"Hey, Koushirou-sensei, please teach me swordsmanship so I can become the World's Greatest Swordsman!"
A green-haired boy suddenly appeared in front of Koushirou, his voice filled with determination.
Koushirou lowered his gaze and studied the child.
The boy's stance, his energy, even the way he held himself, all of it strongly resembled Zoro as a child. A wooden sword rested in one hand, while another was clenched between his teeth. Three teardrop-shaped golden earrings hung from his left ear.
He looked almost like a younger version of Zoro.
Koushirou let out a faint chuckle and shook his head.
"The title of World's Greatest Swordsman is not something that can simply be taught. It requires one to reach a certain level in swordsmanship, physical ability, and awareness, then find their own understanding."
The boy removed the sword from his mouth, confusion evident on his face.
"But wasn't Big Brother Zoro trained here at the Isshin Dojo?"
Koushirou gently patted the boy's head before turning and walking toward the courtyard, his hands resting behind his back.
"I only guided him at the beginning. Everyone must develop their own sword path. Blind imitation will never lead you to the top."
The boy stared at Koushirou's back, deep in thought.
Then a spark of realization flickered in his eyes.
"My own sword path…"
…
New World, Peach Garden.
Sengoku, Garp, and Tsuru walked through the streets in disguise.
"I have to admit, Rolan is an exceptional negotiator," Tsuru said as she glanced back at the golden city shining under the sunlight. "Even without his strength, he would still thrive in this world."
Despite the long discussion earlier, unease remained in her heart.
Rolan was dangerous.
Just as Garp had said, his strength alone placed him above nearly everyone. But what made him truly threatening was his mind, his ambition, and his ability to draw powerful people to his side.
Every one of his companions possessed strength comparable to an Admiral.
If the Marines were absorbed into Peach Garden, there was a real possibility they would be completely swallowed.
She knew Sengoku and Garp understood this as well.
Yet their attitudes suggested they were willing to consider the merger.
Even if she opposed it, her influence alone might not be enough to change the outcome.
Sengoku nodded slightly.
"He really is a troublesome man."
Garp sighed, his usual carefree expression fading slightly.
"That's exactly what makes him dangerous. Strength, intelligence, and the ability to turn others into his allies."
Sengoku suddenly paused, sniffing the air.
"Hmm, I smell ramen."
Without hesitation, he followed the scent.
Garp casually tossed the last piece of senbei into his mouth and followed along.
Tsuru shook her head at their behavior.
"These two…"
She glanced at the city once more.
"The world is reaching a turning point. Peach Garden and the World Government are facing each other, and the Marines will eventually have to choose a side."
Then she followed after them.
"That does smell good."
…
Inside a tall building in Shandora, Rolan and Kuro stood before a massive floor-to-ceiling window, watching the trio leave.
"Tsuru is not easy to convince," Kuro said, adjusting his glasses with the heel of his palm. "But we told the truth. That should be enough. The rest depends on Peach Garden itself."
Rolan nodded slightly.
"At the very least, the Marines won't become our enemies for now."
Kuro continued, "If they do join us, our chances against the World Government will increase significantly."
He never underestimated his enemies. Over time, he had gathered extensive information about the World Government.
The Marines were only their most visible force, not necessarily their strongest.
There were still unknown contingencies, hidden powers waiting in reserve.
"Vegapunk is developing new weapons," Kuro added. "Once those are completed, the Seven Warlords will become obsolete."
Even though Peach Garden had already surpassed the other Yonko forces, that alone was not enough.
Without absolute dominance, a war against the World Government would only lead to devastating consequences.
That outcome was unacceptable.
"Should we locate Vegapunk first?" Kuro asked.
Rolan gave a short nod.
"We gather everyone first, then assign tasks."
…
It just so happened that all members of the Ion Tempest had returned to Peach Garden.
Within a day, everyone assembled in a large conference hall.
Alongside them stood key figures such as Wyper, as well as Dragon and Sabo from the Revolutionary Army.
"Heh, so it's finally happening," Enel said, unable to hide his impatience.
Others, including Issho and Law, showed similar anticipation, even if they remained quieter.
Rolan stood at the front, his gaze sweeping across the room.
"We move now. If we wait too long and the World Government completes Uranus, things will get complicated."
He paused briefly.
"Let's assign tasks."
The discussion proceeded efficiently. Each person received their role.
…
"You damn Crocodile, you went after Pluton in Alabasta before, right? Now you actually get to see it. Excited?" Enel said with a grin.
The ship cut through the sea at high speed, heading toward Wano Country.
Crocodile stood at the deck, staring into the distance, ignoring Enel completely.
There were only three people aboard.
Kuro, Crocodile, and Enel.
Their mission was clear. Enter the depths of Wano and bring Pluton back to Peach Garden.
Enel controlled the ship, his Goro Goro no Mi making him perfectly suited for the role. If Pluton required a power source, his ability might prove useful.
Crocodile had his own reasons for joining. His long-standing obsession with Pluton made this mission impossible for him to ignore.
Kuro was there as a stabilizing force.
He could keep both of them in check while also dealing with any unexpected threats.
He adjusted his glasses again.
"Ace is still in Wano," he said quietly.
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