The effects of gravity training were remarkable.
It wasn't just effective for Robin—it worked for Don as well, though naturally, not to the same degree.
"That's enough."
As Don spoke, the crushing pressure around him suddenly vanished. The ground where he stood had collapsed into a deep crater.
Rising from the pit, he flexed his shoulders and glanced at his [Status Panel].
No major changes in physique, it seemed
but he could feel the difference in his body.
Leaping lightly out of the crater, Don caught sight of Robin.
Her face was pale, and her clothes were soaked with sweat.
"Too much?" he asked, noting her exhaustion.
"I can keep going," Robin replied between steady breaths.
She understood well enough how much this kind of training would benefit her.
After all, not everyone had the luxury of training under such intense gravity.
First, you'd need someone who'd eaten the Gravity-Gravity Fruit.
"Good. When we get back, I'll try to get you some reference material on the Navy's Six Powers training method."
Don's eyes flicked briefly over Robin's well-toned figure.
To keep her from bulking up like a musclebound warrior, mastering the Six Powers' refined control techniques would be essential.
Though truthfully, this level of gravity training probably wouldn't change her physique much—just a precaution.
Issho had already returned earlier, having fulfilled his role as the perfect "utility man."
But when Don and Robin returned to town, an unexpected guest was waiting for them
a Marine Rear Admiral.
The officer straightened as soon as he saw Don, scrutinized him briefly, then walked forward and gave a crisp salute.
Don narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Mr. Don, sir! I am Rear Admiral Darcy from the G-7 Marine Branch!"
Don waved dismissively.
"What's this about?" he asked, glancing at the cordoned-off street.
"Vice Admiral Garp is currently en route to Alabasta," Darcy replied.
Despite Don's detached tone, the Rear Admiral's expression remained composed.
He knew full well
the man who had carved that massive gorge into the desert might very well be standing right in front of him.
So he got straight to the point.
"Vice Admiral Garp has a matter he wishes to request of you, Mr. Don."
"Request something of me?" Don blinked in mild surprise.
"What for? I don't have much to do with the Navy these days."
"I'm not certain, sir," Darcy admitted. "I was only ordered to inform you. The details… Vice Admiral Garp will explain them himself once he arrives."
"I don't have time to sit around waiting."
Don shook his head and turned to leave.
Darcy made no move to stop him
Garp had already warned him that this might happen.
As they walked away, Robin glanced back at the departing Rear Admiral.
"Vice Admiral Garp wants to see you?" she asked softly.
She knew Don had met Garp before—but he'd never mentioned having deeper ties to the Navy. If anything, he'd fought a Marine Admiral once.
"Probably some kind of trouble," Don murmured.
"But for Garp to come personally… I can guess what it's about."
Robin tilted her head, thinking quickly. "You mean—the Warlord who attacked the Marines?"
"Most likely. If Garp's coming to me, it means the Navy can't move against him directly."
Don's tone carried a trace of irony.
"They can't take him down themselves? The Seven Warlords may be powerful, but if the Navy really wanted to capture one, it shouldn't be impossible."
"Who knows?" Don shrugged. "Maybe they're wary of Kaidou backing him."
"Either way, it's none of our concern," he added after a moment. "We'll focus on our own plans. Oh—and make sure to buy every newspaper that comes out these next few days."
"Understood." Robin nodded.
Back at their lodging, Issho greeted them quietly.
"The Navy's looking for you?"
"Yeah," Don said. "Garp's on his way. Probably connected to that Warlord incident."
"So they want you to take down a Warlord, hm?" Issho asked, a faint smile crossing his face.
"That's just my guess. It might also be Garp trying to recruit me again because of what happened in Alabasta—but that seems less likely."
"If it really is about fighting a Warlord," Issho said evenly, "then this old man wouldn't mind lending a hand."
Don grinned. "Sure. If it comes to that, I'll let you handle it."
Meanwhile, aboard a Marine warship speeding toward Alabasta
After receiving Rear Admiral Darcy's report, Garp chuckled wryly.
"Knew it. He's not going to wait around."
Bogard spoke up from beside him. "That's expected. He didn't even react when you met him in person last time. Having someone else deliver a message wouldn't change that."
Garp handed him the Den Den Mushi, his expression turning oddly contemplative.
Maybe he should just handle this himself.
After all, Zephyr was an old friend.
"Vice Admiral Garp, how do you plan to persuade Don this time?" Bogard asked, noticing the look on his superior's face.
"Hmm… whatever it takes," Garp said, stroking his beard.
"Eh? The Fleet Admiral won't approve of that, surely?" Bogard said, already exasperated.
"This time I'm the one doing the recruiting. Sengoku entrusted this mission to me—so I'll decide how to handle it."
Garp waved a hand dismissively.
"Right now, we should be figuring out how to catch up to him."
"You could just contact him directly, sir," Bogard suggested, raising the Den Den Mushi.
Garp froze for a moment.
"…Don't tell me you forgot that was an option?" Bogard said flatly.
"Of course not!" Garp barked. "I just thought meeting face-to-face would be more sincere. But fine—you've got a point. Contact Darcy again. Tell him to deliver this transponder snail to Don personally."
"Yes, sir." Bogard sighed and got to work.
Somewhere on the Grand Line
A small, shabby-looking boat drifted lazily across the waves.
A news bird swooped down, dropped off a newspaper, and waited expectantly for payment.
But when it met the man's piercing yellow eyes, it froze
then flapped away in a panic.
Dracule Mihawk paused mid-motion, a coin between his fingers, watching the bird flee into the sky. Then his gaze shifted to the paper it had left behind.
A photo on the front page caught his eye immediately.
An aerial shot of a massive canyon
a single, colossal slash carving the desert in two, refracting seven colors beneath the sun.
"A sword slash…? Alabasta, is it?" Mihawk murmured. His expression sharpened.
"Seems it's not too far from here."
END OF CHAPTER
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