"Roger and Golden Lion are both among the top three pirates in the New World. Especially Golden Lion's Flying Pirates, who have long been a major threat to the Navy. That man is highly ambitious, and this siege against the Roger Pirates is his attempt to force Roger into his fleet. If he succeeds, it will pose a global threat."
With a serious expression, Tsuru continued, "Neither the World Government nor the Navy want to see another Rocks Pirates emerge."
Back then, the Rocks Pirates were only defeated because Garp and Roger joined forces. The Navy knew firsthand how dangerous Roger was, and if he teamed up with the most powerful pirate fleet in the New World, it would be a world-class disaster.
For both the Navy and the World Government, the ideal outcome was for Golden Lion and Roger to go to war.
No matter who won, it would be a good thing for them.
Maybe they could even profit from the chaos.
"Roger will never join Golden Lion's fleet."
Jon stated this with absolute certainty—not just because of what he knew from the anime, but also because he had personally spent time with Roger.
Roger might seem carefree and easygoing, but in reality, he was extremely proud.
He could compromise on many things.
But submit to another pirate?
Never.
Tsuru nodded. "We think so too. That's why a battle between Golden Lion and Roger is inevitable."
"I called you here because of this situation. You've been stuck at Marine Headquarters for two years—I imagine you're getting restless?"
Jon's eyes lit up.
"Vice Admiral, are you saying… I can participate?"
Tsuru smiled. "Look at you, so eager. Even after two years, you still haven't learned patience."
Jon grinned. "Well, I don't need patience in front of you, do I?"
"Your flattery is improving."
Tsuru shook her head in amusement before returning to the topic.
"This is a serious matter. Sengoku, Garp, and I are all being deployed. Normally, you would still be under restriction and wouldn't be allowed to participate. But this battle is a once-in-a-decade event that could reshape the New World. So I spoke with Sengoku, and he agreed to let you join."
"That's amazing!"
Jon was thrilled.
This was the Battle of Edd War—a historic naval battle that cemented Roger's status as the future Pirate King.
To witness such a legendary event firsthand?
It would be unforgivable to miss it.
"Sengoku may have agreed, but you need to keep a low profile. Don't draw attention to yourself. If a battle breaks out, remember—the Flying Pirates and Roger Pirates are far more dangerous than any enemy you've faced before. Even Big Mom is easier to deal with than them."
"Don't worry, Vice Admiral, I'll stay low-key. I won't act unless it's absolutely necessary."
With Sengoku and Garp in action, Jon knew there was no need for him to show off.
"Good. Now, go through this document carefully."
Tsuru handed him a file.
"It contains details on key figures from both pirate crews. There's a high chance some of them will be your opponents—familiarize yourself with them."
Jon took the file seriously and began reading.
It contained intelligence reports, along with lists of names—all major figures from both the Roger Pirates and Flying Pirates.
"Wait… Kozuki Oden?"
Jon froze in shock.
Why was Oden already in Roger's crew?
He distinctly remembered that Oden joined the Roger Pirates after the Battle of Edd War.
Roger then used Oden's knowledge to gather the Road Poneglyphs, find Laugh Tale, and become Pirate King.
But now, before the battle had even begun…
Oden should still be with Whitebeard's crew.
Did something change?
Was this a butterfly effect?
Oden's early arrival should have made the Roger Pirates even stronger.
But at the same time, they had lost another powerful warrior—Douglas Bullet.
Apparently, Bullet had left Roger's crew after learning about Roger's illness and had since been wandering alone.
Aside from the Roger Pirates, Golden Lion's Flying Pirates had plenty of powerful members too.
Most of them were unfamiliar to Jon—pirates who had never appeared in the anime—but their strength was undeniable.
After memorizing the names, Jon handed the file back to Tsuru.
"We set sail for the New World tomorrow. Go get ready."
"Yes, Vice Admiral."
After over two years, Jon was finally allowed to leave Marine Headquarters.
He couldn't wait.
The next morning, Jon woke up early and headed to the Marine port.
Since Tsuru was commanding an all-female unit, Jon was once again assigned to Garp's ship.
"Jon, finally stepping into the open, huh? Haven't seen you in months, but you look pretty good."
Dragon greeted him with a smile.
Over the past two years, Dragon, Garp, Sengoku, and Tsuru had been among the few people who regularly visited him, and they had maintained a strong bond.
Jon sighed.
"Two years of no action—I feel like I'm rusting. Hopefully, I can stretch my legs this time."
"You'll definitely get your chance."
Dragon chuckled.
As Garp's son, he was well aware of the mission details.
No matter who won the pirate battle, the Navy would take advantage of the chaos—meaning combat was inevitable.
"Let's hope so."
Jon shrugged.
He knew how crazy this battle would be.
Golden Lion's fleet had the advantage—but they would still lose because of a freak storm.
At least, that's how it happened in the anime.
But with the butterfly effect, could that storm be avoided?
If it didn't happen, things would get very interesting.
The Roger Pirates were strong, but they were outnumbered.
Golden Lion's fleet was the largest in the New World, consisting of dozens of powerful ships.
Even if Roger was one of the strongest pirates alive, if his crew got surrounded, they would be wiped out.
Even the strongest fighter couldn't win against overwhelming numbers, especially when Golden Lion himself was nearly Roger's equal.
If they all attacked together, Roger's fate would be uncertain.
From Jon's perspective, the best outcome would be both sides suffering heavy losses.
No matter who won, it would be bad for the Navy.
But if they weakened each other enough, the Navy could step in and finish the job.
However, everything depended on that storm—whether it would still happen or not.
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