The early morning light spilled from the clear blue sky, outlining the land in warm golden hues.

A gentle breeze stirred, and dewdrops glistened as they slipped from coral branches and leaves, sparkling under the morning sun.

Inside the hotel suite, chaos reigned.

Clothes were strewn across the floor, long dresses lay shredded, and even the once-soft bed had collapsed halfway.

"What a satisfying battle..."

Daren stood in front of the full-length mirror, fully dressed, adjusting his black tie. A faint smile played on his lips.

"I—I only did it to uphold world order. Don't get any weird ideas..."

Stussy lay weakly on the bed, her pupils slightly unfocused, lips parted. Yet she stubbornly turned her head away, gritting out the words in protest.

The guilt in her voice, however, was unmistakable.

"Yes, yes, congratulations on successfully preserving world peace."

Daren rolled his eyes.

So prideful—typical woman. And to think she'd been so eager last night.

Just thinking about those hazy, near-delirious cries of "master" filled Daren with a surge of unexplainable satisfaction. He felt completely rejuvenated.

"Well then, I'm heading out. The warship's not going to wait."

He lit a cigar, clamped it between his teeth, and stepped out with a grin.

The door closed behind him.

Stussy lay there for a full half hour before she finally managed to sit up.

She glanced down at the two "正 (I am rightly yours)" characters marked on her legs, and her charming face flushed with shame.

Grinding her teeth, she muttered bitterly,

"That shameless bastard... Now I can't wear short skirts anymore!"

...

Fish-Man Island, inland port.

The warships had long since been coated, their sails now lowered, revealing the bold, sweeping characters for "Justice."

The docks were packed with people.

"Vice Admiral Daren, I love you!"

"Daren-san, come visit Batia sometime!"

"Vice Admiral Daren...!"

The queens, noble ladies, and princesses of various Member Nations completely ignored the murderous glares of their fathers and husbands as they threw flirtatious glances at their dream lover—some even bursting into tears.

On the outer edges stood the citizens of Fish-Man Island, waving enthusiastically.

"Daren-nii-san! Don't forget our promise! When I grow up, I'm gonna marry you!!"

From the Germa 66 fortress warship, little Reiju clung to Vinsmoke Judge's leg, her face red as she waved and shouted.

Daren stood atop the warship deck, waving and smiling in every direction.

"Daren really is popular! He's truly my greatest rival!"

Kuzan's eyes sparkled as he watched Daren's tall, dashing figure, his heart filled with excitement.

"Pfft, what's the big deal... The cleaning lady said that guy didn't even leave his room all night."

Beside him, Tokikake scoffed, sneering sarcastically.

"So what if he's popular... Still just a thief who lacks the nerve."

As cheers and farewells echoed from the crowd, the warship slowly pulled away from the inner harbor.

It passed through Fish-Man Island's entrance tunnel and, escorted by Ryugu Palace guards riding sea beasts, entered its designated course.

Behind them, the dreamlike paradise of the deep sea faded quickly into the distance.

Darkness and silence descended over the ship as it slipped into the depths.

"Vice Admiral Garp, we're heading straight back now, right?"

Daren lit another cigar and reclined on a beach chair, eyes closed.

Last night had been too wild. Now a heavy wave of drowsiness rolled in, threatening to knock him out.

"Yeah. The Shichibukai appointment ceremony is about to begin."

Garp pulled out a bag of senbei from who-knows-where and munched loudly, grinning.

"If I had to guess, some of the Shichibukai are probably already at Marineford by now."

Daren chuckled with his eyes half-lidded.

"Sounds like things are about to get real lively back at headquarters..."

…

Marine Headquarters, Admiral's Office.

Steam curled from freshly brewed tea, its fragrance filling the room.

Staff Officer Tsuru picked up the teapot and poured a cup for herself and Sengoku.

"Try this tea."

She gently pushed the teacup toward him.

"Mmm, this tea smells wonderful..."

Sengoku raised the cup to his nose, inhaling deeply, a look of contentment spreading across his face.

His mood was excellent.

No more of that idiot Garp constantly sneaking in to steal his senbei, no more of Kuzan's hot-blooded rambling, no more of Tokikake's endless nagging...

The world finally felt quiet.

"This tea is a gift from that kid, Daren."

Tsuru took a small sip, her voice calm.

Sengoku blinked in surprise, then chuckled with a touch of sentiment.

"I have to admit, that brat really knows how to win people over."

He recalled the massive box of custom-baked senbei waiting at home in his quarters.

"...Definitely more dependable than the other troublemakers."

Tsuru chuckled behind her teacup.

"Though... he's a bit of a womanizer."

Sengoku waved it off with a dismissive shake of his head.

"That's nothing. Every man has his flaws. No one can be perfect."

"That brat Daren—strength, looks, presence, power... he's got it all. It's only natural the ladies are drawn to him. You can't expect him to turn off his charm, can you?"

Just then, a knock came at the door.

A messenger entered with a Den Den Mushi in hand.

"Admiral Sengoku, sir! This is a video transmission from Vice Admiral Garp—sent from Fish-Man Island!"

"Understood."

Sengoku took the Den Den Mushi, motioning for the messenger to leave, then activated its projection mode.

Turning back to Tsuru with a light smile, he spoke:

"Besides, being flirtatious never really causes any seri—what the hell is this!?"

His eyes flew wide open, jaw dropping to the floor.

Tsuru sputtered and sprayed tea all over the table.

The image projected by the Den Den Mushi showed an utterly outrageous scene:

A tall, handsome Marine Vice Admiral was completely surrounded by noble ladies and royal members of World Government Member Nations, all fawning over him, touching, kissing—giggling like love-struck fools.

The Vice Admiral skillfully entertained each one, drawing waves of laughter and sparkling eyes.

In the background, the kings, nobles, and dignitaries of those nations stood watching with murderous glares, their expressions dark as thunderclouds.

Sengoku: ...

Tsuru: ...

"Sengoku... what was it you just said?"

Tsuru's lip twitched as she gave him a sidelong glance.

Sengoku: ...

Staring at the image with growing horror, Sengoku suddenly had the urge to slap himself.

He had thought Garp, Kuzan, and Tokikake were too unreliable, so he let Daren attend the wedding as well—counting on Daren's polished political sense to keep things under control.

But now he realized...

Daren was the biggest disaster of them all.

Just then, chaos erupted outside the window—screams of panic, violent crashing, pained howls, and the unmistakable sound of arrogant, wild laughter.

Bang!

The office door flew open.

A breathless messenger stumbled in, face pale with fear.

"R-Report! Admiral Sengoku, we have a situation!"

"The—The Shichibukai... have arrived!!"

Sengoku and Tsuru's expressions both changed instantly.

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