Marineford - Navy Headquarters Port.
In the tranquil atmosphere, Smoker took a deep breath, the spicy smoke of the cigar rushing into his lungs. The slight burning sensation in his chest made Smoker realize that this was reality, not a dream. Turning his head to look at the stunned Tashigi, Smoker exhaled a puff of white smoke and said, "I feel like we might win this war without even summoning the Navy's elite forces."
"I feel the same way," Tashigi replied. She pulled out a lady's cigarette and took Smoker's lighter to ignite it. After a deep drag, she glanced at the two remaining Shichibukai nearby and spoke softly, "But I heard they have other tasks, so the coming battle will still depend on us."
"However, there are only five Shichibukai left, and one of them has been imprisoned in the depths of Impel Down for refusing to face the Whitebeard Pirates," she continued, exhaling smoke. Tashigi turned her gaze to Mihawk and Kuma. "From your recent actions, it's clear that you still have a conscience, and from the usual reports, it seems you're not the most heinous of pirates. I hope you can perform well in the upcoming war."
After these ambiguous words, Tashigi waved at Smoker and headed toward Hiroshi and the others.
"Interesting!" Mihawk's sharp eyes, akin to an eagle's, followed Hiroshi's departing figure. He twisted his stiff neck and, ignoring Tashigi's near-insulting remarks, turned to Smoker. "It seems your Navy is well-prepared for this war, and there's some peculiar plan in motion. How intriguing. If you're telling us to perform well, does that mean the Navy's goal is not only to confront Whitebeard but also to eliminate the Shichibukai?"
Mihawk's voice grew louder as he reached behind him for his sword. "As the world's strongest swordsman, I won't stop advancing when faced with new heights!"
Bang! Smoker was about to draw his weapon when Kuma suddenly stopped Mihawk by placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "There are children over there. No." With this simple sentence, Kuma pressed Mihawk's shoulder firmly.
Turning his head, Mihawk glanced at Kuma, then at Klee, who was running with a giant sea king's corpse hoisted overhead. His lips twitched. "She might look like a child, but she feels more like an exceptionally powerful being. Still, she's just a kid."
Mihawk relaxed his grip on his sword and turned to the welcoming Navy soldiers. "Since you're here to receive us, lead the way."
The leading soldiers exchanged glances, straightened up, and saluted. "This way, please. Fleet Admiral Sengoku is waiting for you."
By the port, Lu Feng watched Mihawk and Kuma walk away, chuckling softly as he lost interest.
Navy Headquarters Fleet Admiral's Office.
After listening to the soldier's report, Sengoku nodded. "I understand. Go prepare for your other tasks. Also, notify them to bring Mihawk and Kuma to my office."
Turning to Garp, who was painfully reviewing documents while eating donuts, Sengoku chuckled. "Finally caught you to help with the paperwork. Cranes used to spoil you, but now that she's drafting post-war orders with Riku, Shubi, and Zhongli, you can't just push your work onto her anymore."
Sengoku's tone turned serious. "Garp, our initial plan was to eliminate the most heinous of the Shichibukai on the battlefield, then deal with the lesser offenders according to their crimes. But now only two have arrived, and one's already been executed for offending a VIP. Who will fill the empty seats at the start of the war?"
Garp nonchalantly swallowed a donut and picked his nose. "Why does it matter? Our job is to attract the world's attention at the opening ceremony. Then phase one begins. Once the Iron Wall closes, our elite forces will stabilize the seas via pre-set spatial passages, and then we'll sweep through the Grand Line, including Mary Geoise and the corrupt Celestial Dragons."
"You don't get it!" Sengoku slammed his hand on the desk. "The empty Shichibukai seats will arouse suspicion from the World Government."
Rubbing his chin, Sengoku thought aloud, "I recall some of our allies aren't part of the sea-stabilization task. Let's invite a few of them to fill the seats. They seem quite interested in our opening ceremony rehearsal."
Knock, knock.
"Come in."
With a creak, the door opened. Sengoku's eyes narrowed as Mihawk and Kuma entered. He sat back, clasping his hands beneath his chin. "Dracule Mihawk. Bartholomew Kuma. The decisive battle with Whitebeard's fleet is approaching. I hope you'll perform well in this war."
Mihawk's gaze met Sengoku's, then shifted to Garp, who was struggling with his documents. Reflecting on the Navy's new attitude, he smirked faintly. "It seems something interesting is about to happen. Don't worry. I'll give it my all."
Kuma nodded silently in agreement.
"Good. You're dismissed to rest." Sengoku gestured to the soldiers. "Escort them to their quarters."
"Yes, sir!" The soldiers saluted and guided Mihawk and Kuma away.
Watching them leave, Sengoku turned to the window. "The personnel are nearly assembled, and our preparations are thorough. The war is coming."
"Hahaha!" Garp slapped the desk. "This is what we've been waiting for! I've long wanted to beat the crap out of those Celestial Dragons and the World Government!"
Sengoku's voice cut through Garp's enthusiasm. "If you run off, I'll order a ban on donuts at headquarters. Get back to your paperwork."
Garp froze, glancing between his documents and his donut. With a resigned sigh, he sat back down. Sengoku watched him and murmured, "Two days left."