Chapter 419: Volume 3 – Chapter 62: Gion Knows You're in the Pleasure District

Want a few days to rest?

Sengoku furrowed his brows, then recalled Daren's inhuman resilience and monstrous physique. He nodded.

"All right. I'll grant you a short leave."

"Thank you, Admiral Sengoku."

"Now then, what's the situation in Wano Country?"

The moment business was brought up, Sengoku's expression turned serious, his voice low and focused.

...

In the Pleasure District, Daren slowly exhaled a puff of smoke. His eyes narrowed slightly as he replied,

"Admiral Sengoku, as I reported earlier, Kaidou has led the Beasts Pirates into Wano Country and established large-scale military factory production lines across several regions."

"Based on what I've uncovered, the size of these factories is at least double that of the previous Beasts Pirates headquarters our forces destroyed."

Sengoku's pupils contracted slightly at the words. He drew in a sharp breath.

Their previous exchange hadn't gone into such detail, but now with confirmation, Sengoku was stunned.

Military production lines on that scale… Just what the hell was that madman Kaidou planning?

Was he trying to start a world war?

But soon, another thought crossed Sengoku's mind. He frowned in confusion.

"Daren, you said Kaidou led the Beasts Pirates into Wano and has now taken root there... but did the local samurai forces actually allow that?"

"There wasn't any conflict?"

Wano Country had always been an isolated and xenophobic nation. Its samurai clans held tremendous power and were not to be underestimated.

Even with Kaidou's strength, subduing those stubborn, old-fashioned warriors wouldn't be easy.

Daren replied, "That part's unclear. Maybe Kaidou formed an alliance with one of the native factions."

Of course, he already knew the truth—Kurozumi Orochi had joined forces with Kaidou, usurping the throne that rightfully belonged to Kozuki Oden.

Sengoku's expression darkened.

If Kaidou had fully seized control of Wano, then the situation was far more complicated.

Even a full-scale Marine deployment might struggle to breach a nation with such naturally defensible terrain.

And don't forget—aside from Kaidou himself, the Beasts Pirates' top officer, King, could fly.

The internal situation in Wano was unclear. If the Marines charged in and triggered a backlash from the samurai clans, things could spiral out of control fast.

This was no longer a simple anti-pirate operation.

Politically, it would be seen as the Marines launching an assault on an independent nation—something far more delicate.

Sengoku exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose as he processed everything.

"I see."

"Daren, you've done a great job this time."

The intel Daren brought back was vital. It gave the Marines a clearer picture of both the situation in Wano and the hidden power of the Beasts Pirates.

This kind of information would play a key role in shaping their strategic decisions moving forward.

Then, Daren added, his tone carrying a hint of regret,

"During the investigation, I ended up clashing with Kaidou head-on. I couldn't match his strength, so I was forced to retreat after destroying roughly one-third of the Beasts Pirates' production lines... sustained serious injuries in the process."

"Hmm..." Sengoku nodded thoughtfully.

"Kaidou is incredibly strong. Even I wouldn't say I'm confident in taking him down. The fact that you gathered this intelligence and still made it out alive is no small feat—wait!"

He suddenly snapped to attention, eyes going wide.

"You said... you destroyed at least one-third of their military factories!?"

Daren nodded.

"Yeah. Since I was already there, I figured I might as well do something useful."

"Since I was already there..."

Sengoku's mouth twitched uncontrollably.

If Kaidou ever heard that line, he'd probably be so pissed he'd fall out of the sky mid-dragon flight.

Faced with such a ridiculous answer, even Sengoku—normally known for his patience and tactical brilliance—was left completely speechless.

So all he could do was repeat himself:

"Well, you did a good job, Daren."

"Alright then, if there's nothing else, I'll go focus on recovering, Admiral Sengoku."

Daren said with a smile.

After all, he was in the Pleasure District, where even the air smelled like joy and indulgence.

Since Sengoku had already approved his leave, there was no way he'd waste the chance to enjoy himself.

"Mm."

Sengoku was just about to end the call, but something seemed to come to mind.

"Oh, right—Daren, one more thing…"

"The one running the Pleasure District... that woman named Stussy. Don't get involved with her. She's not just some ordinary woman. Stay away from her."

Sorry, Admiral Sengoku... but it's already way too late for that.

"Please rest assured, Admiral Sengoku. I'm a disciplined, well-trained Marine—I wouldn't fall for temptation so easily!"

Daren declared with all the righteousness he could muster.

Well... unless I can't help it.

Sengoku: …

For some reason, despite Daren's confident tone, Sengoku felt an overwhelming sense of unease settle in his chest.

He could only hope nothing would happen.

He knew Daren's personality all too well.

Aside from being a bit of a womanizer, a bit greedy, and maybe just a tad too ambitious… he was a decent soldier.

But those exact traits were enough to give Sengoku a constant headache.

"Anyway, just stay away from that woman!"

Sengoku gritted his teeth.

"Yeah, yeah."

Daren shrugged dismissively.

She's already shaped like me. Bit late for warnings now.

Hearing that overly casual tone, Sengoku paused for a moment, then added sharply—

"Gion already knows you're in the Pleasure District."

Daren: ???

His face instantly darkened. His eyelid twitched violently.

One second later, Daren's expression turned deathly serious.

"Admiral Sengoku, please… be sure to tell Gion that I'm only here in the Pleasure District because I had no other choice."

"I'm... collecting intelligence. While recovering. That's all."

Sengoku watched the face of the Den Den Mushi shift, and couldn't help the victorious grin spreading across his own.

You finally get what you deserve, brat...

"Well, that'll depend on your behavior, Daren."

He said cheerfully.

"You wouldn't want Gion to hear any strange rumors from me, would you?"

Daren: …

Something's definitely wrong with you, Admiral Sengoku.

"I understand, Admiral. I'll do my best."

He ground the words out through clenched teeth.

...

After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Daren rubbed his forehead in frustration.

He hadn't expected that old bastard Sengoku to stoop to this kind of tactic.

Now he was starting to understand how Stussy must've felt.

But just then, a startled voice called out from across the street—

"Da-Daren!?"

Daren lifted his head, looking in the direction of the sound.

Standing there was Tokikake, holding his pants up with one hand, a cigar in his mouth, wearing the smug look of a victorious general. He pointed at Daren in sheer disbelief.

Daren froze.

Then glanced at the clock hanging above the newspaper office.

His mouth twitched slightly.

It had only been five minutes since he saw Tokikake walk into that club...