Mork's thoughts were simple—he didn't care who he cooperated with. As long as they brought what he needed, that was enough.
Doflamingo cooperated and groveled because it benefited him.
If Mork didn't offer him benefits—or didn't have overwhelming firepower—Doflamingo would've already taken over the fortress on the first day.
In this world, you don't need "friends."
You only need a fist big enough to make everyone behave.
Once Doflamingo quieted down, Mork spoke leisurely to the three factions:
"By the way, besides entertainment goods, I also need ships.
Pirate ships, Marine ships—it doesn't matter.
The more you bring and the higher the quality, the better the military tech I'll trade you."
Although he had just intimidated the Navy, Marco, and Doflamingo, the fortress had consumed a tremendous amount of energy. He needed to replenish it.
And since they'd all discovered the fortress, his peaceful salted-fish life was over.
If he wanted to keep living comfortably, he had to upgrade both firepower and defense.
Otherwise, if the Navy or Whitebeard acted seriously, the fortress might not hold.
Outside, Peach Rabbit and Marco's faces both lit up.
If they could obtain that cannon that pierced the ocean—
that was enough to intimidate any top-tier power.
Even if the massive cannon was off the table, the fortress's smaller weapons were already terrifying.
Peach Rabbit instantly ordered her adjutant, "Go! Nearby Marine branches!"
Because the earlier battle destroyed their Den Den Mushi, they had to reach a branch and then contact Marine HQ.
Marco grabbed a Den Den Mushi directly and called Whitebeard in the New World.
Doflamingo, hearing the words "even more powerful weapons," brightened so much the joy showed even through his sunglasses. He immediately contacted Dressrosa.
Food and magazines were troublesome—they required constant variety.
But ships?
In the era of pirates, ships were everywhere.
Doflamingo was ecstatic and mobilized his entire family.
Marine HQ – Marineford.
In the conference hall, Sengoku, Garp, Tsuru, the three Admirals, and multiple veteran Vice Admirals were assembled.
"You should all be aware of the recent events in the New World," Sengoku said solemnly.
The room fell silent.
The Admirals were relaxed as usual.
"Didn't expect a 'family' pirate crew to have deserters," Kizaru muttered, looking astonished.
"For profit, brothers kill brothers—this world has seen plenty of that," Akainu replied sharply.
"'Family'? 'Companions'? Pirates are pirates."
Akainu's eyes narrowed. "But this might be good for us. Whitebeard's crew must be anxious now. Maybe we can take advantage."
"No."
Sengoku shook his head. "Akainu, you underestimate Whitebeard.
A man who stood at the top since the old era—his influence and methods are no joke."
"Losing a division commander might actually be bad for us."
"When Whitebeard gets angry… the world shakes."
"We must always be ready for his wrath."
Just then…
bilibili—
Sengoku's Den Den Mushi rang.
Everyone turned.
Sengoku frowned and answered. "Peach Rabbit, have you finished investigating the island Doflamingo frequented?"
"Island my ass, Marshal—!"
Peach Rabbit's annoyed voice came through.
Everyone blinked.
But knowing Peach Rabbit's temper, they didn't interrupt.
Sengoku's expression changed. "What happened?"
"That's not an island at all—it's territory of an unknown force! Their tech is insanely advanced. They built a huge steel fortress on the sea. Anyone entering their waters gets warned—"
"Marshal, I almost died there! If not for my skill, my swordsmanship—"
"Speak properly," Sengoku snapped.
Peach Rabbit huffed and finally explained everything clearly.
Marineford fell dead silent.
The officers' faces shifted from surprise, to disbelief, to outright shock.
Kizaru even widened his eyes behind his glasses.
"Oh my~ There's someone whose technology… surpasses Vegapunk's?"
"How is that possible?"
"Vegapunk is 500 years ahead of the world!"
"No one can surpass him!"
"Peach Rabbit, are you exaggerating?"
But the Marines also knew one thing—Peach Rabbit wouldn't lie.
Nor exaggerate about something this important.
The hall went silent again.
Sengoku fell into deep thought, digesting everything.
He knew Peach Rabbit's strength well—there was a reason she was a "future Admiral candidate."
If she said she nearly died, the fortress's firepower must indeed be monstrous.
They originally suspected Caesar Clown or Doflamingo was secretly behind something…
But instead they had found a giant.
Someone even more advanced than Vegapunk.
Who was this person?
Throughout history, only Isaac once challenged Vegapunk, but even he was inferior in all fields except the energy source he discovered.
And now this mysterious new force appeared.
What were they?
—------------------------------
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