Considering Lloyd's unusual physiology, Dr. Vegapunk could only conclude one possible effect of his low blood pressure: the risk of entering a hibernation‑like state.
Lloyd himself did not care for the speculation. If low blood pressure ever became a liability in battle, he could always force his blood to surge at will. And if the need to rest ever truly came, he could find a safe and secluded place, whether at Marine Headquarters or within the FIngarland Family territory. There was no safer refuge in the world.
Without lingering any longer, Lloyd activated Kamui and vanished from the research institute.
After months of wandering outside, he returned directly to Marine Headquarters.
In that time, the various pirate forces across the seas had behaved far more obediently than before, a consequence of the Navy's recent combined assault on the Roger Pirates and Whitebeard Pirates, which resulted in a clear naval victory.
The Roger Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates were two of the strongest crews in the world. For them to suffer defeat even once was enough to send shockwaves through the entire pirate sphere.
After their loss, the Whitebeard Pirates retreated to their own territory like a wounded beast, licking their wounds in silence.
The Roger Pirates had gone even more quietly. Their movements became evasive and secretive, with rumors circulating that their ship, the Oro Jackson, had been carried into the Blues by a powerful current, possibly wrecked with the entire crew lost.
Of course, most people dismissed such talk as nonsense. First, no known current could actually lift a ship into the air. Second, even if such a thing did exist, it would be impossible to threaten the Roger Pirates in any meaningful way.
Regardless, Marine Headquarters maintained unceasing reconnaissance on these crews. If an opportunity presented itself to strike while they were weak, the Navy would not hesitate.
When Lloyd returned, besides Lucia and Ginny, the person who seemed most pleased was Fleet Admiral Kong.
Kong arrived in Lloyd's office carrying a mountain of documents. Under Lloyd's blank stare, he stacked them upon the desk without hesitation.
Just as Kong was about to speak, his nose twitched.
"Lloyd, is no one cleaning your office? It smells weird."
Lloyd cleared his throat once. His office was Admiral‑level, and he easily could have formed a platoon with his own orders, so of course it was cleaned. Lucia was meticulous, often spending entire mornings tidying the space herself.
Kong waved off the comment and pointed at the paperwork.
"These are intelligence reports we intercepted during your absence. They cover all major pirate crews on the seas right now. Pay attention, especially the ones about Roger. He's been extremely low‑key."
Lloyd surveyed the mountain of reports and rubbed his forehead.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, if you knew Roger's exact location, you would have just told me," Lloyd said dryly.
Kong sighed helplessly.
"If I knew his exact location, I would, Lloyd. The problem is he's hiding too well. We can't find a trace of him."
Of all the large pirate crews, the Roger Pirates were the most elusive. They traveled without a fixed territory, which made it extremely difficult for the World Government to plant spies on the Oro Jackson. If Roger didn't openly cause trouble, locating him was nearly impossible.
Lloyd tapped his fingers on the desk as he considered the situation.
According to naval records, it was now the year 1496 on the Sea Calendar, and it was less than two months before 1497.
And in 1497, Roger would discover Laugh Tale — meaning he was likely still searching for the remaining Road Poneglyphs. Only by collecting all four could he calculate the final coordinates of Laugh Tale.
Of the four locations, Roger had already visited Fish‑Man Island. With Oden Kozuki now aiding him, it was highly probable they had deciphered the Poneglyphs of both Zou and Wano Country.
That left only the one held by Charlotte Linlin on Cake Island.
Lloyd deduced that Roger would most likely head there next.
With that thought, Lloyd raised a hand, and the stack of documents dissolved into a wave of shadows, absorbed into nothing.
He looked at Kong and said,
"Fleet Admiral Kong, we should strengthen surveillance of Cake Island. Roger is likely to show up there."
Kong blinked in surprise.
"Cake Island? That's part of Charlotte Linlin's territory. Roger's relationship with her isn't any better than with Whitebeard, so why would he go there?"
Lloyd shrugged.
"It's only a hunch. Cake Island has always been a key target for monitoring. Compared to tracking Whitebeard and Roger's forces directly, keeping surveillance there should be far easier."
Kong folded his arms and pondered the idea.
"If Roger does appear on Cake Island as you suggest, then when that happens you'll have to lead a team there."
Lloyd waved dismissively.
"The pursuit of Roger is my responsibility. When he shows himself, I will go find him. This time, I do not need anyone else. I can handle it alone."
Cake Island was Big Mom's stronghold. A large‑scale confrontation there would be a life‑and‑death clash. Facing a combined force of Roger and Big Mom, the Navy could win, but only at considerable cost.
Looking at the top combatants currently available, there were only Sengoku and Admiral Zephyr — but Zephyr still carried hidden injuries from his last confrontation, leaving him with weakened lungs and chronic asthma.
Commanders like Admiral Akainu, Admiral Kizaru, and Admiral Aokiji had yet to reach their full potential.
Moreover, the Navy was vast, and its elite units were assigned to regular duties. To launch a war on that scale required time and preparation.
In truth, the Navy needed to grow stronger first. When Akainu and the others truly matured in strength, the World Government would no longer fear even the crews of two Emperors.
Under those circumstances, there would be no need to force a battle against Big Mom and others yet.
Kong, as Fleet Admiral for many years, understood this instantly.
"That sounds reasonable," Kong said. "With your ability, no one can stop you from going. You just need to investigate the situation there."
Lloyd offered a faint nod, ready to accept the task without enthusiasm, his mind already calculating the next move.
===
Look up "_Zeph" on Patreon to get access to chapters in advance.