[TIOP] Chapter : 125

“As a navy admiral, wandering around while chaos unfolds in the New World—don’t you think that’s a bit... irresponsible?”

Jack was halfway through his third mug of dark beer when a man in a black windbreaker quietly took the seat beside him.

Jack glanced sideways, then smirked. “Ah, I was feeling a little bored. Thought I’d go for a stroll. And maybe check if you were still alive.”

The newcomer raised his glass and clinked it against Jack’s. “I still owe you for what you did last time. So... are you here for something?”

“I told you, didn’t I? Just out of boredom,” Jack replied with a grin, waving it off casually.

But the man’s hood fell back slightly, revealing a familiar face—Portgas D. Ace, also known as Fire Fist. After escaping death at Marineford, he had taken command of the Whitebeard remnants alongside Marco. More importantly, he was Jack’s sworn brother.

“Is this really okay, big brother?” Ace asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Hearing those words, Jack burst into laughter. “Man, it’s good to hear you call me that again!”

“We swore brotherhood, didn’t we? Even if your birthday is fake,” Ace teased with a smirk. “Besides, your strength now... it might even surpass mine.”

Jack chuckled, slightly embarrassed. “So how are things? It’s been rough lately, hasn’t it? Ever think about joining me? You know what I’m trying to build—and I’m sure you’ve heard of the G1 Division in the New World. What do you say?”

Ace shook his head, grinning as he leaned back. “It’s tempting, but Marco and I... we’re still pirates at heart. Besides, with my background, the navy wouldn’t touch me with a ten-foot pole.”

“Well, I don’t have the authority yet,” Jack said with a smile, “but one day, when I realize my dream, I’ll clear your name. You won’t have to be a pirate—you can be an adventurer, free and legitimate.”

Ace gave a half-smile and took a sip of his drink. “You know I don’t really care about that stuff.”

“Do you need anything?” Jack asked more quietly this time.

Ace shook his head. “We lost that fight, yeah—but the casualties were minimal. We pulled back before things got worse.”

Jack frowned slightly. “You retreated on purpose?”

“We’re under too much scrutiny right now. We need time to regroup, stay out of the spotlight, and build strength slowly,” Ace replied calmly.

Jack raised an eyebrow. “That strategy doesn’t sound like your idea. Who put you up to it?”

Ace grinned. “You think I’m dumb, huh? Anyway, don’t worry. We’re not hurting civilians or doing anything evil. We’re pirates, yeah—but we’re free, not villains.”

“That’s all I wanted to hear.” Jack nodded, visibly relieved. “I’m glad you’re doing okay. I stopped by to check on Luffy too—he’s recovering well. He’s training under Rayleigh now. He’s gonna get stronger. You’d better not fall behind.”

“Tell Marco I said hi,” he added, finishing his drink and standing. “I should get going before Aokiji decides to chain me to a desk again. I just started my vacation.”

“No need to see you out,” Ace said with a casual wave.

But as Jack reached the door, Ace’s voice called out behind him, quieter but sharper—

“The one who gave us the idea... was Red-Haired Shanks.”

Jack paused for half a second at the threshold—then walked out as if he hadn’t heard a thing.

—

Boom. Boom. Boom.

The sound of clapping echoed as Jack climbed aboard his modest wooden boat. No sooner had he left Ace’s company than he encountered a pirate ship trying to rob him.

He boarded them alone. Asked to speak with their captain.

Then, without hesitation, he sank the entire ship—and everyone on it—into the sea.

Seeing the diamonds being credited to his system, Jack instantly knew—his latest opponents had become nothing more than food for the sea. Still, this was the New World, after all. In just a few days of roaming, Jack had already racked up nearly 30,000 diamonds—equivalent to a bounty of 300 million Berries. Not bad for a casual stroll.

Just as he was about to lie back and relax, a voice called out over the water.

“Excuse me, are you Admiral Kurohyou?”

Looking up, Jack spotted a fishman emerging from the sea.

