"El-sama…"
Before long, El descended from Atlantis with Linlin, Sally, Helen, Lillian, Gerd, and the others, landing on the back of Zunesha—the giant elephant that served as the foundation of the nation of Zou.
Following them was a group of lively children with wings and flaming heads, bursting with energy and curiosity.
"Huh? Giant humans? Are they from the Giant Tribe?"
"People with wings? Could they be Lunarians, like Moss said?"
"And someone with three eyes…"
The Minks—men, women, and children alike—were filled with amazement. Even Duke Barton, their leader, couldn't hide his surprise.
"Greetings. My apologies for the unexpected visit and any inconvenience caused…"
El approached Duke Barton with his entourage, nodding to Moss before turning to the duke and smiling.
"I am Kukulkan El, King of Totto Land and captain of the Fallen Angel Pirates."
"Greetings, El-sama…"
Duke Barton studied the towering and imposing young man before him, whose presence was both intimidating and awe-inspiring. He responded amicably, "I am Barton, King of the Mokomo Dukedom. Welcome to Zou!"
"Wow! There are so many people like Uncle Moss!"
"So furry! So cute!"
"Can I touch them?"
The children, including Thor, Sif, and Dal, were wide-eyed with wonder, marveling at the diverse Minks.
While Totto Land had its share of Mink residents—some rescued from the black market and many freed from slavery in Mary Geoise—the children were still awestruck by the sheer variety on Zou.
"Don't be so rude, you little brats!"
Gerd gave each of them a flick to the forehead, scolding them.
"Mind your manners!"
"It's fine," Duke Barton said with a laugh, watching the energetic children. "They're quite charming. We've never seen Lunarians or Giants before, so the feeling is mutual."
The Minks were incredibly hospitable, warmly welcoming El and his companions. Not to be outdone, El ordered Homies soldiers to bring down an abundance of Totto Land's specialties from Atlantis.
The Minks, who had spent their entire lives on Zunesha and rarely ventured outside, were thrilled and grateful. The children quickly made friends with the Mink children, even exchanging clothes as a sign of mutual respect—a high honor among the Mink Tribe.
Though the atmosphere was joyous, El's visit was brief. When Sally received intelligence that the Marines were beginning to move, El—who had no intention of staying long—bid farewell. Before leaving, he made sure to take a rubbing of the Third Red Road Poneglyph.
"Woo-hoo-hoo…"
As the Minks reluctantly waved goodbye, the massive floating fortress Atlantis rose into the sky and began its journey.
"Maaamaaama… So, the Marines have started mobilizing already?"
Linlin, holding the now soundly sleeping baby Ares, grinned, revealing her sharp teeth.
"We've also received another classified report," Sally said, her expression serious.
"To counter Edward Newgate—Whitebeard—and his ability to cause tsunamis with the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, the World Government has recently entrusted the Marine forces with the power of the Logia-type Ice-Ice Fruit."
"Oh?"
"The Ice-Ice Fruit?"
"Maaamaaama… How generous of them!"
The news caused everyone present to widen their eyes in surprise. Even El looked intrigued, clearly impressed by the World Government's strategic move to locate and assign the powerful Ice-Ice Fruit.
…
At this moment—far away in the first half of the Grand Line, at Marineford, the new Marine Headquarters:
"What?"
Inside the Fleet Admiral's office, Garp widened his eyes in shock after hearing the proposal from Fleet Admiral Hammons William.
"You want me to become a Devil Fruit user?"
"No way! Losing my ability to swim freely? That's way too boring. Find someone else!"
He refused outright, without a second thought.
"Garp, I'm not joking with you. Right now, you are the most suitable candidate for the Ice-Ice Fruit in the Marine ranks…"
Hammons William stared directly at Garp and spoke earnestly.
"The Ice-Ice Fruit is unique. It can freeze the ocean itself, and its user doesn't fear falling into the sea! Even if you become a 'hammer' who can't swim, it's not like you'd lose all your strength, right?"
He hadn't expected Garp to reject so decisively, especially when the World Government had painstakingly allocated this top-tier Logia ability—one that countless individuals would kill for.
"Even so, I won't be able to swim freely anymore…"
Garp's attitude remained firm as he waved his hand dismissively.
"Fleet Admiral William, just find someone else. I'm not interested."
He genuinely had no desire to become a Devil Fruit user. Garp firmly believed in the strength of his fists, confident that he could rival—or even surpass—any Devil Fruit ability.
"For others, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This guy…"
Hammons William's face darkened as he glared at Garp.
"Do you think I want to pick you? The three Admirals are already Devil Fruit users! Among the Vice Admirals, most are too mediocre. Only you and Sengoku far surpass the rest, but Sengoku is already a Devil Fruit user. That leaves only you!"
"And you're well aware of how outrageous some of those pirates' abilities can be…"
Hammons William furrowed his brow and stared at Garp, his tone turning grave.
"Don't you understand that without countermeasures, our fleets could be wiped out by a sudden tsunami, sinking to the bottom of the sea? Whether it's the Fallen Angel Pirates or the Rocks Pirates, isn't their arrogance largely due to their ability to summon storms, trigger tsunamis, and wreak havoc at will?"
"Especially the Fallen Angel Pirates. Have you forgotten the unprecedented explosion at Marineford five years ago? Tens of thousands perished in flames—innocent souls turned to ash! Do you not remember why the Navy has been unable to retaliate or organize large-scale expeditions against them?"
The Fleet Admiral sighed deeply, lamenting the situation. If only Tsuru, once part of the new generation's 'Trio' of the Navy, hadn't defected…
She would have been the perfect candidate. With the Ice-Ice Fruit at her disposal—combined with her already impressive potential—she might not have reached Sengoku or Garp's level, but achieving Admiral-level strength would undoubtedly have been within her grasp. If that were the case, there would be no concerns about the next generation of Admirals.
But what was done was done; dwelling on it was pointless.
"Of course I haven't forgotten…"
Garp's face twitched, clearly feeling the weight of the situation. Then his eyes lit up with an idea.
"And who says there isn't a suitable candidate?"
He turned to Fleet Admiral William with a smirk.
"Fleet Admiral William, I recommend someone!"
"Oh?"
~~~
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