The approach of war was like a silent decree, consigning the upcoming conference of Land Creation Affiliated Nations to a filing cabinet.
In the Council Chamber of Mary Geoise, the nautical chart marking the next round of land creation priorities for fifty Affiliated Nations had yet to be cleared from the table. But the latest directive issued from the Holy Land contained only a single line-Portgas D. Ace would be publicly executed at Marineford in two months.
Land creation was not the only project postponed. Uta's world concert tour, originally approved by the Five Elders themselves, was put on hold halfway through preparations.
Saint Garling did not send CID to notify her or have the Marines relay the message. Instead, he personally boarded Boer's castle floating above Mary Geoise.
He stood outside the castle door. Lulu, who had been watering Apple Tree Grandpa, came to answer it. When she looked up and saw his face, she nearly dropped her watering can.
When Uta walked out of the living room, she froze on the spot.
Another person stood beside Saint Garling-Shamrock Figarland, deputy commander of the Holy Knights and Shanks's older twin brother.
His face was almost identical to Shanks's-the same contours, the same curve of the brows and eyes, the same hairline.
The difference was that Shanks had three claw marks over his left eye, while Shamrock's gaze lacked Shanks's lazy, easygoing warmth. There was only a coldness that had been honed over and over.
Uta looked at him, then at Saint Garling. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.
"I am your grandfather," Saint Garling began.
Uta took a step back.
Her calves bumped into the edge of the sofa.
Saint Garling did not press closer. He simply stood where he was and slowly laid out that