New World, open sea, aboard a Marine warship.
"Report! Pirate ship sighted ahead! Flag confirmed as belonging to 'Iron Tomb' Baimon, bounty 410 million..."
Before the Marine soldier on the lookout had finished, magma was already blazing around Sakazuki's fist. His eyes were cold. "Another small fry."
"Small fry? Then let Lipo handle this one!" Lipo raised her left hand like a student in class.
Gern leaned against the railing and glanced at the eager Lipo, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You want to go this time?"
Lipo nodded vigorously, her floppy ears trembling slightly with excitement.
"If Uncle Sakazuki attacks, there won't even be scraps left!
"And you always cripple them, Gern. It makes drawing blood so difficult!"
"Be careful."
Since the enemy was just a small fry, Sakazuki gave a cold snort and, surprisingly, offered no objection. He simply stood with his arms folded.
Gern did not give it much thought either. After their recent sweep, there could hardly be any major pirates left in the surrounding waters.
It was only a pirate crew with a bounty of around 400 million. Letting Lipo get some practice was fine.
So Gern chuckled and raised a hand in an inviting gesture. "Then it's all yours, champion of justice."
"Roger!" Lipo pushed off on her toes. Using Geppo, her petite figure streaked across the sea like white lightning, landing on the enemy deck after a few bounds.
Meanwhile, out at sea, a pirate ship flying an unfamiliar flag, the Drunken Whale, bobbed on the waves.
Vasco Shot, the "Heavy Drinker" with a bounty of 825 million Beli, tipped back his head and took a great gulp of liquor.
The liquor dripped down his sausage-shaped nose, soaking his wrinkled clown suit.
Ever since Gern and Sakazuki had joined forces,