The farewell feast at the Rhythm & Roll was bittersweet. Stanlee, now a powerfully built sixteen-year-old with the focused intensity of a seasoned warrior and the precise movements of a chef, plated the final dish – delicate seared fish with a citrus-herb sauce, roasted vegetables, and fluffy rice. Seven months under Rita's relentless tutelage had transformed him from a culinary disaster into a genuinely skilled cook.
"Passable," Rita declared, though the smile tugging her lips betrayed her pride. "Maybe even better than passable. You won't starve out there, Stanlee."
Marco laughed, clapping him on the back. "She's impressed! Seriously, thank you. For everything. Bringing Rita home, helping here, teaching me… well, trying to teach me how not to break my hand." He flexed his Haki-calloused hand. "I feel stronger. More aware."
Little Leo, now three, tugged Stanlee's apron. "Don't go, 'Tanlee! Cook more fish!"
Stanlee ruffled his hair. "I have to sail the seas, little man. But I'll be back. With stories." He hugged Rita and Marco, accepting the small, heavy pouch Rita pressed into his hand. "It's not much," she said, voice thick, "just what we could spare. For supplies. You earned it."
The pouch felt light – a few thousand Berries at best. Enough for weeks, not months. "It's more than enough, Rita. Thank you." He cast off the lines, the Little Dream sliding gracefully away from Mirror Ball Island's pulsating lights, leaving the festival behind.
The Open Blue: Routine and Observation
Days settled into a rigorous rhythm:
The Ship's Skin: Stanlee dedicated mornings to coating the Little Dream in Armament Haki, channeling the jet-black energy into the Adam's Wood as Garp taught. It was draining, but the coated sections became denser, harder, radiating protection. Slowly, the ship became an extension of his will.Chasing the Silence: The Voice of All Things remained elusive. He meditated, straining with Observation Haki to hear meaning in the wind, story in the waves, consciousness in marine life. He felt presences, emotions, but the deeper connection stayed frustratingly silent.The Chef's Table: Cooking was now a pleasure. Using fresh fish, garden herbs, and stores, he created delicious meals – seared tuna, hearty stews, grilled chicken. It grounded him, a taste of the Rhythm & Roll carried with him.The Navigation Puzzle: He practiced with charts, Log Pose, currents, winds, and stars. Kenshiro's basics felt superficial; the Grand Line demanded mastery he lacked. Where to find a true teacher?The Doctoring Void: Basic first aid was all he knew. Diseases, infections, complex injuries, his own superhuman metabolism? A vast, intimidating void. Another problem for another day.
The Unseen Eyes: Persistent Shadows
Stanlee was constantly aware of Marine surveillance. A sleek cutter maintained position over the horizon. Plainclothes observers reported from nearby ports. Their distant scrutiny was a mild, constant presence – uncomfortable but tolerable. He imagined their reports:
"Subject maintaining course 045. Engaged in prolonged Haki infusion on hull. Progress slow but consistent.""Subject demonstrates advanced culinary skills. Preparing complex meals. No supply distress yet.""Subject meditating frequently. Observation Haki range ~15km. No progress towards 'Voice of All Things'.""Subject frustrated by lack of maritime traffic. No pirate/merchant encounters in 72 hours."
Marineford: The Gathering Storm
In Marineford's Fleet Admiral office, tension crackled. Sengoku sat behind his desk, flanked by his highest command: Vice Admiral Tsuru (knitting softly), Admiral Kuzan (Aokiji, seemingly dozing), Admiral Borsalino (Kizaru, adjusting sunglasses), and Garp (finishing a rice cracker, unusually grave).
"Report, Garp," Sengoku ordered. "Your encounter with Stanlee D. Gaimon."
Garp swallowed. "Kid's the real deal. Calls me 'Vice Admiral Iron Fist Garp' first, then 'old man Garp,' then just 'old man.' Got nerve." He described the meeting, Stanlee's declaration of being the "Freest Traveler," and the day-and-night sparring match. "Fought him solid for near twenty-four hours. Used everything short of island-busting. Kid didn't transform. Pure Haki, toughness, stamina. Not a scratch! Skin's harder than anything I've punched since Newgate was young."
