Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Inside the spacious Fleet Admiral's office, several new sofas had been arranged, and high-ranking officers were seated on them in groups.
As Morris and Zephyr entered and sat down, Kong started the meeting.
"Regarding the incident of Golden Lion's prison break, and the impact that follows, everyone, share your analysis."
Sitting on a sofa, Sengoku spoke with a stern expression, "We must investigate the territories once controlled by Shiki, and find out his whereabouts as soon as possible.
"That guy was never someone who sought peace, but I don't think he'll strike immediately. His old territories have already been carved up, and his followers have scattered. If he wants to make a comeback, it'll take time."
Vice Admiral Tsuru, seated beside him, added, "Indeed. Shiki was once one of the strongest in the world. But he's lost a leg and an arm now. Though still a king in his own right, his strength has likely taken a big hit. We don't need to worry about him causing trouble anytime soon. What's more important is the aftermath.
"Sakazuki's promotion and recent actions had just started showing some results, but now the myth of the impenetrable underwater prison has been shattered overnight. This is a huge blow to the Marines' reputation and the public's trust. It must be suppressed fast."
Arms crossed, Morris spoke up, "Then we need to reassert authority. Best to take down a famous and powerful pirate and send them straight to Impel Down. But someone comparable to Golden Lion... only Big Mom and Knox from the New World come to mind. We'll have to pick one."
Zephyr interjected from the side. "No. Taking action against either of those two would bring unpredictable consequences. It would basically be war. There is, however, one more suitable target."
A flash of light reflected off Sengoku's glasses. "You mean…"
"Yes." Zephyr nodded.
Tapping his finger on the desk, Kong muttered, "The Red Count, huh..."
After a moment, he made his decision. "Tsuru, gather intel on Red Count. Find out where he was last spotted. Sengoku, stay here and hold the fort. Also, tell Garp to return to headquarters quickly. His vacation's over. This time, I'll lead the team personally to capture Red Count."
The others were a bit surprised. "You're going personally, sir?"
Kong gave a nod. "There's no better option. Patrick Redfield might not be as famous as Roger or Whitebeard, but with his powerful swordsmanship, lightning-fast movement, and an Observation Haki that sees into people's hearts, he could stand shoulder to shoulder with them. He's not your average pirate.
"There aren't many people in HQ capable of capturing him reliably. Sakazuki is not here, and Sengoku might not be fast enough to keep up with him. So it has to be me and Garp.
"Plus, with that heart-reading ability... if Garp ends up doing something stupid, it'd become a joke. I'll lead the capture team and he will stay on the outer perimeter to block any escape route. Tsuru, you will stay by his side too, just in case."
Everyone fell silent. It was hard to argue with that logic.
In the end, there just weren't enough strong fighters. The new generation hadn't grown up yet. They'd have to keep enduring…
One day, they would rise.
Kong glanced at the thoughtful group. "Alright, go make preparations."
"Yes, sir!"
* * *
North Blue, Sakazuki's Warship.
Sakazuki gazed at the newspaper in his hand.
"Tch. Wouldn't it have been better to just die quietly in that prison? The Marines' authority... I won't let you ruin it."
His eyes narrowed as he picked up a Den Den Mushi and began dialing.
Once the fleet commanders had all connected, he ordered, "From this moment on. Every pirate you kill each day, cut off their heads and send them to the Third Warship."
"Yes, sir!"
Hanging up, Sakazuki dialed Kong's Den Den Mushi. After he briefly explained his idea, the fleet admiral remained quiet for a long time.
"That's... rather cruel, Sakazuki. We're the Marines."
Sakazuki took a deep breath. "We need something big to divert the public's attention, and this is the fastest method. They're nothing more than scum who burn, kill, and plunder at sea."
Kong let out a sigh. "Fine. I'll make the arrangements. You... ugh."
Chuckling lightly, Sakazuki hung up the call.
* * *
The next evening.
Dozens of warships had spent the day sweeping through pirate territory. All the heads they had collected were delivered to Sakazuki's ship.
Government-dispatched reporters, who had been rushed to the scene, stared at the growing mountain of heads…
Until one of them couldn't take it anymore and rushed off to vomit.
When the last warship finished unloading its pile of pirate heads, Sakazuki looked at the gruesome stack, which took up half the massive deck of his warship, and frowned slightly.
"Still feels like too few."
He slowly walked to the top of the mountain of heads and sat down. Then he beckoned to the pale, trembling reporter nearby.
"Find a good angle. Make sure the garbage under me looks especially abundant."
The reporter nodded weakly, face drained of color.
"Y-yes!"
Click, click, click.
Flash after flash from the camera lit up the surroundings.
Later that night, the reporter rushed back to the press agency, handed his camera to government officials, and urgently took sick leave.
* * *
The third day.
Under government coordination, major newspapers began printing special editions about the Four Blues Sweep Campaign.
In just a short while, the news of Admiral Akainu dominated the headlines across the world, completely burying the incident of Shiki's escape.
But the effect was more than just distraction. It also spread fear of Sakazuki throughout the public, and invisibly discouraged many young people who dreamed of becoming pirates.
That day's newspaper gave Sakazuki most of the front page. In the big photo, he sat atop a towering pile of decapitated heads, holding one aloft in his hand, tossing it into the air...
* * *
The fourth day.
The photo showed Sakazuki sitting beside the mountain of heads, roasting six pirate skulls strung together over a fire.
* * *
The fifth day.
Sakazuki was perched on the railing of his warship. Behind him stood the now-familiar mountain of heads.
In his hands, a fishing rod—its bait, a line of severed pirate heads.
With new photos each day, the Four Blues Sweep Campaign, and Sakazuki's name, shocked the world all over again.
* * *
East Blue, Syrup Village.
Being a sharpshooter famous across the region, Yasopp's days were simple: go hunting, then sit on the cliffs at the edge of the island, watching the sunset until dusk fell.
Every man longed for the sea, but as the head of a family, his responsibilities kept him anchored.
"What's that? A traveler's boat?"
That day, as usual, Yasopp was watching the sea when he spotted a small boat heading straight toward him.
Although ships sometimes passed by, they always sailed toward the port.
But this boat was headed for him.
As it came closer and clearer, Yasopp rested his chin in his hand, quietly observing the man rowing it.
"You are?"
The red-haired young man on the boat adjusted the straw hat on his head. Then looking up at Yasopp, he gave a bright smile. "I've come a long way looking for a man named Yasopp."
Yasopp blinked, lowering his arm.
The youth continued, "My name is Shanks. I'm a pirate."
Yasopp stared blankly at the confident young man with red hair.
'A pirate, huh…'
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