The sudden voice of Red-Haired Shanks on the communication device sent shockwaves through the Marine generals present. Even Staff Officer Tsuru furrowed her brow, puzzled by the unexpected call.
"Red-Haired Shanks? Why are you calling me?" Sengoku asked solemnly, his hand gripping the table.
"I want you to release Ace and avoid confrontation with the Whitebeard Pirates," Shanks said firmly.
"Impossible!" Sengoku slammed his fist on the table. "You know we Marine forces have been preparing this operation for a long time, and the Shichibukai are already en route. You're asking me to release Ace? Red-Haired, are you joking?"
"I can't stop you if you insist," Shanks replied with a sigh on the other side of the device.
"Humph! If that is your position, then we have nothing more to discuss," Sengoku snapped coldly.
"Then I'll say something else. Do you know Kaito?" Shanks asked.
Sengoku's expression stiffened. "Of Course," he admitted, his voice tense.
"I encountered him in the New World today," Shanks continued, bitterness edging his tone. "My intention was to prevent Kaido and Big Mom from entering the Grand Line for your major operation. But neither came—we ran into Kaito's crew first."
Shanks' voice trembled with restrained anger, his eyes reddening. "What was the outcome?"
"Failure. Utter disaster," Shanks said hoarsely. "Of the entire Red Hair Pirates, including Beckman and me, only four survived."
"I suspected as much. No surprise," Sengoku replied, his voice flat, though a shiver ran through him.
"You guessed right," Shanks continued grimly. "Kaito observed the battle from start to finish. He didn't intervene even once."
"Impossible!" Sengoku leapt to his feet, disbelief flashing in his eyes. "We know the strength of Kaito's crew. There were only four of them. Even with Redfield, the Red Hair Pirates' strength should have been enough to withstand them!"
"Even so," Shanks said, a trace of bitter laughter in his voice, "Kaito deployed incredibly powerful combatants without himself participating. The results were catastrophic."
"Yes. You understand their capabilities well," Shanks continued. "The entire New World knows it. But don't forget—this happened over a month ago. Since then, we have had no word. Do you know where they went?"
Sengoku fell silent. The New World was ruthless. Within the realm of the Four Emperors, Marine forces were sparse. They only knew Kaito and his crew had moved beyond the general area, but their exact location was unknown.
"Where have they been this past month?" Sengoku asked after a pause.
"Wano Country. Kaido's lair," Shanks said quietly.
"What?" Sengoku's eyes flickered with dread. "You're saying… Kaito defeated Kaido and captured his crew?"
"Do not doubt it," Tsuru interjected. "After the battle with the Marines, Shanks went to Impel Down and encountered Kaido. He was defeated by Kaito."
Sengoku's face turned solemn. "If Kaido is truly gone, Kaito's crew could indeed match the combat power of the Beasts Pirates."
Shanks shook his head. "No, Kaido isn't dead. I fought him today. Kaito split his forces to manage the Dragon Drive. Kaido survived—his vitality is extraordinary."
"This is not a lie," Shanks continued, his voice firm. "I'm calling to warn you. Kaito may move toward your battlefields with the Marines and Whitebeard."
"Red-Haired, what exactly is your purpose in informing us?" Sengoku asked, a thoughtful frown creasing his face.
"Simply to prepare you," Shanks replied miserably. "You must avoid a situation where both sides suffer and Kaito exploits it."
Sengoku nodded gravely. "Understood. Thank you for the warning."
"I just want to avenge my brother," Shanks said sharply, then hung up. The device returned to silence.
Sengoku held the phone, glancing at the surrounding generals. "Did everyone hear that? The Red Hair Pirates were defeated by Kaito's crew. How do you think they will act if they come to Marineford?"
"This should be accurate," Tsuru said cautiously. "I doubt the Red Hair Pirates would deceive us."
"Then what will Kaito do at Marineford?" Sengoku muttered, rubbing his temples.
"And if we listen to Shanks and release Ace?" he asked, addressing the silent assembly. His face was grim. "The entire operation has been publicized. Reporters, live broadcasts, news agencies—they're all waiting around the Sabaody Archipelago. If Ace is released, Marine credibility will be ruined. We cannot allow the world to see us bow to pirates."
"Inform the Five Elders and Marshal Kong. Let them assist us," Tsuru suggested.
"Wait," Sengoku said. "I will contact them myself." He strode to the door, returning moments later with a somber expression. "The Five Elders will dispatch CP1 through CP9 to aid us."
"But their mission is to confront Kaito's crew, not to handle Whitebeard's forces," Tsuru said, concern lacing her voice.
Sengoku nodded. "Yes. According to the Elders, they are to fight until they fall. Their priority is survival of the Marines and countering Kaito."
He exhaled, tension etched across his face. "We cannot afford mistakes. The Elders have placed extreme importance on this. Even if it costs lives, this is the only way."
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