Kane looked like an elder earnestly teaching juniors—
Patiently lecturing the three young pirates on how to become a "qualified rookie"…
—no, a qualified pirate.
The entire place fell silent.
Even Bogey and the Marines stood there, dumbfounded.
"I will become the Pirate King!"
Monkey D. Luffy declared firmly.
"And when that happens—I'll beat you!"
"Good! That's the spirit!"
Kane wasn't angry at all.
Instead
He looked pleased.
Ah… the rookie is growing.
But—
Roronoa Zoro and Sanji remained silent.
Kane's expression darkened instantly.
"Did you see that?!"
"Your captain has that kind of resolve!"
"And you two?! Why are you silent?!"
His roar startled both of them.
Their faces flushed with anger.
"One day—I'll cut you down!"
"I'll kick you flying!"
"Good! Very good!"
"Looks like my teaching wasn't wasted."
"But next time—prepare your own money."
"Making someone else pay for you is just pathetic."
At that moment—
Zeff walked in, carrying a heavy chest.
He dropped it on the ground—
With a dull, heavy thud.
Kane turned his head and stopped his "lecture."
He was satisfied enough.
"Not bad."
"Seems this restaurant makes good money."
"I brought the money," Zeff said.
"I hope you'll keep your word."
"Of course."
"I'm a Marine of justice."
"How could I go back on my word?"
Everyone silently cursed him.
Justice? You?
But no one dared say it out loud.
"Alright then."
"That settles it."
"We'll be leaving."
"Wish your business prosperity."
Everyone twitched.
They just wanted this lunatic gone.
But Kane suddenly spoke again—
"Oh right."
"Where's Don Krieg?"
"I remember he was here."
Zeff's eyes widened.
"How do you know?!"
"Why wouldn't I?" Kane replied calmly.
"Bogey—go drag him out."
"He's worth over ten million Beli."
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
No one dared object.
Kane turned and walked away—
Taking the money with him.
Back on the Warship
Kane was in a great mood.
One trip—
300 million Beli earned.
"Looks like I was a bit stupid before…"
"If I'd done this earlier…"
"I'd have over 10 billion by now."
Meanwhile — Baratie
"Damn that Marine…" Sanji muttered.
"Enough," Zeff said suddenly.
"The fact we're alive is already good enough."
Everyone looked at him.
"Didn't you notice something?"
"That Marine…"
"His right arm was bandaged."
"A fresh wound."
"And from the beginning—his goal was very clear."
They froze.
"Think about what Dracule Mihawk said earlier."
Everyone's eyes widened.
Because Mihawk had mentioned—
He had just fought a Marine veteran.
A veteran.
Injured.
With a clear objective.
Everything—
Lined up.
"…That Marine…"
"Was he the dragon that fought Mihawk?!" Sanji said in disbelief.
"So that's it…" Zoro's expression grew serious.
"No wonder he's that strong."
"A dragon?"
Usopp asked nervously.
"Most likely a Devil Fruit ability," Sanji said, lighting a cigarette.
"That's the only explanation."
"In the entire East Blue…"
"There shouldn't be anyone capable of injuring a Headquarters Vice Admiral."
Zeff added.
"So strong?" Sanji frowned.
"No."
"Not all Vice Admirals are like him."
"He's an exception."
That explanation finally eased everyone a bit.
If all Vice Admirals were like that—
They might as well give up being pirates.
"…What dragon?" Luffy asked, still confused.
Everyone looked at him
"Luffy… the one who fought Mihawk…"
"That Marine… it was him."
Usopp still looked shaken.
Luffy finally reacted—
His eyes widened.
"Ohhh—so it was him!"
Everyone collapsed.
Meanwhile — Across the World
A shocking piece of news spread rapidly.
In the weakest sea—
East Blue—
A terrifying battle had erupted.
One side: Dracule Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman.
The other: An unknown powerhouse.
Identity: Unknown.
But one thing was certain—
He stood at the "peak of the world"".
According to witnesses—
Their clash split the sky.
Created massive waves.
And a blazing dragon unleashed overwhelming power—
Even Mihawk was injured.
The world was shaken.
Holy Land — Mariejois
Mariejois
Inside—
The Five Elders gathered.
"What do you think about this mysterious figure in East Blue?" one asked
"It's highly likely… a Marine," another replied.
"To possess such strength…"
"His Devil Fruit must be developed to the extreme."
"And this fruit…"
"Has never appeared before."
"Most likely a Mythical Zoan."
"Troublesome…"
"In any case—he's a Marine."
"Mihawk seemed to recognize him."
"We'll know his identity soon."
"Leave it for now."
"More urgent matters remain."
"The Revolutionary Army has begun moving."
"…The D. clan."
"They're always troublesome."