Meeting The Guest Who Booked The Ship: Crow!

In the Naval Headquarters, Admiral Sengoku grimaced as he examined the document detailing the Iron Rod Pirates, notably comparing their ship to the ghost ship near Mignon Island. Despite alterations to the flag and bow, Sengoku was convinced it was the same vessel.

Admiral Gill's demise by Arias and Hancock on Berwick Island led to a bounty collection at Marine 57, with Arias being the likely culprit behind the Iron Rod Pirate Ship's disappearance. Yet, the ship had remained stationary near Mignon Island.

Puzzled, Sengoku questioned, "How did they steal the Op-Op Fruit if the ship didn't move?" Barreiros confessed to Rosinante taking the fruit, but after blocking the island, Rosinante was nowhere to be found.

Barreiros' son, declared innocent, now followed Sengoku. Speculations arose about his means of reaching the island, considering Hancock's Devil Fruit power. The absence of anyone on the ship suggested lurking in the sea, possibly aided by Hancock's serpent companion.

The crucial issue at hand is the lack of evidence linking Arias and Hancock to the Op-Op Fruit theft. No one witnessed their entry into the designated sea area, and the pirate ship, pulled by sea snakes, was seen heading towards Bangor waters.

Sengoku, grappling with the World Government's mission failure, dispatched Marines to intercept the Iron Rod Pirate Ship in North Blue, clinging to hope.

In the guest room of Saint Lunzoya, Arias diligently refined a bite bag. A knock interrupted his moment of joy. Setting aside the pouch (the other given to Hancock) and straightening his attire, Arias opened the door to find a blushing girl waiter.

With respect, she conveyed, "The boss informed me that your awaited guest has arrived."

Arias inquired, "Where?"

"Right where Evan built his ship."

Perplexed, Arias asked, "Evan?"

The girl clarified, "He's the finest boatbuilder here, and the guest's boat was crafted by Evan."

Realization struck Arias as he followed the blushing girl to the shipyard, discovering that the peculiar old man Evan played a key role.

From a distance, they spotted a towering figure standing beside Old Man Evan. This man, over two and a half meters tall, wore a black feathered coat, bared his chest, and possessed an unnaturally pale complexion, his face exuding a cold and fierce demeanor.

"Your guest is looking for you," Evan remarked casually, diverting his attention back to shipbuilding.

The tall man remained stoic as Arias extended a friendly greeting, "Hello, my name is Arias!"

Ignoring the handshake, the man's gaze fixed on Hancock. Just as Arias assumed it was her beauty that captured his attention, he spoke, "The empress of Amazon Lily, Boa Hancock, actually appeared here!"

Turning to Arias, he inquired, "Arias? Are you the empress' husband discussed by countless people recently?"

"Indeed," Arias acknowledged.

"Interesting," the man nodded, "But your identity has nothing to do with me, and I won't sell my ship to you."

Unfazed, Arias continued to smile, "We've disclosed our family name. May I ask for yours?"

The cold man paused before responding, "Crow."

Arias exclaimed, "! ! !"

Recognizing Crow's outfit, he pondered, "Isn't this the commander of the Northern Army of the Revolutionary Army? I wonder if the revolutionary army has been formed by now."

Curious, Arias asked, "Have you ever heard of one?" He gazed at Crow with sincerity and dropped a bombshell, "Monkey·D·Dragon!"

Crow's expression visibly shifted at the mention of the name. "You know Dragon too?" he queried.

Sensing an opportunity, Arias hinted, "You're involved in something significant now, and it requires substantial funds." Crow, surprised by Arias's knowledge, wondered if he was connected to Dragon.

Arias, meeting Crow's gaze, clarified, "I'm not one of your people. However, what I want to do aligns with your goals."

Downplaying the difference, he smiled, "You're in need of funds, and I can provide them. How about I pay twice the price for this ship, using it as funding for your cause?"