Chen Ye believed that there was a high probability Whitebeard would cooperate with him.
This was a mutually beneficial matter; Whitebeard wasn't an idiot, so why wouldn't he cooperate?
Seeing Chen Ye's confident demeanor, Rayleigh was slightly stunned, then he laughed.
"Haha, Mondo, it seems you're very confident! In that case, I won't worry anymore!"
"Mr. Rayleigh, thank you for your help, cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Just as the two were happily drinking.
Shakky suddenly walked over.
"Excuse me… Latest news, the entire Whitebeard Pirates have set sail towards Impel Down; their target should be to rescue Fire Fist Ace."
Upon hearing this, Rayleigh's eyes immediately lit up.
"Mondo, this is your trump card, isn't it?" Rayleigh laughed heartily, "With that man holding back the Marines, your pressure here will indeed be much less!"
The man Rayleigh referred to was, of course, Whitebeard.
As the strongest man in the world, Whitebeard was not only powerful himself, but the Whitebeard Pirates he led were also incredibly strong overall, ranking as the foremost of the Four Emperors!
Especially their division commanders; every single one was a top-tier expert!
Like "Phoenix" Marco, his strength was completely on par with an Admiral!
"This is getting more and more interesting!" Rayleigh said with a smile.
Chen Ye smiled without a word upon hearing this.
…
Marine Headquarters.
In the huge conference room, smoke billowed, and the atmosphere was oppressive.
Akainu, sitting in the main seat, looked at the empty chair with an ugly expression and gloomy eyes.
"Why didn't that Kuzan come to the meeting?" Akainu asked fiercely.
Akainu, in fact, knew why Aokiji didn't attend the meeting.
He simply didn't like him!
Seven years ago.
After Fleet Admiral Sengoku retired, Aokiji also wanted to contend for the position of Fleet Admiral, but the World Government favored Akainu more, so they appointed Akainu as the Marine Fleet Admiral.
Since then, Aokiji had been at odds with Akainu in various ways!
He even sometimes ignored Akainu's orders!
A Rear Admiral braced himself and explained, "Fleet Admiral, Admiral Aokiji is currently apprehending a group of pirates and couldn't make it back in time…"
Akainu snorted, accepting this flimsy excuse.
With a formidable enemy ahead, it was not the time to look for trouble with Aokiji.
However!
Akainu was thinking to himself that he needed to find an excuse to settle scores later and kick Aokiji out of the Marines.
Having a Marine Admiral constantly opposing him had severely impacted Akainu's prestige within the Marines!
"Let the meeting begin!" Akainu announced.
A Rear Admiral stood up and said, "Fleet Admiral, we just received news that the Whitebeard Pirates have mobilized their entire force and are heading towards Impel Down..."
"Thud!"
Upon hearing this news, Akainu slammed his fist on the table, breaking off a piece of the corner.
"Whitebeard!!"
Akainu gnashed his teeth.
The Rear Admiral braced himself and continued, "Also, the World Government has requested us to apprehend Mondo as soon as possible..."
Akainu frowned deeply and asked, "What about the Seven Warlords?"
The Rear Admiral immediately replied, "Aside from Dracule Mihawk (Hawk-Eyes) who has not responded, everyone else has confirmed their participation and is already on their way!"
A flicker of anger once again flashed in Akainu's eyes.
He would eventually eliminate troublesome individuals like Hawk-Eyes!
"Tell them to rendezvous directly in the Sabaody Archipelago waters!"
Akainu commanded.
The Rear Admiral noted Akainu's order and then sat down.
A Vice Admiral spoke up, "Fleet Admiral, what about Impel Down? Warden Magellan can't stop Whitebeard! Should we reinforce Impel Down?"
Akainu's face was calm as he said, "Notify Kuzan to lead a team to reinforce Impel Down... His abilities are perfect for preventing the tsunamis caused by Whitebeard's tremor abilities!"
Everyone remained silent upon hearing this.
Although on the surface, Akainu's words made perfect sense.
Admiral Aokiji's ice abilities could freeze the sea, which indeed would prevent tsunamis caused by Whitebeard, making him the best candidate to reinforce Impel Down!
But to send Admiral Aokiji alone to confront that monstrous man...
Even a fool would know that Fleet Admiral Akainu was using public office for personal revenge.
Of course, while everyone knew, no one dared to say anything...
"Sakazuki!"
Suddenly, an old Marine spoke up, "That kid Kuzan is no match for Whitebeard, and even with the Poison Dragon kid, they can't stop Whitebeard. That man is capable of destroying the world!"
The only person in the entire Marine Headquarters who could speak to Akainu like that was Garp.
Akainu's brows immediately furrowed into a 'river' shape.
Garp held a transcendent position in the Marines as the Marine Hero, and even Akainu, as Fleet Admiral, had to treat him courteously.
After a moment of thought, Akainu said, "Kuzan doesn't need to hold Impel Down. As long as they hold out for a few hours, allowing the main force to capture Mondo, they can return to support them! The World Government's primary demand now is to capture that audacious Mondo!"
"Compared to Mondo, even if Impel Down falls, it's a price worth paying!"
Akainu's tone became firm towards the end.
Everyone was somewhat speechless.
From these words, it was clear how much the World Government detested Mondo.
It made sense!
This guy had repeatedly hunted down Celestial Dragons, which had probably ignited the wrath of all Celestial Dragons in Mary Geoise!
To give an explanation to the Celestial Dragons, the World Government could not tolerate Mondo living any longer...
"Does anyone else have any opinions?" Akainu asked.
Everyone remained silent.
"Then, Kuzan will lead a fleet to reinforce Impel Down!"
"As for Mondo, I will personally lead the capture operation!!"
As Fleet Admiral, Akainu no longer needed to personally confront every enemy.
Yet, this time, to capture Mondo, he was going to lead the team himself...
It seemed the World Government was truly desperate.
...
The next day.
Early in the morning, all Marines at Marine Headquarters sprang into action.
A large number of Marines, led by Fleet Admiral Akainu, set off towards the Sabaody Archipelago!
Admiral Fujitora, Hero Garp, and other top-tier experts followed Akainu's team to capture Mondo.
The World Government's order was: capture him alive, or bring back his corpse!
Meanwhile, Marine Admiral Aokiji led a fleet towards Impel Down.
A large portion of Marine Headquarters' forces was instantly drawn away.
At this moment, if a Yonko were to arrive, they could probably easily wipe out the entire Marine Headquarters...