"Old man Sengoku, I've found a new candidate for the Seven Warlords of the Sea..."
With the affairs of Skypiea and Shandia settled, both sides, under their respective leaders, moved into their designated territories. Meanwhile, Enel couldn't wait to set off for the Blue Sea.
"The Seven Warlords? What kind of scheme are you up to this time?"
Sengoku looked wary. "Among the well-known great pirates, who would even be suitable?"
"Hmm… when it comes to reputation, I have no doubt that guy will stir up a storm soon enough. He's bound to make a big splash."
Wright chuckled. "That guy is a Logia-type, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit user. Ridiculously strong—but he doesn't know Armament Haki!"
"However, his Observation Haki is extremely advanced. Combined with his Devil Fruit ability, he can even monitor an entire island. His strength is unquestionable!"
"And you're letting someone like that become a pirate?!"
Sengoku was in disbelief. The Rumble-Rumble Fruit? That kind of power would be an incredible asset for the Marines!
"He refuses to serve under the Celestial Dragons… well, the Warlords have plenty of freedom. This guy isn't a good person, either—he kills based on his whims. If he weren't at least somewhat obedient and for some other reasons, I'd have just taken him out myself."
"…"
Sengoku pinched the bridge of his nose.
"So, you beat him into submission, didn't you?"
"For guys like him, a good beating is the best way to make them understand the limits of their power."
Wright coughed. "His name is Enel. He likes to call himself a god, but don't mind him—he's just a delusional idiot."
"I told him he's not allowed to attack anyone other than pirates. If he breaks the agreement, I'll personally deal with him."
"Alright, I'll bring it up with the higher-ups… once he makes a name for himself, it shouldn't be a problem."
After a brief silence, Sengoku agreed to Wright's proposal. "Why are you so invested in the Seven Warlords this time?"
"Old man Sengoku… If the Warlords aren't aligned with the Navy, they're a cancer!"
Wright's tone turned serious. "Right now, out of the six current Warlords, the only one who can be considered even remotely aligned with the Navy is Jinbe!"
"Aside from the detached Mihawk, the reclusive Hancock, and at best, Kuma—who leans toward the World Government…"
Wright paused. Kuma's situation was best left unsaid.
"These three are neutral, while Doflamingo and Gecko Moria are completely opposed to the Navy!"
"How can we ensure the Warlords serve our interests?"
"Now, we'll have a Warlord who is completely under Marine control!"
"…"
"Kid, not bad."
"What did you expect?"
Sengoku smirked.
"That matter is already in motion. The headquarters is preparing a major campaign to promote you. Don't you have some connections with Morgans? If he plays along, the impact will be even greater."
"Hmm, no problem…"
It was far more than "a little connection" and "just playing along"…
"Rosinante, how've you been?"
Wright was reaching out to Rosinante, whom he hadn't seen in a while. However, the Den Den Mushi appeared half-asleep.
"Hah… so sleepy!"
The snail barely opened its eyes, letting out a massive yawn, leaving Wright with a deadpan expression.
"Did you inherit Kyoshiro's alias or something? What should I call you now? Sleeping Rositsujirou?!"
"…That sounds awful!"
Rosinante rubbed his eyes, finally waking up. "Not great. I've been doing some righteous work lately—can't seem to stop myself…"
"…"
Wright's face darkened further. Was he saying he had gotten addicted to robbing the rich to help the poor?
"Ahem… If you work too fast, you might end up doing more harm than good. Take it slow."
"Alright, onto business. You haven't tested the upgraded Lightforged Beacon yet, have you? Come over here, set up a soundproof barrier, and head back after."
"I found something interesting, but it needs to be handled discreetly."
"Hmm… I'll make arrangements and head over. The Lightforged Beacon is with His Excellency. He recently took on an adorable little apprentice, and I was planning to pay a visit."
"His Excellency? An apprentice?"
Wright thought of a young girl whose abilities were, in some ways, downright broken.
"Actually, I was about to report something…"
Rosinante's expression turned odd.
"Didn't you take out Jack a while back? Kaido went after you, got slashed, and ran back. Now he's come up with a brilliant idea."
"What idea?"
Wright was puzzled. Shouldn't Drake be the one reporting on Kaido's activities?
"Well… Drake's position is a bit awkward, so he asked me to pass it on."
Rosinante hesitated before continuing with an amused tone.
"Recently, Kaido promoted someone to 'Tobiroppo'… and that someone is Drake."
"Tobiroppo?"
Wright nodded. "Given Drake's abilities, becoming a Tobiroppo this quickly is a little surprising but reasonable."
"Yes, that's not the issue. The problem is… some say Kaido is doing this to get back at you. He plans to heavily invest in 'the traitor who killed your subordinate'—Drake. This promotion is just the first step."
"From now on, Kaido will funnel resources into Drake, prioritizing his growth."
"…"
What could Wright even say to that? Kaido was truly brilliant—Wright almost wanted to thank him!
"Alright… and why would this be difficult to report? Kaido is just grooming an enemy to attack his own people. Business as usual… Just get over here. You'll be in for a big surprise."
"Got it!"
When Rosinante arrived, he immediately noticed something off.
"Where are we? The air feels thin… it's hard to breathe!"
"Sky Island, ten thousand meters above sea level. Soon to be a luxury resort. What do you think?"
Wright led Rosinante to Spring Island—now named 'Vigilant Isle,' a private Sky Island. On the way, Wright explained the island's origins.
"Whoa! So much happened while I was away! Kuina even got such an incredible ability!"
Rosinante sighed enviously. "Ah… I'm jealous. The freedom of flight!"
"…That's what you're focusing on?! Get to work!"
Wright brought Rosinante to the secret base—a massive dockyard already taking shape, complete with research and living facilities.
At the center of the dock was the Ark Maxim, which Kuina had moved from Upper Yard.
Nico Robin could hardly wait—she had rushed from Alabasta to Upper Yard, eager to begin her search. With the help of the Shandians, Wright had arranged for her to explore the ruins of Shandora, where the ancient Poneglyph lay hidden alongside the long-lost Golden Bell.
Of course, Wright already knew exactly where the Golden Bell was. But after four hundred years of struggle, simply handing it over to them would feel like an insult to their ancestors' sacrifices. No—this was something they had to find on their own. At most, he would let an archaeologist lend them a hand.
After hastily setting up a soundproof barrier around the dock, ensuring no noise could escape to the outside world, Rosinante finally realized what Wright was up to.
"…You're building a battleship?"
His face twisted in disbelief before he blurted out, "Wait, are you serious? Your sense of aesthetics has gotten this bad? This thing is hideous!"
"…This is just a half-finished design I borrowed for reference! You think I'd ever build something this ugly?" Wright retorted, rolling his eyes.
"Hmph… You better not."
After a brief silence, Rosinante changed the topic. "The resistance in Wano is taking shape. Thanks to Lord Kozuki's presence, they finally have a true leader to rally behind."
"Denjiro's identity still can't be exposed," Wright mused. "But the biggest problem for the rebels right now is their supply chain."
"The Lightforged Beacons aren't advanced enough yet to transport large amounts of supplies, so that option is out for now," Rosinante sighed.
Wright let out a breath. "I'll be visiting Dr. Vegapunk soon—hopefully, he can help speed things along."
"If we make any progress, I'll head to Wano myself."
"…Good," Rosinante nodded. "I'm looking forward to fighting alongside you again."
He lit a cigarette—only for the sleeves of his kimono to suddenly burst into flames!
"—WHY ARE YOU STILL THIS MUCH OF AN IDIOT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS?!" Wright shouted, exasperated.
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