That day, Creed, Redfield, and Falkor seized a warship from Impel Down and slipped away from the Navy's pursuit with ease.
But after two days of peaceful sailing, Redfield suddenly fell ill.
Creed wasn't a skilled doctor, but with the Ope Ope no Mi, he wasn't panicked. Using its powers to examine Redfield's body, he discovered the truth—his organs were failing. His body was at its limit, like a bow drawn too long, about to snap.
Though Redfield was still incredibly strong, decades of torment in Impel Down's dungeons had eroded even his monstrous vitality. Creed suspected their earlier duel had also burned through much of his remaining strength.
In the original timeline, Redfield still had energy to break out during the Impel Down riot years later. But now…
"Room."
Creed summoned a small sphere of spatial energy, enveloping Redfield's abdomen.
Ope Ope no Mi: Healing Surgery.
It soothed his condition slightly but was only temporary—mere symptom relief.
"Didn't expect these old bones to finally give out… seems I'll disappoint your expectations."
Revived a little, Redfield still apologized. For the first time in decades, he had found a partner worth trusting with his back. To sail the seas beside Creed and chase glory once more would have been worthwhile. But fate had other plans.
"We'll head to the New World. I'll find that Devil Fruit I mentioned. It won't just heal you—it'll restore your prime."
Creed's eyes were firm.
"A Devil Fruit… that miraculous?"
Redfield could hardly believe it. He knew of the fruit only as a legend, a mysterious ability that warped reality itself. That it could restore him to his peak seemed like resurrection—too outrageous.
"You'll see."
Creed didn't elaborate. He knew what awaited.
Marineford, Fleet Admiral's office.
Sengoku, Garp, Zephyr, Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru were present. The atmosphere was heavy.
"Oi oi, say something already. Look at me! That brat Creed beat me half to death. Doesn't respect his elders at all. Garp, he's your grandson—you're not giving me some kind of compensation?"
Kizaru, wrapped in bandages and sprawled on the sofa, groaned dramatically. When ignored, he turned to Sengoku:
"Marshal, I want half a year off! I need to recover these old bones… gotta visit that specialist on Sabaody… er, I mean a doctor!"
Sengoku ignored him, glancing at Garp.
The old hero munched on rice crackers, muttering clearly:
"Don't ask me. I've already filed my resignation. Once I finish handing things off, I'll just train rookies. No more of this Navy–World Government mess."
"Same here." Zephyr added. "Sakazuki and Kuzan are stronger than ever. Time for us old men to step back."
Creed's escape from Impel Down, his victory over Kizaru, and freeing Redfield had enraged the Gorosei. They bypassed Kong, the Supreme Commander, and ordered Sengoku directly: mobilize the Navy's greatest power to join forces with the World Government and hunt Creed down.
Faced with that, Garp and Zephyr both washed their hands of it. They would not be the ones sent against Creed.
Sengoku's gaze swept past them and settled on the three Admirals.
"Don't look at me, I'm injured!" Kizaru raised his bandaged hands in protest.
"I'll go." Akainu stood immediately, without hesitation.
"Not afraid of losing?" Kizaru teased. "That brat is strong enough now. You might not win."
Akainu's glare silenced him. "I'm not you, Borsalino."
Sengoku cut in quickly before things escalated. "Enough. It's settled. Sakazuki, prepare to depart. Special arrangements will be made."
New World. G-5 Branch.
After Virgo's exposure as a traitor, command had passed to Vice Admiral Issho, assisted by Ain and Allen.
With orders to keep a low profile—especially after angering Big Mom and Kaido—the branch had gone quiet. Yet morale wasn't crushed.
That day, Allen, Jimmy, and others from the old G-K branch cheered in the training yard, waving a newspaper.
The front page was dominated by the photo of a striking young man.
Allen shook his head in admiration:
"Boss is unstoppable. In and out of Impel Down like it was nothing. Not even Chief Warden Magellan or Admiral Kizaru could stop him! He even blew off the top layer of the prison!"
"His bounty's 3 billion now. Was Roger's ever that high?"
"Don't think so."
A light cough silenced them. They straightened instantly.
"Commander!"
Issho walked in. He had once repelled Jack to protect them. Their respect was absolute.
"CPO envoys will arrive today. Be on your best behavior."
Gasps spread.
"CPO? Above CP9? Directly under the Celestial Dragons? What are they doing here in the New World?"
"Could it be about Creed…?"
Issho coughed again, dispersing the chatter. The soldiers scattered.
Unlike them, Issho knew the truth: the CPO weren't here for Creed. They were hunting a Devil Fruit of heaven-defying power.
If necessary, the G-5 Branch would be ordered to give full support.
And leading the CPO unit was a true giant—one whose strength rivaled an Admiral.
(End of Chapter)
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