Chapter 20: Tipping Off

Compared to the Revolutionary Army, constantly hunted and on the brink of collapse by the World Government and Navy, Admiral Kizaru found it far easier to conduct investigations. The Navy’s branches spread across the four seas and the Grand Line served as countless eyes and ears, making it rare for any matter at sea to elude their scrutiny.

“Fleet Admiral Sengoku is preparing to publicly execute Fire Fist Ace at Marineford, forcing the Whitebeard Pirates into surrender…” Kizaru suddenly shifted the topic.

Although Dracule was eager to learn any clues about Sabo’s amnesia, he refrained from interrupting Kizaru’s train of thought. Instead, he pondered silently. When he chose to leave the Navy, the old man had angrily taken Luffy back to Windmill Village. If he remembered correctly, Fire Fist Ace was the old man’s god-grandson. So why had Kizaru suddenly brought up Ace?

Even if Ace wasn’t his godson, Dracule wouldn’t risk rescuing him. From the moment he became the Revolutionary Army’s leader, his life and everything he possessed no longer belonged solely to himself.

“Fire Fist Ace’s real surname isn’t ‘Boskars.’ He is the posthumous son of the Pirate King and the sworn brother of Luffy and Sabo. If you tell Sabo about Ace, I believe he’ll be able to recall his past,” Kizaru said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. Getting Dracule involved wasn’t easy; even if Luffy died on the battlefield, Dracule might not risk the Revolutionary Army suffering a devastating blow, potentially leading to total annihilation, by joining the war at Marineford.

But the situation might be different with Sabo, though it sounded cold. Between his biological son Luffy and Sabo, who could inherit the role of Revolutionary Army leader, Dracule’s choice was clear. Moreover, Ace’s identity offered countless angles to explore. Being the son of Pirate King Roger and the captain of Whitebeard’s second division was far more than the simple title ‘Fire Fist Ace’ could convey.

“Understood. Thank you, Kizaru,” Dracule said suddenly, feeling a touch uneasy. But given his character, even if he guessed Kizaru’s intent, he would likely reveal the truth to Sabo.

Meanwhile, after finishing a call with the Revolutionary Army leader, Kizaru dialed Marine Headquarters’ Vice Admiral Strowberry via Den Den Mushi.

“Sigh, I’m really busy. I should ask Fleet Admiral Sengoku for a raise… No, forget the promotion — just a raise will do,” Kizaru muttered.

Kizaru accepted a cold drink from his attendant and adjusted his position on the beach chair for comfort. After a long wait, Strowberry finally answered. The Vice Admiral’s mood seemed grim, which was understandable—being tasked with recruiting the Seven Warlords of the Sea was hardly a joyous mission.

“Admiral Kizaru! This is Strowberry,” came the voice, accompanied by the Den Den Mushi mimicking his image: a small head wearing a tall cap, face wrapped in bandages, looking injured. Not only his appearance but his hoarse voice betrayed his condition.

“Strowberry, how’s the recruitment of the Seven Warlords going? That pirate nicknamed Blood Hand or Blood Foot should be captured by now. When I passed by Kuja Island, I took the liberty of recruiting the Empress. How many of the remaining five have you managed to recruit?” Kizaru asked lazily.

Since Crocodile was removed from the Seven Warlords after his defeat in Alabasta, only six remain. Sengoku demanded Kizaru recruit at least four, a rather lenient condition considering the Admiral himself was involved. If it had been Akainu on the job, the Marineford War might never have occurred—he would have launched a campaign against the Seven Warlords first.

“It’s Blood Demon… I’m close to recruiting Hawk Eye, and I won’t delay any longer!” Strowberry said through gritted teeth.

Hawk Eye Mihawk agreed to join on the condition of training duels with Strowberry, who had been enduring days of agony, barely surviving against Mihawk’s swordsmanship. He wanted to replace himself with someone else but found no Vice Admiral in headquarters stronger with a blade.

“Your efficiency isn’t great. How about I recruit Tyrant Kuma for you? That way, with Hawk Eye, you only need one more,” Kizaru sighed. Sengoku was truly lucky to have a subordinate like him. A raise! Absolutely deserved!

“Ah? Yes! I’ll complete the mission!” Strowberry responded earnestly.

Strowberry never expected the famously idle Kizaru to be so understanding. Were it not for their vastly different ideals, this hawkish Vice Admiral, always advocating ruthless measures against pirates, might have considered siding with Kizaru.

“Good luck. I’m counting on you,” Kizaru said, hanging up the Den Den Mushi contentedly. He turned back to Dracule to instruct him to notify Tyrant Kuma to verify the statements.

Let’s see who can still accuse him of slacking off. He had single-handedly recruited two Seven Warlords and taken down a pirate with a bounty nearing 100 million Berries! Although, in reality, he’d only moved his lips while Marigold and Sandersonia handled the Blood Demon.

“Work and rest must be balanced. Let me check if anyone’s stirring up trouble in the chat group…” Savoring the cold drink, Kizaru’s thoughts drifted to the dimensional chat group in his mind.

…

[Notification: Setsuna has joined the dimensional chat group!]

[Kobayashi: Wow! A new member! Welcome, welcome~ *throws confetti*]

[Ai Haibara: @Loyal Luffy Fan, come out and identify yourself!]

[Loyal Luffy Fan: What? A new member? Could it be a big shot again? Setsuna? Such a simple name is hard to recognize. One Punch Man? Demon Eye Blade? Or a Kanmusu? Surely not the martial artist Setsuna Simon? And what’s with the ‘Fan’ part, Ai? You’re such a sharp-tongued schemer!]

[Kobayashi: Truly amazing, loyal fan… do you know that many people with the same name?]

[Setsuna: Who are you people? How dare you try to influence me with your supernatural powers without my consent!]

[Loyal Luffy Fan: Ah… I think I’ve figured out the newcomer’s identity. Probably Setsuna from the One Punch Man world, the first B-class hero of Hell, with actual strength approaching A-class. A big shot, more or less…]

[Kobayashi: The first, huh? Sounds impressive~ Welcome, Setsuna-san. I’m Kobayashi, just an ordinary office worker~]