Uchiha Chiga was calmly having breakfast with Gion and the others when a maid entered the dining hall. She bowed respectfully to him—seated at the head of the long, ornate table—and spoke softly.

"Chiga-sama, Vice Admiral Garp requests an audience."

The words "requests an audience" caused a subtle change in Chiga's expression. Since when did Garp become so formal?

Unbeknownst to Chiga, even Garp—once so casual and carefree—now approached with caution. He, like many others, understood that Chiga's current status far surpassed that of the former Celestial Dragons. Facing him wasn't just a matter of rank anymore. It was reverence.

And today, Garp had brought someone unexpected—the man known as the "World's Most Notorious Criminal."

While Garp was thrilled about Dragon's decision to return to the Navy, he knew such a matter couldn't be resolved without Chiga's explicit approval. So, he had brought his son personally, prepared for whatever judgment might follow.

But to Garp's surprise, Chiga didn't even blink when Dragon entered. It was as though he had anticipated his arrival.

Chiga greeted Garp with a simple nod and calmly returned to his breakfast.

Dragon bowed respectfully, his eyes subtly scanning the room, taking in the faces at the table.

Next to Chiga, Boa Hancock occasionally leaned forward to refill his plate, her demeanor soft and affectionate, like a devoted partner.

Dragon, as the former Revolutionary Army leader, recognized many of the others present.

Nerona (Shalria), the former Celestial Dragon, sat quietly. Robin, once called the Devil Child. Gion, now a candidate for Admiral. Ain and Kalifa, both Rear Admirals. Their presence alone was enough to prove just how much the Navy—and the world—had changed.

Chiga set down his utensils, turned his gaze toward Dragon, and spoke with cool composure.

"I've already heard about your desire to return to the Navy. Honestly, I admire your boldness—coming here with the title of World's Most Notorious Criminal."

There was a subtle edge to Chiga's tone. The air in the room shifted, growing heavier. A chill ran down Dragon's spine.

Garp broke into a nervous sweat. Had he made a mistake bringing Dragon today?

Gion, ever observant, caught the faintest trace of a smirk forming at the corner of Chiga's lips. She recognized that glint in his eye—Chiga was enjoying this. He was teasing.

She leaned over, resting her hand on Chiga's thigh beneath the table. Bringing her lips close to his ear, she whispered gently,

"Chiga, don't scare Vice Admiral Garp too much. He's not as young as he used to be."

Chiga chuckled quietly, pressing down over her hand, and replied smoothly.

"Fine. For your bravery, I'll approve your return… but you'll start at the rank of Navy Ensign."

Dragon exhaled in relief. He didn't care for titles or ranks. Just being allowed to return was enough.

Garp beamed with pride. He excitedly offered Chiga a share of the senbei he had "liberated" from Sengoku.

Chiga waved him off. "Keep them. You and Sengoku—those old war dogs—should enjoy them yourselves."

Dragon gave his father an exasperated glance, then bowed once more toward Chiga.

"Chiga-sama, we've interrupted your meal. Please excuse us—we'll take our leave."

The honorific sounded a little stiff coming from Dragon, but it wasn't out of place. After all, Chiga had saved the entire world. Even Dragon couldn't deny the title's merit.

But Chiga raised a hand, stopping him mid-motion.

"Dragon, did you bring Sabo with you this time?"

Dragon blinked. He hadn't expected the question. Garp, on the other hand, tensed immediately.

Of course, he knew Sabo. He had not only met him—he had knocked him around a few times in the past.

To his knowledge, Sabo was long dead. Luffy and Ace had mourned him deeply.

Dragon, unaware of Garp's shift in expression, responded respectfully.

"Sabo? Yes, I did bring him. Does Chiga-sama require something from him?"

"I don't. But someone else does."

Chiga glanced at Garp. "Vice Admiral, please bring Ace to see him. It's been far too long since they've reunited."

Without another word, Chiga returned to his breakfast.

Garp, stunned, pulled the equally bewildered Dragon out of the hall.

Outside the palace gates, Dragon looked at Garp with confusion.

"Father… Who's Ace?"

Dragon had left Luffy at a young age. He knew nothing of the two brothers who had grown up alongside his son—let alone that the boy he had rescued years ago was part of that bond.

Garp let out a long sigh, then explained everything. About Portgas D. Ace, about Sabo, about their childhood with Luffy. He also shared the truth about Ace's parentage—Roger's bloodline.

Dragon stood still, stunned. The boy he had rescued and trained had been Luffy's sworn brother?

But what shocked him even more was Chiga's decision to allow the Pirate King's son to join the Navy. If that wasn't unprecedented, nothing was.

Even Robin's enlistment in the Navy didn't compare.

By that logic, Dragon's own recruitment, despite his criminal reputation, didn't seem so radical anymore. The world had already changed. The people had changed.

Garp and Dragon discussed Sabo's experiences briefly, then agreed to divide tasks. Dragon would bring Sabo, and Garp would find Ace. They would reunite in Sengoku's office.

Meanwhile, Chiga sensed the events unfolding outside and allowed a rare smile to touch his lips.

Nerona had been watching him. After finishing her meal, she gazed at him curiously.

"Chiga, what's so funny?"

"Nothing," he replied, "I was just imagining the scene of two idiots meeting again."

"Two idiots?"

"Yeah."

He stood from the table and stretched lazily, then glanced at the women.

"All right. Coronation ceremony's today. Let's go enjoy the show."

Kalifa chuckled behind her hand.

"Boss, you're the star of the coronation. We're going to see you. Who are you going to see?"

"Eh, just playing the part," Chiga replied with a grin.

Nerona pouted, arms crossed.

"Hmph, I bet those princesses are already lining up with stars in their eyes."

"Oh?"

Chiga appeared beside her in an instant, one hand dropping to rub the cowlick on her head.

Nerona squeaked and squirmed, caught off guard. Seeing she couldn't escape, she shot a pleading look at Hancock.

The bond between Hancock and Nerona was closer than anyone had expected. Hancock almost treated her like a younger sister.

Catching the look, Hancock rose gracefully and walked to Chiga's side. Her voice was soft and gentle.

"Chiga-sama… Nerona often speaks before thinking. Please forgive her this time."

Chiga paused, his expression unreadable.

Then, slowly, he withdrew his hand, the smile never leaving his lips.

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