Lindemann boarded a merchant ship from Fish-Man Island, entering the waters known as the New World.
Although his ultimate goal was to reach the territory ruled by Kaido of the Beasts and make contact with Orochi, Lindemann still transferred between four different merchant and pirate ships, as well as several ports along the way to avoid exposing his identity.
According to the script written by Sakazuki, the fox first swaggered into Whitebeard's territory to form an alliance with the overlord. However, the "Ambassador of Wano Country," who had been enforcing a national seclusion policy, learned from the First Division Commander Marco—who was stationed on the island—that Whitebeard was not there.
According to the pineapple-headed man, who always seemed half-asleep, the overlord of the New World was currently locked in an earth-shattering battle on an island with a glutton who tried to invade one of his territories just to find cake.
This was a major event that shook the entire New World. Any force with access to information channels was aware of it.
Because of this, the Phoenix Marco saw no reason to hide anything from the samurai-dressed stranger. However, he had no intention of revealing Whitebeard's current whereabouts to this unknown visitor.
The forces of Wano Country in the New World were not weak, but Marco saw no reason to create unnecessary trouble for Pops. Politely escorting the so-called Wano Ambassador out of the camp, Marco turned his gaze toward Fish-Man Island.
"Speaking of which, after that bloody live broadcast, does Pops still need to go to Fish-Man Island to help?" He scratched his head. This was an issue that could be entirely handled by the Navy, yet Pops insisted on verifying it personally.
To Marco, this seemed unnecessary—but whatever Pops wanted to do was his decision.
As his son, Marco's only duty was to guard the vast territory Whitebeard had claimed until his return.
Lindemann had, of course, also watched that live broadcast from the seafloor and couldn't help but sigh in relief.
Without a doubt, this was a masterful move. The Navy had clipped the wings of pirates and human traffickers on Fish-Man Island while also winning over the hearts of its people.
With this, even Whitebeard would hesitate about whether it was still necessary to go there.
That brilliant delay tactic on Fish-Man Island had bought Lindemann a lot of time, but his mission remained daunting.
In the end, "Ichimaru Gin" managed to smuggle himself into the Beasts' territory aboard a merchant ship sailing from Whitebeard's domain.
"Oi, oi, oi~ Is Kenpachi there or not?" Lindemann drawled lazily into the transponder snail.
"Don't say stupid things, Ichimaru. You know I'm always here. After all, this is the order of the Head Captain," Gion, codenamed "Kenpachi," stood inside a split-in-half captain's quarters, scanning for any other critical documents.
To ensure Lindemann's safety in this mission, Sakazuki had exhausted every possible avenue, passing on all the intelligence he had about Wano Country to the fox.
However, the information was too fragmented. With no other choice, Sakazuki had to piece together details from Japan's Sengoku and Shogunate eras, weaving a complex but convincing deception within the framework of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.
"Ichimaru Gin" nodded, tugging a bit uncomfortably at the captain's haori draped over his shoulders. According to Vice Admiral Sakazuki's explanation, the haori was an outer garment from Wano that could be worn with various formal attires, including direct robes, white ceremonial robes, nagagi, kosode, and more.
To signify his high status as a "special envoy," Lindemann wore a formal direct robe set—a ceremonial outfit that Neptune had ordered to be custom-made within just a few days on Fish-Man Island.
The merfolk's exquisite weaving techniques ensured that the slightly loose robes perfectly matched his role as a "Wano Ambassador."
The craftsmanship of the royal weavers was evident in the stunning cherry blossom embroidery on the cuffs of the direct robe. The soft hues subtly adorned the pure white garment with a touch of romance and elegance, fully bringing out the luxurious quality of the finest silk, which was originally reserved only for royalty.
Through the warship's porthole, Gion—Kenpachi—swept his gaze downward at the Vice Admiral outside, seeing his grim expression as he spoke with the Sea God, who was forcing an awkward smile.
"Kenpachi" shook his head helplessly, then turned back to the transponder snail to continue verifying details.
"Did you dye your hair?"
"Of course, I dyed it silver-white while I was loitering in Whitebeard's territory."
Lindemann glanced at the silver-white strands peeking out from beneath the carefully secured court cap and adjusted the tight knot around his neck.
"Are the chest cords, exposed sleeves, chrysanthemum embellishments, sleeve openings, tabi socks, and the full direct robe set properly worn?" Kenpachi—Gion—pressed on, still not reassured.
Ichimaru Gin's expression turned somewhat aggrieved. This ceremonial attire had no fewer than ten accessories and intricate details that needed attention, and dressing properly took at least an hour every day.
"I~ put~ everything~ on~ Kenpachi, you're too naggy~"
The hakama of the direct robe set, also known as a skirted trouser, came in many variations. There were hakama for priests and shrine maidens, as well as those for festivals and kabuki performances.
