North Blue, Germa Empire.
As a massive shadow descended from the sky, a slightly nervous expression appeared on Vinsmoke Judge's face.
Half a year had passed since the Donquixote Family's extermination of Flevance.
Jake now stood aboard the Ark Maxim, calmly observing the Germa Empire below, composed of giant snail battleships.
Beside him stood Monet, draped in a Justice cloak with a gentle expression and Sugar, who leaned against the railing, peering curiously at the ground below.
"Jake, Dr. Vegapunk did tell you—try not to lay hands on Vinsmoke Judge. His research abilities are quite impressive. If we can get him to serve the Marines, it would significantly boost our overall combat strength."
Monet's voice was even more gentler than it had been half a year ago.
"Don't worry, Monet. I'm not here to fight Vinsmoke Judge this time—just for a business deal. All he wants is to restore his family's glory, and there's no single right way to do that. For many, achieving peak prestige alone counts as revival."
"I'll go down first to negotiate with that guy. You take care of steering the Maxim, Rosinante."
Hearing Jake's words, Rosinante smiled slightly before adding.
"Can I bring that brat Law along? He's been pestering me nonstop to tag along."
"Sure, just don't blow up the workshop."
With a laugh, Jake's body transformed into a dazzling flash of golden lightning, vanishing from the deck in an instant.
Sugar stared wide-eyed at the spot where Jake had disappeared, her eyes sparkling with admiration as she gushed.
"Wow! No matter how many times I see it, Jake's movement ability is always so cool! I wish I could do that~"
Monet sighed helplessly at Sugar's starstruck expression.
"Sugar, you've said that at least a hundred times already. Come on, go train your Six Styles. If you fail Zephyr's evaluation later, you'll be in trouble!"
Sugar, however, wasn't worried at all and grinned cheekily.
"Nuh-uh! Sis, you have no idea how much Zephyr-sensei adores me. If I just pout a little, Zephyr-sensei would never scolds me~"
Monet had no rebuttal—just as Sugar said, Zephyr doted on her as if she were his own granddaughter.
If not for his concern that Sugar might face danger someday, Zephyr might not have been so strict about her training.
But it also had to do with Sugar's abilities.
With the Hobby-Hobby Fruit's overpowered power, she'd likely never be assigned dangerous solo missions in her lifetime.
Beyond that, Sugar's mischievous and lively personality brought a splash of color to Zephyr's otherwise monotonous later years.
Or perhaps it was just that elderly people had an inexplicable soft spot for children—within days, Zephyr had already come to see Sugar as his own flesh and blood.
Maybe it stemmed from guilt over his lost children, but Zephyr's indulgence toward Sugar left even Kizaru dumbfounded.
After all, back in their student days, he had been the one Zephyr disciplined the most.
Every time he saw Zephyr's gentle demeanor toward Sugar, Kizaru couldn't help but recall the painful memories of being pummeled by a ferocious-looking Zephyr in his youth.
.....
Meanwhile, as the golden lightning descended, Vinsmoke Judge regarded the man who had dominated newspaper headlines for nearly a year with a faint smile.
"Rear Admiral Jake, it's an honor. This is the Kingdom of Germa. May I ask the purpose of your visit?"
To Judge's question, Jake responded courteously.
"Thank you for your warm hospitality, Judge-sama. However, the purpose of our visit may not bring you joy. According to the mission assigned to us by the World Government, we are here to dismantle your plans to annihilate the other three nations."
Upon hearing this, a faint chill appeared on Vinsmoke Judge's face.
He looked at Jake, his voice noticeably colder than before.
"Rear Admiral Jake, certain words shouldn't be spoken so recklessly. We require concrete evidence—absolute proof of my crimes."
Jake responded with firm resolve.
"Vinsmoke Judge-sama, often I'm merely the messenger. Those who truly wish to say these words to you don't need any justification to convict you. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
As Jake spoke, realization dawned on Vinsmoke Judge.
He stared at Jake, his voice suddenly tinged with madness.
"If that's the case, does your visit mean you're preparing for all-out war with us?!"
While speaking, Vinsmoke Judge drew a lightning-wrapped spear from his back.
"To oppose me, you'd need at least two Elite Marine Headquarters Vice Admirals! A greenhorn like you has only come here to die!"
Jake was somewhat taken aback by Vinsmoke Judge's sudden aggression.
After all, the man was a scientist—his mind shouldn't be this irrational.
It was clear that Jake's purpose wasn't to engage in battle, yet Judge's current demeanor might escalate things if left unchecked.
To prevent that, Jake slightly raised his hand.
Golden Holy Light transformed into chains that bound Vinsmoke Judge's body instantly.
No matter how fiercely Judge struggled, the golden chains remained unbroken.
After six months of training, Jake's combat abilities now far surpassed those of most Marine Headquarters Vice Admirals—except for exceptionally strong ones like Garp.
Were it not for his insufficient merits for promotion, Jake would already be a Vice Admiral.
As for Vinsmoke Judge, most of his power came from genetic modifications.
Since his technology hadn't yet reached the level seen in the original story, he stood no chance against Jake.
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