The day after the revelry celebrating Rosinante's return, everything seemingly returned to normal, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Everyone in the Donquixote Family went about their own business.
Rosinante woke early. Still unfamiliar with the sprawling base, he wanted to familiarize himself with the layout as quickly as possible to better plan for his future actions. Although his brother, the person closest to him by blood, resided here, Rosinante felt no sense of home. He was merely a transient guest, a Marine Commander forced to infiltrate this place to complete his mission. He constantly reminded himself of his true purpose: he had come to save his brother.
"Lord Rosinante."
Members of the Donquixote Family, now aware of Rosinante's identity as the Young Master's younger brother, greeted him respectfully as he passed. Rosinante simply nodded in acknowledgment, continuing on his way under their watchful eyes.
"Lord Rosinante is truly pitiful!" "Yeah, such a shame. Lord Rosinante is mute." "Did you hear? The Young Master apparently said Lord Rosinante suffered a huge trauma as a child, and that's why he can't speak." "So pitiful, Lord Rosinante..."
Rosinante, not yet out of earshot, overheard the subordinates' gossip. He paid it no mind; in fact, he felt a sense of relief that they believed his cover story. During the banquet yesterday, Rosinante had used written notes to 'explain' the cause of his muteness and his whereabouts over the past years, specifically to alleviate any potential suspicions Doflamingo might have. He wasn't sure if Doflamingo truly believed him, but judging by the subordinates' chatter, the cover story had apparently taken root among the rank-and-file. That offered some small comfort. As long as I keep this up, he thought, even if Doflamingo has doubts, he'll eventually have to accept it. For now, he just needed to maintain his 'good little brother' persona. Oh, right, he reminded himself, and I also need to establish the persona of someone who dislikes children. I can't let my brother corrupt those kids!
Doflamingo remained unaware of Rosinante's specific thoughts and intentions, but it hardly mattered. He had already thoroughly planned for Rosinante's presence. Whatever plans Rosinante himself harbored were ultimately destined to be illusions, like flowers in a mirror or the moon's reflection on water. For the time being, Rosinante was allowed to wander the base freely, unhindered.
Meanwhile, far away in the East Blue, within the town of Loguetown…
Vergo, having received Doflamingo's call the previous night, reported early the next morning to the office of Loguetown's Marine base commander, Captain Stalley.
"Reporting, Captain Stalley!" Vergo stood at attention, his face an impassive mask, devoid of any emotion, delivering a perfect Marine salute.
"Haha, Commander Vergo! Welcome!" Captain Stalley looked up from his desk, greeting Vergo warmly and with obvious pleasure.
Vergo had been stationed in the East Blue for over three years now, having risen impressively from the rank of an ordinary Marine soldier to his current position as Commander. During this time, he had spared no effort in maintaining stability, and the relative peace the East Blue currently enjoyed was largely thanks to his relentless efforts against pirates. The number of pirates daring to enter the Grand Line from the East Blue had significantly decreased, as most knew of the "ruthless Marine" stationed in Loguetown and avoided the town if possible.
Captain Stalley had benefited greatly from Vergo's tireless dedication. With Vergo handling the hard work, Stalley enjoyed a remarkably leisurely post, often receiving credit and commendations without lifting a finger. In Stalley's eyes, Vergo was a prized commodity, a golden ticket to his own future promotions. However, he also knew that a man of Vergo's caliber wouldn't remain confined to the East Blue forever; his future inevitably lay on the Grand Line. Consequently, the previous year, Stalley had strongly recommended Vergo for advanced training at the Marine HQ Elite Training Camp, hoping that a highly-placed Vergo would remember his 'benefactor' and repay the favor of mentorship later on.
Unfortunately for Stalley, Vergo had flatly refused the offer, leaving the Captain confused and frustrated. He couldn't fathom why anyone would turn down such a rare and coveted opportunity.
Vergo, of course, had his reasons. Without explicit instructions from Doflamingo, he wouldn't have dreamed of transferring to Marine Headquarters prematurely; doing so could disrupt Doflamingo's long-term plans, an error Vergo would never commit.
Now, however, the situation had changed. Vergo stood before Stalley and stated his purpose directly, wasting no time. "Captain Stalley, I wish to apply for the upcoming term at the Marine HQ Elite Training Camp."
