Bat Isnd wasn't rge, just a modest piece of nd with a single port, a small town, and a scattering of mountains further innd. It arsely poputed, with most of the interior overrun by wilderness. There were rumors of a ruins hidden in the mountains, and that's where Patrick Redfield had gone searg.

  As soon as they docked, Garp exged a few words with Kong, then took up his position at the port. Meanwhile, Kong turo Cudius, who simply smiled and said, "I'll head in to meet up with my cousin. o worry about me, Fleet Admiral."

  "Alright. I'm off to deal with Redfield," Kong replied without fuss. He gave Cudius a quiod, the off toward the heart of the isnd, ready for the frontation.

  Once Kong had disappeared into the dense forest, Cudius turo Garp with a smirk. "You look like you've been holding something in this whole trip."

  "Humph!" Garp grunted, looking annoyed, before quickly asking, "How's Ace?"

  "With the kind of life I live, do you think he could be anything but fine? He's well-fed, sleeps soundly, and he's got enough energy to tire out anyone. Only downside is, he's ruined my reputation." Cudius sighed, shaking his head in exasperation.

  "Ahahahaha! I heard about that! Word around Mariejois is that you've got yourself an illegitimate child," Garp ughed, clearly amused. "Holy, it's not such a bad thing. That rumor covers up the truth pretty well. Now nobody will be poking their noses into Ace's business."

  As strange as it sounded, Garp was right. If people believed Ace was Cudius's illegitimate son, then any curiosity would be dismissed as a private matter of the Celestial Dragons. No one, not even the agents of the CP anizations, would dare iigate too closely, given that they were uhe Celestial Dragons' authority. As long as Cudius and Garp kept quiet, Ace's existence was secure.

  Cudius sighed, shaking his head again. "There goes my perfect image. My spotless reputation, dragged through the mud because of this kid."

  "Oh, please! No one cares about a Celestial Dragon's private life anyway. But seriously… you're telling me you don't have any women on the side?" Garp asked, looking at Cudius with disbelief.

  Cudius shot Garp a disgusted look. "You think I'm as shameless as you?"

  Garp just shrugged, clearly unbothered by the insult. Cudius didn't know much about Garp's personal life, but he had his suspis. He didn't know whon's mother was, but it wouldn't have surprised him if Garp had a fling somewhere along the line. And sidering how Ace's father was Roger, yet Garp had decided to treat Ace as family… well, the old maainly didn't follow a ventional life path.

  "e on, we're all men here, hahaha!" Garp ughed heartily, slinging an arm around Cudius's shoulders like they were old drinking buddies.

  Before Cudius could pull away, Garp added, "Oh, by the way, st time we talked, I didn't get the ce to ask you. I heard that Zephyr got himself a pass that lets him into the Celestial Dragon's mansion areas. Miing me ooo?"

  Cudius frowned. "What do you hat for? You don't even like ing to Mariejois, and you've never had much respect for the other Celestial Dragons. Don't go stirring up trouble there and dragging me down with you."

  "It's different now," Garp replied, shrugging casually. "Ace is there with you, isn't he? I'm just a Vice Admiral; I've got plenty of free time. Mariejois and Marineford aren't that far apart. I figured I could drop by and see him now and then."

  Cudius smirked, amused. For someone who openly mocked the nobility, Garp sure was willing to swallow his pride for Ace's sake. The old man was even shamelessly asking for a pass to the Celestial Dragoes, all just so he could visit the boy.

  "Fine, but let's get ohing clear," Cudius said, exasperated but smiling. "When it es to raising Ace, keep out of it. I'll handle his upbringing myself, uood?"

  Garp frowned, clearly displeased. "What? I'm his grandfather! 't I help shape him into a fine Marine?"

  "Oh, please. With your record? Just look at hon turned out," Cudius shot back without mercy.

  Garp didn't look the least bit ashamed. He just waved his hand dismissively. "Well, that's exactly why I'm more experienow. I know what mistakes not to make!"

  Seeing that Cudius wasn't buying it, Garp finally relented with a sigh. "Alright, alright. I promise not to interfere with Ace's training. Satisfied?"

  Cudius gave him a nod. "That's more like it. Once I'm back, I'll have someone deliver a pass to you."

  With that settled, the two men shared a few more words before Cudius bid Garp goodbye and headed off into the port town.

  Dofmingo had already reserved every tavern in the small town. His men, Trebol and the others, were statio the entrance. Spotting Cudius, they quickly ushered him inside.

  Cudius walked in to find Dofmingo sitting at a table, a wine gss in hand. At his feet y a man unscious or dead, it was hard to tell with blood pooling around his head. Dofmingo looked up, smirking as he poured Cudius a drink.

  "What's with the mess?" Cudius asked, taking a seat across from him.

  Dofmingo handed him the gss. "Oh, nothing. Just a little stress relief. This idiot tried to pick a fight with me, so I gave him what he asked for. I feel a lot better now," he replied, his grin widening.

  "You're really getting into the pirate lifestyle, huh?" Cudius remarked with a ugh.

  Dofmingo chuckled. "Fufufufu… cousin, I am a pirate."

  "Fair enough," Cudius aowledged with a smile. "How's everything going?"

  "Not bad. We're making progress. But the New World… the water's deep here," Dofmingo replied, his gaze sharpening.

  "It is. Be careful, Doffy. If things ever get too heavy, remember you've got me to back you up. You're my brother, after all. If I don't look out for you, who will?" Cudius said with genuine warmth.

  Dofmingo's usually guarded expression softened for a moment, but he quickly posed himself, grinning. "I know, cousin. But enough of that. What's the pn for today?"

  "Simple," Cudius said, waving a hand. "The Wover wants to save face after the fiasco with Roger. They're hoping capturing Redfield will restore some of their reputation."

  "So, when's the a?" Dofmingo asked, raising an eyebrow. "We're not just going to sit here and drink all day, are we?"

  Just as he finished speaking, an intense surge of queror's Haki flooded the isnd. The sheer pressure was overwhelming, sending a ripple of force through the town. The innkeeper behind the bar colpsed instantly, eyes rolling back as he hit the floor.

  Cudius and Dofmingo were ued. With a calm smile, Cudius picked up the bottle, poured them both another drink, and said, "o worry. It's already begun."

  *****

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