For Hammer, the greatest advantage of the Cloud Armor was that it gave him long-duration flight capability.
This was also one of the main reasons he had the confidence to establish a base in the New World.
The Cloud Armor's flight ability allowed him to travel easily between Marine Headquarters and Dressrosa.
It didn't interfere with his duties as Logistics Chief, while also allowing him to pursue his ambitions.
After returning to Marineford, he headed straight for the Admiral's office.
At that moment, Sengoku was listening to Vice Admiral Tsuru's report.
"So you're saying that Doflamingo in the North Blue has already built up a certain amount of influence?"
"And even your recent voyage failed to capture him?"
Facing Sengoku's question, Tsuru first nodded, then shook her head.
"You know his background."
"Without a foolproof plan, I didn't move against him. I merely suppressed his organization to a certain extent."
"After all, he's a former Celestial Dragon. What a headache."
Just as the two wore solemn expressions, a highly disdainful voice came from outside the window.
"Former Celestial Dragon my ass."
"His father voluntarily gave up that status. If his father isn't one anymore, how is he?"
"He's nothing more than a stray dog."
Crash!
The window shattered as a figure entered Sengoku's office amidst a shower of broken glass.
Seeing his office window destroyed, Sengoku instantly exploded.
"DAMN IT, HAMMER!"
"Can't you use the front door for once?!"
"If you're going to come through the window, can't you at least OPEN IT FIRST?!"
"Why do you always have to smash it?!"
Hammer copied Garp's habit and picked his nose before casually replying:
"Not to criticize you, old Sengoku, but your windows really need replacing."
"Take a look at Old Kong's office window."
"Damn, if I'm not mistaken, that's the reinforced glass I made for Zephyr's training camp. Where the hell did he get it?"
Indeed, on his way back, Hammer had seen Fleet Admiral Kong's office being renovated.
A massive glass panel was being installed, and he immediately recognized it as the reinforced glass he had once forged to help Magellan.
Sengoku's eyes nearly burst out of his glasses from rage.
Hammer laughed loudly.
"Hahaha!"
"Vice Admiral Tsuru, long time no see."
Among the old guard, Tsuru was the only woman and one of the few relatively normal people.
Hammer genuinely respected her.
"Long time no see, Hammer."
"I heard you've become Logistics Chief now."
"Hehehe. It looks like I'll have to submit my reimbursement requests to you from now on."
Just as Hammer respected Tsuru, Tsuru also greatly appreciated him.
"So?"
"I heard you ran into some troublemakers during your recent voyage?"
Hammer scoffed dismissively.
It was obvious he didn't take this so-called troublemaker seriously.
"Donquixote Doflamingo."
"You've heard the surname Donquixote before, right?"
"After all, you frequently visit Mary Geoise."
"I've heard it."
"I just spoke with Saint Donquixote Mjosgard recently."
The moment those words came out, Sengoku and Tsuru exchanged a glance.
They both thought: 'This kid really is something now.'
'Even Celestial Dragons chat with him casually.'
"Right."
"Same Donquixote family."
"That Doflamingo is one of them too."
"But..."
Hammer waved his hand and plopped down onto the sofa.
"His father, Saint Donquixote Homing, voluntarily gave up his Celestial Dragon status."
"That means Doflamingo stopped being one too."
"Honestly, aren't you two overthinking this?"
Both Sengoku and Tsuru became curious.
Their eyes immediately focused on Hammer as they waited for him to continue.
"He used to be a Celestial Dragon, sure."
"But the moment his father gave up that status, he stopped being one."
"Otherwise, when his father was beaten to death by a mob, why didn't the higher-ups react?"
"So right now?"
"At most he's a pirate with a bit of strength."
The sheer contempt in his voice made both Sengoku and Tsuru nod slightly.
"But Hammer, even if he isn't one anymore, the influence remains."
"I've already consulted the Five Elders."
"Their attitude on the matter is very strange. Sigh."
Sengoku removed his glasses and rubbed his tired eyes while voicing the government's stance.
"Hmph."
"They're just afraid he'll jump the wall in desperation."
"If it were up to me, I'd kill him."
Hammer knew Doflamingo all too well.
A schemer through and through.
In the future, he'd even steal the entire kingdom of Dressrosa.
But Dressrosa was now Hammer's primary source of refined iron ore.
Not that Hammer feared him.
If Doflamingo dared come, they'd find out whether Doflamingo's head was harder, or Hammer's hammer.
"For now, let's wait and see."
"The Five Elders' position is very clear."
"Little Tsuru, continue monitoring Doflamingo."
"The moment he makes a move, suppress him immediately."
At present, that was the only option.
Tsuru nodded.
Then Sengoku turned toward Hammer.
"By the way, Hammer."
"Weren't you establishing a branch base in Dressrosa?"
"And I already had Garp deliver your construction materials."
"Why are you back?"
"Did something happen?"
The moment Garp was mentioned, Hammer's expression darkened.
Just thinking about that punch made his scalp ache.
Sengoku nearly burst out laughing.
"Hmph."
"You old bastard."
"What kind of scheme were you running by sending Old Man Garp to deliver supplies?"
"You think I wouldn't figure it out?"
"I just didn't bother arguing with you."
"I came back because something happened."
"Kaido showed up at Green Bit."
"I fought him."
Instantly, Sengoku stopped smiling.
He sat up straight and began asking questions.
"Nothing major."
"I destroyed his weapon."
"But I paid a certain price."
Seeing Hammer describe it so casually, Sengoku let out a sigh of relief.
"What do you mean you destroyed his weapon?"
"And what price did you pay?"
"Explain in detail."
After all, Kaido was a former Rocks Pirate and undeniably powerful.
"Destroyed means exactly that."
"Kaido permanently lost his weapon, Hassaikai."
"During the battle, I used my ability to give it a property that makes it incapable of fighting."
"Now that spiked club still has its appearance, but it possesses absolutely no offensive capability."
Hearing this, Sengoku became delighted.
'A powerful weapon significantly enhanced a top-tier fighter.'
'Kaido losing his weapon was like a tiger losing its fangs.'
'Excellent. Excellent.'
"As for the price..."
"Old Sengoku."
"Why don't you take a guess?"
Suddenly, Hammer looked at Sengoku with a wicked grin.
The moment Sengoku saw that expression, a very bad feeling welled up inside him.
In that instant, he panicked.
It was the feeling that he was about to lose something important again.
All kinds of dreadful possibilities flooded into his mind at once.