"You—"
Topman, once known for his calm demeanor, now glared angrily at Sengoku, his composure completely shattered.
Seeing that Sengoku remained unfazed, his expression as calm as ever, Topman took a deep breath, then angrily flicked his sleeve and stormed out of the Chamber of Authority.
As Topman left, Izambaron and Satan, who had been observing the exchange, also rose and followed him out without another word.
Just as the three exited the chamber, Zephyr, his boots caked with mud, brushed past them without so much as a glance. He walked straight up to Sengoku, grabbed the teapot on the table, and downed a mouthful of tea.
Letting out a long sigh, Zephyr turned his head to watch the departing figures of the three Five Elders, then asked curiously, "Arguing with them again?"
"Don't you find it amusing?"
Sengoku pulled out a box of senbei from behind him, munching on one as he spoke. "The Five Elders really have it easy. All they do is sit in this Chamber of Authority every day, listen to department reports, and call it a day! If I'd known it would be like this, I should've insisted during negotiations that the rotation term be extended to a year—no, three years would've been even better. Ahahaha~"
"What were you arguing about this time?"
Unlike Sengoku's carefree attitude, Zephyr's face was serious. "Was it about the New World?"
Sengoku's smile faded as he nodded. "Kaido and Charlotte Linlin are likely to form an alliance this time. I'm worried that Sakazuki and Kuzan won't be able to handle it. According to intelligence from CP0, Xayuki secretly sent Kuzan into the New World to rendezvous with Sakazuki. This has not only alarmed Kaido and Charlotte Linlin but also the Red Hair Pirates."
"Topman just came to argue with me, pretending to be unaware of the situation while bringing up the old rule that engaging the Four Emperors required the Chamber of Authority's approval. That old fox—he truly lives up to his title as the Legal Affairs God!"
"He obviously knows that the Marines are no longer bound by the World Government's restrictions. The only reason he mentioned the old rule was to distance himself from this matter, so he could have something to report to Imu."
Sengoku's eyes narrowed slightly as his tone shifted. "But if it were that simple, it'd be easy to deal with. I can't shake the feeling that they have other plans."
"They're unwilling to let go."
Zephyr nodded in agreement. "Compared to the Four Emperors, who already dominate the New World, they're more concerned about Xayuki, who now holds absolute control over the Marines. Whatever they're plotting, all we need to do is keep an eye on these old fossils for Xayuki. As for the chaos in the New World, I trust Xayuki can handle it."
Sengoku tossed another piece of senbei into his mouth, speaking indistinctly, "I don't doubt Xayuki's ability. What worries me is whether Sakazuki and Kuzan are adequately prepared. They're up against two allied Four Emperors crews and a Red Hair Pirates crew with unclear intentions!"
"According to the intelligence, the Beasts Pirates have mobilized nearly their entire force—a fleet of over 10,000 leaving Wano. Meanwhile, Charlotte Linlin is leading the Big Mom Pirates and their affiliates, numbering an astonishing 50,000 to 60,000! If the Red Hair Pirates join in, Sakazuki and Kuzan might be overwhelmed!"
East Blue.
On the deck of a warship heading toward the Calm Belt, Gion stood poised and elegant. Holding a Den Den Mushi mid-conversation, her crimson lips parted as she spoke, "Hina, wrap up your mission in East Blue and follow me to the New World."
From the Den Den Mushi came a voice, cold yet tinged with a hint of cluelessness. "The Pirate Annihilation Order isn't finished yet. Why are we suddenly heading to the New World? Hina doesn't understand."
"The East Blue branch can handle the situation here."
Gion's tone was calm as she continued, "The Fleet Admiral's tour of East Blue wasn't solely about eliminating pirates. His real goal was to draw the Beasts Pirates, entrenched in the nearly impenetrable Wano, out into the open. Wherever you are now, turn your ship around immediately. I'll meet you at the Sabaody Archipelago base."
Before Hina could ask further questions, Gion ended the call and promptly dialed another Den Den Mushi.
"Kake!"
"If you've grasped the current situation, step out of your comfort zone. It's time to show your loyalty to the Fleet Admiral!"
"Lead your warship and follow me to the New World. We're about to fight a new war!"
Marine Headquarters.
Strawberry and Momonga, tasked with escorting Gecko Moria's subordinates and the remnants of Baroque Works to Headquarters, immediately departed for Sabaody Archipelago to rendezvous with Bastille. From there, they used the elevator system to quickly reach the first branch in the New World.
Meanwhile, Smoker, upon entering the Holy Land, wasted no time. Leading Tashigi and his subordinates, he pushed their ship to maximum speed, heading straight for the G-5 Branch.
After four hours of high-speed sailing, Smoker's warship entered the G-5 Branch's harbor without incident.
Upon learning of Smoker's arrival, Vergo, despite being a Vice Admiral, did not put on airs. Instead, he personally led the base's officers to the port to welcome him.
Riding his beloved motorbike, Smoker leaped off the ship's deck, performing a stylish drift before stopping in front of Vergo. Pulling a document from his coat, he tossed it to Vergo.
"By order of Fleet Admiral Xayuki, G-5 is now under my full command. Vice Admiral Vergo—or should I say, the Donquixote Family's original Corazon, the Fleet Admiral has given you two choices:
"First, accept a demotion to Captain and serve directly under me, assisting with the defense of G-5.
"Second, depart for Headquarters immediately to reunite with the other members of the Donquixote Family."
"You don't have much time to decide!"
"The Fleet Admiral said you have ten seconds to make your choice."
"If you remain silent after ten seconds, I'm authorized to eliminate you!"
Clack-clack-clack—
As Smoker's words fell, the Marines accompanying him simultaneously raised their weapons, aiming at Vergo.
"The Fleet Admiral also said you're strong, especially in your mastery of Armament Haki, which makes ordinary bullets ineffective against you. But it doesn't matter. I'm just going through the motions."
"You can resist or try to fight your way out."
Before Vergo could respond, Smoker added, "Three seconds left!"
"It seems I don't have a choice."
Vergo stepped forward calmly, saluting. "Captain Vergo, reporting to Rear Admiral Smoker!"
"You're right—you don't have a choice. Unless you want Donquixote Doflamingo to die because of you."
Smoker took a puff of his cigar, stepping forward decisively. "Take me to the office. We need to prepare for the upcoming war."
New World, Somewhere at Sea.
Under a sky shrouded in dark clouds, with a storm threatening to break at any moment, Kuzan, leading the Aokiji Army, looked up before turning to the three Vice Admirals beside him.
"How much longer until we rendezvous with Sakazuki?"
"At our current speed, we'll meet Admiral Sakazuki in a Big Mom Pirates-affiliated territory by tomorrow morning!"
"Too slow!"
Kuzan waved his hand dismissively. "Contact Sakazuki immediately. Tell him I'll intercept the Big Mom Pirates and ensure they don't leave Totto Land. He can focus solely on dealing with the Beasts Pirates leaving Wano!"
To Be Continued...
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