Maflindo, Navy Headquarters — Marshal's Office
Several high-ranking figures were seated within the office, all of them prominent figures known throughout the seas. At the center sat the current Navy Marshal, Steel Bone Sora, joined by Admiral Sengoku, Vice Admirals Garp and Tsuru, and the three rising stars of the Navy — Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru, who were future admirals in their own right.
Sora, on the verge of stepping down from his role as Marshal, had just ended a Den Den Mushi call with the World Government. His brows furrowed deeply as he turned toward Sengoku, seated to his right.
"You've all heard by now. The Tenjojin transport was robbed. The Celestial Dragons are furious. Well, it's mostly them — they're enraged that someone dared to treat them so lightly."
"What did they say?" Sengoku asked, his tone heavy.
"The World Government has already dispatched CP agents to investigate," Sora replied grimly. "And they want us to send some of our people to assist."
"How generous of them," Sengoku scoffed. "Anyone below brigadier general can go, but those above can't be spared. The New World's situation is worsening — we don't have the luxury of pulling top officers away."
"Indeed." Sora sighed. "After Roger's death, the New World plunged into chaos. What's left of the Rocks Pirates, and even some of Roger's former crewmates, are stirring things up. The Navy's elite forces are already stretched thin out there."
"The World Government needs to stop indulging every little demand from the Celestial Dragons," Vice Admiral Tsuru said coolly. "Whoever robbed the Tenjojin shipment — it wasn't some common pirate. The timing was too perfect. At the same time the CP units were busy escorting that person to Mariejois, this happens? Suspicious, isn't it?"
"You're right." Sora nodded. "The Five Elders didn't say it directly, but they implied we just need to appear to be investigating for now. Once the New World calms down, they want a full investigation. After all, the Celestial Dragons are the World Government's face — and protecting their face is everything."
Sora turned to Sengoku. "You'll be taking over my post soon. I'll be heading to the World Government shortly. I'll leave this matter in your hands. Understood?"
"Understood." Sengoku nodded and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Let's send Tsuru's recruits. They're young but competent — especially Taotu. We were originally going to assign them to the New World, but it's too dangerous for their age. This mission should be suitable."
"Very well." Sora nodded and immediately picked up the Den Den Mushi to relay the orders.
The conversation shifted after that.
Tsuru spoke again. "The Donquixote Family has been unusually active in the North Blue recently."
"That guy again…" Sora and Sengoku frowned at her words.
"Leave him be for now," Sengoku said. "Given his identity…"
"I know," Tsuru nodded knowingly. She didn't press the topic further.
Strait Town — Mio's Ship
After capturing a rare butterfly, Mio didn't rush to cultivate it. He still lacked the right genes to properly train it.
He planned to find some genes to enhance the butterfly's speed. According to Doflamingo's earlier descriptions, this butterfly was highly suited for support — particularly poisoning, which made it an ideal assassin.
Its poison was difficult to detect, and if he could enhance its speed, it could become a deadly killer. Butterflies could also fly — a trait Mio hoped to preserve through gene fusion, potentially creating a small air combat unit.
After securing the butterfly aboard his ship, Mio left with Erica to return to Strait Town. His current navigation map only covered the North Blue. To head into the Grand Line, he needed a new map and a Log Pose.
Fortunately, as an island near the Reverse Mountain and Grand Line, Strait Town had these items — though they were only functional within the Grand Line itself.
After stocking up on maps and supplies, Mio and Erica returned to the ship.
Warwick was still gone, but Mio wasn't worried. He sat cross-legged on deck and continued practicing.
Two hours later.
Warwick returned.
"Master," he greeted, walking up and sitting cross-legged in front of Mio.
Mio tossed a bottle of rum toward him. "How'd it go?"
Warwick caught the bottle, popped it open, and downed it in one go. A satisfied look crossed his face. "Found it."
"Oh?" Mio's eyes lit up. The corners of his lips curled into a grin. "Where?"
"In the tavern."
Mio raised an eyebrow. "Which tavern, exactly?"
"In the tavern," Warwick repeated, scratching his head innocently.
Mio sighed, holding his forehead. "I know it's in a tavern. But which one? There are tons of taverns here. Do you expect me to check them all one by one?"
Warwick blinked, as if a lightbulb had gone off. He began counting on his fingers. "There are exactly 43 taverns on the island. The person Master is looking for is in the 27th tavern."
"…"
"Fine," Mio said, taking another sip from his bottle and glancing out at the sea. "Where is the 27th tavern?"
"Let's see… enter the town, go straight, turn left, turn left again, turn right, then left again, then go straight, and turn left again. That's where it is."
Mio stared at Warwick in silence.
After a long pause, he stood up, brushing the dust off his pants. "Alright, just lead the way."
There was no way he was going to remember all those turns.
"Okay!" Warwick said cheerfully and stood up to guide him.
Before leaving, Mio turned to Erica and gave her a few simple instructions. Then he followed Warwick toward the town.
The sky was growing darker.
Following Warwick's lead, Mio moved through town and into a narrow alley. On both sides of the alley stood pirates and provocatively dressed women lounging under pink lights.
Eventually, they reached a run-down tavern tucked away at the end of the alley.