But the hakama designated for samurai—called horse-riding hakama—had an intentionally designed slit, making it easier to draw a sword.
Normally, one wasn't supposed to wear underwear with this type of hakama, which meant the fox often felt a breeze between his legs whenever he walked.
"Don't get impatient with me! If you mess up the 'Head Captain Yamamoto' operation, you'll be the one suffering when you return!"
Kenpachi Gion's fierce expression was perfectly transmitted through the transponder snail's mimicry.
This had been agreed upon in advance—whether it was "Ichimaru Gin" or "Kenpachi," they were both squad captains of equal rank, so their conversations had to reflect that.
These small details couldn't be overlooked. For a spy, a single mistake could determine success or failure—whether or not their real identity would be exposed.
"Meeting Kaido today?"
"Meeting Kaido today!"
Kenpachi Gion paused for a moment before adding, "Then, may your martial fortune prosper!"
At Marine Headquarters, the bar counter of the officers' second-floor canteen was in an uproar, with almost everyone discussing the recent brief live broadcast that had been transmitted to the entire world.
"Sakazuki-senpai was just too cool!" Kuzan mumbled indistinctly as he chewed on large mouthfuls of grilled meat while discussing with Borsalino, who was sitting beside him.
"I share the same opinion as Aokiji. That really felt satisfying! 'Since you care so much about the people down below, my job is to send you down to meet them.' That was just too damn cool!!!" Huo Shao Shan exclaimed, holding a beer as he sat next to Kuzan.
At some point, these Rear Admirals and Vice Admirals had started mimicking Sengoku's way of addressing Kuzan by his codename.
Borsalino, of course, hadn't been spared from this either. Doberman flicked the ash off his cigarette and said, "Making the people understand that the Navy represents justice is indeed a brilliant move. But Vice Admiral Sakazuki… he'll probably receive some reprimands from the Fleet Admiral, right? What's your opinion, Kizaru?"
"Hmm~ Standing firmly on the side of the people, striking down criminals, and showcasing the Navy's justice—well, that's just one part of it." The tall man known as Kizaru was holding a box of sea salt ice cream. He took a spoonful and pressed it against his tongue, savoring the taste.
Borsalino had a cryptic smile hanging on his lips. "Do you know why Sakazuki went ahead with a live execution on Fish-Man Island without receiving any orders? And why did the World Government allow this footage to be broadcast?"
Before Doberman could answer, Kizaru lazily swayed his spoon and replied to himself, "Fish-Man Island is a symbol. The World Government wants to use them to send a message to the entire world: Even an inhuman race like the fish-men— the Navy is still willing to protect their safety. And just how many non-human races exist in this world? Too many."
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This is the brilliance of the Five Elders—under the grand banner of justice, they have not only proven to the allied nations that their unwavering stance against pirates and criminals is in the best interest of each country, but they have also drawn in neutral nations still on the fence, encouraging them to join.
"I'm not wrong, am I, Mr. Sengoku~?" Kizaru turned his head toward the Headquarters' Admiral, who was sitting with Garp, eating noodles.
The Great Buddha, his expression as calm as ever, lifted his head and looked at the officers gazing at him. "Although Sakazuki's actions this time have demonstrated our military's justice, his unauthorized departure from his post must still be appropriately punished."
"Oh~" Sengoku was met with a room full of officers who all had knowing expressions. Sakazuki acting on his own initiative? Anyone who knew him wouldn't believe that for a second—there was definitely something going on behind the scenes.
A man dressed in a brown uniform leaned against the bar, resting his rather plump cheeks in his hands.
His gaze was fixed on a stunning woman standing across the bar, chatting happily with a little girl. Gion's presence made Gaje feel a little anxious. "Akainu-san has done another great deed. At this rate, how will I ever win Gion's heart? Gion-san, please go out with me!"
Gion's response was swift and decisive: "No. Don't even think about it. Gaje, you're a good man, but you're not my type."
"Hahahahahaha!"
"Nicely done!"
"A direct hit!"
"Rear Admiral Gion's words were super effective!"
The navy officers sitting around the massive bar burst into hearty laughter.
Rear Admiral Momonga twirled a dining knife between his fingers and, laughing, turned to Huo Shao Shan. "Hahahaha! How many times has Gaje failed now?"
Huo Shao Shan was laughing so hard he nearly had tears in his eyes. Hurriedly, he pulled out a small notebook from his pocket, grabbed a pen, and added another tally to a set of three completed marks. "The sixteenth time. Can't believe he's still holding on."
Despite receiving the dreaded "good guy" card in public, Gaje wasn't discouraged. He simply chuckled. "I'll keep trying!"
Although the initial selection for the Warlords of the Sea system had already been completed and the officers were now more relaxed, the Admirals still had plenty of work to do.