Tsuru stopped knitting. "Not a scratch? Against you? That suggests durability approaching Yonko level at sixteen. And Conqueror's Haki?"
"Unleashed it on the slavers," Garp confirmed. "Used it constantly in our fight. Raw, but powerful. And he learns fast." He leaned forward. "Showed him Haki Infusion and Internal Destruction. Kid picked up Infusion quick – put a hole through a boulder with a rock. Internal Destruction… cracked one. Takes years, but he grasped the principle instantly. That aptitude… dangerous. And promising."
Kuzan opened one eye. "Sounds like a pain. A teenage mythological bird who shrugs off your punches, Garp? Definitely a pain. You sure you didn't go easy?"
Garp snorted. "Go easy? Kid would've flattened me! Threw the book at him. He just absorbed it. And the resolve…" His voice intensified. "He's got a 'D', Sengoku. Means it. Freedom – not anarchy. Protecting it, living it. Agreed to watch for my grandsons if they cross paths in trouble protecting freedom or fighting injustice. But made it clear if they threaten freedom or harm innocents, he'll take them down. No favors."
Borsalino pushed off the wall, smiling slowly. "Ooh, scary. Teenage vigilante with a god complex sailing the East Blue? Wonderfully inefficient." His eyes were sharp.
Sengoku steepled his fingers. "This changes things, Garp. Mythical Zoan, Conqueror's Haki, Armament mastery near Admiral level, Internal Destruction aptitude, the 'D' will, Adam's Wood ship… at sixteen, operating independently with a clear, non-pirate, non-Marine ideology. An unpredictable variable of immense potential."
"Not actively hostile," Tsuru countered calmly. "Liberated slaves, protected innocents, learned skills peacefully. Actions align with… proactive justice. Unconventional, but not inherently malicious. Key is his trajectory. Where is he going? What will he do in the Grand Line?"
"Exactly," Sengoku nodded. "Garp?"
Garp sighed. "Strong. Damn strong. Stronger than any rookie I've seen. Not arrogant. Focused. Disciplined. Good head, even if stubborn about freedom." He met Sengoku's gaze. "Not a threat now. Not unless provoked. But he will be. To the Government if his freedom clashes with laws, or to pirates/Yonko if they trample freedom. He's a wild card, Sengoku. Biggest the East Blue's seen in a long time. Maybe ever."
Sengoku surveyed his commanders. "Directive remains: Observe. Report. Do not engage unless active, direct threat. Increase surveillance priority. Know his every move. Garp, remain available for consultation. Dismissed."
As others filed out, Garp lingered. "Sengoku… remember. He's got the 'D.' Promised to watch my grandsons. That counts for something." He ambled out, leaving Sengoku with the weight of a sixteen-year-old force of nature.
The News Coo: Echoes of Power
On the third day, a News Coo circled overhead. Stanlee whistled, exchanging a Berry coin for the Economic Weekly. He unrolled it over tea. Headlines covered economics, Marine announcements, and pirate news. One item grabbed his attention:
FIRE FIST ACE: GRAND LINE PHENOMENON!Portgas D. Ace, captain of the Spade Pirates, has successfully navigated the treacherous first half of the Grand Line! The Marine Headquarters has issued a staggering new bounty of 290,000,000 Berries for this formidable rookie! Ace, wielding the destructive Mera Mera no Mi (Flame-Flame Fruit), has made waves with his daring exploits and clashes with Marine forces along his journey. Sources indicate Ace and his crew are currently preparing to make the perilous crossing to the New World via the Sabaody Archipelago. Marines are advised to exercise extreme caution – this rookie possesses power rivaling seasoned New World veterans!
Stanlee stared at Ace's picture – freckled face, confident smirk, orange hat. 290 million. An astronomical bounty for a rookie, even one who'd conquered Paradise. A surge of pride warred with concern. Garp's eldest grandson wasn't just playing pirate; he was carving a legend, attracting danger worthy of that bounty. The weight of Garp's request – Look out for him – felt heavier. Ace wasn't just heading into danger; he was becoming danger magnetized by that number.
