Target: Whole Cake Island!

Target—Whole Cake Island!

When Tsugikuni Yoriichi and Aokiji emerged from Dressrosa's arena, there was an additional young man at their side.

Kyros had always been straightforward. Since he had agreed to join the Marines, he would not dawdle or drag his feet. Besides, he had no family or friends in Dressrosa. There was no one he needed to say goodbye to.

When the arena manager heard that Kyros was leaving the arena to join the Marines, his face had initially been filled with reluctance. Kyros, with his 441 victories, was the arena's greatest cash cow!

He truly could not bear to let him go just like that.

However, Aokiji's status as a Marine Headquarters colonel still carried some weight in Dressrosa, a member nation of the World Government.

The arena manager did not dare openly obstruct the Marines from recruiting. He only dared to "remind" Kyros that "you're a murderer," "leaving won't do you any good," "the Marines will never accept a murderer," and "you'll be discriminated against in the Marines."

Yet after Aokiji froze the arena manager's desk with his ability, he did not dare say another word.

And so, Kyros was smoothly brought out of the arena.

Kyros had always been alone and had no luggage to speak of. All he brought were a few plain clothes, several pieces of armor, and the Twin-bladed Greatsword in his hand.

"Kyros, you're very strong. Once you join the Marines, you'll definitely accomplish something."

"Follow me for now. Once we get to Vice Admiral Garp's ship, I'll have someone handle your enlistment procedures."

"Oh, Vice Admiral Garp is a vice admiral at Marine Headquarters. He's a very good person, so there won't be any problem with your enlistment."

"By the way, even though you're strong, you'll still have to start from the bottom in the Marines."

"I started out that way too. Once we return to Headquarters, I'll see if I can ask Teacher Zephyr to let you study at the Marine Academy."

"Oh, Teacher Zephyr is the Marines' chief instructor and a former admiral. He's a very good person too. He'll definitely like someone like you."

Along the way, Aokiji chatted with Kyros and extolled the virtues of the Marines. In Aokiji's eyes, there was no better place in the world to belong than the Marines. Aokiji's enthusiasm also helped Kyros relax. Though he had agreed to join the Marines, he had remained nervous the entire way.

The arena manager's words had affected him to some extent.

Through his conversations with Aokiji, Kyros gained a basic understanding of Tsugikuni Yoriichi.

A genius, a boy the Marines were focusing on training, mentored by Vice Admiral Garp, a true disciple of the former admiral Zephyr, and a commoner.

Yoriichi's group did not immediately head to the branch to meet up with Vice Admiral Garp.

Aokiji called Garp on a Den Den Mushi. After briefly explaining the situation, he took Yoriichi and Kyros around Dressrosa for a proper stroll. Along the way, he bought Kyros some clothes and led him through Dressrosa's finest local food.

Although Kyros had been born and raised here, his childhood poverty had meant that he had never truly explored the place where he grew up like this. Kyros did not refuse Aokiji's kindness. He relaxed and enjoyed himself, knowing that once he left his hometown, who knew when he would return again.

It was not until evening, when the setting sun cast its glow over the sea.

Only then did Yoriichi and the other two arrive at the Dressrosa Marine Branch, laden with bags, to meet up with Garp. Aokiji was thoughtful enough to bring Garp some local Dressrosa specialties: fruit-flavored donuts and savory senbei.

"You're really late getting back!"

"This young man must be Kyros, right?!"

"Welcome to the Marines. I'm Garp, a vice admiral at Marine Headquarters."

Garp had finally been waiting for Yoriichi and the others at the branch. His gaze fell on Kyros, and after a brief look him over, a smile appeared on his face as he spoke warmly.

"H-Hello, Vice Admiral Garp."

Kyros was somewhat nervous upon seeing Vice Admiral Garp. A Marine Headquarters vice admiral! A big shot! But after seeing Garp's friendly attitude, Kyros quickly relaxed. He shot Aokiji and Yoriichi grateful looks before greeting Garp.

Marine Vice Admiral Garp truly was a good person, just as Aokiji had said.

"Let's go. I've been waiting for you for quite a while."

"It's time to set sail."

"I've received news of the Roger Pirates!"

Garp nodded at Kyros, then his expression turned more serious as he spoke to Aokiji. His words made Aokiji's face tighten, and his playful demeanor vanished.

"We're setting sail at night?" Aokiji asked, glancing at the sky.

"Yeah. Time is tight. If we lose them this time, who knows when we'll get another chance."

"Roger seems to be planning to find—Charlotte Linlin!"

"The target is Whole Cake Island!"

Garp dropped this bombshell on Aokiji. When Aokiji heard the name Charlotte Linlin, he was briefly stunned. A moment later, he immediately realized who she was.

"Charlotte Linlin? That Charlotte Linlin who used to be a member of the Rocks Pirates?"

Aokiji seemed to know of Charlotte Linlin's background, and his face was filled with shock. He hurriedly asked, "What are the Roger Pirates planning to do by seeking out such a powerful pirate?!"

"Vice Admiral Garp, this is a major matter!"

Garp nodded at this, but then the stern look on his face collapsed. Picking his nose, he casually said, "Of course I know it's a major matter."

"That's why we need to hurry over. If we catch Roger, then no matter what major matter there is, won't it be over?!"

"Hahahaha!"

With that, Garp took the lead and headed toward the Naval Port. His ship had already been transferred to the branch that afternoon, and the Marines under his command appeared to have assembled long ago. At this point, only Garp, Yoriichi, and the others needed to board.

Yoriichi had originally thought they would stay in Dressrosa for a few days. Who would have thought that they had arrived in the morning and would be putting to sea that very night?

Working for the Marines was far more grueling than a 996 grind.

Still, Yoriichi felt no dissatisfaction. Compared with eating and sightseeing, he wanted more to witness the powerful figures who roamed these seas.

Charlotte Linlin was the future Four Emperor, Big Mom.

She had once been a member of the Rocks Pirates. After the battle at God Valley, Charlotte Linlin formed her own pirate crew and swept across the New World.

By now, Charlotte Linlin had already built a rather massive force.

The Whole Cake Island Garp spoke of was the territory ruled by Charlotte Linlin, an archipelago made up of thirty-four islands and home to hundreds of thousands of islanders.

Here, people of all races lived together in harmony. As long as they regularly offered their lifespans to Charlotte Linlin, they could receive her protection and continue living in Whole Cake Island.

At first glance, offering up one's life seemed like something terrifying. Of course, the reality was terrifying as well. But Charlotte Linlin gave the people of Whole Cake Island a choice: if they did not wish to offer up their lifespans, they could leave Whole Cake Island.

In some ways, Whole Cake Island was far better than the Dressrosa controlled by Doflamingo or the Wano Country controlled by Kaido.

With family bloodlines as the bond and protection as the bridge, Charlotte Linlin had built Whole Cake Island.

Here, Charlotte Linlin was king.

Even the World Government and the Marines had no way to interfere here.

Now, the Roger Pirates seemed to be attempting to contact Charlotte Linlin. This was certainly not good news for the Marines.

"Set sail! Our target is the territory of the Big Mom Pirates—Whole Cake Island!"