Regardless of how things were progressing on Dellinger end, Sherwin and the others, after spending a day preparing, intended to leave Dressrosa.
Even though there was still some time before the start of the Levely, both Sherwin and the Felynes had grown accustomed to wandering around staying in one place for too long actually made them feel restless.
Of course, the most crucial point was...
"Since we still have enough time, why don't we go fight Kaido?"
As soon as the Dodo Advance sailed out of the Dressrosa port, Sherwin made the suggestion.
Although he hadn't managed to unlock the Adept Style before, it hadn't been a total loss at the very least, he had confirmed that Dracule Mihawk method was indeed effective.
When he had no leads, Sherwin could be quite indifferent, but now that he had a clear direction, he had become much more proactive...
It was just like when he used to play games upon seeing achievements with clearly listed requirements, he couldn't help but try to find ways to complete them, whereas he would simply ignore those vague, hidden achievements.
"Eh?! Kai... Kaido?!"
Baby-5 had the strongest reaction. After being startled by the suggestion, she still summoned the courage to vow to Sherwin, "Rest assured, Young Master! Even if the enemy is one of the Four Emperors... I—I will give it my all even if it costs me my life!"
Shirahoshi first looked down at the Kaido Meow she was holding in her arms, appearing dazed for a few seconds before finally realizing which "Kaido" Sherwin was referring to.
Then, following right behind Baby-5, she let out a wail: "Wueh?! We have to go fight that scary guy again? B-but I wanted to send Dellinger back first..."
"Meow-rororo! Although I would also love to have a match with him, however..." Kaido Meow shook his head with a wry smile, speaking with full self-awareness, "I probably cannot defeat him right now."
Huamei also gave Sherwin an exasperated swat. "Admiral, what kind of madness are you meowing about again? Isn't the most important thing for us right now to accompany Shirahoshi to the Levely? What meow if an accident happens and we don't make it in time?!"
Even the two little troublemakers, Jinx and Klee Meow, looked hesitant...
"Hmm... the uper weapon' that Klee and Big Sister Jinx are researching isn't finished yet, so I don't really want to go fight that bad Kaido right now, meow."
The little Felyne scratched her ear as she explained to Sherwin.
"The most critical point is... do you even have a Permanent Pose for Wano, Meow?"
(ω)
Haibara Meow squinted her eyes, delivering the final blow to Sherwin argument.
"Uh... alright then, I was getting ahead of myself..."
Seeing that everyone was against the idea, the impulsive Sherwin finally cooled his head.
It was true although they seemed to have plenty of time, that was Kaido they were talking about. Heaven only knew what might happen along the way.
And to be honest, facing Kaido alone was one thing, but charging straight into his stronghold in Wano was another. Sherwin wasn't entirely confident he could make a clean escape...
That was close. He had almost forgotten the "safety first" mantra that is mandatory for any Hunter.
Although he abandoned the idea of rushing to Wano to pick a fight with Kaido, they still had plenty of time to spare. Therefore, Sherwin specifically asked Huamei to plan a long route that passed through as many unfamiliar islands as possible.
No one had any objections to this proposal. After all, whether it was the Felynes or Robin, they all possessed a great interest in exploring new islands.
Their first stop was the island where the female Vice Admiral named Doll and her troops were stationed—the same one who had previously come to ask Sherwin for Doflamingo.
Since most of the G-series bases had been destroyed by Kaido not long ago, they were currently being rebuilt. The Marines from those bases had to temporarily station themselves on nearby islands under their jurisdiction.
Vice Admiral Doll was no exception. She was originally the base commander of the G-14 branch, but now she and her subordinates could only pitch tents on this island...
Well, saying they were "pitching tents" was a bit of an exaggeration, but they were essentially living in flat-roofed houses that were no different from those of ordinary civilians.
Knowing Sherwin was coming, Vice Admiral Doll made a special effort to greet them at the harbor and hosted Sherwin in her temporary small house... the kind that Shirahoshi couldn't fit into again.