Another headline, lower down but no less significant, caught his eye:
EMPERORS CLASH! KAIDO FORCED TO WITHDRAW AFTER TEN-DAY BATTLE!In a rare and devastating confrontation that sent shockwaves across the New World, the Emperor Kaido, known as the "World's Strongest Creature," clashed with fellow Emperor Red-Haired Shanks near the ruins of Wano Country! Eyewitness accounts describe a cataclysmic ten-day battle that reshaped the coastline and darkened the skies! While details remain scarce, credible sources confirm that Kaido's forces were ultimately forced to retreat! This unprecedented event marks the first time in recent memory that an Emperor has been directly challenged and repelled by another on such a scale, sending ripples of uncertainty through the balance of power! Marine HQ is monitoring the situation closely, urging all vessels to avoid the region.
Stanlee whistled low. Ten days. The sheer scale of power implied was staggering. Two Emperors, beings who commanded the seas like demigods, fighting for over a week and forcing one to back down? It was a stark reminder of the true heights of power in this world, a level he aspired to but was still far from reaching. It also highlighted the volatile, shifting nature of the Grand Line he was sailing towards. He folded the newspaper carefully, the images of Ace's fiery confidence and the implied devastation of the Emperor clash lingering in his mind. The world was vast, dangerous, and incredibly dynamic.
Reflections on an Empty Sea
By the fourth day, Stanlee leaned against the helm, staring at the empty blue. "Where is everyone?" he muttered. "Luffy's been out here months. East Blue used to teem with pirates. Now? Nothing." He recalled the timeline: Arlong simmering, Krieg brewing, Buggy regrouping. All significant, but localized. Or perhaps… not yet triggered? Maybe his presence subtly altered things, delaying pirate activity. Or maybe it was just sheer, dumb luck.
Whatever the reason, the lack of encounters was a practical crisis. Rita's gift dwindled fast. Berries vanished on water, rope, spices. At this rate, he'd be destitute in weeks, forced to fish constantly just to eat, let alone maintain the ship or buy Grand Line supplies.
He needed funds. Legitimate work was slow. That left one reliable, dangerous source: pirates.
He traced his chart. Where? Who? He needed a target: decent bounty, not entangled with the Straw Hats, removal wouldn't derail destiny, but would fill his coffers and prevent suffering.
Then it clicked: Syrup Village. Captain Kuro. The "Butler." His plan to murder Kaya for her wealth. According to memory, it succeeded this year – Kaya's parents killed, leaving her vulnerable before Usopp could protect her.
Perfect, Stanlee thought, cold certainty settling. Kuro's bounty – 16 million. Cunning, dangerous, but localized. Removing him won't affect Luffy – Usopp still becomes a pirate, joins Luffy. But it saves Kaya's parents. Prevents senseless tragedy. Clean intervention. Justice served. Bounty collected.
Gecko Island was five days north-northeast at cruising speed. Time to practice, prepare, observe.
Five Days of Preparation
The remaining days were intense. Stanlee pushed the Haki coating, covering nearly half the hull by day five. The Adam's Wood felt denser, alive, resonating with his power. The ship was an extension of his will.
The Voice stayed silent, but Observation Haki sharpened to nearly 20km range – sensing fish migrations, weather shifts hours ahead, the faint magnetic signature of a small islet.
He cooked meticulously, preparing preserving meals. He practiced navigation, plotting to Gecko Island, studying charts for reefs near Syrup Village. He reviewed Kuro: cunning, stealth, cat claws, Black Cat Pirates, hypnotist Jango. Plan: Arrive discreetly, observe, confirm Kuro's presence/plan, strike decisively before violence. Surprise was key.
On the fourth evening, Stanlee stood at the reinforced railing, facing Gecko Island's horizon. Wind whipped his hair, carrying salt and promise. Resolve thrummed beneath his skin. He sailed to prevent tragedy, uphold justice, claim bounty.
He thought of Kaya, her parents, the needed Berries, the skills still lacking – true navigation mastery, advanced medicine – and the vast Grand Line.
"Five days," he murmured to the setting sun, light glinting off the Haki-coated hull. "Five days to Syrup Village. Time to collect a pirate. Save a family. Fill my purse." A determined smile touched his lips. The calm ended. The hunt began. The Little Dream sailed through twilight, a silent predator skimming waves, carrying its captain towards destiny. The distant Marine observation remained a constant, watchful star – a reminder the highest powers noted his moves.