This guy really knew how to cause trouble.
Then again… causing trouble was exactly what he specialized in.
Because of certain reasons, Sengoku's hatred toward Donquixote Doflamingo ran deep.
Yet Doflamingo's former identity — and his current status as a Shichibukai — meant that Sengoku couldn't lay a hand on him lightly.
Even if he was the Fleet Admiral.
Of course, the Fleet Admiral still had to follow the orders of the World Government.
"Since that's the case… let's see what tricks he thinks he can pull."
Sengoku closed his eyes in thought, then suddenly opened them, his voice firm — as if coming to a resolve.
Vice Admiral Tsuru noticed his reaction and felt her heart tighten.
"You're…?"
"I'll handle this myself. You don't need to get involved."
Sengoku glanced at Tsuru.
"I see… so you've already made your decision."
Tsuru didn't press further. She stood up and left quietly.
Her old comrade had clearly chosen a risky solution.
Once Tsuru was gone, Sengoku remained still for a moment, then reached for the Den Den Mushi and contacted Kizaru.
Elsewhere
Kizaru raised his leg, a golden flash blocking a Haki-coated kick.
Boa Hancock's temper was clearly far more explosive than Jinbe's.
Blocking her strike, Kizaru looked at the retreating Shichibukai with a puzzling expression.
"Attacking a Marine Admiral… I could arrest you right now, y'know~?"
Kizaru pouted as he looked at Hancock.
"Do not stand in my way."
Veins throbbed on Hancock's forehead as she held her chin high with icy pride.
Kizaru: "…"
"My purpose here… is to ask you to leave Sabaody."
"No one tells me what to do. Who do you think you are?"
At his words, a surge of Conqueror's Haki burst from Boa Hancock.
Her overwhelming aura sent her bubble cloak and long hair fluttering wildly.
Her eyes sharpened as she glared at Kizaru.
"You people really don't listen, do you?"
Light gathered on Kizaru's fingertips.
But
"Hey now… planning to fight here on Sabaody, Admiral Kizaru?"
A calm voice sounded from the roof nearby.
Kizaru turned his head. Silvers Rayleigh sat crouched on the eaves, watching lazily.
The light at Kizaru's fingertip quietly faded.
"Dark King… Rayleigh."
For once, his tone became serious.
"What happens on Sabaody has nothing to do with us."
Rayleigh said lightly.
"I don't take pirates at their word."
Kizaru lowered his hand, scanning both Rayleigh and Hancock.
"If it's a fight you want, old man… I'll humor you."
Rayleigh rose to his feet.
Kizaru's muscles tightened
But before anything could happen, his Den Den Mushi rang.
"Borsalino."
Sengoku's voice came through the line.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I'm a little busy right now~"
Kizaru muttered, eyes locked on Rayleigh.
Not far away, Boa Hancock withdrew her Haki after noticing Rayleigh's arrival.
"I need to speak with Don. Hand the Den Den Mushi to him."
Sengoku's request froze Kizaru in place.
He couldn't guess what Sengoku planned.
Rayleigh and Hancock also heard the voice, both stunned.
"I understand."
Kizaru said after a pause.
Whatever Sengoku was planning, he had no intention of fighting Rayleigh and Hancock.
After hanging up, he glanced at Rayleigh.
"If you're retired… you should try acting retired, Dark King Rayleigh~"
His body turned into a streak of golden light and shot into the sky.
Rayleigh sighed.
"I'd love to."
Then he turned toward Hancock.
"I won't be staying on Sabaody much longer. You should leave as well."
Hancock's face darkened.
If she hadn't heard rumors of Rayleigh clashing with someone strong, she wouldn't have come at all.
The younger Boa Hancock was even sharper, pricklier — far more than she would be in her thirties.
"…I understand."
As Rayleigh jumped down and left, Hancock suddenly called after him.
"But what is Don's relationship with the Marines? What exactly is going on between you?"
"No relationship. The brat threatened me into teaching him Haki."
Rayleigh replied bluntly and walked off.
Hancock watched his back fade, then turned in the opposite direction.
Area 13 — Temporary Lodging
Don handed the last of the items to Robin.
"You must meet up with us later."
Robin said, serious and worried.
"Relax. I treasure my life very much."
Don sighed.
Every time he said that, nobody believed him.
If he truly had no confidence, he would've already left.
He turned to Issho.
"Head back to the ship. When Rayleigh finishes coating it, dive straight to Fish-Man Island."
Issho nodded.
He still didn't know what Don planned… but if Don had decided something, he wouldn't argue.
After they left, Don looked at the silent Hawkeye Mihawk.
"And you?"
"I'll stay. I'm curious."
Mihawk said solemnly.
"You might get dragged into serious trouble."
"I don't mind."
Mihawk shook his head calmly.
"You've been called a Marine Hunter, right?"
Don's eyes narrowed.
"Why? What are you planning?"
"How about joining the Hunter Guild?"
Don extended the invitation directly.
"I don't join organizations — at least not now."
Mihawk refused instantly.
Joining meant restrictions and obligations — things he avoided.
"It's just a title. No restrictions now, and not in the future. Otherwise it'd go against my original intention."
Don tapped his chin.
"…Handle what's in front of you first. Are you actually planning to attack a Celestial Dragon?"
Mihawk asked bluntly.
"Maybe. Depends on how the Marines and the Government react."
This time, Don hadn't planned to get involved…
But since someone threw the first punch, he intended to answer it.
"I can't pretend I heard nothing."
A lazy, sleazy voice came from outside.
"Marine Admirals eavesdrop now?"
Don turned toward the doorway, where Kizaru's tall silhouette appeared without warning.
"Old man didn't eavesdrop~ I just happened to overhear."
Kizaru raised both hands — tone sleazy, expression serious.
Mihawk's hand moved to his sword.
In the next moment, he was directly in front of Kizaru, blade swinging down..
END OF CHAPTER
patreon.com/MrBehringer