After ending his call with Anita, Werther put the Den Den Mushi back inside his Pocket Watch.
Werther would never let people who cared about him worry because they thought he was dead. He did intend to stay hidden for a while—a month at least, two at most. First he would recover, then he would settle the score with Blackbeard.
His call with Anita had told him who had ambushed him. Van Augur might already be dead at Kaido's hands, but Werther could not let that shot go unanswered.
As for letting Tuski set out on an adventure alone, Werther had been considering it for some time.
Tuski loved following Werther, but Werther could see that Tuski had dreams of its own.
Tuski was no longer the wild animal Werther had found on that Deserted Island. It had a mind of its own now, along with its own life and dreams.
Werther had also taught Tuski everything he knew and constantly pushed it to train.
By now, Tuski's attacks were not especially powerful, but its defenses were formidable.
At the Summit War half a year earlier, Tuski had taken Akainu's attack head-on and saved Luffy's life beneath a Magma Fist.
Even if an enemy broke through its defenses, Tuski's powerful self-healing would drag the fight out until they questioned their life choices.
In short, Tuski might not be strong compared with Werther, but in the East Blue, it would be a top-tier fighter—like dropping a level-hundred healer into a beginner dungeon.
Even if Tuski stood still and let its enemies attack, they might not be able to break through its defenses.
Beyond the East Blue, Tuski would still rank among the strongest fighters on the Grand Line. Anyone capable of hurting it would know Werther stood behind it. His Killer,