Because of this, Sherwin and the others didn't stay long. They sat for a while, had two cups of tea, and took their leave.
Afterward, everyone dispersed to go about their own business.
As for Sherwin, he did what he usually did, walking down the streets with the two youngest Felynes perched on his shoulders...
Only this time, Baby-5 was also by his side.
"She seems... like a decent person."
After leaving the temporary G-14 branch station, Sherwin rubbed his chin and offered this assessment of Vice Admiral Doll.
It wasn't as if the island lacked more luxurious or comfortable houses, but Vice Admiral Doll hadn't chosen to stay in any of them. That single point alone put her above most of the Marines Sherwin had encountered over the past few years.
In the world of One Piece, branch base commanders like Doll—who functioned essentially as regional governors—often lived like kings or nobles. Some were even worse.
The fact that she wouldn't even displace civilians for a comfortable home was enough to prove that Doll was at least among those Marines who truly upheld "Justice."
However, it didn't change much in the end.
No matter how much they upheld justice, once the World Government issued an order—no matter how inhumane—they still had to obey...
The Buster Call on Ohara and the human trafficking on Sabaody Archipelago were perfect examples.
"Sherwin big brother, are you in a bad mood, Meow?"
(=ω=)
Klee Meow, the little angel, sensed Sherwin mood and immediately pressed her fluffy little head against his face, rubbing gently.
On the other shoulder, Haibara Meow also leaned her body closer to Sherwin face, letting out a soft, rhythmic purring sound from her throat.
Baby-5 eyes lit up, and she flung her arms wide to pull Sherwin into a hug, only to be met with a light chop from the Hunter hand right to her forehead.
"Don't you come join the fray as well!"
"Oh..."
The maid retreated unwillingly, looking with envy at the two little Felynes on Sherwin shoulders.
Under the healing presence of the Felynes, Sherwin quickly tossed those unpleasant matters to the back of his mind. He pulled both little Felynes into his arms and gave them several forceful kisses.
"Hmph~ You idiot! Don't push your luck, meow!"
(`へ=)
Unlike Klee Meow, who accepted it happily, the tsundere Haibara Meow was clearly pleased despite putting on a look of disgust, pressing her four little paws against Sherwin head...
Though she didn't use any actual strength.
While Sherwin was playing around with the Felynes, he suddenly sensed someone approaching.
"Lord Hunter, could I borrow a moment of your time? This old man has some matters he would like to ask you about."
Appearing before Sherwin was a blind middle-aged man wearing a purple kimono and wooden geta.
With such distinctive features, it was impossible for Sherwin to mistake him it was Issho, the gravity fruit user who had not yet become a Navy Admiral.
However, Sherwin attention at this moment was not focused on the man himself, but rather on the seemingly ordinary cane sword in his hand...
Having already collected a fair number of famous blades, he was quite sensitive to their aura. The cane sword in Issho hand felt similar to Hawkeye "Black Blade: Yoru" and Whitebeard "Murakumogiri."
In other words...
This object is one of the Supreme Grade blades, with only twelve such swords existing in the entire world.
Having flipped through the "Famous Blade Catalog" several times already, Sherwin quickly pulled the records of this shikomizue from his memory—
"Gambler Flare," a famous blade forged by the renowned Wano Country swordsmith, Fugetsu Kizaburo.
Well, how should one put it?
The name truly suits Fujitora personality. When Sherwin was looking through the "Famous Blade Catalog" before, how had he failed to notice this?
Furthermore...
Fujitora really is from Wano Country, though it is unclear why he hasn't concerned himself with Wano affairs.
Just as Sherwin fell into deep thought, Fujitora, who had approached him voluntarily, took two steps back and hid the shikomizue behind him.
"This sword was a gift from a dear friend. This old man will not part with it under any circumstances, even if Your Excellency is a Warlord!"
Sherwin: "..."
Fine, it seems that even a blind man knows about his habit of collecting famous blades.