The powers at play

In the blink of an eye, the Kaido before them turned into Sengoku.

Meanwhile, the Sengoku who had been standing beside them became Lofan, holding his sword in a reverse grip.

"This is what I'm counting on to deal with Kaido."

Looking at the smile beneath those black, rectangular glasses, everyone felt a chill for the first time, even showing faint traces of fear.

Such a silent, undetectable power was simply impossible to guard against.

Especially when it was wielded by Lofan, whose own strength was already formidable.

Had he wished, the Navy might just have suffered the greatest losses in its history.

"That really is frightening."

For the first time, Kizaru said "frightening" without a teasing tone, his expression grave.

Who among those present had not weathered a hundred battles? Who was not at the pinnacle in some field?

Yet not one of them had noticed. There was simply no defending against this power of illusion.

"All right, everyone, there's no need to act like you're facing a mortal enemy. I'm a Marine, not a pirate."

Seeing Lofan's expression, caught between laughter and tears, everyone suddenly came to their senses, making Garp burst out laughing.

"Looks like us old fellows really can't keep up with the times anymore.

Sengoku! Damn it, hurry up and step aside for someone more capable! Stop hogging the seat without doing anything!"

This time, Sengoku was in no mood to argue with Garp.

No wonder Kong had been so secretive all along. This was the reason.

Lofan's strength lay not in his overt combat power, but in this utterly undetectable hypnotic ability.

For the first time, everyone took Lofan seriously and regarded him as an equal.

Not as a powerful, exceptionally gifted junior.

Sengoku let out a breath, sat down in his seat, and swept his hand.

"Then, as Vice Admiral Lofan proposed, let the Navy's justice reign over the world through this operation!"

After they reached a consensus, Lofan returned to his own house.

Standing before the window, he was in no hurry to pack. Instead, he opened it and let the warm sea breeze lift the hair over his forehead.

The setting sun slanted across half his body. Removing his glasses with his right hand, he smiled out at Marineford's enormous, crescent-shaped harbor.

"Now that really was an unexpected gain."

Once someone fell under Illusion even once, they could never escape it.

The next day.

Having already been promoted to Admiral candidate, he now had his own Seastone warship.

He would take this ship to the Navy G-11 Branch and command a region of the New World.

The news was also published in the Seagull Newspaper, deliberately intended to lure Kaido into intercepting him.

Today, in the year 1515 of the Sea Circle Calendar, Lofan plunged into the sea's tumultuous era with a dragon-tiger bearing.

Ain and her companion were already aboard the warship, fully prepared. Before he left, Zephyr had said only one thing.

"Become the Navy's next hero."

As his warship set sail, Lofan faced the sea, with a whole contingent of saluting Marines behind him.

For the man before them was staking his own life to proclaim justice to the world!

"Tch, this kid sure is popular."

Looking at the solemn gazes of every Marine, Garp's eyes took on a reminiscent look.

There had once been someone else who should have become the strongest Marine warrior, but life was unpredictable.

Sengoku and Tsuru immediately noticed the change in Garp.

The three were comrades who had shared life and death. With only a little thought, they understood what was on Garp's mind.

Tsuru said, "It wasn't your fault."

Sengoku said, "You can't stop a man's ambition."

That man had once been one of the Navy's hopes.

Much like Lofan now, he had been strong and composed, someone most young Marines aspired to be.

He had once had the chance to become the youngest Admiral, then go on to become the youngest Fleet Admiral.

That was how it should have been.

Yet he had chosen the most uncompromising, most difficult path.

But he did possess justice. It simply was not the World Government's justice, but justice for the suffering people of the entire world.

"Will the times be on my side? Hancock, I've bet everything on you."

Lofan wanted to exploit a gap in timing.

Although his destination had been widely reported, tracking his exact whereabouts on this vast sea would be difficult.

Kaido would surely head toward the branch. Lofan only needed to complete his deal with Big Mom before Kaido arrived.

The chosen location was an island not far from G-11.

And he was eagerly anticipating his battle with Kaido.

Lofan hoped to face every sufficiently powerful opponent head-on.

Because he needed this to feel his own strength, and he also needed to hone himself and advance through these fierce battles.

Onigashima.

"Queen, have you found Jack's escort ship?"

His enormous body, fat yet solid, walked toward one of the All-Stars, King the Conflagration.

Queen took the cigar from his mouth and gave a cruel smile. "Of course! Let's go bring our little brother back."

"Yeah, it's time to show everyone the Beasts' flag again."

The entire Beasts Pirates set out, advancing toward Impel Down in a mighty procession.

The Moby Dick.

The enormous fleet was holding a banquet.

"Gurararara! So an interesting brat has appeared in the Navy too!"

Whitebeard took a swig of wine. On this vast sea, he was hailed as the World's Strongest Man, a living legend.

But so-called invincibility meant less than his family's harmony and happiness.

"Pops, drink less. Take care of yourself."

"Gurararara! Pirates are free! What pirate lets drinking hold him back!"

The Red Hair Pirates.

Shanks was the freest of the Four Emperors.

He had inherited Roger's finest expression of freedom.

Looking at the young Lofan, he remembered the child on whom he had wagered his left arm.

"The times have begun to turn. Luffy, I'm looking forward to seeing you more and more."

Whole Cake Island.

Perospero entered the palace, holding a giant candy cane.

"Mama, something interesting has happened. Boa Hancock, one of the Shichibukai, contacted us.

She claims she wants to cooperate with us. It's about a Road Poneglyph."

"Mamamama! Go there yourself. If it's true, have her marry into our family. If she's deceived me, kill her."

Big Mom took a bite of cake.

Although she cared a great deal about the Road Poneglyphs, her dream was to establish Totto Land, even if it was a twisted wish.

So this was not yet worth too much of her attention.

"Yes, Mama. Hehehe."

Even if the other party belonged to the World Government, anyone who dared deceive a ruler of this sea would have to pay the price.

Dressrosa.

"Understood, Vergo."

After hanging up, Doflamingo laughed heartily.

"This really is interesting enough. Let me see, Lofan, whether you truly measure up."

Meanwhile, the Navy assigned Akainu and Kizaru to secretly escort Jack's prison transport ship.

Aokiji remained at headquarters to guard against any unforeseen incidents.

The enormous organization swiftly went into motion. It had been a long time since the Navy had taken the initiative like this.

"The Fleet Admiral really knows how to work people."

Looking at the unsmiling Akainu beside him, Kizaru felt utterly bored.

He turned and entered the lounge, while Akainu kept watch over their surroundings at all times.

He fully supported Lofan's strategy.

This was how the Navy ought to act, rather than letting evil run rampant in the name of conserving its strength!

"If necessary, we'll have no choice but to sacrifice Lofan!"

Justice had to be upheld, even if sacrifices were inevitable.

By now, Lofan had long since left the warship, letting it sail with the wind.

Stepping through the air, he swiftly followed the directions toward the island where he had agreed to meet Hancock.

"Looks like the times are on my side."