"Whitebeard's recent movements have been much larger than usual — it feels like he's hunting someone."
At G-5 Branch, Rosinante smoked a cigarette, frowning as he studied the latest intelligence reports.
Deuce stood beside him, learning intelligence processing from Rosinante, satisfying his immense curiosity.
Although it was only information from one branch... well, two branches, this was the latest intel from the New World!
Deuce gradually displayed a keen eye and flexible mind, surprising even Rosinante.
"Vice Admiral Rosinante, the Whitebeard Pirates... their recent battles seem a bit strange."
"Oh? What did you notice, Deuce?"
Rosinante raised his head, valuing Deuce's opinion. Many times, Deuce could grasp internal patterns from the chaotic surface.
"The division commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates — normally, the First Division Commander, 'Phoenix' Marco, though immensely powerful, usually stays aboard the Moby Dick by Whitebeard's side."
Deuce lifted a stack of reports in his hand: "But recently, Marco has frequently appeared across the Whitebeard Pirates' territory — just like you said, as if he's hunting someone."
"But for an ordinary target... I don't think it would warrant the actual second-in-command of the Whitebeard Pirates to act personally. And judging by Marco's locations, he's not even bringing his subordinates — he's moving alone, relying on his Devil Fruit's exceptional mobility!"
"Exactly. That must be the case. And Marco rarely engages in combat at the places he visits, which means he really is searching for someone!"
Rosinante propped his elbows on the table:
"The other three 'Emperors' haven't shown any unusual activity, so it doesn't seem like a conflict between them."
"That means Marco isn't chasing anyone with a great reputation. Otherwise, he wouldn't be flying around aimlessly like a headless chicken."
"Regarding that..."
Deuce took out another report: "There's something that bothers me."
"The Whitebeard Pirates have 16 divisions, with a total of 15 commanders... The position of the Second Division Commander has been vacant for many years."
"All 15 commanders have been active in battle... but recently, something's different."
Rosinante took the report, his expression growing serious: "It's been... several months since Fourth Division Commander Thatch participated in battle?"
"Or rather, Thatch hasn't been seen for several months? The Fourth Division, responsible for the Whitebeard Pirates' provisions, having its commander absent for months — that doesn't seem normal at all!"
"Exactly... That's why I suspect... something happened to Thatch!"
Deuce's chilling voice made Rosinante shiver: "You're saying... Marco is hunting the one who killed Thatch!"
"Correct!"
"..."
Rosinante fell silent. Deuce's shocking deduction wasn't without reason, but...
"Whitebeard's division commanders are all powerhouses, not even weaker than Headquarters Vice Admirals. Fourth Division Commander Thatch, though a chef, isn't much weaker than Fifth Division Commander, the swordsman Vista!"
"Who could possibly — and likely someone unknown — kill Thatch silently, without the Whitebeard Pirates issuing a bounty?"
"Sending Marco alone for pursuit clearly indicates they don't want the matter to blow up!"
Rosinante exhaled a long stream of smoke: "This isn't a small matter anymore... Organize this information and report it to Headquarters!"
"With Whitebeard's health restored, any unusual movement from the Whitebeard Pirates could stir up a massive storm!"
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
...
Marine Headquarters, Marineford, in Fleet Admiral Sengoku's office.
Admiral Wright and Vice Admiral Tsuru sat on the sofa, reviewing the G-5 Branch's report.
"What do you think? How likely are the deductions in this report?"
For intelligence analysis, it was natural for Sengoku to call Tsuru. He rarely involved the three Logia Admirals in such discussions.
Besides Sakazuki, both Borsalino and Kuzan weren't particularly interested in intelligence analysis.
As for Sakazuki... his extreme ideology often left Sengoku with a headache when it came to strategic planning.
Finally, with Wright among the Admirals, Sengoku felt relieved.
"That kid Rosinante is becoming more reliable."
Tsuru smiled kindly: "And his assistant, Deuce, is growing as well."
"I think this report is at least 80% accurate. The remaining 20%... I can't imagine who could pull off something like this — or dare to."
"Based on the analysis, the one capable of killing a Whitebeard Division Commander and having Marco personally pursue them is likely someone from Whitebeard's own crew..."
Sengoku nodded gravely. This was exactly what he'd been thinking: "I agree... but what baffles me is that if the culprit is one of Whitebeard's men, anyone with such strength couldn't possibly remain obscure!"
"Moreover, they'd know Whitebeard's health has recovered — what could drive them to risk complete betrayal against Whitebeard?"
"Wright, what do you think?"
"..."
Wright, eyes closed in silent thought, opened them with a sigh: "I believe this report's deductions are 100% accurate."
Sengoku and Tsuru looked at him in surprise — how could Wright be so certain?
"There's a man aboard the Whitebeard Pirates... Marshall D. Teach."
"D..."
Both Sengoku and Tsuru grew serious. Any name bearing the initial "D" demanded their full attention.
"This man spent more than two decades aboard Whitebeard's ship, unnoticed — heh, a 'D' remaining obscure, do you believe that?"
Wright chuckled softly. Sengoku and Tsuru exchanged glances: "Marshall D. Teach... we've never heard of him."
"Exactly — no bounty, no record. A veteran aboard Whitebeard's ship for over twenty years without a bounty — that's already abnormal."
Wright took a sip of tea, holding the cup as he spoke solemnly:
"More importantly... his strength isn't to be underestimated."
"How do you know so much about this man?"
Sengoku eyed Wright: "Have you... met him?"
"No, I haven't."
Wright shook his head: "Before G-10 Branch was established, I sought out 'Red-Haired' Shanks and fought him."
"?!"
Sengoku was stunned: "You went after Shanks? And you two fought?!"
Tsuru chuckled, shaking her head: "Young people full of energy... Sengoku, don't be so surprised. Remember, during the G-10 Branch's establishment, not only Whitebeard, but even the active 'Red-Haired Pirates' turned a blind eye to G-10 Branch."
"Wright... that was your goal, wasn't it?"
"Exactly."
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