Garp’s words caused Sengoku’s expression to freeze instantly.
He had originally assumed that as long as the Marines maintained strict secrecy, they could conceal the existence of the mysterious shop for a period of time.
That would give them enough time to continue opening jars and strengthen themselves.
But he had overlooked one crucial point.
The Shop Owner was a merchant.
And not just any merchant, but one who had openly declared neutrality and welcomed all customers.
If the Shop Owner chose to spread the information, or if the customers who purchased jars began to publicize it themselves, then the Marines would have no way of completely sealing the news.
“This is troublesome…”
Sengoku rubbed his forehead, feeling a rare headache coming on.
Akainu seized the moment, his gaze sharp and his tone resolute.
“Hmph.
In that case, we should simply arrest that Shop Owner directly.”
“He is selling power indiscriminately, giving anyone the chance to become a Devil Fruit user.
That alone is enough to destabilize the seas.”
“What he is doing will only plunge the world into greater chaos.
Once ordinary people gain power, how many of them will remain content with their current lives?”
“This is no different from the Revolutionary Army.
Both seek to undermine the World Government’s rule!”
Akainu’s voice rang out firmly.
“I propose we immediately issue a bounty on that Shop Owner.”
“No.”
Aokiji rejected the idea without hesitation.
“Akainu, don’t forget what was mentioned about items even stronger than Devil Fruits.”
“How can you guarantee the Shop Owner does not possess something comparable to ancient weapons?”
Kizaru watched the argument unfold, letting out a slow yawn.
Vice Admiral Tsuru raised her hand and clapped lightly, silencing the room.
“Let me speak.”
“Regardless of the Shop Owner’s true intentions, the Marines must proceed according to their own rhythm.”
“For now, we should dispatch someone capable of maintaining order to remain stationed near Cocoyasi Village long-term.”
“They will monitor the Jar Shop’s activities, maintain controlled and non-hostile contact with the Shop Owner, and evaluate his actions and potential risks.”
“No one is to provoke or pressure him without authorization.”
Sengoku’s eyes brightened slightly.
This approach was far more stable.
However, another issue immediately arose.
Most high-ranking officers were already deployed across the Grand Line and the New World.
Even the Admirals could not leave their posts for extended periods due to the threat of the Four Emperors.
So the candidate had to be strong enough and relatively close to the East Blue.
Sengoku’s gaze fell onto the report on his desk, and a faint smile appeared.
The individual in question was a Logia-type Devil Fruit user and an upright Marine.
Aside from the unknown factor of the Shop Owner, his strength was more than enough to dominate the East Blue.
There was no better choice.
“Captain Smoker has already made contact with the Shop Owner, and the corruption within Branch 16 has been cleared.”
“He will be temporarily stationed at Marine Branch 16.”
“As for Loguetown, Captain Tashigi will take over his post there.”
Sengoku finalized the initial arrangement, already planning the next steps.
In the future, officers from other branches could rotate in to open jars.
Vice Admiral Tsuru spoke again.
“I happen to have some free time recently.
I can accompany Garp to the East Blue and observe the situation firsthand.”
Since both Garp and Tsuru intended to personally meet the Shop Owner, Sengoku nodded decisively.
“Very well.
Meeting adjourned.”
…Cocoyasi Village.
Smoker stood in silence, holding the order issued by Sengoku.
He had been reassigned to Marine Branch 16.
And his mission was to monitor the Jar Shop, record every visitor, and observe what they obtained.
Smoker quietly lit a cigar.
He, a Marine captain, was supposed to keep watch over someone clearly stronger than himself?
And memorize every person entering the shop, along with what they opened?
Was he expected to stand guard at the door all day?
“Marine Headquarters really gave me a troublesome task…”
He exhaled a long breath of smoke and turned toward Tashigi’s room.
Since Headquarters had not demanded the Devil Fruit be surrendered, Tashigi could safely consume the Dice-Dice Fruit.
Meanwhile, at the village dock.
A small boat, fully prepared and stocked with supplies, floated gently on the water.
After carefully observing the newly arrived Marines and confirming they were nothing like Nezumi,
Nami finally made her decision.
It was time to set sail.
She planned to roam the East Blue as a bounty hunter for a while, defeating well-known pirates and building her reputation.
Genzo and many villagers gathered to see her off.
“Nami, remember to keep smiling when you’re out there!”
“If you get tired, come back home anytime!”
Children waved enthusiastically, calling out to her.
With Arlong and his crew captured, and Nezumi removed,
Cocoyasi Village had finally regained its freedom.
There was sadness, but more than that, there was hope.
“Haha!
Don’t worry, everyone!”
“I’m Nami, the woman who defeated Arlong!”
Carrying bundles of supplies gifted by the villagers, Nami smiled brightly.
Nojiko stepped forward and gently adjusted her collar, her eyes filled with reluctance.
“You’re not a child anymore…
but still…”
Nami stepped forward and hugged her tightly.
“We can stay in touch with a transponder snail.
I’ll send word regularly.”
“I also left over eighty million Berries in the grove, along with what was taken from Arlong.
It’s enough to rebuild everything.”
Nojiko nodded, her eyes slightly moist.
“I understand…
Nami.”
“Alright, that’s enough.
I’ll be back soon anyway.”
“And when I return, I’ll go open more jars!”
With a final wave, Nami carried her belongings onto the boat.
At the edge of the crowd, Xia Wen watched quietly, a faint smile in his eyes.
Another perfect “advertiser” had begun her journey.
And after Smoker’s round of openings, he was now only eight jars away from unlocking the advanced tier.