New World waters, the shipping fleet.
After Kizaru left, Rosinante stepped onto the deck in a black-feather cloak; the howling sea wind tangled his carefully combed blond hair.
The surging waves mirrored the turmoil in Rosinante's heart.
The Marines... are still clinging to wishful thinking.
Only Uncle Kizaru sees it clearly: Fleet Admiral Dad and those hot-blooded officers have clearly been misled by the two previous Buster Calls.
They believe the target won't kill Marines.
A man like Barzeb must have some hidden reason for acting this way.
Is it because of Vice Admiral Garp?
As Fleet Admiral Sengoku's adopted son, Rosinante had once heard Dad mutter about the rival-and-friend bond between Marine Hero Garp and Pirate King Roger.
Barzeb was a former Roger Pirate; of course he knows Vice Admiral Garp—so—
Does he not want to make things too difficult for Garp?
Or is there a bigger scheme?
After pondering a moment, Rosinante turned to head back and report to Dad, but a boy about his age leaned in.
"Bro, got a light?"
Rosinante happened to crave a smoke; backs to the wind, they lit up and exhaled clouds.
"What do they call you, bro?"
"Rosinante. You?"
The boy with twin horns and long pink hair, gold hoop earrings sparkling, grinned as he offered a hand.
"I'm Who's-Who. Rosinante, you here to throw in with Lord Barzeb too?"
Rosinante's gaze sharpened.
"Too? Don't tell me you are as well?"
Who's-Who chuckled.
"More than just us—most stowaways on this tub are small-timers looking to sign on. The really big fish usually swim alone."
He'd struck up conversation to cut the risk: two greenhorns arriving at Hachinosu together drew less notice than a lone stray.
"Those two slave ships in the middle are a gift to Lord Barzeb from the Shipping King."
Who's-Who tossed out harmless intel to buddy up—
A kid barely off the teat already smoking—born pirate stock. This fake had to stick to the real thing and pick up the habits fast.
Rosinante was thinking the same—
Pink hair, smokes, ear studs—pure pirate prodigy. This fake needed to shadow the genuine article and learn the ropes.
"Word is Lord Barzeb's bar is sky-high; I'm scared I won't make the cut."
Though in truth Fleet Admiral Sengoku had already prepared his ticket in: a solid résumé.
Who's-Who nodded solemnly.
Exactly why Satan Saint had given him an Ancient Zoan and the whereabouts of a rare Mythical Zoan as his boarding pass.
After all, the Morning Star Pirates were known as the most exclusive Emperor crew.
Think about it—who's been invited?
Great Swordsman Hawkeye Mihawk, Great Swordsman Fujitora Issho, and even the big-shot Golden Lion came capital-in-hand.
"Cheer up, I'm sure you'll get in."
Each with his own agenda, the two quickly became thick as thieves—bosom buddies in name.
Meanwhile, in another freighter's hold, Vergo finally found time to report to Doflamingo via den den mushi.
The snail's face wore a playful smirk.
"Fufufufufu—"
"No need to worry; Barzeb and I agreed to meet in North Blue next month. Until I tell you to pull out, play it by ear."
"Oh, and—sure you can get in?"
For Doflamingo, Fleet Admiral Sengoku's stunt was a godsend, handing him a line to an Emperor on a silver platter.
North Blue's fine for the Donquixote Family, but the second half of the Grand Line is where the real horizon opens.
Vergo hesitated.
"Young master, I don't have much confidence.
You know Barzeb's standards—no one from East Blue could impress him; odds are he'll turn me down flat."
Next to Mihawk, Fujitora, Golden Lion, Vergo wasn't worth a fart.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku was a real tightwad—wouldn't even front an entrance fee for his undercover man, just told him to "use his initiative."
Use your sister.
If initiative alone could cut it, you think the Fleet Admiral's chair would still be yours, Sengoku?
I, Vergo, might just be fit for it!
Doflamingo paused, then replied.
"Here's what: I'll have a Devil Fruit waiting in Flevance, North Blue. Present that as your ticket—Barzeb won't refuse."
Doflamingo knew Barzeb cared only for Devil Fruits; else he'd never have agreed to condescend to North Blue.
Tears sprang to Vergo's eyes.
"Young master—loyal unto death!!!"
Only the young master truly treated him as family, unlike stingy Fleet Admiral Sengoku with his pie-in-the-sky promises.
Promises you can't even taste, and he wouldn't spare a bowl—clearly never meant for you to eat at all.
"I'll await your good news."
"Yes, young master."
The call ended; Vergo wiped his eyes,
feeling warmth and ease—then remembered he'd soon be juggling three factions, and his good mood sank by half.
"Young master, Marines, Emperor..."
Vergo knew the moment the ship docked at Hachinosu, his acting skills would face their toughest test.
Seven days later.
The freighter fleet slowed; Hachinosu's gigantic skull structure loomed. As the merchant liaison went ashore, the pirates mixed among them queued in droves.
Shiliew of the Rain, naval coat flapping, sword Raiu at his hip, sized up the aspirants.
The Captain's order: miss no draft animals—especially the ones with dreams.
Dreaming draft animals make the best draft animals.
At the island's center, a skull fortress reforged by lightning-metal, its two huge eye-sockets now served as the Captain's and officers' offices.
Inside the Captain's office.
Seven was meeting the remnants of the old Flying Pirate Group Golden Lion had rounded up.
Golden Lion lolled on a sofa, puffing smoke.
"Captain, place 'em as you see fit; they've followed me for years, still have some fight in 'em."
Of the old Flying Pirate Group—those Golden Lion brought—only one and a half satisfied Seven; the rest were small fry.
First, the chemist Andy Go, who researched feral beasts and IQ drugs (the one who walks like he's farting and never talks).
The half: the electric duck Billy.
"Andy Go."
The pale, clown-make-upped scientist snapped to attention: "Captain!"
Seven laid it out.
"You're Second Division commander—R&D. I'll have funds, staff, and lab space for you ASAP."
"Aye, Captain."
Andy Go exhaled in relief; for a mad scientist, funding and facilities were heaven-sent.
Personnel were optional.
The rest of the Flying Pirate remnants Seven assigned to Fujitora and Shiliew; as for the electric duck, the Captain claimed first dibs.
Watching Seven tease the electric duck, Golden Lion's eyes blazed with fighting spirit.
Last time he'd lost, Golden Lion had since summed up three reasons—
First, Barzeb fought dirty—three Great Swordsmen ganging up.
Second, the ship's wheel in his skull wrecked his reflexes.
Third, he'd lost both legs then.
Now he was the complete lion, back at his peak—time to challenge Barzeb again and prove himself.
"Captain."
"It's time we had our rematch."
I am now the complete lion.