Whitebeard set foot on the soil of Sphinx.
The sensation under his feet was entirely different from the deck of the Moby Dick, carrying the unique warmth and solidity of his homeland.
Ignoring the still-hostile gazes from the distant port, he led his division leaders straight to the cherry blossom grove in the eastern suburbs.
Though spring had only just begun, the cherry blossoms were already in full, glorious bloom.
Pink-white petals drifted down with the wind, like snow, like dreams, adorning this woodland as if it were a paradise beyond the mundane world.
"Gurararara..."
Whitebeard gazed upon the familiar scene before him and let out a hearty laugh.
"Indeed, the scent of one's homeland is what stirs the fondest memories!"
Over thirty years ago, he had sat here with his straw-hat-wearing rival, discussing profound matters, sharing the fine wines they had each sought out, and exchanging their perspectives on the world.
Now, that person was gone, yet the cherry blossoms remained as ever.
The division commanders did not disturb Whitebeard's reminiscence, dispersing to set up camp on the outskirts of the cherry blossom grove.
Their movements were efficient yet cautious, careful not to disturb the tranquility.
Marco walked over to Whitebeard and, seeing the rare relaxation on Whitebeard' face, softly asked.
"Pops, what should we do next?"
"No need to force anything."
Whitebeard found a clean patch of grass and sat down with imposing dignity, casually untying the gourd of wine from his waist.
"As long as we don't disturb the townsfolk, you can drink if you want, sleep if you're tired."
He paused, took a large swig of wine, and continued, "If you're truly bored, patrol the surrounding waters and clear out those blind small fries for our hometown."
Marco was taken aback.
Clear out small fries?
Was this an initiative to extend goodwill to that Marine?
"Pops," Marco couldn't help voicing his confusion, "if we do nothing and just stay here quietly, will Fleet Admiral Orion truly come?"
"Don't worry, he'll definitely come."
He raised his wine gourd to the sky as if toasting the heavens, or perhaps some unseen opponent.
"Because Edward Newgate still lives."
...
New World, a stretch of calm sea.
Inside the training room of the training ship.
Orion reclined on a soft sofa, legs crossed, sipping red wine while enjoying Hancock's bonelessly gentle massage.
Across from him, Ace, Sabo, and Zoro were training hard, drenched in sweat.
"Hah—!"
Ace's eyes were tightly shut, veins bulging on his forehead as an invisible aura burst from within him.
Instead of scattering, it precisely converged on an iron target ahead.
Since eating the Flame-Flame Fruit, Ace's power had surged dramatically, and his Conqueror's Haki had improved along with it.
Under Orion's guidance, his control over Conqueror's Haki was now far beyond what it used to be.
Nearby, Sabo moved with ghostly speed.
His fingers formed like gun barrels, wrapped in black Armament Haki, then thrust forward sharply!
"Finger Gun!"
The air shrieked as the specially hardened steel plate was instantly pierced, the edges smooth as a mirror.
Then, he pivoted, his right leg whipping through the air with a blue energy wave.
"Tempest Kick!"
Under Orion's tutelage, Sabo had not only perfectly fused Dragon Claw Fist with Armament Haki but had also largely mastered the Marine Six Techniques—Finger Gun, Tempest Kick, and Paper Drawing.
His astonishing comprehension made both Ace and Zoro somewhat envious.
Zoro sat cross-legged, three famous swords resting across his knees, eyes slightly closed, his whole being as solid as a rock.
He wasn't moving, yet he seemed more threatening than ever.
Guided by Orion, he had stopped obsessing over intense sword-swinging drills and begun learning to listen to the "breath" of all things, sensing the will of his blades.
The door to the pinnacle of swordsmanship had already cracked open for him.
Just then, the training room door swung open.
Morgan entered briskly, holding a Den Den Mushi. "Fleet Admiral, latest intelligence from Sphinx."
He first reported that Lieutenant Rio had single-handedly met with Whitebeard and successfully reached an agreement, blocking the main force of the Whitebeard Pirates on the subsidiary island.
"Fleet Admiral, the pirates from Whitebeard's forty-three ships are currently on the island cutting trees, building houses, and clearing wasteland."
"Whitebeard himself led his division commanders to land on Sphinx, but did not enter the town. Instead, following Rio's request, they stationed themselves in the eastern suburb's cherry blossom grove."
"I expected it." Orion took a sip of red wine, not showing the slightest surprise.
"Sphinx is his hometown. He won't cause trouble."
"But Fleet Admiral!" Morgan couldn't help pressing further, "What exactly are Whitebeard's intentions? Suddenly gathering over fifty thousand people, explicitly demanding to wait for you at Sphinx... Could he be planning a final showdown with us in his own hometown?"
"His intentions don't matter."
Orion set down his wine glass, smiling as he looked at Morgan.
"What matters is that we have brave Marines like Rio in our ranks."
"Pass down the order: Promote Rio to Captain of the Sphinx Marine Base. All Marines at the base will receive double bonuses."
...
Sphinx, Temporary Marine Base.
In the conference room, Rio was holding a meeting with his officers around a map.
Just then, the Den Den Mushi on the table abruptly rang.
"Buru Buru Buru..."
Rio picked up the receiver, and a cool female voice came through.
"Captain Rio, this is the Fleet Admiral's office at Marine Headquarters. I'm Gion."
Hearing that it was Gion herself on the line, all officers in the room, including Rio, instantly sprang up from their chairs, standing at attention and saluting in unison.
Rio's hand holding the receiver trembled slightly as he cautiously spoke.
"Reporting, Gion-sama! There must be some mistake. I'm Lieutenant Rio, not Captain."
"There's no mistake."
Gion's voice came through unhurriedly, carrying approval. "The Fleet Admiral is already aware of your solo meeting with Whitebeard."
"The Fleet Admiral has personally ordered your immediate promotion to become a Captain of the Sphinx Base."
"Additionally, all Marines at Sphinx will receive double bonuses."
"The bonuses and your appointment letter will arrive tomorrow. Be prepared."
With these words, the call abruptly ended.
Dead silence filled the conference room.
Rio stood dumbfounded, still holding the receiver, his mind completely blank.
Had his solo meeting with Whitebeard reached the Fleet Admiral's ears so quickly?
And the Fleet Admiral himself had ordered his promotion to Captain?
After a brief moment of stunned silence, he suddenly straightened his posture and delivered a perfectly crisp salute to the now-silent Den Den Mushi, joining the other officers in shouting with fanatical expressions.
"Loyalty!"