At the end of the meeting, the topic turned to the worldwide announcement of Ace's execution tomorrow.
There wasn't much need for discussion on this matter; someone would contact the largest press agency, Morgans' World Economic Journal. Combined with the "Government Press Release" controlled by the World Government, spreading the news quickly across the globe wouldn't be an issue.
Taro was so bored he was nodding off. Having finally endured until the meeting ended, he stood up to leave, but Vice Admiral Tsuru called out to him.
"Taro, come with me!"
Taro curled his lips helplessly. What now? Even a donkey on a production team gets to rest!
Following Vice Admiral Tsuru into her office, she poured him a cup of tea and pushed it toward him. "Sit. Have some tea first."
Taro was flattered, but just as he was about to pick it up, he realized something was wrong. Excessive courtesy usually masks an ulterior motive—this tea was dangerous!
"Vice Admiral Tsuru, is there something you need me to do?" Taro asked softly, shrinking his neck back.
"It's nothing major. Regarding Old Garp, I want you to be the one to notify him about Ace's public execution."
Vice Admiral Tsuru's tone was exceptionally kind, like a refreshing spring breeze.
Holy crap! I've called you Grandma Tsuru so many times, and yet you want me dead!
"Vice Admiral Tsuru, I've suddenly changed my mind," Taro said with a straight face.
"Boa Hancock is the world's most beautiful woman. As for me, Taro, I'm already a Marine Vice Admiral at such a young age—quite the successful youth. I want to take this opportunity to get to know her."
Vice Admiral Tsuru waved it off. "Once she answers the summons, it won't be too late for me to introduce you then!"
"It's been a long time since Mihawk and I saw each other at Mary Geoise. This is a chance; I want to go and ask him for some pointers on swordsmanship!"
Taro continued trying to convince Vice Admiral Tsuru.
Vice Admiral Tsuru chuckled. "The business at Mary Geoise was only a few days ago. Don't talk nonsense about it being a long time. Besides, didn't you say you were unwilling to spar with him?"
Having said that, Vice Admiral Tsuru looked at Taro suspiciously. "You aren't making excuses to dodge me, are you?"
Taro was so anxious he was breaking into a sweat. No, I need a plan, fast!
Finally, Taro thought of an excuse and gritted his teeth.
"Vice Admiral Tsuru, actually, with your subordinate, Captain Hina... ever since that time..."
"We haven't seen each other in a long time. Now that she's coming to Marineford, I want to go pick her up!"
Vice Admiral Tsuru was stunned for a moment, staring at Taro in disbelief for a long while. "Are you serious?"
Seeing Taro nod earnestly, Vice Admiral Tsuru smiled and said, "Fine. In that case, I'll find someone else."
Taro breathed a sigh of relief. That was close! He had finally dodged a bullet!
After Taro left, Vice Admiral Tsuru pondered for a moment and picked up a den den mushi.
"Hina? There's something I want to confirm with you..."
"Oh, really? I see!"
Click.
After hanging up, Vice Admiral Tsuru suddenly let out a soft laugh. "That brat, he actually... Hmph!"
At this moment, Taro was still immersed in the joy of a narrow escape, completely unaware that he had just dug a massive hole for himself.
Returning to the residential area, Taro fell fast asleep. By the time he woke up, the sun was high in the sky.
There were seven days left until Ace's public execution, and the news would be released at three o'clock this afternoon.
After a quick wash, Taro prepared to get something to eat. On the way to the canteen, he noticed that the Marine Soldiers he encountered were all looking at him with strange expressions.
For a moment, Taro thought there was something wrong with his outfit and even found a mirror to check.
Nothing wrong. Quite handsome, actually!
Finally, unable to take it anymore, he blurred into motion and grabbed a poor soul.
"Why do you all keep looking at me with those eyes? What's going on?"
The Marine Soldier who was caught wasn't panicked at all; his eyes even revealed a sense of honor.
Faced with Taro's questioning, the soldier's expression gradually became fanatical, his reverent gaze almost turning into stars.
Taro was getting impatient and said firmly, "Speak!"
But whether the soldier was nervous, excited, or simply mute, his mouth opened and closed several times without making a sound. Ultimately, he could only point toward the docks.
Taro realized the answer might be on his warship. He released the soldier and, with a leap, flew toward the docks.
A brand-new, massive flag hung from the main mast of Taro's ship. The pattern on the flag was none other than a black dragon coiled upon it.
Taro scanned it. Hmm, the dragon was well-drawn and lifelike. More importantly, it bore a high resemblance to the Eastern totems of his past life. As a descendant of the dragon totem, Taro was quite satisfied.
Old Mike was a dark horse; this level of skill was impressive. Not bad, I like it!
Just as Taro was thinking this, he looked closer and nearly had a stroke, almost falling right out of the sky.
Holy crap! Who told you to paint the Jolly Rogers of the Four Emperors under the dragon's claws?!
Indeed, that coiled black divine dragon had its four claws stomping on four pirate flags—those were the flags of the Four Emperors who reigned over the Grand Line!
The divine dragon looked noble and arrogant, its Haki practically leaking off the canvas!
Taro was moved to tears.
Dammit, you all want me dead!
Old Mike, I valued you so much, and yet you backstabbed me!
Taro barely managed to steady himself and landed on the ship.
A large crowd of Marines had gathered on the deck to see the sight; most had rushed over after hearing the news.
And the man who backstabbed Taro, Old Mike, was standing under the flag, talking animatedly.
"You all know, right? Our Vice Admiral Taro defeated the legendary great pirate, Golden Lion Shiki!"
"That's a pirate who stood on equal footing with the Pirate King Roger!"
"What do the current 'Four Emperors' count for? It's only because our Vice Admiral hasn't gone to the New World yet, otherwise... hmph hmph!"
"Let me tell you, this flag was personally approved by the Vice Admiral. Don't go thinking I, Old Mike, just hung it up on a whim!"
Mike's face was full of pride, his expression almost identical to that of the divine dragon on the flag.
The surrounding Marines actually nodded in deep agreement.
"Yeah, I heard too. Fleet Admiral Sengoku specifically chose Vice Admiral Taro to accompany him. It was because Vice Admiral Taro was there that the three of them could join forces to defeat the Golden Lion!"
"That sounds like nonsense. What I heard was that Vice Admiral Taro defeated the Golden Lion all by himself!"
"Exactly, that's what I heard too. Admiral Sakazuki's attacks only hit rocks, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku couldn't even get close to the Golden Lion!"
"Ah, is Vice Admiral Taro's strength really that terrifying?"
"You must be another one transferred from a branch, right? There have been many new faces at headquarters lately. Let me tell you, as soon as Vice Admiral Taro joined the Marines..."
"After that, he was called the light of the marines, and then..."
Hearing them get more and more ridiculous, Taro couldn't take it anymore and gave a heavy cough.
Old Mike spotted Taro immediately. He pushed through the crowd and hurried over. "Vice Admiral, how is it? My craftsmanship isn't bad, right?"
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