Are they really going to fight?
Sengoku's brow furrowed. Why was Mihawk, usually so aloof, acting this way today? Not only had he attended a Warlord meeting for the first time, he was fixated on challenging Sengoku's disciple.
As a teacher, Sengoku knew exactly how much his student was capable of. There was no way Aizen could match the world's greatest swordsman. Could Mihawk have a grudge? Was he simply looking for an excuse to humiliate Aizen?
"Mihawk, with your strength, is this necessary?" Tsuru asked, her voice heavy with doubt.
Mihawk's golden eyes remained locked on Aizen. He didn't even turn his head as he replied.
"He has the qualifications."
His words rang with absolute conviction. The intent to fight had not faded in the slightest.
"It seems there'll be no convincing Mihawk otherwise," Aizen thought, exhaling softly.
So this was the world's greatest swordsman—able to sense something from the barest hint of aura and refuse to let it go. But it was too soon to reveal his full self. Fortunately, he had already prepared for such contingencies.
…
Just as the standoff grew unbearable, marines rushed in from outside.
"Fleet Admiral! Lady Charlia has arrived—she's already at the door of the chamber."
"What? Here?" Sengoku stiffened. This was no place for one of those accursed Celestial Dragons.
It was one thing for marines and government officials to be present. But the three Warlords were all proud, arrogant figures. None of them would tolerate being ordered around by a Celestial Dragon. One wrong word could spark catastrophe.
Celestial Dragons never cared for balance or diplomacy. Trouble was inevitable.
Sengoku prepared to dismiss Doflamingo and the others before matters could spiral, but the clinking of chains and the sound of heavy steps rang out.
"Lady Charlia, this is the chamber where the Warlord meeting is being held," said a CP agent in a black suit, leading her in.
Seated atop a half-naked slave, Charlia entered.
Yet, unlike her usual arrogance, she neither demanded obeisance from the lower officials nor insulted the bizarrely dressed Warlords. Instead, her gaze swept the room, fixing on one figure.
With a bright smile, she hurried forward.
"Lord Aizen, at last I've found you. Why didn't you tell me you were coming to Mary Geoise? To have you stay in such a plain place—it's unforgivable hospitality."
"You're far too kind, Lady Charlia," Aizen replied gently. "I came here under orders. How could I trouble you without warning?"
His voice was warm, his smile serene.
Around them, the hall was stunned. A Celestial Dragon—polite? Courteous?
Sengoku's thoughts churned. He had always suspected Aizen was close to the Celestial Dragons. But this close? Could they be grooming him as a son-in-law? Impossible… wasn't it?
Even Sengoku, famed for his strategy, was at a loss.
Doflamingo, once a Celestial Dragon himself, was more unsettled still. He knew better than anyone the nature of those so-called gods. This behavior was unthinkable. What was Aizen's true origin? And why hadn't Vergo reported such vital information?
As for Mihawk, realizing the true purpose of the interruption, he withdrew, disappointed. But as he left, he spoke one last time.
"Our battle will wait for next time. When that day comes, I'll draw your blade myself and see what you truly are."
With Charlia's intrusion, the duel dissolved. The Warlord meeting ended shortly after.
With Sengoku's tacit consent, Aizen accepted Charlia's invitation and left with her.
On the way, she no longer rode upon her chained slave. Instead, she walked alongside Aizen, chatting cheerfully as though equals. Passersby stared, aghast. A Vice Admiral speaking as an equal with a Celestial Dragon—laughing, walking side by side? Unthinkable. And with Charlia, of all people, who was infamous for her arrogance.
Soon they arrived at the Roswald estate. Roswald, her father, was the very same noble struck down by Luffy at Sabaody in another tale.
Aizen entered with his ever-gentle smile.
But the instant the doors closed, Charlia dropped her act. She bowed her head, retreating several steps.
"Lord Aizen, forgive this concubine's earlier disrespect."
She stood humbly, submissive.
Stranger still, the estate showed no alarm. Neither CP agents, nor slaves, nor servants reacted. Even her brother Charloss and father Roswald were kneeling at the inner hall's entrance.
"Welcome, Lord Aizen!" they chorused.