One Piece : Admiral Falcon is Pissed off again today!

"Why would someone from Wano Country appear in the East Blue?"

"For now, there's only one possible explanation: they might have followed an old acquaintance there."

Michael shook his head.

If he explained this in too much detail, it would surely arouse suspicion.

Knowing about major events was one thing, but being overly familiar with personal histories would seem strange.

Shimotsuki Kozaburo left Wano during its isolation—perhaps in pursuit of Shimotsuki Furiko, the elder sister of Shimotsuki Ushimaru.

And who was Shimotsuki Furiko?

She was the grandmother of Roronoa Zoro—the Straw Hat Pirates' worst navigator, disciple of the world's greatest swordsman, one of the Worst Generation and a swordsman of the Straw Hat Pirates—the green-haired moss-head himself!

"Regardless, the East Blue is incredibly resource-rich and the control exerted by various factions there is relatively weak. Without a doubt, it's the most suitable among the four seas to serve as a base."

"Moreover, there are plenty of places in the East Blue similar to the Sorbet Kingdom."

"As a native of the East Blue, you should know this better than I do, right, Dragon?"

Dragon's expression darkened as he nodded.

"Now that everyone understands our true objective, as Chief of Staff, I'm issuing a new directive."

"Starting today, Olvia, you will select a group of relatively literate individuals to join you in leading the Revolutionary Army's literacy campaign!"

"If there aren't enough suitable candidates, make a trip to Alabasta. Dr. Clover and the others have already established themselves there."

"W-wait a minute!" Ginny suddenly panicked. "You mean, aside from combat training, we also have to…?"

"That's right! Cultural studies too!"

At this point, Michael grew visibly excited.

His pristine Wings unfurled, casting gentle Holy light over everyone, filling them with warmth.

But the grin on his face was downright devilish.

In contrast, everyone's hearts turned ice-cold.

A bunch of people in their twenties—having to go back to school!?

"Listen up, all of you!"

"Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun, but culture and civilization are what sustain it!"

"I will kill all of you, If you become the next Celestial Dragons after we overthrow the World Government out of ignorance!"

Michael's voice was stern, his eyes brimming with chilling killing intent.

Instantly, everyone knew…

The Chief of Staff was dead serious.

****

"Michael, where have you been these days?"

"Where could I go? I just found some deserted island to train, that's all." Michael answered Gion's inquiry with a straight face, spinning his tale without a hint of guilt.

"You know I don't want my fruit abilities becoming public knowledge too soon, nor do I want the Celestial Dragons tracking my movements... They'd probably jump at the chance to send those CP0 agents after me, right?"

Michael shrugged.

Truth be told, the latter part was just bullshit.

Stussy definitely hadn't reported their encounter.

The Celestial Dragons were probably still fuming in frustration.

"Is that so? Were you really just training?"

"If you went somewhere like the Pleasure District, you're dead! I'll absolutely report you to the Marines' Internal Affairs!"

"Well, you see, ever since the SWORD was established, Internal Affairs lost jurisdiction over conduct issues involving captains and above—it's all been transferred here." Michael pointed at his own nose with a grin.

"Meaning if you want to report me, you'll have to call my Den Den Mushi."

Gion opened her mouth, but could only manage one word...

"Shameless!"

"Thank you."

After their little back-and-forth, Gion began telling Michael about what the members of the SWORD had been up to during his absence.

However, as Gion described the events, Michael kept wiping cold sweat from his forehead.

Those damn kids went after pirates!

To be honest, as Marines, there was absolutely nothing wrong with them hunting pirates!

But as the saying goes, one should act within their means!

Goddammit, those brats were fishing in the sea and ended up catching the biggest great white shark!

Yesterday, after successfully pursuing a group of pirates and commandeering their ship to return to Sabaody Archipelago, they encountered a small, single-person sail boat along the way.

According to Stella's description to Gion, it was a boat that looked like a coffin.

On it sat a pale, clean-shaven man with an expressionless face.

Her memory froze at the sight of those furious, hawk-like eyes.

And an enormous black blade.

Apparently, Rosinante and T-Bone had to carry those unlucky Devil Fruit users all the way back while swimming.

After hearing this, Michael couldn't help but feel that the subordinates he'd recruited had some serious issues.

They went out to catch pirates but ended up running into the newly emerged, fiercely anti-Marine "Marine Hunter" Hawkeye.

Though he was just starting out, his strength was on a completely different level.

And according to Stella's account, the Supreme Grade Sword Yoru, was already in his possession.

"So others suddenly getting knocked into the water is one thing, but Stella and Smoker cant do anything either?"

"Nope." Gion shook her head.

She could've one-shot those kids too.

Moreover, Gion later looked into this "Hawkeye" and found out he was only 21 years old but already had a 400 million berry bounty.

In the future, he would undoubtedly become one of the Marines' greatest threats!

"The main issue is that Issho was supposed to accompany them as an escort, but they carried him off and dumped him in a casino…"

Michael's lips twitched.

That kind of move… Had to be 100% Smoker's damn idea!

"How are their injuries?"

"Not too serious. His attack wasn't aimed at them but at the ship. The psychological trauma, though… that's another story." Gion couldn't help but smirk.

"The kids have been training hard lately and got a bit too full of themselves. A little setback might do them good."

"True. Still, keep an eye on Hawkeye's movements. This time he only cut the ship, but next time might be different."

Talents like him, unaffiliated with any faction, must either be swiftly recruited…

Or swiftly eliminated.

"Any other bad news?"

"Well… actually, yes." Gion's expression turned serious.

"The World Government has issued a notice. A group of Celestial Dragons will be visiting Sabaody Archipelago in three days."

"Gion…"

Michael spun around, his eyes alight with excitement.

"This is absolutely fantastic news!"

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