One Piece: Transmigrated as Crocodile

Chapter 354 - CHAPTER 354 - Coordination

Rosen and the others returned to the ship but had no intention of leaving. They kept moving around, knowing that with the great war approaching, staying here offered the fastest route to Marine Headquarters.

The plan could not be changed lightly, and Rosen estimated that the admirals would be heading straight for Luffy and Sabo.

"BOSS, news came from Ten Yasha's subordinates. Marine Rear Admiral Ain might indeed be Migs' daughter. She was rescued from a shipwrecked slaver vessel by former Marine Admiral Zephyr," Robin reported, comparing her intelligence with information sent by Saraco. They were about 70–80% certain it was Migs's daughter.

"A Rear Admiral?" Migs was stunned and a bit lost. Vivine was indeed alive—but why a new name, and in the Marines?

He did not think poorly of the Marines themselves, but now his status was that of a pirate.

When he had traveled across the Kingdom of Alabasta and other smaller countries, he had sought the Marines' help many times, yet never truly received any. The well-intentioned Marines could at least make a record for him, while the indifferent often turned him away. Migs's impression of the Marines was therefore not favorable.

"What do you think? Even if we know she's a Marine, we don't know her location," Rosen said, looking at Migs.

Though Rosen wasn't entirely certain, when Ain's photo was shown to Migs, he confirmed it. She had changed since childhood, but facial features, hair color, abilities, and experiences matched closely enough to be certain.

But should he meet her? Migs felt afraid. If he did, how? Marines and pirates were naturally opposed. Perhaps he should not disrupt her life. If she was safe and well, that would suffice.

Though he thought this, years of longing had not stopped. Even a distant glance would be enough.

Hathaway, Enel, and others remained silent, unsure how to intervene.

"I can allow you to leave the crew temporarily, even permanently," Rosen said. This was the extent of what he could offer; it was unlikely the crew would change course for one person.

If Ain were in the Four Seas, Rosen could not abandon everything to help Migs find her. The most plausible solution was to give Migs freedom.

Rosen's words surprised Robin and the others. In any pirate crew, once on board, a member could not simply leave. Leaving required the captain's approval, and conditions might be set. Only if the captain was satisfied could a crew member depart.

This was the rule among pirates; otherwise, a crew could easily disband. But Rosen was willing to let Migs go without conditions.

It was unexpected, yet somehow predictable.

"Will I ever have such freedom?" Enel mused, then realized that even if he had freedom, could he create ancient weapons? Could he accomplish great deeds alongside Captain Hathaway? Probably not. There were too many strong people in the Blue Sea. Following them seemed more sensible.

"No, I won't leave the crew. If possible, I'd like to just see her from afar—that's enough. If not, knowing she is alive and well as a Marine Rear Admiral is sufficient," Migs said solemnly.

He had searched for years but never imagined how he would face her if he found her. For now, knowing she was alive and safe sufficed.

"I'll have someone in the Marines look into her whereabouts. If the opportunity arises, I'll take you to meet her," Rosen promised.

"Thank you, BOSS!" Migs nodded firmly.

"Meal time, meal time!" Natalie's small head popped through the dining room window, calling to Rosen and the others.

"Let's go, everyone, eat together," Rosen said. With everyone back, there was no need to worry about encountering a Marine admiral alone—though it was unclear which admiral might appear.

Had Bartholomew Kuma arrived? What about the soon-to-be-released Pacifist? If all were present, any conflict would be difficult to handle. Would Kuma strike against Sabo?

No matter his motives, Kuma's actions always came at the ultimate cost: complete loss of personality, willingly sacrificed.

What was he plotting with Dragon? From Rosen's perspective, the most likely target was Vegapunk's advanced scientific technology, possibly beyond just cybernetics. Vegapunk's genetic technology was extensive; if applied well, it could alter the balance of power. Revolutionary forces would naturally covet it.

Yet sacrificing Kuma's entire life was extreme—perhaps even beyond Dragon's permission, a unilateral choice for the Revolutionary Army.

Rosen thought he should make more contact with Vegapunk in the future; he could influence the world's balance of power.

"BOSS, these are fine cigars, said to be a specialty from Tobacco Island in the New World. You can try them," Robin said.

When returning with Hathaway, they carried many packages, but Rosen did not mind. The Dawn Pirates were wealthy—and not just a little.

"You brought me gifts?" Rosen was slightly surprised. Seeing Hathaway carrying multiple packages softened her previously aloof image in his eyes.

"What's with that look? Am I not human, with needs?" Hathaway said, feeling slightly awkward under Rosen's intense gaze.

Indeed, Rosen's perception of Hathaway was that: beautiful yet fierce.

Rosen awkwardly accepted the cigar Robin handed him, pretending not to hear Hathaway.

Nearby, Law's submarine surfaced, and Urogue's ship approached. Though Law was not formally part of the Dawn Pirates, coordinated action was necessary.

Law and Urogue were temporarily under Hathaway's command. The Dawn could accommodate their crews, and more ships meant more mobility and benefits.

"Since you're here, greet everyone and join for a meal," Rosen told Law and Urogue.

"That's the Scarlet Queen who killed the Celestial Dragons? She doesn't seem so scary," Urogue remarked casually, watching Hathaway's back.

After a hearty meal, he requested a sparring match—and lost completely.

"She's stronger than before," Law observed. Hathaway had always been strong and dangerous, but danger had dominated before.

Now she was stronger yet seemed less dangerous—her bloodthirsty, violent tendencies hidden, unlike the overt menace Law had seen before.

Still, Law would not underestimate her.

Following this man, could he grow stronger? Law was tempted; he needed strength—greater strength.