Sabaody Archipelago, Shakky's Rip-off Bar.
"Straw Hat boy's ship... Although the Flying Fish Riders are guarding it, more and more people are eyeing it..."
Shakky, with a cigarette between her lips, exhaled a puff of smoke as she watched Duval and his men fend off another group of troublemaking pirates. She sighed.
Alongside her stood Hatchan, the starfish Pappag, and the mermaid Camie. Shakky softly murmured as she watched the commotion outside:
"No matter what, we have to protect that ship until they return..."
To think that the legendary Klabautermann truly exists...
"Ah, no need to worry. Leave the ship to me."
A clear and confident voice interrupted their thoughts, causing everyone to turn their heads. They saw a blond young man in a suit and top hat, holding a steel pipe, accompanied by a striking woman with orange hair and large, expressive eyes.
"You're... the Revolutionary Army's Chief of Staff, Sabo!"
As an information expert, how could Shakky not recognize the second-in-command of the Revolutionary Army? Especially after his appearance during the Summit War and rumored involvement in the Impel Down incident!
"I see... If it's you, then I can rest easy."
Shakky let out a breath of relief. Since she already knew about Luffy's background, she naturally understood the tangled web of relationships involving Luffy, Ace, Sabo, Dragon, and Garp.
"Ah, it's my little brother's ship. As his older brother, of course, I'll make sure it's safe!"
Sabo tightened his grip on his steel pipe as he looked at the Thousand Sunny.
"Ace, this time... let me be the one to help Luffy."
"But, Sabo, given your status, coming here is incredibly dangerous."
Shakky gestured for Hatchan, Pappag, and Camie to stay outside while she led Sabo and Koala into the bar, pouring them each a drink.
On the Sabaody Archipelago, Revolutionary Army operatives occasionally appeared, but given the chaotic nature of the place and the proximity to Marine Headquarters, their presence was always kept minimal.
Now, after the events of the Summit War, Sabo's face was widely recognized. Although he had largely been in the background of the battle, merely exchanging blows with Ace throughout, the fact that he had infiltrated Marineford, accomplished some unknown objective, and escaped unscathed meant that no one could afford to underestimate the Revolutionary Army's second-in-command anymore.
"Marine Headquarters is too close. If you get spotted by the stationed Marines, they might even send an Admiral after you."
"Hahaha! Koala and I are infiltration specialists! There's no way the Marines would catch us so easily!"
Sabo chuckled, fully aware of the identity of the woman before him. The Revolutionary Army had investigated Shakky thoroughly. While he was slightly disappointed not to see "Dark King" Rayleigh, he knew that the legendary pirate was personally training Luffy. That brat was definitely going to get stronger!
"Oh? Is that so?"
A voice laced with amusement suddenly rang out, making Sabo's smile freeze.
That voice...
Creak—
The bar's door swung open. A tall man in a black long coat and top hat stepped inside, carrying a full sack in one hand.
He walked straight to the bar, greeted Shakky, and downed the drink she had just poured for him with a wry smile.
"Well, well, well... You've grown, kid. Now that I'm here, tell me—what do you plan to do, Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army?"
Wright's teasing gaze locked onto the stiffened Sabo and the now-pale Koala, who seemed at a complete loss for words.
"S-Sabo..."
Koala clutched the fabric of Sabo's coat tightly, her large eyes flashing with fear and hesitation before settling into firm resolve.
"Sabo! Find a way to escape... I'll hold him off!"
"You jinxed it! Saying we wouldn't get caught by the Marines... and now a Marine Admiral is right in front of us!"
"Ugh~ and it's the next Fleet Admiral too! Damn it! Shouldn't you be at Marine Headquarters preparing for the transition of power?!"
"Admiral Wright!"
Koala's last words were more of an indignant accusation than a greeting. But for some inexplicable reason... she couldn't sense any hostility from the terrifying Marine Admiral before her.
Why?
And up close... Admiral Wright seems... strangely familiar? Where have I seen him before? In the newspapers? During the Summit War? A staged propaganda photo?!
Just as Koala's thoughts were starting to spiral, Sabo's stammering words yanked her back to reality. Her mind was nearly shattered by the sheer shock—
"Uh... O-Ojisan... It's been a long time..."
"???"
"Eh~~~~!!"
Koala's eyes nearly popped out of her head. Even Shakky was so startled that the cigarette between her fingers slipped from her grasp.
"Sabo! What did you just call him?! Ojisan?!"
Koala grabbed Sabo's face and pulled it into a bizarre shape.
"Sabo! What else have you been hiding from me?!"
Caught in the emotional whirlwind, Koala vented her frustrations before suddenly realizing—
Admiral Wright was still smiling at them!
She quickly let go, forcing an awkward smile.
"Uh... You guys talk, I'll... I'll just have some juice..."
Shakky chuckled, shaking her head as she handed Koala a glass of juice. The two women, one younger and one older (?), began whispering among themselves.
"So, that time at Impel Down... You did let me go on purpose, didn't you, Ojisan?"
Sabo felt a bit awkward. Facing the man he hadn't spoken to in ten years—the next Fleet Admiral, no less—made him feel like a child again, back under Wright's tutelage.
A large hand landed on Sabo's shoulder, nearly knocking him over.
"Kid, you've done well. Looks like you kept your promise—you never told anyone about our connection..."
"Dragon still thinks I don't know you're in the Revolutionary Army... How could I not know?"
Wright glanced at Koala, smirking as he whispered to Sabo:
"That your girlfriend? Nice! You're way ahead of Ace and Luffy!"
"So let me tell you—don't be polite with Dragon. My nephew is far more exceptional than his son! And that other guy's kid doesn't even compare!"
"..."
Sabo's face turned beet red, as if he wanted to crawl into a hole. Meanwhile, Koala shrank into her seat, her face burning under Shakky's amused gaze.
"Ojisan... Garp-jiisan asked me the same thing..."
"Of course! I'm not getting married, so isn't it natural for me to ask you instead?!"
"Uh... Can we put this topic aside for now? Ojisan, why are you here?"
"Brat... You're good at changing the subject, huh?"
Wright raised an eyebrow.
"What? The Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army can come to Sabaody, but a Marine Admiral can't?"
"Ojisan~"
"Alright, alright. I came here specifically to find you."
"According to my agreement with Kuma, I knew you'd show up here."
Sabo's expression changed.
"How is Kuma? Ojisan, do you... know his true identity?"
"Of course. He and Ivankov were there when Dragon saved you."
"So don't worry."