Chapter 114: Preparation Beneath the Surface
In Impel Down, Mio had been occasionally practicing the abilities of the Replacement Fruit, along with training both his Armament Haki and Observation Haki.
To develop a Devil Fruit ability further, it was crucial to first establish a clear direction. Once that was done, everything else would naturally follow. Mio had long decided his next goal—replacing objects.
Swapping the positions of two items.
Time flowed quietly.
One Month Later – Marine Headquarters
Aokiji, having just returned from the New World, arrived at Marine Headquarters. He wasn't the only one—Kizaru and Garp were also stationed in the New World at present, but others had returned for a significant event.
The reason was straightforward: Sengoku was to be officially promoted to Marshal of the Marine Headquarters, and Aokiji himself would be promoted to Admiral. The announcement was expected to give a significant boost to the Navy's morale.
Inside Sengoku's office, Aokiji sat lazily in his chair, gazing toward Sengoku.
"General Sengoku—no, I suppose I should call you Marshal now," Aokiji said casually. "Marshal, is there any news from the Black Crow Pirates?"
Sengoku shook his head. "No news. Since the arrest of the Black Crow Pirates' captain, there's been complete silence. They might've disbanded."
"That seems unlikely," Aokiji replied, shaking his head slowly. He recalled clearly the way the crew had addressed Mio. Their bond was genuine. They wouldn't simply disappear like that.