Original world.
Although the battle between the Marines and Whitebeard had been temporarily put on hold due to the sudden appearance of the parallel world comparison, both sides remained in position, watching each other cautiously.
Neither side dared to lower their guard.
At that moment, an urgent order was passed down through the Marine ranks.
"Hey, is there a guy named Robert on your team?"
"No."
"What about anyone previously called Robert?"
"Still no."
"Do any of you plan to change your name to Robert in the future?"
"...Absolutely not. With someone that powerful bearing the name, who would dare to use it?"
"Are there any reports of someone named Robert dying in service?"
"Of course not. If such a powerful person existed, there's no way he'd die so easily."
"What about someone who habitually carries a thermos cup?"
"I told you! What young Marine officer would be carrying a thermos?"
"That's strange... Why does he exist in the other world then?"
The questions continued, spreading through the Marine ranks, with reports being sent back up the chain.
In the end, the results were clear—
"There is no one named Robert in the Marines."
Staff Officer Tsuru stood three steps away from Sengoku as she delivered the news.
She had always stood close to him during briefings, but for some reason, she now felt awkward doing so.
"No one?" Sengoku's expression darkened.
Something was wrong.
Why didn't this Robert exist here?
Was the other world fabricating such a person just to mislead them?
Impossible.
The comparison system had appeared out of nowhere, without giving anyone time to prepare.
It was clearly broadcasting real events from both sides.
Meanwhile, the Whitebeard Pirates were also taking action.
Though they didn't know what results the Marines had found, Whitebeard had spent decades as Sengoku's rival.
Just by observing Sengoku's expression, he could tell—
They hadn't found Robert.
That was a relief.
If this person truly was responsible for making the Marines so strong in the other world, then Whitebeard had narrowly avoided disaster.
However, Marco had an idea.
Looking around to make sure no one else was listening, he leaned in close to Whitebeard and whispered:
"Dad, maybe in this world, that person isn't in the Marines…"
Whitebeard, a seasoned strategist himself, immediately understood what Marco was suggesting.
"Maybe he's with us?"
Marco nodded.
If that was the case, it would be a game changer.
Their forces would increase dramatically.
The chances of successfully rescuing Ace would soar.
Unlike the Marines, the Whitebeard Pirates had precedent for someone powerful staying hidden among them.
Take Marshall D. Teach—Blackbeard, for example.
For decades, he had been an unknown, unassuming crew member, so much so that he hadn't even received a bounty.
Everyone thought he was just another pirate.
And yet, he had turned out to be one of the most dangerous men alive.
If Robert was in their ranks, he could be another case of a hidden powerhouse.
Normally, Whitebeard would never allow a crew member to hide their true strength.
But this was different.
If Robert was truly hiding among them, Whitebeard wouldn't care about his motives—
As long as he helped save Ace.
A power that strong couldn't be ignored.
"Marco, go check."
"If you find him, don't be hostile. Do whatever it takes to satisfy him."
"We need him."
Whitebeard didn't bother lowering his voice.
One, because scheming wasn't his style.
Two, if Robert really was in their crew, then he would be watching this exchange.
Sengoku, overhearing the conversation, tensed up.
Could it be?
Was Robert really on Whitebeard's side?
If he was, then the outcome of this war could change instantly.
Whoever Robert sided with would have the upper hand.
For the next several minutes, Marco and the other captains, including Jozu and Vista, screened all of their crew members.
But after an exhaustive search—
"No one."
Marco reported back, visibly disappointed.
Whitebeard sighed.
"So be it. If he's not here, he's not here."
At least neither side had him.
Sengoku, though relieved, hadn't let go of the issue yet.
The search wasn't over.
Seeing both the Marines and Whitebeard Pirates desperately searching for Robert, the other major powers couldn't sit still.
They all had the same thought.
If he wasn't with the Marines or Whitebeard…
Could he be somewhere else?
And so, across the world—
A frantic search for Robert began.
Holy Land Mariejois:
Five Elders (Fat One): "Find him. Check every branch of the World Government. If he wants money or power, give it to him! If he wants women, give him the best!"
Kingdom of Alabasta:
Princess Vivi: "Investigate immediately. If he's in Alabasta, show him the highest respect. The Nefertari family will personally extend their friendship."
Whole Cake Island:
Big Mom: "Search my entire territory! If he's here, I want him found."
On a distant sea:
Kaido frowned.
"Jack, go investigate. Have Queen search Wano thoroughly."
Kaido's face darkened as he recalled the other world's events.
That version of him…
Had changed.
No matter what happened, Robert could not be allowed to side with the Marines.
Kaido didn't want his world to turn out like the other one.
In his world, he was an Emperor.
A ruler of the seas.
Not some "reformed man".
That was a nightmare he refused to let become reality.
As the world frantically searched—
Everyone had the same goal.
Find Robert.
Before the Marines did.
End of the Chapter.
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