As she spoke, Staff Officer Tsuru reached out and pointed to three areas on the sand table.
"Based on the Roger Pirates' current heading, there are three standard sea routes ahead. After analyzing the latest intel, it's highly likely that Roger will choose one of these two."
She gestured toward the first two paths.
"The first route leads to the Kingdom of Dressrosa. The second… heads toward Totto Land, the territory under the Big Mom Pirates."
"We're currently caught in a dilemma between these two routes."
Tsuru looked up at Daren.
"Dressrosa is a renowned economic powerhouse in the New World—flourishing and wealthy. Roger's crew may choose to resupply there."
"But on the other hand, Totto Land, under Big Mom's command, could also very well be one of Roger's intended stops."
Daren nodded in agreement.
"Staff Officer Tsuru makes a solid point. But why did you look at me so strangely when you mentioned Big Mom?"
"And not just you—everyone else here did too…"
He sighed, exasperated.
"For the last time, I'm not close with that crazy old hag."
Everyone averted their gaze.
Daren: …
He exhaled, then pointed to the third route.
"Why haven't any of you considered this path?"
Everyone turned to where Daren was pointing.
On the sea chart constructed from the sand table, it marked a vast, dark expanse of ocean—deep and nearly pitch black.
"The Edd War Sea?"
Kong raised an eyebrow.
"Daren… do you know something?"
There was a subtle but unmistakable certainty in Daren's voice, and Kong had picked up on it.
The room fell silent as all eyes turned toward Daren once more.
The Edd War Sea was infamous for its treacherous currents and constant, unpredictable extreme weather. It was a notoriously dangerous place.
Even a fully equipped Marine fleet would hesitate to enter without thorough preparation. Because of this, the generals had immediately dismissed the third route as a viable option.
After all, if the Marines—with sturdy warships and firepower—could be crushed in those waters, what hope did a pirate crew have?
In fact, had anyone else proposed this idea—any Vice Admiral other than Daren—it would've been laughed off immediately.
But this was Rogers Daren.
A man known for miracles. A man whose battle record and achievements couldn't be ignored.
Yes, his reputation was infamous. His methods often brutal. But when it came to war and tactics, Rogers Daren was never careless.
"I don't know anything," Daren said, shaking his head.
"I just have a hunch. Roger's not the type to take the predictable route."
The room fell into brief silence.
Even Kong, usually calm and reserved, had a thoughtful glint in his eye.
"Totto Land, Dressrosa… they both make sense," Daren continued.
"But don't forget—Roger's goal isn't to beat the other Yonkō, or amass treasure. He's not like the usual pirates."
He tapped his temple.
"He's got a few screws loose."
Everyone: "..."
It sounded absurd… yet strangely convincing.
Sengoku finally broke the silence.
"So you're saying all this is just speculation, Daren."
"Relying solely on a gut feeling to decide such a crucial military move, without solid analysis or data—that's not wise."
Daren smiled.
"I get it, Admiral Sengoku. My judgment isn't based on rational calculations or objective logic. But Roger isn't a rational or logical man. He does whatever he wants, whenever he wants."
"That's exactly why I'm convinced he'll take the one route no one expects the Marines to anticipate."
"If you're still not convinced, Admiral, we can run a little test."
"Oh?" Sengoku looked intrigued. "What kind of test?"
It wasn't that he was trying to refute Daren's theory. As one of the Navy's top strategists, Sengoku simply preferred to make decisions grounded in facts and solid intel.
Objectively speaking, between Dressrosa and Totto Land, both were far more likely destinations than the hazardous Edd War Sea.
Daren's smile deepened with a touch of mystery.
Under the room's watchful eyes, he reached into his coat and pulled out a military-issue Den Den Mushi, dialing a number.
"Buru buru…"
As the Den Den Mushi rang, Daren sat down without hurry, lit a cigar, and smiled.
"As everyone knows, the Marines and pirates stand on opposite sides by nature—irreconcilable enemies."
"There are many powerful pirates in the world, but Roger is undoubtedly the brightest among them."
"Likewise, among us Marines, where stars abound, the one who stands above all without question… is Vice Admiral Garp."
"Of all the people who've clashed with Roger, Vice Admiral Garp has fought him the most—so naturally, he knows him best."
Hearing that, the officers around the room couldn't help nodding in agreement.
Daren was pleased with their reaction.
Just then, the Den Den Mushi connected.
Garp's gruff, impatient voice boomed through.
"Oi! This is Garp! Daren, what do you want? I'm busy getting ready to sail!"
Daren chuckled.
"Apologies, Vice Admiral Garp… I just have a quick question."
"Then spit it out already! Quit yapping—Kuzan, you damn brat! Stop sneaking my donuts!!"
Garp started barking in the background.
Everyone: …
Daren wiped the sweat off his forehead, somewhat exasperated.
"Vice Admiral Garp, you mentioned earlier that you were heading out to arrest Roger… Do you happen to know his exact location?"
"How the hell would I know that? Didn't Sengoku say there were three possible routes? Just listen to him—he's the brainy one. Me, I'm good with my fists."
Garp's reply was as blunt as ever.
Daren pressed further, "Then which route are you planning to take to confront Roger?"
"Edd War Sea, obviously!" Garp blurted without hesitation.
"Oh? And why is that?"
"Damn, why do you ask so much, kid? I don't know! Just got a gut feeling he'll be there… Anyway, if I keep talking, my donuts'll be gone. Kuzan, you bastard!! I knew I shouldn't have let you on my ship!!!"
"Gacha!"
The call cut off.
Silence filled the room.
Daren looked up, slowly sweeping his gaze across the room with a smile.
"Well, gentlemen… did you hear that?"
Sengoku's mouth twitched uncontrollably.
Right… they really are both insane.