The next day, a piece of news emerged from the Kingdom of Germa, a World Government affiliate.
"Yesterday, Germa 66 conducted a joint military exercise with the North Blue Navy Fleet near the territorial waters of the Kingdom of Yadis. Both sides showcased formidable combat capabilities during the exercise..."
"...King of the Germa Kingdom and Captain of Germa 66, Vinsmoke Judge, expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of North Blue Navy's Captain Darren and announced plans to sign a long-term friendship and cooperation agreement to maintain peace, prosperity, and stability in the North Blue seas."
Inside the office of the Captain at the 321st branch, Gion and Kaji stared at the freshly printed newspaper in shock.
"This... how is this even possible!?"
Especially since the article featured a photograph of Darren and Vinsmoke Judge shaking hands under the seagull flag, smiling warmly. It was as if they were long-lost brothers.
The previous day, they were practically at each other's throats, nearly wiping out Germa 66. And now, in less than a day, they're "cooperating amicably"?
Looking at the photo of Darren and Vinsmoke Judge with their familiar, friendly smiles, one might think they were lifelong comrades!
This... this feels like a dream!
"How is it not possible?" Darren said with a sly smile. "Vinsmoke Judge is a reasonable man. After my patient explanation and persuasion, he quickly came to understand the North Blue Navy's stance and our unwavering commitment to justice and peace…"
He lit another cigar, exhaling leisurely.
"And he realized the error of waging war, so he decided to rectify it. Doesn't that make perfect sense?"
Kaji nodded as if enlightened.
"Yeah, that... that does make sense…"
"...Like hell it does!!"
Kaji's face twisted in frustration.
Someone as ruthless, arrogant, and ambitious as Vinsmoke Judge being swayed by Darren's mere words? Impossible!
"You control metal with your Devil Fruit power!" Kaji grumbled. "You're not some kind of motivational speaker!"
"Darren, what did you really do? Did you threaten him?" Gion asked, her expression skeptical.
"Oh no, you caught me," Darren said with mock surrender, raising his hands in faux defeat.
He chuckled, then said, "Honestly, I didn't do anything. Like I told Admiral Sengoku, I just made him an offer he couldn't refuse."
"Though I didn't expect Vinsmoke Judge to be so... reasonable."
Gion and Kaji stared at him, exasperated.
It was obvious Darren wouldn't reveal his methods.
Still, despite the mystery of his tactics, the outcome was undeniably ideal.
They had stopped the war.
The tens of thousands of people in the Kingdom of Yadis were spared from the flames of conflict.
Germa 66 withdrew its charges against the North Blue Navy.
Gion received a few banners from the Yadis royal family as a token of gratitude.
Kaji's estate was stocked with fine wine and cigars.
Everything seemed to be heading toward a bright and happy ending… or not!
Gion glared at Darren's confident, self-assured grin, feeling a surge of frustration.
Coercion, deception, violence, and manipulation…
Such methods, utterly disconnected from the "justice" she believed in, had somehow become Darren's most effective tools for governing the North Blue.
It was completely at odds with everything she'd been taught.
A total affront to her worldview.
…
"Buru-buru… buru-buru..."
The military Den Den Mushi suddenly rang.
Darren picked up the receiver.
"This is Darren."
Admiral Sengoku's hearty laugh came through the line.
"Hahaha, Darren, you rascal! You've done an excellent job with this!"
Gion and Kaji simultaneously rolled their eyes, exasperated.
Just yesterday, they clearly remembered Sengoku roaring in fury over the Den Den Mushi.
"All glory to justice, Admiral Sengoku. I owe this success to your guidance," Darren replied humbly.
Sengoku chuckled, pleased.
"I knew I could count on you. And it seems assigning Gion and Kaji to the North Blue was a wise decision after all."
"They're both troublesome in their own way. Kaji is lazy and always tries to steal my cigars, while Gion is too much like her sister—way too idealistic…"
Hearing this, Darren glanced at Gion and Kaji, whose faces were darkening by the second.
"...In any case, they're still young and inexperienced. Darren, help them gain some perspective whenever you can," Sengoku said.
Oblivious to the rising tension, Sengoku continued to ramble.
"Ahem…"
Sensing Gion's increasingly frosty demeanor and Kaji's nervous cough, Sengoku abruptly fell silent.
"Admiral Sengoku," Gion said, her voice icy, "I heard you're… not very satisfied with me?"
Sengoku: …
"Hello? Hello? Why is the signal breaking up? Darren, did you hear what I said just now?!"
"Take good care of Gion and Kaji! They're the Navy's future, the hope of justice!!"
"Hello? Signal… bad… connection..."
"—Buru."
The Den Den Mushi fell silent.
Communication… terminated.
Gion: …
Kaji: …
Darren: …
The three exchanged uneasy glances.
Standing quietly in the corner, Mouse held his forehead in his hands, clearly in pain.
That performance was atrocious.
But less than a minute later, the Den Den Mushi rang again.
Darren answered it.
"Admiral Sengoku."
"Yes, Darren. There's an important mission," Sengoku said, his tone suddenly serious, as if nothing had happened.
"Admiral Sengoku, I'm listening."
Sengoku spoke gravely:
"Several days ago, Bundy Waldo attacked a World Government vessel, causing a shipwreck. The ship carried the World Noble Saint Sildes, who is now stranded on Batia Island in the North Blue."
"Headquarters has received orders from the Government. I'm already on my way to the North Blue."
Darren frowned slightly.
He recalled reading the news a couple of days ago: 'The Great Pirate "World Breaker" Bundy Waldo sinks a World Government vessel. World Nobles outraged! A staggering 200 million bounty placed! Waldo's crew threatens the Government!'
"Admiral Sengoku, what's my task? Pursue Bundy Waldo?" Darren exhaled a plume of smoke, his eyes narrowing.
"No," Sengoku replied. "While your strength is impressive, it's nowhere near Waldo's level."
"Eliminating Bundy Waldo is my mission."
"Your task is to head to Batia Island immediately and protect Saint Sildes."
"The CP agents are already en route to the North Blue to escort him, but until they arrive, the Government requires a nearby naval officer to safeguard Saint Sildes' life."