“Ah… trouble finally found me,” he muttered, scratching his nose with mild irritation. “Yes, I’m Kurohyou. What do you want?”

The fishman, visibly nervous, swallowed hard before replying. “The Navy asked us to relay a message. Fleet Admiral Aokiji is waiting for you at headquarters. He requests that you return immediately.”

The fishman hadn’t expected this encounter. He had been searching for treasure nearby when he detected signs of an underwater explosion. Curious, he surfaced—only to find himself face-to-face with the infamous Admiral Kurohyou.

Then he remembered a recent directive: if anyone encountered Admiral Kurohyou, they were to assist in delivering the Navy’s summons back to headquarters without delay.

“Do you happen to know the way to Navy HQ?” Jack asked sheepishly. “I… may have gotten a little lost.”

“Of course! I’d be honored to escort you,” the fishman replied with a smile.

Jack had built quite a positive reputation among the fishmen, especially since his branch of the Navy had always treated them with respect. In turn, the fishmen were more than happy to help him.

Thanks to the fishman’s guidance, Jack arrived at Marineford—the Navy’s headquarters—in record time.

No sooner had he stepped onto the port than he ran into two of the Navy’s most troublesome veterans: Sengoku and Garp.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the famous Admiral Kurohyou of the New World,” Sengoku said with mock surprise. “What could’ve possibly convinced you to grace us with your presence back at headquarters?”

Jack sighed. “Sengoku-san, I arranged for a package of G1 Branch’s local specialties to be delivered to your office. Consider it a peace offering.”

“Oh? Really? Hahaha! You’re such a thoughtful one,” Sengoku chuckled, clearly pleased.

Since stepping down from his position, Sengoku had fully embraced retirement. And with the Navy growing stronger, he’d grown even more carefree. As for Garp, with Ace still alive and well, his faith in the Navy remained unshaken. The two old men now seemed to delight in creating chaos around headquarters.

Rumor had it that Akainu once muttered under his breath that he was lucky not to have become fleet admiral—because dealing with those two would’ve driven him insane. Only he knew how serious he truly was.

But one thing was clear: these two geezers answered to no one.

Suddenly, Jack’s expression changed. He called out behind them, “Granny Tsuru? When did you get here?”

Almost instantly, Sengoku and Garp straightened up like mischievous kids caught red-handed.

“Heheh... Since Admiral Kurohyou is here to report in,” Garp said stiffly, “we won’t get in the way. We’ll be on our way!”

With that, the infamous duo made a hasty exit, leaving Jack to wonder whether he should be amused… or terrified.

After Garp finished speaking, he suddenly realized—there was no one standing behind them. Only Jack remained, watching him with a knowing smile.

Even someone as thick-skinned as Garp couldn’t help but blush. He cleared his throat awkwardly and muttered, “Ahem... Aren't you here to report in? What are you waiting for?”

Jack gave a casual shrug. “Of course, I am. Well then, Sengoku-san… Sensei… I’ll take my leave.”

As Jack walked away, Garp chuckled and said with a nostalgic grin, “That kid’s really grown up.”

Sengoku nodded silently, his mind drifting to memories of Jack’s early days in the Navy. Back then, he was just a hardworking foot soldier with potential—and a certain connection to Garp. But in recent years, Jack’s rise had been nothing short of meteoric.

His raw power alone was impressive enough, but what struck Sengoku even more was Jack’s dream—once distant and idealistic—now steadily coming into focus through sheer determination. Watching that transformation unfold made Sengoku feel a mix of hope, pride, and quiet admiration.

Meanwhile, in the admiral’s wing of Marineford...

“Fleet Admiral Aokiji, long time no see,” Jack greeted as he stepped into the office.

Inside, Aokiji sat at the head of the room, flanked by Kizaru and Akainu—two figures who rarely shared the same space without tension thickening the air.

“Alright,” Aokiji said calmly, folding his hands. “Now that everyone’s here… let’s talk about Blackbeard.”