Sengoku leaned back in his chair, exhaustion heavy in his eyes. After the long and tense discussion, he exhaled a slow sigh and turned toward his adjutant.

"Double the surveillance on Kaido, Linlin, and Whitebeard," he ordered firmly. "Once they hear about Shanks’s death, they’ll stir up trouble without hesitation. I want eyes on every move they make."

"Yes, Fleet Admiral," the adjutant replied, saluting sharply before hurrying out.

Sengoku rubbed his temples, muttering to himself, "This world never rests... not even for a moment." He rose, shoulders stiff from fatigue, and finally made his way to his quarters. Within minutes, sleep claimed him.

Meanwhile, far away in Windmill Village, the night was anything but peaceful.

After a grand dinner aboard his luxurious ship, Saint Lakeman indulged in yet another night of boundless pleasure. The laughter and moans that echoed from his cabin drowned out the quiet waves outside. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Wholly absorbed in the ecstasy of his night, he didn’t realize that a perfect opportunity—to crush Garp in front of Luffy—had quietly slipped through his hands.

Six years had passed since his cataclysmic battle with Imu, a clash that had nearly torn the world apart.

Though time had dulled the terror of that event, its shadow still lingered faintly in history. The seas had calmed, nations had rebuilt, and people had begun to forget the fear they once felt.

But deep beneath that calm, chaos was stirring once more.

The Revolutionary Army, Germa, and countless underground forces were beginning to move again—showing signs of expansion and rebellion.

The news of Shanks’s death could either drive them into madness or silence them in despair.

Even Rayleigh and Gabba had begun reaching out to their old crewmates from the Roger Pirates, arranging secret meetings in Elbaf. They wanted answers—why Shanks had died, and who had the strength to kill him.

Lakeman, however, remained blissfully unaware. Even if he knew, he wouldn’t have cared. To him, those so-called legends and rebels were little more than ants crawling in the dirt.

Not that the world could hide anything from him for long. His two most trusted women—Stussy and Shakky—commanded the entire Cipher Pol network, the world’s greatest espionage force.

Every secret, every rumor, every whisper across the seas passed through their hands. Years of infiltration and silent manipulation under Lakeman’s orders had given them spies in every kingdom, army, and court.

The next morning, sunlight spilled gently through the open windows of Makino’s bar.

Lakeman and his companions filled the place completely, their laughter mingling with the scent of coffee and alcohol.

Makino, in her role as proprietress, moved gracefully behind the counter, pouring drinks and offering a warm smile to each guest. She looked radiant, though her hands trembled slightly whenever her gaze met Lakeman’s.

"So, Master," Robin teased, resting her chin on her palm, "did you enjoy your little stay here in the village? Or was the company aboard your ship too tempting to leave?"

Lakeman smiled faintly, his crimson eyes glinting. "Both had their charms. But I suppose peace has its own taste, doesn’t it?"

The others chuckled softly, the room alive with quiet amusement and ease.

For the next three days, they lingered in Windmill Village, exploring its simple charm and even visiting the capital of the Goa Kingdom.

There, the proud king—upon learning Lakeman’s true identity as a Celestial Dragon—fell to his knees, trembling like a cornered beast.

"Your Majesty, please forgive my ignorance!" he cried desperately. "If it pleases you, take my queen... or even my daughter. They are yours!"

Lakeman’s expression remained calm, almost bored. "No need," he replied softly, his tone carrying both grace and dismissal. "Your offerings don’t suit my taste."

Though neither woman was unattractive, they were far below the divine standard he had grown used to.

Years spent among the most exquisite beauties in the world—Hancock, Stussy, Robin, Shakky, Lily, Mirana, and many more—had refined his tastes beyond mortal measure.

His maids, slaves, and consorts included former princesses, queens, empresses, artists, dancers, and singers, each once worshipped by their nations and now devoted entirely to him.

Having indulged in such heavenly perfection, the idea of accepting anything less was meaningless.

The Next Day

Under Saint Lakeman’s order, preparations for departure began early in the morning. The sun had barely risen when the ships were stocked, sails trimmed, and anchors lifted.

As everyone boarded, the village chief stood by the shore, waving farewell. "Take care, Makino! Don’t forget your home!"

Makino smiled warmly, her voice soft yet steady. "I won’t, Chief. Take care of the village while I’m gone." Her gaze lingered on the horizon as the ship slowly drifted away from the port, the sound of gulls echoing above.

Luffy would have been there too—but Makino had sent him back to Dadan’s house.

Ever since learning that Saint Lakeman was responsible for Shanks’s death, Luffy’s hostility toward him had been impossible to hide.

Even after hearing the truth about Shanks, the boy’s resentment remained, fueled by the trauma he’d suffered under Mirana’s training—and the fact that Lakeman was now taking away Makino, whom Luffy saw as his beloved sister.

Makino feared that a single glare or reckless word might displease Lakeman. And so, for Luffy’s safety, she made sure he stayed far away.

During their three days in the village, Lakeman had already taken care of another matter.

One night, while he was lost in pleasure with the girls in Makino’s bedroom, Cipher Pol agents acting under his command quietly abducted Ace. Hidden below in the bar, the process of binding was carried out, linking the boy’s strength and growth directly to Lakeman.

When the process was complete, Ace was returned to the mountain bandit hideout—completely unaware of what had transpired.

With both Ace and Luffy now bound, Lakeman no longer needed to remain in the village. Their future strength, training, and progress would all flow directly to him as system feedback.

After a few minutes of smooth sailing, the sea breeze carried the scent of salt and sunlight across the deck.

Lakeman reclined comfortably on a chair, a glass of wine in hand, watching the horizon shimmer in gold.

Stella and Koala knelt beside him, their delicate hands massaging his shoulders and legs, while Lily stood nearby, gazing at him with her usual mix of devotion and curiosity.

"Master," Lily finally asked, her voice soft but eager, "where should we head next?"

Lakeman smirked, pulling her gently into his arms. His fingers traced her curves as he whispered, half teasing, half commanding, "Let’s sail to Cocoyasi Village in the Conomi Islands. There’s a beautiful ex-Marine there—and her two lovely daughters—waiting for me to save them."

Lily flushed, her cheeks warming as the other girls giggled quietly. The ship pressed onward, the waves gleaming beneath the morning sun.

Two leisurely days passed. The journey was filled with laughter, training sessions, and moments of indulgent pleasure. And soon, the familiar silhouette of an island appeared on the horizon.

Cocoyasi Village awaited them—bathed in sunlight, unaware that destiny itself was about to arrive at its shores.

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