"I'm sorry, Nami."
Nojiko hugged her sister, guiltily patting her head, "From now on, I won't make fun of you and call you the Newspaper King anymore."
Look what a blow it's dealt the kid; she's even started talking nonsense.
"Ahem."
Smoker rubbed his forehead, shaking his head helplessly, "Let me continue. The second possibility is that the Navy Headquarters... no, perhaps the World Government bypassed the Navy Headquarters and decided to recruit the captain to fill the vacancy in the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
He flicked the ash from his cigarette, squinting at the distant sea, "If I'm not mistaken, the people the World Government sent to negotiate with us should already be on their way. Soon, they will make every effort to contact us."
Want to recruit big brother to become a Warlord of the Sea?
Nojiko was stunned, tilting her head slightly with a contemplative look.
It's indeed very possible. Once he becomes a Warlord, the bounty would be canceled, which explains why the Navy Headquarters hasn't updated the bounty yet.
But...
Would big brother agree to such an invitation given his personality?
...
Meanwhile, in the open-air sword field on the second floor.
Robin leaned against the railing, her slender fingers gently supporting her chin, as the sea breeze carried Smoker's discussion to her ears from afar.
She smiled slightly:
"Ah, Mr. Smoker is worthy of being ex-Navy; his analysis is very reasonable, right, did you hear that?"
"I heard, Sister Robin."
The sea breeze lifted Kuina's black hair beside her. She was reclining in a wicker chair, her eyes focused and calm, all her attention on the Swordsmanship Manual by Yasuo in her hands.
Without lifting her head, she softly said:
"In my opinion, the World Government should have done this long ago. With Lord Shano's strength, joining the Seven Warlords of the Sea wouldn't be his honor, but the honor of the entire system of the Seven Warlords."
"..." Robin was speechless.
If someone had told her this when they first met,
that the aloof and haughty sword-loving girl in front of her was actually the most passionate and devoted fan of Shano on the entire ship,
she definitely wouldn't have believed it.
But after getting along these days and observing her quietly without her noticing, it seems to be true.
"How are you doing with your comprehension?"
Robin sat down across from Kuina, "It looks like you've started over from the beginning again. You must have finished reading it, right?"
She watched with her own eyes as Shano casually tossed this Swordsmanship Manual to Kuina while they were having breakfast.
Because of his casual gesture, everyone initially thought it wasn't important.
But this sword-loving girl, after receiving it, treated it as a treasure, dedicating almost all her time to it, neglecting food and sleep for days.
She even approached Robin several times to ask for help deciphering some of the more complex parts.
"Yes, with your annotations, Sister Robin, I've pretty much finished reading it. I've also learned a few basic sword techniques."
Kuina rubbed her slightly sore eyes and looked up, saying:
"But some of the techniques are still too difficult to grasp. I'll need to focus on practicing hard to fully grasp everything in it as soon as possible."
"Good luck," Robin said with a warm smile, "If it's you, Kuina, there's no doubt you can do it."
"Mhm."
Kuina nodded seriously, her gaze determined.
"Well then, I'll head to the library first."
Robin stood up and walked away. The library was her favorite place on the ship so far; the tranquil, antique environment was exactly to her taste.
If she and Shano hadn't yet known each other when the ship was being built, she would have thought it was designed specifically for her.
Kuina sat in the wicker chair, quietly watching Robin leave.
Once Robin's figure disappeared into the cabin, she lowered her head, closed the book, and gently caressed the cover of Yasuo's Swordsmanship Manual, as if she could feel the lifelong dedication of the white-haired old Sword Master through its pages.
The manual given by Lord Shano is truly precious.
Even for someone like her, raised and taught by Koushirou with high standards, she couldn't help but be impressed by the profundity of this manual.
If it were auctioned at a grand auction house, swordsmen worldwide would probably fight tooth and nail for it, wouldn't they?
But now.
Since it's in her hands, she absolutely won't let down Lord Shano's expectations!
I have to quickly, completely grasp its content!
At that time, even as a Sword Master, her swordsmanship skills would definitely leap to new heights!
Buzz——!
Kuina took a deep breath, finally standing up slowly, drawing her sword, and looking up at the target in front of her.
Today, let's start practicing with the first special technique, "Steel Cutting Flash"!
——————
Navy Headquarters, Marinfanto.
Inside a certain office, a plaque on the wall read "Justice that Dominates the World."
"Have we already determined the rough sea area of the target? Hmm, good, continue the investigation, the negotiator will depart soon."
Sengoku hung up the phone, looking up at the old man sitting on the opposite sofa, who was secretly eating his rice crackers.
"Garp, the Holy Land has already decided; this time, you will host the negotiations and signing of the Seven Warlords agreement."
"Pfft—"
Garp spat out a mouthful of rice cracker crumbs, eyes wide open:
"What?! Are you kidding me? I'm here on vacation, and it's not even half over yet. Besides, didn't they just send a major general or a rear admiral for these Warlords matters in the past? Why bother an old man like me?"
Sengoku wiped the rice cracker crumbs off his face with a straight expression, snatched the remaining rice crackers, and slammed a document on the table:
"This is a decision personally issued by the Five Elders. Stop talking nonsense, and get moving. The entire Mary Geoise is very concerned about this matter. There's no time for you to bicker with me; get Shano to sign this agreement as soon as possible."
"Get lost! I won't..."
Garp was furious, but he suddenly reacted, stunned, "Wait, who did you just say?"
"Shano, your fellow from the East Sea, also your good disciple, Shano."
Sengoku said irritably, "Forgot already? Last time, didn't you suggest recruiting him into the Seven Warlords? Now that it's really happening, what's the matter, you're not happy?"
"Puhahahaha, so it's him, huh? Well, I guess I can make a trip then."
Garp scratched his head, laughing out loud, "I already said, didn't I? This kid's character is pretty good; why keep giving him a hard time? Making this guy a Warlord is clearly the best solution..."
So it was the Navy making things difficult for him?!
Sengoku was so angry he almost tore out his goat beard. This old fool, does he even know what he's saying?
He killed two Navy vice admirals and two Warlords, practically trampling on the dignity of the Navy Headquarters.
If it weren't for the sudden resolution passed by Mary Geoise, directly ordering him, he would never have compromised with this brat so quickly!
"Hey, Sengoku."
"What now!"
"You're a decent guy, aren't you? No wonder those old geezers in the Holy Land insist I go; turns out you're the one who reported my plan from last time!"
That wasn't a damn plan!!!
What's this guy thinking, how could it be for that reason?
Sengoku's face turned ashen. Initially, the Holy Land intended to send someone from the CP Department to negotiate. The reason Garp was chosen instead was because of his strong recommendation!
That guy Shano isn't easy to deal with.
If Garp goes, considering their old acquaintance, at least they won't start fighting as soon as they meet. This will also increase the chances of successful negotiations.
...
Half an hour later.
The Doghead Battleship sailed out of Crescent Bay, riding the wind and waves, speeding toward Alabasta.
Garp stood at the bow, tossing donuts into his mouth and laughing loudly, "Shano kid, long time no see, I'm coming!!"