On the sea, under Nami's guidance, the Merry began to sail forward at high speed.
At the stern, Genrou watched Gion and Tsuru in the distance with a calm expression.
Thanks to Francis Drake intercepting them, the two had no chance to pursue the Merry for now.
Unless they were willing to abandon the Navy battleships behind them.
When Gion's gaze swept over to Genrou, the corner of his lips lifted slightly, and he raised his right hand, moving his fingers provocatively towards her.
Gion's face turned cold. How could she not understand what Genrou's motion meant? That was clearly the gesture he used to activate Steal on her.
Though furious, Gion was helpless, and could only watch as Genrou grew farther and farther away with the Merry, until he disappeared beyond the horizon.
Meanwhile, elsewhere—
Several hundred meters from the battlefield, a raft floated silently. Standing atop it was a swordsman with a massive black blade on his back.
If Genrou had been here, he would have been shocked that the world's greatest swordsman hadn't left yet.
"How interesting... this Genrou has truly mastered many powers."
"What a pity. If he focused purely on swordsmanship, he could become even stronger with the blade."
"But with someone like him teaching, Zoro will progress much faster."
"And that Straw Hat brat... I wonder what Shanks would think, knowing Genrou is by his side."
Hawkeye gazed with interest in the direction where the Merry had vanished, then looked at Gion and Tsuru being blocked by Francis Drake, and turned away, paddling his raft towards the distance.
...
Half an hour later, Marine Headquarters.
Marshal's Office.
Sengoku was buried in piles of paperwork when the Den Den Mushi suddenly rang, startling him.
Pushing up his glasses, he set down the files and answered.
Soon, a voice he knew well came from the other end.
"Sengoku, it's me, Tsuru."
"Ah, Tsuru-chan, calling at this hour... don't tell me you've already captured Genrou and the Straw Hats?"
"...Unfortunately, we haven't captured Genrou or Luffy's crew. Moreover, we may not be able to continue pursuing them for now."
"Hmm? Why? Did the operation cause severe losses?"
"You could say that. Our battleships have been destroyed. It will take some time to secure suitable replacements. Also, I... don't think we can capture Genrou with just us."
"That coming from you, Tsuru... what happened over there?"
"It's like this..."
Tsuru took a deep breath and explained in detail how Genrou fought Hawkeye, then fought them, Usopp awakening Haoshoku no Haki (Conqueror's Haki), Francis Drake's sudden appearance, and how Drake's fleet destroyed their battleships mid-battle.
The more Sengoku listened, the more uneasy he felt. Before long, his brows had furrowed into a single line.
"So Genrou fought evenly with Hawkeye..."
"And after that, still fought you two for such a long time."
"He can turn invisible, and uses troublesome poisons?!"
"And then he called in this Francis Drake, an extremely dangerous woman."
"This woman commands a fleet with firepower surpassing a Buster Call?!"
"And Yasopp's son... he was strong enough to intimidate your Marines, even using a decent Haoshoku no Haki?"
"And Garp's grandson showed impressive strength as well."
"Tsuru, are you sure you're not joking with me?"
After a long silence, Sengoku asked, organizing his thoughts.
"Sengoku, do you think I would joke about something like this?"
Tsuru replied calmly.
"...You're right, my mistake. But this makes the Straw Hat Pirates even more dangerous."
"And Francis Drake... to have a fleet that can dive underwater and even fly, and with some unclear relationship to Genrou."
"These people need higher bounties placed on them immediately."
"Tsuru, rest for now."
"Once you're ready, I want you to cooperate with Garp."
"If the Straw Hat Pirates appear in Loguetown, capture them at all costs. We cannot allow such dangerous people to enter the Grand Line."
Sengoku said gravely.
"Understood. I will do my best to reach Loguetown, though I can't guarantee I'll make it in time."
"After these two encounters, I doubt Genrou would be foolish enough to wait around for us to arrive with new ships."
Tsuru said, glancing at their wrecked battleships strewn across the sea.
Fortunately for Tsuru, though the ships were destroyed, they hadn't suffered heavy casualties.
Those struck by Genrou's poison arrows had been cured thanks to her Woshu Woshu no Mi (Wash-Wash Fruit) ability.
"Do your best, Tsuru. I'll also inform Garp of the situation."
"That guy, if he gets serious, should be able to capture Genrou at least."
Sengoku said. After confirming some details with Tsuru, he ended the call and immediately dialed Garp.
Meanwhile, aboard the Merry—
"Nami, we're clear. No Navy ships behind us."
Usopp jumped down from the crow's nest and gave Nami an 'OK' sign.
Hearing this, Nami let out a long sigh of relief.
"Thank goodness... I thought we were done for."
She patted her chest, still feeling her heart racing from earlier.
"Shishishishi, we got lucky. Good thing Genrou called in Drake. Her ship was amazing."
Luffy laughed loudly, completely carefree.
"Speaking of Drake-san... is it really okay to leave her behind?"
"What if she gets captured?"
Sanji walked over with a large tray of rice balls, asking worriedly.
"Don't worry, Sanji. Francis Drake is a Heroic Spirit summoned by Genrou."
"Even if she falls in battle, she'll just return to the Throne of Heroes. As long as Genrou wishes it, he can summon her again."
Usopp grabbed two rice balls, stuffing them into his mouth as he explained.
"Heroic Spirit? Throne of Heroes? I've been wondering since earlier, what exactly is a Heroic Spirit?"
Sanji picked up two rice balls and walked over to Genrou, who was sitting with eyes closed at the ship's edge.
"Thanks, Sanji."
Genrou accepted the rice balls and immediately ate one, replenishing his strength.
"In general, Heroic Spirits are those whose great deeds have been recorded in legends after their deaths, becoming objects of faith and worship."
"The Throne of Heroes is where such beings reside."
"Don't look so shocked, Sanji. You're right, Francis Drake is from the past."
"But don't worry. I still owe her a banquet, so I'll summon her again."
"When that time comes, I'll be counting on your best cooking to welcome her."
(End of Chapter)
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