The One-Slash Superman of the One Piece World

When Yorichi Tsugikuni and Kuzan finally emerged from the Dressrosa Colosseum, a third person was now walking beside them a young man named Kyros.

Kyros was the decisive type. Once he agreed to join the Marines, he didn't drag his feet or linger unnecessarily. Besides, he didn't have any family or close friends left in Dressrosa who needed a farewell.

When the manager of the Colosseum heard that Kyros was leaving to join the Marines, he was outright furious at first. After all, Kyros, with a record of 441 victories, was the Colosseum's biggest money-maker.

Letting him walk away so easily was a huge blow to their profits.

But Kuzan was a Marine Headquarters Captain, and in Dressrosa a member nation of the World Government that carried considerable weight.

So while the Colosseum's manager didn't dare openly block the Marines from recruiting Kyros, he tried every tactic short of that, dropping sinister reminders like:

"You're a murderer."

"Leaving here won't do you any good."

"The Marines would never accept a killer."

"You'll just be discriminated against."

Unfortunately for him, these warnings stopped abruptly when Kuzan used his powers to freeze the manager's entire office desk solid.

From then on, the man kept quiet.

And so Kyros was successfully escorted out of the Colosseum.

He carried barely any belongings just a few simple clothes, some gladiator armor pieces, and his double-edged greatsword.

"Kuros, you're incredibly strong," Kuzan told him as they walked. "Once you're in the Marines, you'll definitely be able to achieve something great."

"Stick with me for now. Once we're aboard Vice Admiral Garp's ship, I'll have someone process your enlistment papers."

"Oh, right Vice Admiral Garp is a Marine Headquarters officer. He's a really good man. You won't have any problems joining up."

"Also, even though your strength is impressive, you'll still have to start from the bottom in the Marines."

"That's how it was for me too. Once we get back to HQ, I'll try asking Instructor Zephyr if he can admit you into the Marine Academy."

"Zephyr-sensei is the Marines' Chief Instructor, and a former Admiral. He's a great guy. Someone like you Zephyr-sensei would definitely like you a lot."

All along the way, Kuzan kept talking, praising the virtues of Marine life, practically selling it like the best path anyone could choose. His boundless enthusiasm gradually eased Kyros's tension.

Although Kyros had already agreed to join, he couldn't help feeling anxious. The manager's earlier words still lingered in his mind, planting seeds of doubt.

During their conversations, Kyros learned bits and pieces about Yorichi.

A genius.

A young man being specially trained by the Marines.

His mentor was Vice Admiral Garp.

He was a true disciple of the former Admiral Zephyr.

And… he was from a civilian background.

However, Yorichi's group didn't head straight for the local branch office to meet Garp.

Instead, Kuzan made a quick call via Den Den Mushi to brief Garp on the situation. Then he dragged Yorichi and Kyros off to explore Dressrosa properly.

He bought Kyros new clothes and took him around to sample the island's delicious local food.

Though Kyros had been born and raised in Dressrosa, poverty had kept him from ever enjoying the city like this. For the first time, he was able to stroll leisurely through the streets where he'd grown up.

And Kyros didn't refuse Kuzan's kindness. He allowed himself to relax and savor the experience, knowing full well that once he left, it might be years or decades before he saw his homeland again.

As evening fell, the glow of the setting sun spilled across the ocean.

Finally, the three of them, lugging shopping bags and packages, arrived at the Marine base in Dressrosa to meet up with Garp.

Kuzan even thoughtfully brought Garp a few local treats fruit-flavored donuts and savory rice crackers unique to Dressrosa.

"You three sure took your time getting back!"

"So, this young man must be Kyros, right?"

"Welcome to the Marines. I'm Vice Admiral Garp of Marine Headquarters."

Garp had been waiting at the branch for their return. The moment his eyes fell on Kyros, his stern face broke into a wide grin as he spoke with characteristic warmth.

"Th-thank you, Vice Admiral Garp, sir."

Kyros was clearly nervous meeting such a high-ranking officer. A Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters was a very big deal.

But Garp's easygoing manner quickly put him at ease. Kyros even shot a grateful look toward both Kuzan and Yorichi.

So the rumors were true: Vice Admiral Garp really was a good man.

"Come on, then. I've been waiting for you all afternoon."

"We're setting sail."

"I've already gotten word about the Roger Pirates!"

At this, Garp turned to Kuzan, his expression suddenly turning serious. His words made Kuzan's playful demeanor vanish as well.

"Are we departing tonight?" Kuzan asked, glancing at the sky.

"Yes," Garp said firmly. "Time is of the essence. If we let them slip away this time, who knows when we'll get another chance."

"Roger's crew… it looks like they're planning to seek out Charlotte Linlin."

"Their target is Totto Land!"

Garp tossed out the bombshell.

For a moment, Kuzan just stood there, stunned, until the name finally clicked.

"Charlotte Linlin… as in, that Charlotte Linlin? One of the former crew from the Rocks Pirates?"

Kuzan clearly knew who Charlotte Linlin was, and his eyes widened in shock.

He quickly pressed Garp for details.

"Why would the Roger Pirates go after someone like her? That's huge news!"

"Vice Admiral Garp, this could turn into… a major incident!"

Garp nodded in agreement, though his serious face promptly collapsed into a grin as he dug around in his nose and spoke casually.

"Of course I know it's a big deal."

"That's why we've got to hurry over there. As long as we catch Roger, then no matter what big plans he's got brewing, it all comes to nothing, right?!"

"Ha ha ha ha ha!"

Laughing, Garp strode off toward the harbor.

Earlier that afternoon, Garp's ship had already docked at the local branch. The Marine crews were already assembled and ready. Now, only Garp, Yorichi, and the others still had to board.

Yorichi had originally expected they'd be staying in Dressrosa for several days. He hadn't imagined that by the same night they arrived, they'd already be setting sail again.

The life of a Marine, he realized, was even more grueling than working a 9-to-9 job.

Yet Yorichi didn't complain. Compared to wandering around, eating and sightseeing, he was far more eager to meet the legendary fighters who roamed this vast sea.

Charlotte Linlin… destined to become one of the Four Emperors, known as Big Mom.

Once a member of the Rocks Pirates during the fateful God Valley Incident, Charlotte Linlin later formed her own crew, carving out a fearsome presence in the New World.

By now, she'd established a massive empire.

The "Totto Land" that Garp mentioned was the territory ruled by Charlotte Linlin a sprawling archipelago of thirty-four islands, home to hundreds of thousands of people.

Here, diverse races lived side by side in relative harmony, so long as they offered regular tribute in the form of their lifespan to Charlotte Linlin.

In return, they could live under her protection in Totto Land indefinitely.

At first glance, offering up one's lifespan sounded utterly terrifying and in truth, it was. Yet Linlin did at least offer her citizens a choice. If someone refused to pay in lifespan, they could choose to leave Totto Land.

In some ways, Totto Land was far better than Dressrosa under Doflamingo's rule or Wano under Kaido's iron fist.

Built on bonds of family and maintained by the promise of shelter, Charlotte Linlin had created Totto Land as her personal kingdom.

Here, Charlotte Linlin was the undisputed sovereign.

Neither the World Government nor the Marines could easily interfere in her territory.

Now, however, the Roger Pirates seemed intent on making contact with Charlotte Linlin a development the Marines found anything but reassuring.

"Set sail!" Garp bellowed. "Our destination: Big Mom's territory Totto Land!"