In the blink of an eye, several months had passed. Sea Circle Calendar 1520 was drawing to a close, and the cold winds of the twelfth lunar month had begun sweeping across the entire island.
(PS: The Four Seas had normal seasonal cycles, so it was fine to write spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The Grand Line did not have seasons.)
Inside the manor office, the flames in the fireplace dispelled some of the chill.
Dawn sat behind a broad desk. Compared to several months ago, his body had become noticeably more muscular. The contours of his muscles were clearly visible even beneath his everyday clothes, while his presence had grown ever deeper and more restrained.
The office door was pushed open, and a travel-worn Lucci walked in.
More than half a year of traveling had added a touch of weathered hardship to his already stern face, but his eyes had become even sharper, like those of a hawk. His inseparable pigeon companion, Hattori, stood on his shoulder.
"I've handled everything you asked me to do."
Lucci's voice was as calm as ever, devoid of any unnecessary emotion.
He began meticulously reporting the detailed intelligence he had gathered on the four ringleaders.
After finishing his report, Lucci took a neatly organized stack of files from his clothes and respectfully handed them to Dawn.
"These are the detailed records."
As always, he used no honorific for Dawn, nor did he address him by any title at all.
Dawn did not mind. He accepted the files and quickly leafed through them. The information recorded on the pages was even more detailed than Lucci's verbal report, complete with rough sketches and even secretly taken photographs.
He was extremely satisfied with Lucci's ability to get things done. This boy, only nine years old, displayed