Chapter 22

In the Marine Headquarters, inside the Fleet Admiral's office.

"Humph!"

*Slam!*

After hearing Tsuru's recount, Sengoku slammed his palm on the desk, "Who does he think he is?! Daring to threaten the Marines."

Although he spoke loudly and seemingly angrily, those in the office who were old friends of Sengoku could tell he wasn't really angry.

If he got angry every time someone threatened or warned him, the Fleet Admiral wouldn't have lasted very long.

"So, what's your plan?"

Tsuru, stroking the egg in her lap calmly, didn't even glance at Sengoku.

"No rush, it's all talk from his side for now. Whether these Pokémon really hold such potential is yet to be seen," Sengoku shook his head.

Clearly, he wasn't planning to immediately engage in a deal with the Mystery Hatchery to acquire a large number of Pokémon eggs. (Hatchery sounds better)

First, he wasn't entirely convinced of the potential of Pokémon, despite the miraculous aspects of the Mystery Hatchery as described by Tsuru.

Second, he needed a reason to allocate some funds from the World Government, preferring to save the Marines' funds as much as possible. This would take some time.

However, one thing Dak didn't misjudge was that Sengoku wouldn't give up the power of Pokémon.

"What about Whitebeard?"

"He only got one egg as well, same as us. No big difference, no need to worry. When Whitebeard starts purchasing Pokémon eggs in large quantities, we can make a decision then."

Sengoku wasn't in a hurry, being known as a wise leader. He wouldn't be easily provoked by Dak's overt strategy. "If, as he says, Pokémon can quickly become a formidable force, then neither in terms of eligible personnel nor funds can the Whitebeard Pirates match the Marines. The power disparity between the Whitebeard Pirates and us will only grow, not to mention the other riff-raff."

Crunch. Crunch.

In the office, Garp was munching on his rice crackers, seemingly unconcerned.

"Garp, don't you have anything to say?"

"When will you give this old man a vacation?"

"Enough! Get out!"

Sengoku, furious, chased Garp out of the office.

He shouldn't have asked!

"Zephyr, what about you?"

Sengoku turned his gaze to the silent purple-haired man.

"Sengoku, you need to determine if we take action against the Pokémon of those pirates, what stance will that shop take."

Zephyr, with his arms crossed, emanated an unmovable aura.

"Mm, Tsuru, about this..."

"I'll have Gion go. After all, the egg is meant for her."

"Okay."

Sengoku nodded, then after a moment of silence, spoke again, "If Pokémon can indeed become a significant force in a short period, I plan to clean up the seas before the pirates fully understand this power."

The remaining two in the room had no objections to Sengoku's idea.

Tsuru naturally followed Sengoku's thoughts, and Zephyr had long stopped involving himself in marine affairs.

"This matter doesn't need to be known by those below us. Until we fully understand what Pokémon are, try to keep it under wraps, especially from the World Government. If those people find out about the power of Pokémon, they'll definitely do something and push the hatchery into a corner."

Sengoku certainly had many thoughts on Pokémon.

But until there's a clear answer on whether Pokémon truly have such potential, those are just speculations.

However, one thing is advantageous for Dak.

Sengoku indeed has changed compared to ten years ago; he's begun to play political games with the World Government or the Five Elders.

...

After leaving the office, Tsuru, holding the egg, went home.

As soon as she entered the yard, she saw Gion practicing swordsmanship.

The future Marine Admiral candidate, 'Momousagi' Gion, a female swordmaster with the standard height of an Admiral, nearly two meters tall. She has a mole on the lower left side of her face and is known as a beauty within the Marines, with countless admirers.

Of course, in the third dimension, Geon's appearance might seem a bit bizarre.

"Nee-chan, do you... want egg fried rice for dinner?"

Gion stopped her sword practice, looking puzzledly at the approaching Tsuru.

"This is a Pokémon egg. It will be your child from now on. Take good care of it. Happy Birthday."

Tsuru handed the egg to Gion and walked inside, leaving a confused Gion standing still.

Gion looked down at the egg in her hands, a bit ugly, but warm, sensing the life inside.

After snapping out of her daze, Gion hurriedly followed Tsuru to ask what was going on.

After hearing about the Mystery Hatchery and Pokémon, she was utterly baffled.

It was like when humanity thought the sky was the limit, only to discover the universe instead.

"Suddenly... I'm a mother."

Gion sat on the sofa at home, absentmindedly stroking the eggshell.

She never thought she'd experience taking care of a child, as her goal was to become a Marine Admiral, which left no time for love or family.

But Tsuru's surprise, albeit a bit of a shock, was unexpected.

"Hmm..."

However, Gion soon noticed the calluses on her hands from sword practice, rough and unsightly. For the first time, she felt a bit self-conscious, worried the child might reject her rough hands.

But such thoughts were fleeting.

The situation was too sudden for Gion to adjust her mindset immediately. After sitting with the egg for a while, she resumed her usual state.

She picked up her sword 'Kinjirō' with one hand and held the egg with the other, continuing her training in the yard. She wouldn't stop her journey.

But from that day on, her training was no longer lonely; a new little one joined her side.

The next day.

Tsuru gave her a mission.

To take a strange token to the Mystery Hatchery and ask the store manager a question.

Gion was curious about the Mystery Hatchery and took the opportunity to visit, wondering if it was as miraculous as described.

When Gion, holding the token, opened her bedroom door and stepped in, she saw an unexpected person.

"Dracule Mihawk?!"

(End of Chapter)