Chapter 153: Arrangements for the World Summit Escort

After receiving a call from Sengoku, Wright hurriedly bid farewell to Mihawk and returned to his office at Marine Headquarters.

"Yo! Sengoku, old man! Garp, old timer! So, what's the rush—wait, what?"

The moment Wright stepped into Sengoku's office, his sentence trailed off as he saw Sengoku and Garp tussling over the royal liquor Wright had brought back from Fish-Man Island.

"Damn it, Garp! Didn't you say you don't drink much?"

"Damn it, Sengoku! Aren't you the one who claims not to drink? Besides, you're the Fleet Admiral—don't tell me you lack access to premium booze!"

"I don't drink unless it's something I like! You, on the other hand, finished all the snacks and still have the gall to fight me over this wine! Outrageous!"

"Ahem..."

Wright coughed heavily, drawing the attention of the two bickering old men. "Hey, hey, hey, it's just some booze. I'll bring more next month when I visit Fish-Man Island again. Chill out!"

"You better!"

Sengoku and Garp turned to Wright in unison, their voices synchronized.

"…"

Speechless, Wright looked at the two old friends. Shaking his head, he said, "Honestly, you're the Fleet Admiral and a Marine hero. What about your image? Seriously…"

After the two grumbling old men reluctantly sat down, Wright asked, "Alright, what's the urgent matter? I was planning to grab a meal and spar with Mihawk for a few more days, but you dragged me back in such a hurry."

"Hm, here's the situation."

Sengoku straightened his posture and pulled a file from his drawer. "The World Summit is coming up soon."

"This particular summit is unlike any held in the past 200 years. For the first time since its inaugural meeting, the Ryugu Kingdom, a member of the World Government, will participate again after a two-century absence."

Sengoku glanced at Wright before continuing in a serious tone. "To demonstrate the World Government's respect and commitment toward Fish-Man Island and the Ryugu Kingdom, the Marines have decided that Garp will be responsible for the kingdom's escort."

"Given that neither I nor the three Admirals can be dispatched casually, Garp's status as a 'hero' and his strength are the greatest signs of respect for Fish-Man Island."

"Ohhh."

Wright nodded in understanding. "So you called me back to warn Fish-Man Island in advance so they don't get pranked by Garp, huh?"

Bang!

Before he could finish, Garp casually cracked his knuckles. Wright, unfazed, used his practiced Holy Light healing technique to treat the growing bump on his head.

"You brat! I've got way more experience in escort missions than you!"

"Well... when it comes to escorting the Ryugu Kingdom's delegation, I'd say I've got more relevant experience..."

"Ahem... Wright, you've been assigned another mission," Sengoku interjected with a cough. "And it's just as important!"

"Oh? What is it?" Wright asked curiously, wondering which country it could be...

Wait, there was another one.

"The desert nation of Alabasta!" Sengoku announced solemnly. "Alabasta holds an exceptional position among member nations."

"The Nefertari royal family of Alabasta boasts a history that dates back 800 years. Every king in its lineage has been known for their wisdom and dedication to the people."

"Wow... Impressive," Wright nodded, secretly wondering how much Sengoku knew about the royal family's secrets.

"So why assign such an important country to a newly promoted Vice Admiral like me?"

Sengoku rolled his eyes at Wright's feigned modesty. "A 'newly promoted' Vice Admiral who can fight the world's greatest swordsman for three days and nights... Hmph!"

Seriously? This brat thinks I don't see through him? That aura of his has grown even stronger since his last seclusion—his swordsmanship must have advanced again. A great swordsman?

"Hey! You think we haven't noticed your current strength?" Garp chimed in, smacking his lips. "Aside from me, only Gion and Tokikake can keep you in check!"

"And considering your monstrous recovery abilities, those two might not even outlast you!"

"Uh... you noticed already, huh?" Wright scratched his head awkwardly. "So, I'm taking on this mission because of my overwhelming strength..."

"Well... that's not the only reason," Sengoku said, a peculiar expression forming as he exchanged glances with Garp.

"What's going on?" Wright felt uneasy under the strange stares from the two old men.

"You're surprisingly popular with young girls," Garp teased. "Alabasta's king, Nefertari Cobra, has a princess."

Sengoku picked up from there, his tone deadpan. "Nefertari Vivi, the only princess of Alabasta, Cobra's beloved daughter, and ten years old this year."

"The princess greatly admires Vice Admiral Wright's achievements and wishes to meet you personally. She has requested that, if possible, Vice Admiral Wright be assigned as the escort for Alabasta's delegation."

Sengoku read aloud from the formal application with a robotic monotone. "This request was sent to the World Government and forwarded directly to me. Could I ignore it?"

"…" Wright was dumbfounded.

Wait, what? Why is the princess of Alabasta interested in me?!

And Cobra, are you seriously using the authority of a descendant of the Twenty Kings for something like this?

Not to mention... why is it always little girls?

And those looks Sengoku and Garp are giving me—what's that about?!

What can I even say? I'm as helpless as anyone here!

"So, my mission is... babysitting?!"

"…It's escort duty!" Sengoku slammed the desk. "Alabasta is far too significant to be taken lightly. Whether it's their strength or the Nefertari family's request, you're the ideal candidate for the job."

"But there's one thing you need to be cautious about."

"What's that?" Wright asked, glancing sideways as Garp sneakily opened a bag of rice crackers.

Crunch, crunch...

A vein throbbed on Sengoku's forehead as he resisted the urge to throw Garp out. "...The Warlord of the Sea stationed in Alabasta—Crocodile."

"Oh... That guy. A Logia-type Sand-Sand Fruit user, definitely a powerful ability."

Wright casually grabbed a handful of Garp's rice crackers, munching away. "I know about him. Heard he's been actively taking down pirates lately using his Warlord status."

"But based on his past reputation, this guy... isn't simple!"

"Exactly!" Sengoku adjusted his glasses. "That sand crocodile was once known for his ruthless methods."

"Recently, though, every pirate suppression he's been involved in has been legitimate. Even knowing he's probably up to something, the Marines can't risk upsetting public opinion by investigating him directly.

"While escorting Alabasta's delegation, keep an eye on Crocodile. If he's up to anything suspicious, see if you can gather any evidence."

"So, I should head to Alabasta in advance, then," Wright concluded, nodding. "No problem... I'll go alone. The Lightbringer will arrive according to the original schedule."

"Desert landscapes... something I've yet to experience!"

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