Hearing Vergo's words, Captain Stalley couldn't contain his delight, his face breaking into a wide grin. "Hahaha! Excellent! Excellent, Vergo! You've finally come around!" He eagerly jumped up from his seat, walked over to Vergo, and clapped him excitedly on the shoulder.
"Yes, sir," Vergo replied flatly, unmoved by Stalley's enthusiasm. "The East Blue is too small. As you previously advised, Captain, I should go out and experience more. I cannot afford to stagnate here."
Stalley, accustomed to Vergo's stoic personality after years of working together, wasn't put off. "Good! Very good! I'll prepare your application for Headquarters immediately! I'm absolutely certain they won't pass up on a talent like you!" he declared happily.
"Thank you for your assistance, Captain Stalley," Vergo said with formal gratitude.
"Hahaha! Think nothing of it! Happy to help!" Stalley laughed, then leaned in slightly, giving Vergo a conspiratorial wink. "Commander Vergo, make sure you keep working hard at HQ! When you make it big, don't forget your old superior here, eh?"
Vergo gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. He understood the implicit system of favors and networking. For him, this was simply another step in his long-term mission. Get into the Elite Training Camp, acquire what needed to be acquired – that was the goal. Any promises made now were meaningless. Who knows what the future holds? Vergo thought dispassionately. Hopefully, he won't end up blaming me for dragging him into trouble later.
There are no truly peaceful times, Vergo mused silently. There are only those who carry the heavy load forward in the shadows. He was willing to be that person for the sake of the Family's development. Besides, what was the structured life of a Marine compared to the freedom of being a pirate? After such a long time away, Vergo found himself genuinely missing Doflamingo and his brothers in the Family.
Seeing Vergo's nod, Captain Stalley felt greatly comforted and pleased. He quickly dismissed Vergo and then bustled off energetically to submit the application to Marine Headquarters.
A few days later, at Marine HQ, inside Admiral Sengoku's office…
Vergo's personnel file lay on the large desk amongst other documents. Sengoku sat reviewing talent reports submitted from the Four Blues. When he reached Vergo's file, a rare, slight smile touched his usually stern face.
"East Blue... Vergo... Marine Commander..." Sengoku muttered softly, reading the details. "String-String Fruit user. Joined three years ago, eliminated countless pirates in the East Blue..."
"SENGOKU! WHERE'D YOU HIDE YOUR SENBEI?!" a loud voice boomed, shattering the quiet concentration in the office. Garp had barged in uninvited, clearly craving snacks again.
"Garp!" A vein pulsed on Sengoku's forehead. He felt his usual exasperation rising but knew arguing with Garp's shameless behavior was largely futile.
"Oi, Sengoku! What are you doing? Hurry up and bring out your senbei!" Garp demanded, seemingly oblivious to Sengoku's irritation, casually picking his nose in a manner practically begging for a punch.
"Garp! What do you think you're doing?! What senbei?! I don't have any!" Sengoku yelled back, finally snapping.
"How's that possible? You definitely hid them somewhere!" Garp retorted shamelessly, completely unfazed by Sengoku's anger.
"I told you, no!" Sengoku deflected, trying to regain control of the situation. "Look, here's a file on a Commander from the East Blue. Do you recognize him?" He thrust Vergo's file towards Garp.
Garp took the file, glanced at it, and burst into laughter. "Puahahaha! So it's this kid! What, Sengoku, he wants to join the elite training camp now?"
"So, Garp," Sengoku said, his tone turning serious again, "it seems you do know him?"
"Well," Garp explained casually, "I've been back to the East Blue quite a few times lately! Ran into him once while he was busy wiping out some pirates. Looked pretty capable. I actually thought about inviting him to join my ship!"
Hearing Garp casually mention his frequent trips home made Sengoku inwardly grind his teeth. Must be nice to take vacations whenever you want! "He's promising talent!" Sengoku said aloud, unable to resist a jab. "It's a good thing he didn't join you, Garp! You'd just lead him astray! Better to let Zephyr train him!"
"Huh?" Garp glared at Sengoku, annoyed by the remark. "Sengoku, what's that supposed to mean?! Forget it! Just give me the senbei you hid!"
"NO!" Sengoku refused sternly, giving no ground.
The office once again filled with the sounds of 'joyful laughter' – the familiar routine of the two old comrades bickering. The Marines stationed outside the office didn't even bat an eye; they were completely used to it by now.