Landing

Gato, who dreamed of becoming the One Piece, had no idea that information about him had already been sent to Marine Headquarters—and even farther afield.

"Tailed Beast Fruit, Ten-Tails form? That really is an extraordinary ability."

A layer of white glare covered his thick round lenses, making it impossible to see the expression behind them.

A white goat beside him bleated, as though agreeing with the man's words.

The speaker was none other than Sengoku, Fleet Admiral of Marine Headquarters—a figure capable of influencing the course of the world.

"With such an ability, he was able to hunt a Sea King of that size the moment he set sail. This man is dangerous."

Standing before Sengoku was a Headquarters vice admiral. Hearing Sengoku's words, his expression turned solemn. "Fleet Admiral, should we put out a bounty on Gato?"

"Fool. People like him should first be recruited with every effort. If he truly refuses to join the Marines or the World Government, then treat him as a pirate—kill him on the spot or throw him into Impel Down."

It was not that the Marines were so narrow-minded that anyone who did not join the Marines or the World Government was considered an enemy. Otherwise, bounty hunters would never have emerged as a group.

It was simply that the power Gato possessed was too dangerous. If someone like that could not be brought to their side, it would be better to destroy him while he was still weak, lest he grow powerful and create unforeseen complications later.

In Sengoku's view, Gato had the potential to become a Four Emperor-level powerhouse through that ability.

"Yes, Fleet Admiral!"

"Remember, handle this matter with the utmost care. I will be monitoring the developments closely."

"Yes, sir. I'll see to it immediately. Goodbye."

Sengoku nodded in acknowledgment.

The man sitting on the sofa beside them, munching on rice crackers as he listened to the report without the slightest concern, began laughing to himself, utterly disregarding the Fleet Admiral's dignity.

"Hahaha! Gato, huh? These seas really are getting restless."

"Garp, you bastard! This happened in the East Blue, so don't act like it has nothing to do with you. Why don't you keep an eye on that kid?"

Every time Sengoku saw his old friend's unserious expression, a nameless rage rose in his heart. If this old bastard had not always been so irresponsible and unwilling to manage anything, would Sengoku have had to take care of everything himself?

"Hahaha! Spare me. Today, let's see who can eat more rice crackers..."

Garp was laughing so hard that tears nearly spilled from his eyes, yet he still did not forget to stuff rice crackers into his mouth.

"Bastard!"

Veins bulged on Sengoku's forehead.

Far away in the New World, Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, had also received the news. Of course, it was not because Gato's name had begun spreading there, but because the Beast Pirates placed great importance on information concerning powerful Zoan Fruits.

Kaido of the Beasts, a man built like a mountain, was actually crying loudly.

"Wuwuwu... WAAAHHH! A Tailed Beast Fruit! Why isn't such a great Fruit in my crew?! Wuwuwu! When that kid comes to the New World, I'll make him join me! Wuwuwu..."

Before Gato had even entered the Grand Line, his abilities had already caught the attention of two major powers. Though both sides wanted to win him over, whether that would prove a blessing or a curse, who could say?

After Sanji rejected him, Gato truly was not upset. What delicious food had a Chinese foodie not eaten before? How could he possibly let a chef tie down his stomach forever? He simply did not believe there was truly no chef in this world better than Sanji.

At the very least, there was currently a chef aboard the Baratie who was better than Sanji. However, Zeff was already old, and he had placed all his dreams upon Sanji.

If it came down to it, he did not need a chef. With Gato's body, even eating raw food would not be a problem. After all, he only needed the energy contained within animals.

But Gato shook his head. "No, how can I have such a lazy thought? Strength and delicious food—I want both!"

Even on that deserted island, under such lacking conditions, he had still wanted to make his food taste better. For a foodie, it was almost instinct.

But there was nothing he could do by thinking about it now. To be honest, Sanji was the only one aboard the Baratie whom he valued. Sanji had enormous potential. Whether as a chef or a combatant, he was intelligent as well. He would truly make an outstanding companion.

Gato knew that if he proposed returning in a few years to invite Sanji aboard, Zeff would very likely agree. As long as Zeff agreed, everything would be easy.

Given Sanji's personality, no matter how much Luffy might impress him later, if he had made an agreement with Gato first, he would not board Luffy's ship.

But that would be meaningless. Return for Sanji in a few years? Would Sanji still be able to keep pace with him then?

It was not arrogance on Gato's part; it was the result of careful consideration. In two or three years, even if he were an idiot, he should have mastered the Roaring Thunder Armor. Combined with other methods, his combat strength would be no weaker than that of the strongest Seven Warlords.

By then, he should be setting his sights on the position of a Four Emperor. If he came back to invite Sanji then, aside from satisfying his appetite, what else could Sanji do?

Gato might not care about that, but Sanji would. Though the man acted as though he did not care about anything, he was actually proud in his own way.

He definitely would not be content with merely being a chef. By then, he might instead find himself in danger.

Gato simply told him seriously, "That truly is regrettable. But I have a feeling that we will meet again in the New World."

"The New World...?" Sanji smiled faintly as well. "Yes, we'll definitely meet again someday."

"Someday."

Gato smiled too and headed toward the cabin. The vigor brought by his breakthrough had already faded, leaving only exhaustion. He wanted to sleep as well.

His trip to the Baratie had been nothing short of perfect, but it was time to say goodbye. He still had his own dream to pursue. In the end, they were not destined to travel the same path.

Beneath the boundless starry sky, the great ship called the Baratie continued onward. Perhaps many years later, its owner would have changed several times, but he might still be proud of this ship, because it carried the pasts of several great figures.

Gato had now left the Baratie. Of course, that only happened after the Baratie docked and he had swept all the food aboard it clean.

Without the slightest shame, he slipped toward the crowded areas while enduring Zeff's curses.

It was not that he was afraid. Rather, the noise of the crowd could conceal that old man Zeff's irritating nagging quite well.

It was his first time arriving on land that was inhabited year-round, and it felt different from when he had gone to the Baratie. Though that place was a restaurant, it unexpectedly lacked the bustle of ordinary life, making it feel more like an exquisite, elegant, romantic retreat.

After coming to the pirate world, he felt the atmosphere of life here for the first time. That sense of unfamiliarity, of not belonging in this world, seemed to be slowly fading.