Vane had stayed aboard the Moby Dick for several hours, only leaving when night finally fell.
Whitebeard had suggested sparring with him, but Vane refused with a smile. To him, there was no point in fighting without reason.
"Interesting brat," Whitebeard chuckled, leaning back in his massive chair, eyes closing as though drifting into a nap.
Ace walked up to him, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Pops, who's stronger, you or him? I could feel it—the power he gave off was terrifying."
"Of course, Oyaji is the strongest!" one of the captains interjected without hesitation.
For the Whitebeard Pirates, there was no doubt. To them, Whitebeard was the world's strongest man, and always would be.
But Whitebeard chuckled softly, opening one eye. "No… I feel that boy may already be stronger."
The words hit the crew like a thunderclap. Even Ace froze in disbelief. Their father, the man who shook the seas, admitting such a thing?
Whitebeard's grin widened. "This era no longer belongs to me. My sons, all I want… is for you to stand tall on the stage of the new world."
…
At midnight, Vane returned quietly to his residence in the Flower Capital of Wano.
"You're back?"
The soft voice came from the shadows. Even in the dark, Gion stirred from her sleep, sensing his presence. Though her eyes were half-closed with drowsiness, she instantly knew it was him.
Vane had been away for quite some time. During his absence, life in Wano had become quiet, almost peaceful. Yet for Gion and the others, the days without him had felt dull and uneventful.
That peace was often interrupted by visitors. Especially by Kozuki Hiyori, who had taken to appearing frequently.
The next morning, as expected, she arrived again.
Neither Gion nor the others were surprised. Everyone knew what Hiyori wanted. Her intentions toward Vane were no secret. There were few women in Wano who didn't find themselves drawn to him.
With Wano now opening its borders, the land was changing. Streams of information and culture from the outside world flowed in, gradually reshaping it. The reforms led by Hiyori were accelerating the process. She carried on her father Kozuki Oden's dream—to open Wano and lead it into a new age.
Vane observed the progress from a distance. He wasn't particularly concerned with the politics of it all. To him, it was simply repayment for Hiyori's efforts. She was capable, far more than many gave her credit for. True, much of her authority was propped up by his reputation, by the fear of "God Falls." But she wielded that power well.
"My lord, what do you think?" Hiyori asked as they walked through the Flower Capital together. Construction was everywhere. Old wooden buildings were being replaced or renovated, their designs influenced by the world beyond Wano. Even the people had changed. Hairstyles, clothing, the little details of daily life—all of it was shifting to match the outside world.
Vane's gaze flicked to her. She wore a white tailored jacket and skirt, her legs sheathed in black stockings, her hair styled neatly. She carried herself with poise, radiating both elegance and temptation. Her beauty was the kind that could topple kingdoms, a dangerous allure sharpened by cunning. Unlike women of simpler hearts, Hiyori was skilled at strategy and manipulation, weaving charm into power.
"Not bad," Vane said calmly, his tone neutral.
But her eyes searched his face, probing for a deeper reaction.
"Recently, a man named Doflamingo came," Hiyori continued, lowering her voice. "He claimed to be your partner. He's been shipping large amounts of goods into Wano. Do you know him?"
Vane smirked faintly. "I know him. From now on, just accept whatever he brings. It's free."
"Free?" Her brows lifted slightly. "That's… generous."
"He's a good businessman," Vane replied smoothly.
In truth, Donquixote Doflamingo was a tool. Wealth was not his concern. His influence ran deep, spanning both the underworld and legitimate trade. Few in the world could match his financial power, perhaps only the Golden Emperor Tesoro. For someone like him, charging Vane was unthinkable.
"He wanted to meet you," Hiyori said. "But you weren't here."
"Oh?" Vane's eyebrow lifted. He hadn't expected Doflamingo to come in person. With Kaido still looming over Onigashima, he thought the man would keep his distance.
The truth was, Doflamingo had hesitated for a long time before making the trip. His fear of Kaido was real. But in his mind, the arrangement with Vane was different—it was about building Wano, Vane's domain. His dealings with Kaido centered on SMILE, the artificial Devil Fruits. Two separate partnerships, two different games.
Still, for Doflamingo to come himself meant he was willing to gamble.
Vane's expression didn't change, but in his heart he found it amusing. A man like Doflamingo would always dance on the edge of risk.