Carl did not return to Marine Headquarters but instead headed straight for Mary Geoise.
Inside the Figarland family's training hall, Garling swung his sword, releasing a powerful slash that instantly cleaved a block of Seastone in two. The cut was smooth as a mirror.
He ran his hand along the blade of his sword, crimson sparks crackling across its surface. Slowly lowering his stance, he sheathed the sword at his waist and assumed a battōjutsu posture.
Feeling the rhythm of his own breathing, a red gleam flickered in Garling's eyes. In the next moment, his blade arced from its sheath, unleashing a red, circular slash that expanded outward.
Wherever the sword aura passed, the Seastone targets scattered around were sliced cleanly in half, as if they were mere blocks of tofu.
Buzz!
A dark vortex appeared out of thin air, and Carl stepped through.
The instant he emerged, the red slash was already reflected in his pupils.
Carl raised an eyebrow. In a flash, the cursed blade Muramasa appeared in his hand. Holding it vertically before his chest, he resisted the oncoming attack. The friction produced a grating noise that sent shivers down one's spine, but ultimately, he managed to block the strike until it dissipated.
Garling leisurely sheathed his sword, placing a hand on his hip as he looked at Carl with a faint smile.
Carl allowed Muramasa to dissolve into a streak of black light, then spread his hands and said,
"Uncle Garling, that was really close just now. I almost got sliced in two by you."
Garling let out a chuckle and replied, "Don't copy that Borsalino guy with his sarcastic tone. That level of attack isn't enough to threaten you."
During Carl's twenty-two years of slumber, Kizaru and Akainu had visited often, and over time, Garling had grown somewhat familiar with them.
He quite appreciated Akainu's character. As for Kizaru…
Well, at least he was polite, strong, and had a unique presence.
Since Kizaru also specialized in swordsmanship, Garling had once sparred with him. Throughout the duel, Kizaru constantly murmured, "So scary…" leaving a lasting impression on Garling.
Carl couldn't help but smirk at the thought of Kizaru's face.
"He's an interesting guy, don't you think, Uncle Garling?"
Garling nodded, snapped his fingers, and immediately, a group of servants entered in an orderly fashion. They carried elegant tables and chairs, setting them up before arranging tea and pastries.
Given Garling's training regimen, such luxuries were only permitted once his session concluded.
A servant knelt before Garling, holding a basin of water. Without so much as a glance, Garling dipped his hands in, rinsed them, then took a seat and sipped his tea.
Meanwhile, other servants knelt before Carl, awaiting his instructions. He merely waved them off with a casual "You may go." The servants rose without standing fully upright, backing out of the training hall before quietly shutting the doors behind them.
Everything was executed seamlessly and naturally.
With the servants gone, only Garling and Carl remained in the hall.
Carl took a seat opposite Garling, picked up a cup, and took a sip of tea.
"Uncle Garling, can you guess what I was just doing?"
Garling crossed his arms and scrutinized Carl. "You just had a battle, didn't you? You reek of bloodlust."
Carl chuckled. "As expected of you, Uncle Garling. Nothing escapes you."
"Spare me the flattery. What I do want to know is who managed to provoke such killing intent from you. Was it that loose end, Blackbeard? Does he even qualify?"
"Of course not. It was Joy Boy."
The moment Carl mentioned Joy Boy, Garling's expression turned serious. He leaned forward slightly.
"Joy Boy has returned? Is this related to Garp's grandson?"
Carl nodded. "This time, he fought me using Monkey D. Luffy's body. It was clear that he couldn't fully unleash his power yet. Plus, he was holding back to protect Luffy's crewmates. So, from start to finish, I had the upper hand."
Garling furrowed his brows. "This Monkey D. Luffy… And in the end? Even if he wasn't at full power, Joy Boy wouldn't have been that easy to kill."
"Indeed. In the end, Imu used some kind of weapon to erase Joy Boy along with Egghead Island. I searched the surrounding waters afterward but found no trace of him. That said, I have a feeling he's still alive."
Garling narrowed his eyes. "He's existed for eight hundred years, after all. He must have some hidden means of survival. As for that weapon you mentioned…"
He paused before murmuring, "It must be the strongest of the Ancient Weapons—Uranus. During your slumber, Vegapunk once reported to me that the Five Elders had ordered him to develop a powerful energy source. I suspected it was meant to activate Uranus. Roger's battle against you must have made Imu feel threatened by the Nika Fruit."
Carl pondered for a moment before muttering, "So it really was Uranus… The power of the Ancient Weapons is truly no exaggeration. Now that we've secured Poseidon, that just leaves Pluton."
Garling gave Carl a knowing look. "Carl, don't tell me you plan to claim Pluton for yourself too?"
Carl smirked. "Of course. Such weapons shouldn't be left loose in the world."
"You're not wrong. Speaking of Pluton, Spandam has reported some intel on it."
He paused, then shot Carl a meaningful glance.
"Carl, as your uncle, I must admit—your subordinates are quite capable, and not just in combat."
Carl chuckled and shook his head.
Garling continued, "Spandam currently leads CP5 and has a few competent subordinates. According to his intelligence…"
Carl raised a hand. "Uncle Garling, I already know about Spandam's situation."
Hearing this, Garling didn't elaborate further. Carl had always handled matters reliably.
Carl tapped his fingers against the armrest, contemplating Pluton.
During his twenty-two years of slumber, history had seemingly continued along its original trajectory. Even though the Straw Hats hadn't met Robin, they still reached Water 7, leading to Franky joining them.
Franky had read Pluton's blueprints. But now that Carl had killed him, the only remaining person who had seen them was Iceburg.
Beyond that, there was also an actual, existing Pluton—and Carl knew exactly where it was.
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+240 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg