East Blue, Marine Base 153.
In the base commander's office, Commodore Smoker, now the highest-ranking Marine in the East Blue, was slouched behind his desk, rifling through a mountain of personnel files.
He was trying to select a worthy replacement for the now-vacant position of 153rd Branch Base Commander.
Across from him, on a nearby couch, Vice Admiral Garp lounged comfortably, casually munching on rice crackers and sipping tea, looking far too relaxed for a man of his rank.
After reading for a while, Smoker rubbed his temples, visibly drained. "Garp-san, are you seriously planning to freeload here forever? Weren't you just visiting your grandson?"
"I am visiting my grandson," Garp replied cheerfully. "I never said which one."
Smoker blinked, then sighed. "You mean… Ace?"
Not many people knew this, but Ace being Garp's adopted grandson wasn't exactly top-secret information either. Among the higher-ups in the Marines, especially those close to Garp, it was practically common knowledge.
Smoker happened to be one of those in the know.
"Yup. That reckless brat," Garp said, the humor fading from his voice. "I let my guard down back then, and he slipped out to become a pirate. I originally intended to capture him myself, but by the time I was free, he'd already joined that old monster Whitebeard. Sengoku told me not to act rashly... so the matter was shelved for a while."
Smoker refrained from commenting, though he did remember that Fire Fist Ace was once considered as a candidate for the Shichibukai. Still, he kept quiet out of respect.
"So what exactly are you doing here?" Smoker asked. "You think you're going to run into Ace just by hanging around my base?"
"There's a good chance," Garp said seriously. "Ace came out of the New World to track down that kid Bane. And that Bane picked up the bounty for Satch's death from your base—Loguetown—before disappearing somewhere in the East Blue. So, if Ace wants information, this is the place he'll come."
Smoker scratched his chin, nodding. "Makes sense. He is your grandson, after all. Bold enough to come straight to the Marines for intel... I can believe it."
"Are you implying something?" Garp growled, narrowing his eyes.
Ignoring the jab, Garp grinned. "Anyway, I'll stick around here a while longer. But spread word that I've already left. If Ace thinks I'm gone, he'll be more likely to show himself. And once he does, I'll take him down personally."
"And throw him in Impel Down?" Smoker asked dryly.
Garp's face flushed, but he still huffed stubbornly, "If he refuses to repent, I won't go easy on him."
"So... if he does apologize, you're going to cover for him?" Smoker said flatly.
"We have a rehabilitation program, you know! It's not favoritism," Garp replied, clearly trying to justify it. "If Ace joins the Marines and redeems himself, it'd be a win-win. The kid's got talent. He could be an asset."
Smoker gave him a side-eye but didn't push it. To be fair, the Navy did have such a system. Some former pirates had indeed been recruited—like Jango, the former Black Cat Pirates officer, who eventually became a Marine under Captain Hina.
Of course, no major pirate would ever accept such a deal, which is why most people never even heard of it.
Still, if Garp managed to pull it off, not only would he rehabilitate Ace, but he'd also deal a huge PR blow to the Whitebeard Pirates.
"Look, even one of your division commanders switched sides and joined the Navy."
It'd be a powerful narrative.
…But knowing Ace's deep loyalty and admiration for Whitebeard, he'd probably die before betraying that crew.
Meanwhile, over at the port in Shimotsuki Village, Koshiro stood under the light drizzle, watching his two disciples board a ship.
Naturally, the two were Bane and Zoro.
Bane had arrived back in August of the previous year. Now, it was already February 1520—just three months before Luffy was supposed to begin his journey.
But at this point, it was clear the original Straw Hat crew was heading for major changes.
Zoro, who originally would've been Luffy's first crewmate, was now Bane's junior disciple. The two of them were setting out together—meaning Zoro wouldn't be joining the Straw Hats anymore.
As for Usopp, well… Bane had already tipped off Smoker about Kuro, and the former pirate had been taken out. Whether Luffy would still team up with Usopp was now anyone's guess.
That left only Sanji and Nami as potential crewmates.
Bane did intend to approach Sanji—but only to try and obtain contact with the Germa 66. With an RC Cell Injection in his possession, he figured the Germa's science division might be the right group to study and maximize its potential.
Still, the Germa were only one option. If Bane ended up joining the Marines, their Scientific Division might be even safer and more reliable.
As for Sanji himself, Bane wasn't particularly interested. Sure, Sanji had talent, but Bane doubted their personalities would mesh well. The guy was just too much of a womanizer.
There could only be one pervy guy per crew. And Bane had already claimed that role.
Nami, though? That was non-negotiable.
In this world, a skilled navigator was worth more than gold—and Nami had the potential to become the greatest navigator in the world. There was no way Bane would let her slip away.
As for how Luffy would get out of the East Blue without her? Not Bane's problem. If he liked sailing around in barrels, let him drift a few more years.
Bane figured that with Ace and Blackbeard likely on their way to the East Blue, it was best to snatch Nami and leave quickly.
He even considered swinging by Alabasta, to see if he could take out Crocodile early and recruit the clever and beautiful Nico Robin.
Bane knew he needed a strategist—someone with intellect and curiosity who could help solve complex problems. And Robin was the perfect candidate.
Of course, if he brought Robin along, joining the Navy later could get… complicated. But that was a future problem.
As he sipped his tea and weighed his options, Koshiro continued giving Zoro a lengthy list of parting instructions.
"I've already entrusted all the advanced Haki notes to your senior brother, Bane—"
"I'M THE SENIOR BROTHER, MASTER!"
"You've got no real-world experience, Zoro. You need to listen to Bane out there."
"I'M THE SENIOR BROTHER!!"
"You've always had a terrible sense of direction. In this village, people can guide you home, but out there? Stick with Bane and don't get lost!"
"I'M THE SENIOR BROTHER!!!!"
Zoro finally exploded, stomping aboard the ship ahead of schedule, fuming.
Once Zoro was out of earshot, Koshiro turned to Bane, smiling warmly.
"Bane, I have only one thing to say to you."
Bane was moved. This was the weight of a master's trust.
Tears welled in his eyes as he gripped Koshiro's hand. "Master, I'll engrave your words on my soul."
Koshiro's expression turned sincere.
"You're talented, Bane. I can tell you aim to do something great out there on the sea."
Bane thought, You get me, Master...
Koshiro patted his hand solemnly.
"So all I ask is—if you ever cause any real chaos… please don't tell anyone you were my student."
Bane: "...Huh?!"