Watching the boisterous scene around him, Sengoku couldn't help but sigh. Being young is nice.
After finishing his meal, the Great Buddha grabbed Garp by the collar and dragged him away, paying no mind to the old man who was still noisily slurping his noodles.
"What the hell? I'm still eating!" The Marine Hero grumbled in annoyance. He turned toward a little rascal sitting in a chair, clinging to a milk bottle, and urged him on. "Hurry up! Hurry up! That's right, little Ace~ Drink lots of milk so you can grow big and strong—become the greatest Marine soldier!"
Before he could even finish speaking, Tsuru, who was carefully tending to the baby, shot him a glare. "You two mind your own business. Stop rushing the child! What if he chokes?"
Sengoku glanced around at the others, then turned and walked toward the door. "We'll talk in the office."
"You really are a pain," Garp sighed, putting down his bowl and chopsticks before following Sengoku.
"Alright, what's the big secret this time?" Garp asked, casually crossing his legs as he sipped matcha on the office sofa.
Sengoku pulled a bag of rice crackers from a cabinet and tossed it to his old friend. "The Celestial Dragons' reprimand has arrived."
"Oh? That fast?" Garp raised an eyebrow in surprise. "What did the Five Elders say?"
The Headquarters Admiral's gaze deepened. "The order explicitly states that a warship is to bring Sakazuki back to Headquarters. At the same time, they're sending Kuzan over to take his place for the time being."
Garp's mind couldn't quite process it. "Wait, you're saying that kid Kuzan is going to take over?"
"Yes. Neptune had a conversation with the Five Elders. Although we don't know exactly what consensus they reached, the Navy's deployment has already been legitimized." Sengoku poured himself a cup of tea.
Garp looked even more bewildered. "I don't quite get it. The Five Elders represent the interests of the Celestial Dragons, don't they? Aren't they the very pinnacle of the Celestial Dragons? Once the Navy is stationed on Fish-Man Island, the slave trade will definitely be prohibited. Why would the Celestial Dragons willingly harm their own interests?"
"Harm their own interests?" Sengoku shook his head. "They're far smarter than that. On one hand, you have an invaluable underwater military force, a model for uniting the allied nations. On the other, you have mere trophies for a privileged race to show off. If it were you, which would you choose?"
"I see. So you're saying the Celestial Dragons as a whole agreed to this?" Garp chuckled. "Those fools actually learned how to weigh their options?"
"Bullshit!" Sengoku scoffed. "If the Five Elders could get the entire Celestial Dragon collective to agree, would they have needed to send just Sakazuki alone to the depths? Wouldn't it have been more appropriate for Marine Headquarters to handle this matter instead?"
"So what you're saying is…" Garp finally caught on. "Precisely because the ruling faction of the Celestial Dragons, led by the Five Elders, couldn't get the others to agree to this policy, they had Sakazuki stir the waters first. Now that things have reached this point, those Celestial Dragons who enjoy keeping pets have no choice but to go along with it, whether they like it or not?"
"Exactly." Sengoku nodded. "The Five Elders, being the most elite among the Celestial Dragons, have a far greater strategic vision than those hedonistic fools."
Garp laughed as he picked his nose. "I thought all the Celestial Dragons were in lockstep."
Sengoku, naturally, had a deeper understanding. "Think of it this way—within a noble family, there's always a distinction between the main house and branch families. The Five Elders, who hold the reins of the World Government, are the knowledgeable and capable main house lineage, while the majority of the other Celestial Dragons are just spoiled wastrels."
"Got it!" Garp nodded.
He had seen plenty of noble and royal disputes back in the Goa Kingdom. When facing the common folk, the royalty and nobility stood united, their interests intertwined.
But within their own ranks, it was a different story. Backstabbing and power struggles were the norm.
In small kingdoms, royal families could fight to the death over succession. With the World Government controlling such immense power, the game of thrones at that level would be even more thrilling and treacherous.
It was important to remember that the World Government had originally been formed as a union of twenty nations sharing common interests. Over time, it gradually amassed more and more member states under its banner.
And as the years passed, the original twenty kings, who had jointly ruled, slowly evolved into a system where the most exceptional among the Celestial Dragons—the Five Elders—took on the role of supreme rulers.
In other words, dispersed power had gradually become centralized. What had started as a democracy had slowly transitioned into a dictatorship.
Yet, on the surface, the Five Elders, as representatives of the collective interests of the Celestial Dragons, still had to cater to their every need.
The Heavenly Tribute that ensured their luxurious lifestyles, CP0 which served exclusively under the Celestial Dragons, and the Admiral Summoning Order that maintained their untouchable status…
But the smarter someone was, the less they liked having a bunch of useless fools dictating their every move.
The intoxicating taste of power—one sip, and you're drunk.