The New World, the waters off the Navy's G-1 branch.
The noon sun melted the sea into shimmering fragments of gold. Kizaru-Borsalino-sat cross-legged on a reef, humming an off-key tune as he carefully filed his nails. The steady rasp of the file blended with the waves into a lazy background murmur.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps shattered the tranquility.
His adjutant, Strawberry, all but jogged onto the reef, his leather shoes clattering unevenly against the rock. His chest heaved and sweat beaded at his temples, but he forced his breathing under control and raised his hand in salute-
Yet his faintly trembling fingertips betrayed the turmoil within.
"Reporting, Admiral Kizaru!"
Kizaru continued filing his nails without looking up. "Oh my~ What's the hurry? Has Mr. Sengoku finally found his conscience and decided to give this old man some time off?"
"It's Mary Geoise... a direct order!"
Strawberry swallowed, his voice tight:
"Three minutes ago, a vicious attack occurred in the Kingdom of Bernia! A Celestial Dragon... Saint Roschar has been confirmed dead! The perpetrator-Aaron Ball!"
The file stopped.
Kizaru slowly raised his head, his eyes narrowing slightly behind his sunglasses. Sunlight fell across the shoulders of his striped suit, yet reflected not a trace of warmth.
"The orders." His voice still drawled, but every syllable sank lower.
"An urgent dispatch orders Admiral Kizaru to proceed to Bernia immediately! Prevent the criminal from escaping! If necessary... kill him on the spot!"
The sea breeze suddenly stopped.
Kizaru fell silent for three seconds, then gave an exceedingly soft, almost self-mocking snort.
"Oh dear, oh dear... and here I thought I was getting a vacation~"
He stood and brushed nonexistent dust from the hem of his suit. His movements remained languid, but when he looked west-toward Bernia-his entire demeanor subtly changed.
"So... it's that kind