After listening to Sengoku recount the events of the past, Karl couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Being the Fleet Admiral really wasn't easy — it was practically a scapegoat position. All the pressure, none of the freedom.
"Karl, do you think what I did back then was right?"
Karl thought for a long while before replying.
"From the perspective of an ordinary person, it may seem heartless. But from the Navy's perspective… you weren't wrong."
"If it were me, I'd probably have made the same decision."
Sengoku gave a soft sigh.
"Indeed. It's a pity I couldn't accomplish it back then… but it's not too late now."
Karl's eyes flashed. He suddenly recalled something Sengoku had once said to Tsuru years ago. Could it be that Sengoku had already made up his mind to make a move against the Whitebeard Pirates?
"I've only told you about Ace's matter. Don't let this slip. Understood?"
"Of course. My lips are sealed. You can rest easy!"
"Hahaha… you kid. Enjoy your vacation. I won't bother you any further."
The call ended, and the VIP lounge fell silent.
Over the next two days, Karl thoroughly enjoyed himself in Golden City. He tried almost every entertainment attraction there — and since he didn't have to pay a single beli, it was pure bliss.
But since that World Noble was returning home, he had to escort her back.
When they boarded the warship, many of the Marines still looked reluctant to leave, clearly not having had enough fun.
"Sir, there's something up ahead… looks like a merchant ship. Should we warn them to keep their distance?"
Normally, Nelson wouldn't have bothered and would've just sailed past, but this time there was a World Noble on board.
Karl waved his hand.
"No need. They're already altering course. But still, stay alert and prepare for battle."
"Yes, sir!"
The merchant ship carried a powerful presence — one impossible to ignore.
As the ships drew closer, Karl finally got a good look. It was a luxurious vessel, obviously carrying wealthy passengers, most likely heading toward Golden City.
That powerful aura was coming from a middle-aged man leaning against the cabin wall.
He had short black hair, a trimmed beard, and a cross-shaped scar on the left side of his forehead. Tall and imposing, he wore a light-purple kimono and wooden sandals, a cane-sword in hand. As if sensing Karl's gaze, he raised his head, smiled faintly, and gave a polite nod.
Karl smiled back.
So I'm meeting him here…
He didn't need to think hard to figure out why that man was on a merchant ship. Given the circumstances, he was almost certainly working as a bodyguard.
"Sir, it really is just a merchant ship!"
Karl nodded.
"Then leave them be. Keep moving."
On board the Hathor:
A sharp-eyed young noble recognized the ship and shouted excitedly,
"Look! That's the Holy Light! The ship of Marine Hero Vice Admiral Karl!"
"Vice Admiral Karl! I'm your fan!!!"
Karl: Please don't. I don't want you rushing over just to stab me later…
The women aboard immediately erupted in excitement. Elegant ladies and noble daughters swarmed to the railing, squealing the moment they confirmed it was Karl's ship.
"AAAAHHH!!! It's really Vice Admiral Karl!!!"
Their male companions: "…"
Leaning against the wall, the blind man chuckled softly.
"So that's the famous Marine hero… No wonder he radiates such strength."
Truth be told, he did want to meet this rising Marine hero. And he was certain Karl felt the same — after all, that observation haki sweeping across the ship earlier had clearly come from Karl.
As the Holy Light gradually sailed away, the women on the merchant ship wailed in despair, heartbroken at missing their chance to meet their idol.
After safely delivering the World Noble — who still cast rather resentful looks at him — back to Mariejois, Karl immediately headed toward Skypiea.
He left the Holy Light in Nelson's care and even gave his crew a short holiday. After all, in a few days, they wouldn't have time to rest at all.
Skypiea – New Amazon Lily (formerly Upper Yard)
"My dear!!!"
Hancock sprinted forward at full speed. Just as she reached Karl, she leapt into his arms like a cannonball. Thankfully, Hancock had excellent "shock absorption" — otherwise Karl might have been smashed flat.
"My love, I came the moment I received your message! Oh, and our new home is almost complete! Come, let me show you!"
She grabbed his hand and led him toward the top of the great tree where Noland's statue once stood.
Passing through the dense forest, a dazzling city came into view — buildings forged from gold, reflecting blinding light beneath the sun. It was truly eye-catching.
Unlike the old Amazon Lily, many parts were now built with island clouds, soft and white, making the entire city look like a golden metropolis hidden in the clouds.
Kuja warriors were everywhere, working hard to build and reinforce their new homeland.
"It's basically the same as before," Karl laughed. "Just… a bit too shiny."
Hancock frowned instantly.
"Then I'll have them remove all the gold!"
"No need. It'll naturally dull over time. Why go through all that trouble?"
"Mm… I'll listen to you."
Karl smiled and gently stroked Hancock's hair as they walked along a shaded path.
"Have you run into any problems since moving here? Any shortages? Food, supplies?"
"No. There's plenty of food and water. The only thing lacking was daily necessities, but the sisters who arrived later brought enough to last until next year."
"And Angel Island's residents have also been exchanging supplies for gold, so we're fine. This place is far better than our old home."
"And if we need anything else, we can just go down to buy it. With the balloon octopuses and wind dials, going up and down is easy."
Karl smiled softly, brushing her hair aside.
"You've really grown… When we first met, I thought you were just a spoiled, unreasonable princess. Now you're—"
Hancock blushed fiercely, shaking his arm.
"My love~ Didn't we agree not to bring that up again?"
"Alright, alright! Haha. By the way, darling, I bought you lots of beautiful clothes at the world's largest entertainment city. Want to try them on tonight?"
Hancock's eyes instantly lit up, her cheeks flushed. Leaning close, she whispered into his ear:
"How beautiful…? I want to try them now…"
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus (OP)Chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus (OP)Chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read 60 (OP)Chapter ahead on P@treon if you're interested: patreon.com/SwipeSage