The Swordsmanship Tournament continued at a steady pace. With the schedule and logistics firmly in the hands of his subordinates, Marshall D. Teach no longer needed to involve himself in every detail.
After witnessing the clash of three world-class swordsmen, the remaining matches felt comparatively subdued. Unless it was a moment of true importance, such as the opening ceremony or the final battles, Teach had little interest in appearing.
Most of the time, he was nowhere to be seen.
Even Redyat and the core members of the Nightfall Pirates had no clear idea where their captain was or what he was doing. None of them questioned it. As captain, Teach carried responsibilities far beyond what others could see, and the crew understood that much without needing explanations.
At the same time, the tournament itself had stabilized. With the overwhelming display of power from the opening ceremony still fresh in everyone's mind, few dared to cause trouble. Even the crews of the Four Emperors had restrained themselves, giving proper respect to both the Nightfall Pirates and the three top swordsmen who had set the tone.
Having already received and hosted the Emperors, Teach's presence in the main hall was no longer required. The Battle Pyramid offered more than enough entertainment, and the guests quickly found their own ways to pass the time.
For example, Monkey D. Garp had become a frequent visitor to the entertainment district.
His antics drew crowds everywhere he went. Some even began recording his activities, turning them into profitable material. As a Marine hero with immense popularity across the world, anything related to him easily attracted attention.
If any issues arose, the other members of the Nightfall Pirates were more than capable of handling them.
To outsiders, it seemed obvious that Teach remained somewhere within his territory, silently overseeing everything, maintaining order, and preventing any unexpected incidents.
No one imagined the truth.
The so-called "Dark Emperor" had already left.
Quietly, without fanfare, Teach departed from Parage Island and his own domain.
This year was destined to be extraordinary. The gathering of the Four Emperors, the grand Swordsmanship Tournament, and elsewhere in the world, the birth of Monkey D. Luffy, a child who would one day shake the seas.
For Teach, however, this moment carried a different kind of significance.
It was something he had never anticipated, even after gaining a second life.
If news of his departure were exposed, it could create chaos. Enemies might exploit the opportunity, and the consequences for the Nightfall Pirates and the tournament could be severe.
Even so, Teach did not hesitate.
He had already decided.
He needed to witness it with his own eyes.
His absence over the past few days had been deliberate. By keeping himself out of sight, he created the illusion that he was still present, hidden somewhere within the shadows of his domain.
At the same time, it reflected his confidence.
The Nightfall Pirates were no longer dependent on him alone. With leaders like Redyat and Ares, the crew possessed enough strength to handle unforeseen situations.
Under the cover of night, a sharp wind howled through the sky.
High above the sea, Teach moved at extreme speed, cutting through the air like a dark comet. His power surged as he pushed his abilities beyond their usual limits, manipulating gravity to propel himself forward.
The strain was immense, but his speed continued to rise.
Subtle improvements emerged in his control, fragments of insight gained even under such pressure. In normal circumstances, he would have paused to refine and stabilize this progress.
Now, he had no such luxury.
Urgency burned in his chest. There was tension, anticipation, and something deeper, something tied to his very blood. Teach's heartbeat quickened. It had been a long time since he felt anything like this.
The moment he received the news, he left without hesitation.
Monica was about to give birth.
Even after everything he had experienced, this was a first. Between wars, expansion, and grand plans, he had nearly forgotten. Only when word arrived from Arkas Island did reality strike him.
Soon.
Very soon.
Dark energy condensed around his body, forming a streamlined shape that cut through the wind. Resistance dropped sharply, and his speed increased once more.
Back on Parage Island, his absence did not go unnoticed.
"Teach isn't here?" Mostima frowned, his expression tightening. The first to realize it had been Redyat. Not long after Teach's departure, he sensed something was off and confirmed it personally.
"You're sure?" Mostima asked, narrowing his eyes.
Redyat nodded calmly. "I went to find him, but he wasn't there."
"Did you contact him?"
"I did. He answered briefly, then hung up. The wind was so strong that even the Den Den Mushi struggled to transmit properly. He's moving fast."
Mostima fell silent for a moment, processing the information.
"So he's fine," he said at last.
"More than fine," Redyat replied. "Whatever he's doing, it's important."
Mostima looked at him. "What do you suggest?"
Redyat's expression remained steady.
"He left without informing us, which means he didn't want interference. There's no need to pry. We just maintain the current situation."
There was no curiosity in his tone, only understanding.
"Keep it contained," he continued. "He won't be gone long. He'll return soon."
Mostima nodded. "Then we act as if nothing happened. But we increase vigilance quietly."
Even if the likelihood of trouble was low, caution remained necessary. Thus, the matter stayed between the two of them.
Far away, on Arkas Island, a completely different atmosphere filled the air.
Inside a quiet room, Monica lay on a bed, her hand gently resting on her swollen abdomen. A soft glow lingered on her face as she smiled.
"Father, I can feel it. He's so energetic, just like Teach," she said, her voice filled with warmth.
Beside her stood her father, Modi, his expression a mix of concern and helplessness.
"You should give birth soon," he urged. "Delaying it isn't good for your health."
Monica could deliver at any moment, yet she held on. The longer the delay, the greater the strain on her body.
Examples like Portgas D. Rouge were proof of the risks. Extending a pregnancy consumed immense vitality, and though Monica's condition remained stable, it was not something to take lightly.
Still, she refused.
"He'll come back," she said firmly.
Modi sighed.
From everything he knew, Teach was an ambitious man. His rise, his plans, his relentless drive, all pointed to someone who prioritized his goals above all else.
In such a situation, returning for a birth seemed unlikely.
Yet Monica did not waver.
In her eyes, Teach was not only the feared Dark Emperor. He was also someone who valued what belonged to him.
He would not break his word.
He would come.
That was her belief.
That was her certainty.
"I'm back."
The familiar voice echoed softly in the room. Both Monica and Modi turned at the same time. At some point, Teach was already standing beside the bed.
His breathing was uneven, his clothes marked by the strain of travel, yet a faint smile rested on his face. He had rushed here without stopping.
"Teach… you actually came," Modi said, unable to hide his surprise.
"What about your side?" he asked quickly.
"It's fine," Teach replied, shaking his head. "Very few people know I left. I can only stay for a day at most. After that, I have to return immediately."
Monica's eyes shone with quiet happiness.
"I knew it," she said softly.
Teach released his Observation Haki, sensing the small life within her. For a moment, he simply stood there, unsure of what to do.
Then Modi gave him a firm pat on the back. "What are you standing around for? Get out. It's time." Snapped back to reality, Teach stepped outside with him.
Soon, a midwife was called in.
Time passed.
From inside the room came Monica's strained voice, carrying both pain and determination.
Modi stood outside, unable to hide his anxiety.
Teach, however, grew calm. The earlier tension faded, replaced by quiet anticipation.
Not long after, a cry broke through the air. A new life had arrived.
Inside the room, Monica held the child gently in her arms. Though her face was pale, her expression was soft and full of warmth.
"Teach… give him a name," she said.
Teach stepped closer, his gaze falling upon the newborn. For a brief moment, silence lingered.
Then he spoke.
"Saga."
His voice was steady. "Marshall D. Saga."