"Intel on the Giant Warrior Pirates..."
Hearing this somewhat familiar name, Vice Admiral Tsuru's mind immediately recalled the relevant information.
This was a pirate crew formed by giants a century ago. However, she wasn't sure why Maude was requesting this information from Marine Headquarters.
"Sit."
With a calm expression, Tsuru gestured toward the sofa across from her, signaling for Chaton to take a seat.
Chaton scratched the back of his head, walked over in a few steps, and plopped down onto the sofa.
Tsuru then began preparing tea for him.
"Granny Tsuru, let me do it myself."
Chaton hurriedly tried to stop Tsuru from serving him tea. In his somewhat old-fashioned mindset, having an elder do such things for him would shorten his lifespan.
Tsuru didn't insist and instead picked up the documents Chaton had brought, lowering her head to read them.
As Chaton brewed the tea, he quietly observed Tsuru's expression.
Based on what he knew about her, she shouldn't be particularly interested in a pirate crew that had disappeared into history.
It must be because of Barcardi Maude...
That was what Chaton thought.
Tsuru's reading speed was astonishing.
By the time Chaton finished brewing the tea, she had already read through all the documents word for word.
"That was fast!"
Chaton couldn't help but glance at her in surprise.
Tsuru set down the documents and mused, "He's only just taken up the position of Warlord of the Sea, yet he's already eager to use his privileges to obtain these old reports… Is he targeting 'Blue Ogre' and 'Red Ogre'?"
"Granny Tsuru, that's what I was thinking too."
Chaton gently swirled his teacup, but deep in his eyes was a hint of doubt.
His doubt stemmed from Maude's enthusiasm for hunting pirates.
Tsuru glanced at him before saying in a soft voice, "I recall hearing reports a few months ago that 'Blue Ogre' and 'Red Ogre' had appeared on Little Garden."
"Ah, that's right."
Chaton's expression became more serious as he explained:
"At the time, the news spread through the Underworld. Because it was tied to rumors of an Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit, people paid little attention to 'Blue Ogre' and 'Red Ogre.' After all, their fame originated a century ago—there weren't many who could even recognize them."
Tsuru nodded slightly, lifting her cup to take a sip of hot tea.
Chaton glanced at the old bounty posters of Blue Ogre and Red Ogre attached to the report.
There was something else that puzzled him.
Setting aside Maude's relentless pursuit of pirates, there were plenty of notorious pirates currently making waves.
Yet Maude was focused on pirates who had long faded into obscurity.
Was there more to this?
"Little Garden, huh..."
Chaton narrowed his eyes, formulating a plan to deal with Maude.
Though the Giant Warrior Pirates had disbanded years ago, their captain, Blue Ogre, and first mate, Red Ogre, still had active bounties.
In fact, Marine Headquarters had already verified the authenticity of the reports several months ago.
However, they had taken no action.
The reason was simple—Blue Ogre and Red Ogre no longer posed a significant threat. At the same time, their strength was formidable enough to easily crush several Marine warships.
Under these circumstances, sending forces to subdue them would be a high-risk, low-reward endeavor.
But now, it was almost certain that Maude was going after them…
"Chaton, what kind of mischief are you plotting this time?"
Tsuru looked at the scheming expression on Chaton's face.
"Granny Tsuru, come on now."
Chaton met Tsuru's gaze with a serious face. "A fine gentleman like me would never be associated with 'mischief.'"
Seeing that Chaton was dodging the question, Tsuru shook her head slightly and didn't press further.
Chaton then chuckled and pulled out a Den Den Mushi.
Since he had obtained the Giant Warrior Pirates' intel from the intelligence department, it was now his job to pass the information along to Maude.
Meanwhile, at the training grounds, Gion was drenched in sweat.
After completing her daily training regimen, she sat on the floor of the indoor training hall, staring silently at her hands.
Ever since the incident at Sabaody Archipelago, she had been rethinking the direction of her development with the Aroma-Aroma Fruit.
Perhaps she shouldn't solely focus on enhancing herself, but rather…
"Ala la, you're quite the hard worker."
Aokiji leaned against the doorframe of the training hall, glancing at the sweat-covered floor.
In his hand, he held a newspaper.
Hearing his voice, Gion turned her head toward the entrance.
"What do you want?"
"Nothing much, just passing by."
Aokiji looked her over and asked, "You seem troubled."
"I am."
Gion didn't deny it. She nodded and then slowly stood up.
"What's bothering you?" Aokiji asked curiously. "Could it be the person who keeps giving you trouble—"
"It's about my Devil Fruit ability."
Gion bluntly cut him off.
"Oh, your ability, huh?"
Aokiji tilted his head slightly, pondering for a moment before saying, "If that's the case, maybe I can help."
Gion remained silent for a few seconds before replying, "Lately, I've started questioning the path I've chosen for my power. I'm still unsure if it's right or wrong..."
"Ala la."
Aokiji scratched his cheek and said seriously, "When you start doubting something, try stepping away from where you are. It might give you a clearer view of your path."
"…"
Gion looked at him in surprise.
"It's just a suggestion, don't think too much about it."
Aokiji waved a hand as he turned and left the training hall.
Gion watched his departing figure, lost in thought.
Aokiji had no idea.
His seemingly casual suggestion would later have a profound impact on future events.
Out at sea.
The skies were clear, with a gentle breeze blowing.
On the deck of the Sleeping Forest White Steed.
"Whoa!"
The Beautiful Pirates were gathered around a newspaper.
They weren't paying attention to the articles but rather a specific photo printed on the page.
"She's gorgeous… Truly worthy of being a mermaid."
"Oh no, am I falling for her?!"
"I really want to go to Fish-Man Island… Sigh."
The photo captured a delicate mermaid girl leaning pitifully against Maude's shoulder, surrounded by slavers attempting to capture her.
Whoever the old journalist was, they had chosen an incredibly strategic angle, vividly portraying Maude standing against numerous enemies to protect the mermaid girl.
However, these beauty-obsessed pirates were focused solely on the stunning mermaid.
Even so, they had to admit—Maude looked incredibly cool and photogenic. Standing beside the mermaid, it was like a masterpiece!
No! This kind of thought was unacceptable!
The Beautiful Pirates instinctively glanced at their captain before shaking their heads furiously, banishing any notions of betrayal.
They had pledged their loyalty to Cavendish's unparalleled beauty, and nothing could change that!
Oblivious to his crew's internal struggle, Cavendish bit his finger and grumbled, "Damn it, even something trivial like this makes the news?!"
Meanwhile, at the bow of the ship, Maude and Lafitte were focused on the sea ahead.
Compared to the commotion behind them, Maude had no interest in the news coverage of the incident.
Just then, a Den Den Mushi rang.
This was the one designated for contact with Marine Headquarters.
Since they were calling, it likely meant they had results on the Giant Warrior Pirates' intel.
Maude swiftly picked up the receiver.
The Den Den Mushi's face morphed to resemble Chaton's—ugly and distinct.
Both Maude and Lafitte immediately recognized who was on the other end.
"Hello? Is this Maude-sama, Warlord of the Sea~~?"
A somewhat frivolous voice came through.
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