After half a day of preparations, in the afternoon, Taro and his group returned to Sabaody Archipelago with two dragon turtle ships.
The two princes of Ryugu Palace, serving as Shirahoshi's guard commanders, led a contingent of 50 Fish-Man guards to accompany them.
Additionally, there were 30 Fish-Man actors participating in the filming, all wearing trendy clothing designed by Pa Pagu.
This was Taro's idea. He himself was also wearing a set. The workmanship and fabric were excellent, but it was a bit too trendy for Taro's rustic aesthetic, making it somewhat hard for him to accept.
Sabaody Archipelago had already made the necessary reception preparations. Since this visit was invited by Taro, they would head directly to the shipyard of the No. 66 Marine Base, not the No. 60 World Government shipyard.
This was also to avoid any unnecessary trouble.
The three ships gradually surfaced. The tallest structure on Sabaody Archipelago was the landmark of the 40GR amusement park—Sabaody Park.
Arlong's 'Arlong Park' was modeled after this, showing the Fish-Man Race's yearning for life on land.
"Lord Taro, is that Sabaody Park? It's so big, so beautiful!"
"Haha, yes, I'll take you to play there later!"
"Lord Taro, is this a forest?"
"No, this is actually just a single Mangrove tree. Those are just its roots. Hmm... it's as big as the sun tree eve!"
This was Shirahoshi's first time on land in her life. She was curious about everything, leaning over the ship's railing to gaze out.
As the local commander, Taro had to fulfill his duties as host, naturally answering every question.
"Uh, Vivi, about yesterday..."
At that moment, Vivi and Pell walked out of the cabin. Taro felt somewhat awkward.
Vivi gave him a faint glance and said nothing.
Pell was speechless about Taro's performance yesterday. He said in a low voice,
"Her Highness Vivi hopes to finish the filming as soon as possible and return to Alabasta!"
Taro's heart raced with anxiety. He moved closer to Vivi,
"Don't be like that, Vivi. You helped me so much, and I haven't properly thanked you yet. Sabaody has many fun places. I'll accompany you to play more..."
Vivi shifted slightly away, still ignoring him.
Pell, helpless, had to speak up again,
"No, it's because the construction of Elmar First High School is nearing completion. Her Highness Vivi wants to return before that."
Hearing this, Taro felt even more guilty. He grabbed Vivi's hand. "Regarding the Special Zone, I owe you too much!"
Vivi tried to shake off Taro's hand but failed, feeling somewhat annoyed. "Let go. It's my country. Do I need you to owe me?"
"Uh..." Taro was choked by her words, but he didn't let go. Instead, he clasped her hand with his other hand as well.
"Regarding Elmar's development, I still have some ideas. After you finish filming, I'll discuss them with you in detail!"
Vivi frowned, somewhat skeptical. She knew Taro had already refined the "First Five-Year Plan" multiple times, so it was unlikely there were many omissions.
Seeing Vivi's disbelief, Taro said firmly, "Really!"
A flicker of approval passed through Pell's eyes. He thought: This kid has suddenly become perceptive!
Only then did Vivi give up struggling and nodded gently. "I understand. Now, let go of my hand!"
"Oh, hehe, haha!" Taro reluctantly let go, forcing a few dry laughs.
66GR.
"George, you've worked hard!"
Looking at George's slightly tired face, Taro patted his shoulder.
"I'll be in Sabaody for a while now. Starting from now, you have three days off!"
During this period, George was the only one managing Sabaody Archipelago, arranging everything. The two guys, Sherman and Grant, only knew how to bicker and fight all day, completely useless.
"Ah, Vice Admiral, I'm fine, I don't need..." George was taken aback.
Taro stopped his attempt to salute and said with a smile:
"Mac has also been busy for a long time. Once he finishes this busy period, he'll take a break too. Then it'll be just you holding the fort again. You'll have plenty to keep you busy!"
Only then did George stop refusing. He then said, "Vice Admiral, Vice Admiral Garp left in a hurry. I don't know..."
Taro raised an eyebrow. Has the old man finally couldn't resist going to see Ace?
Thinking of this, he laughed heartily. "Yeah, it's fine, don't worry about it!"
...New World, the Ice-Fire Island Punk Hazard.
"Monet, have you gone mad?"
Caesar's body swelled, his expression extremely distorted, filled with rage.
"Who do you think you are? You're just my assistant! My experiments are of great significance. How could I possibly stop them?"
Monet pushed her thick glasses up onto her forehead, expressionless, not even looking at Caesar, her tone calm.
"The matter of you causing shipwrecks to kidnap those children and secretly conducting Gigantification Experiments is already known to Marine Vice Admiral Taro."
Caesar visibly paused for a moment upon hearing Taro's name, but soon, his fanaticism for his insane experiments overcame his reason. He said sharply, "So what?"
"If you continue these experiments, he will kill you!" Monet said coldly.
Caesar's breath hitched. He stared at Monet for a long time. "How does he know about these things?"
Monet shook her head. "I don't know either."
Caesar frowned, thinking for a moment, a flash of hatred in his eyes. "You told him, didn't you? It must be you! You traitor!"
Hearing the word "traitor," Monet's face instantly turned as cold as ice.
"What nonsense are you talking? Slandering a member of the Donquixote Family, do you truly wish to die?"
Caesar was furious. "In that case, do you dare to contact Joker? If Joker orders me, I can temporarily abandon those experiments. Otherwise, hmph!"
Monet's gaze darkened, and she fell silent.
Seeing this, Caesar became even more convinced Monet was a traitor. A cold, murderous intent surged in his eyes. After a long while, he let out a strange laugh.
"Shurororororo, Monet, the laboratory isn't fully repaired yet. You should understand what the top priority is, right?"
"As for Taro, don't be intimidated by his reputation. Hmph, this is the New World, not a sea where just anyone can spout nonsense!"
After saying this, Caesar paid no more attention to Monet, whose face had grown even more grim. The lower half of his body transformed into Gas and drifted into the lower laboratory.
Once inside the lab, the ferocity in his eyes grew even more violent. He pulled out a den den mushi bearing the C.C. Mark.
"Joker, my assistant Monet has defected to the Marines. She told Taro all about our transactions!"
There was no expected fury from the other end of the line. Instead, Doflamingo laughed heartily.
"Fufufufufu, Caesar, although I still need your technology to complete the transactions, if you insult my family again, I will kill you!"
Seeing Doflamingo's dismissive attitude, Caesar shrieked at the top of his lungs,
"Taro had Monet deliver a message that he'll kill me! Joker, are you going to kill me too?"
On the other end of the den den mushi, Doflamingo was silent for a long time.
"I will verify this matter. If it's not as you say, you will learn the consequences!"
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