Just as Gern and Hawk-Eye parted ways in the first half of the Grand Line...
Elsewhere, in the New World, in Karyak Town, within the waters controlled by G-10.
Bartholomew Kuma and Enel, who were responsible for this patrol, had just finished their routine inspection of the town and its surrounding waters.
But just as they were about to board their ship and leave, they passed a quiet corner of the harbor piled high with cargo crates...
Kuma's enormous frame suddenly paused. Then he turned his head slightly, his gaze locking onto a figure leaning in the shadow of a shipping container nearby, wearing a shabby dark green cloak.
Although the man had deliberately lowered his hood to conceal his face, his distinctive presence and the faint outline of his figure...
Still allowed Kuma to recognize him in an instant.
Mr. Dragon?! Turmoil stirred inside Kuma, but his face remained as calm as ever.
Why is he in G-10's territory? And... is he waiting here for me?
Meanwhile, Enel was walking ahead, lazily resting the Golden Staff behind his neck and humming an off-key tune.
Noticing that Kuma had suddenly stopped, he turned back in confusion, his expression impatient.
"Hey, you kindhearted big guy, what's wrong? Why'd you stop all of a sudden?
Hurry up! This god still has a bunch of pirates who don't know their place to deal with. I need to give them a proper 'welcome' to my divine arrival!!"
Kuma remained silent, offering no immediate answer.
Or rather, he hadn't heard Enel at all. He was absorbed in rapidly weighing how to handle this unexpected situation.
Especially given his current position. Dragon's appearance was no coincidence, and he had to be cautious.
When Kuma didn't respond and instead looked hesitant, Enel frowned, took the Golden Staff