someone, hurry up! Get a chair for Zephyr-sensei!"
A marine scrambled to bring a chair over immediately.
Zephyr, finally released from his bonds, rolled his shoulders, working out the stiffness. He was old, but a few days in the wind weren't enough to cripple a former Admiral. He wasn't so frail that he couldn't move.
Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at Dante.
Then, without warning, the left arm that he had been rotating snapped out, a vicious hook aimed straight at Dante's head.
'Sneak attack!'
*Bam!*
Dante had been watching him the whole time.
Back in the recruit training camp, Zephyr-sensei would occasionally launch surprise attacks, euphemistically calling it "reaction training". Dante sidestepped and blocked the strike with practiced ease.
"Sensei," Dante grinned, "you can't hit me anymore."
"Hahaha!"
Zephyr didn't seem annoyed. He laughed loudly, realizing the gap between them. "Just like Kuzan. You really surprise me! It looks like Kuzan knew your strength a awhile ago. Hah, and that old dog Garp probably knew too. Good, good... so you only kept me in the dark, is that it? You brat!"
He sat down heavily in the chair, his expression sobering into a distinct, cold snort.
"You damn brat. Now that you've released me, aren't you afraid I'll go back to HQ?"
Before Dante could answer, Ain, who had been maintaining a stoic front, stepped forward anxiously. "Zephyr-sensei..."
Zephyr ignored her, his eyes locked on Dante.
Dante rubbed his chin, meeting the old man's gaze. "Then why don't I send you back right now? Rest assured, this time I won't stop you."
'The nerve of this kid.'
Hearing Dante's blithe tone, Zephyr didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "What use is going back now? After that photo in the paper, I doubt the World Government would even let me near the gates! Forget it."
He waved his hand dismissively and looked out at the peaceful blue waters.
"Being out in the wind for a few days... well, just as you said, I has calmed down. I want to see exactly what you've been doing in the East Blue. To think you'd collude with Kuzan and Garp to trick me..." He glanced at Ain. "You don't need to worry, girl. I don't plan on beating this brat anymore."
"Zephyr-sensei!" Ain breathed a sigh of relief.
"I didn't do much, just handled some small matters secretly," Dante said, waving his hand. "I've been inviting you to come for ages, it was you who refused. Well, as the Captain of the 16th Branch, let me show you around and help you relax."
He turned and shouted toward the helm. "Nami, set the course!"
"Got it!" came the energetic reply.
"Nami? Your navigator?" Zephyr asked. Even while hanging from the bow, he had noticed the ship's handling. The girl had superb instincts for the sea.
He looked at Dante, then at Viola standing quietly behind him. "You've recruited quite a few subordinates here. Why don't you introduce them to me and Ain?"
"..." Dante's eyelid twitched. He gave a strained laugh. "No need! How about we do introductions after we get back to base?"
"We're idle anyway. Introduce them now."
Dante sighed. "Viola. She's my... secretary."
"A Captain like you has a secretary?" Zephyr looked surprised, then he frowned. "Wait. I heard from Kuzan that you captured a female officer from the Donquixote Family. You should be careful, brat. Even if they're just rumors to you, gossip is dangerous. You need to send that pirate to Marine HQ immediately."
"Eh..." Dante scratched his cheek.
"What's wrong?"
"Well... Viola *is* the officer from the Donquixote Family."
Zephyr's froze.
He glanced at Ain, who looked away. He looked at Dante, then at the smiling Viola. Slowly, the realization dawned on him.
His eyelid twitched violently. He raised his fist again.
"You absolute bastard... you actually dare to play around like 'this'?!"
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