"We came here because we heard that a thief stole some confidential information from the Navy," Marco explained. "It's supposedly connected to a research project of some kind. We don't know the exact details, but word is the thief escaped here—so we came to take a look. After all, this island is part of our territory."
Beckman frowned, rubbing his chin."That must be important information. Otherwise, they wouldn't have sent an admiral personally."
Anna, watching the two men think it over, couldn't help whispering,"So it's about scientific research, huh? That explains why the Navy came all this way. And Beckman's right—if a full admiral got dispatched, it must be something serious. But… I haven't seen any suspicious people around lately. Maybe that thief hasn't reached our island yet."
Marco reached out and ruffled her hair gently."Don't worry about those things. Since we're already here, let's focus on something more important—seeing how much you've learned from our training."
Anna's eyes widened in panic. She turned on her heel, ready to bolt—but Marco was faster. He caught her by the collar, lifting her slightly off the ground."Anna," he said, voice darkly amused, "where do you think you're going?"
Izo laughed softly behind him."Alright, Marco, don't scare the poor thing. But still, it's been a while, hasn't it? Anna, how have you been practicing what we taught you?"
"Uh, how about we do the test another day?" Anna said quickly, her eyes darting left and right. "I mean, we were just talking about something super important! There's an admiral coming, and the seas nearby could be dangerous—"
"Nice try." Marco's smirk deepened. "Don't change the subject. We'll test your progress in the tavern's backyard. Now."
Anna groaned dramatically and slumped against the counter."Ughh, Marco, my head still hurts from last night. You can't seriously expect me to fight with a hangover!"
Shanks burst out laughing and slapped the table."Pfft—hahaha! Oh, that kills me! So much for serious business."
The tense atmosphere dissolved completely into laughter.
Beckman, massaging his temple, tried to steer things back on track."Anyway… Marco, that intel—did it come from the Whitebeard Pirates' network? I've got some info too. Someone placed a massive bounty on the black market recently, looking for a thief who broke into a Navy base. Could it be related?"
"Could be," Marco replied, still holding Anna by the collar as she squirmed. "We also caught wind of something similar—someone definitely accepted that job. But we don't know who. If anyone does, it'd be Joker. He's probably the only one with the full details."
Beckman nodded."Yeah, in the underground world, there's nothing he doesn't know. Still, if this doesn't involve either of our crews directly, there's no reason for us to interfere."
"Of course," Marco said evenly. "Our priority is always the Whitebeard Pirates' interests. But honestly, I doubt this incident has anything to do with us. This trip is mainly because Anna invited us—to taste her new wine…" He looked at her meaningfully, "…and to test her progress. So, Anna, stop trying to sneak away."
As if on cue, Anna made another desperate attempt to slip free. Without a word, Marco bonked her lightly on the head."Ouch! That hurts, Marco!" she protested, rubbing her scalp. "Fine, fine! I'll go change into my training clothes first. Wait for me downstairs!"
The moment he loosened his grip, Anna bolted upstairs like lightning.
Marco exhaled a long, weary sigh."This troublesome little girl…"
"Hahaha! Come on, Marco, let her off for today," Shanks said cheerfully, slinging an arm over his shoulder. "She's still recovering from last night's drinking spree. My head's pounding too."
Marco shot him a look."The more unstable things get around here, the less we can afford to spoil her. Discipline is for her own good."
He took a slow sip of coffee, eyes never leaving the staircase.
Izo smiled faintly."I'll go check on her. Otherwise, who knows how long she'll take." He chuckled softly and headed upstairs.
He knocked gently on Anna's door."Anna, you ready? Want your big brother to help you braid your hair?"
From inside came the rustling of clothes and Anna's muffled voice."Almost done, Brother Izo! Just a second!"
When she finally opened the door, her hair was a wild, tangled mess.
Izo blinked, then sighed in amusement. "Honestly, what am I going to do with you?" He gently guided her to sit before the mirror."Anna, you really can't keep showing up looking like this."
Anna giggled."Then I'll have to trouble you, Mother Izo~"
The comb froze mid-stroke. Izo tapped her lightly on the head."Mother, huh? Keep teasing me and I'll make your hair a bird's nest."
"Hehe, even if you did, it'd still look pretty—because you did it," she teased.
Izo's lips twitched."Flattery won't save you, brat. And stop calling me that. I'm a man, you know."
If anyone else had called Izo "Mom," they'd probably have been shot on the spot. But this girl—his little apprentice—was his soft spot. All he could do was sigh and keep braiding.
"There. All done," he said, patting her shoulder.
"I already said that no matter how you do it, I'll love it," Anna said brightly, glancing in the mirror before bounding to her feet. She dashed for the door before Izo could hand her the small hair ornament he'd been holding.
He stood there, smiling faintly as he tucked the accessory back into his pocket. Watching her vanish down the hall, he couldn't help but wonder,Is my brother in Wano as happy as I am right now?
"I'm not running away this time, Marco!" Anna declared proudly as she reappeared downstairs, chin lifted high.
"Oh really?" Marco replied coolly, taking a slow sip of coffee. "Then who was that little girl sprinting away earlier?"
"Let's go! Let's go to the backyard right now!" Anna snapped, puffing her cheeks in defiance. Marco's calm, slightly mocking tone—and those dead-fish eyes—were enough to reignite her fire.
"Alright then," Marco said, standing up and stretching. "Let's go, Anna."
As soon as he headed for the back door, Shanks and the others exchanged grins and followed. None of them wanted to miss the show.