Ten minutes later
Marine Headquarters!
"The news is confirmed, Hawkeye has appeared in Alabasta!"
Sengoku looked around and spoke. Everyone present was a high-ranking Marine officer.
Orders had also come down from above: anyone who entered the giant gate and disappeared that day, if they reappeared, was to be fully apprehended, Hawkeye included.
The World Government was simply unwilling for any new power to emerge and was eager to obtain information about the lord of the moon.
"Furthermore, a Dog-headed man appeared with Hawkeye. He's the same fellow who emerged from the giant gate that day. The most important thing is this..."
Sengoku distributed a stack of photos to everyone. The photos showed Shaya and his two companions walking on the street, sent by the Alabasta Marine.
"This man is very special!"
Staring at Shaya's photo for a few seconds, Tsuru spoke gravely, "A man of Hawkeye's strength actually walks half a step behind him. Clearly, this man's strength is greater than Hawkeye's, or his status within the lord of the moon's faction is higher than Hawkeye's."
"But either way, it proves that a new power has emerged, and it's very strong!"
Everyone's expression became serious, but Garp, who had just returned, was invigorated!
Mihawk is out, can his grandson be far behind?
"Heh, this guy doesn't look like a good sort. Fleet Admiral, I request to lead a force to capture him..."
A scruffy man in a khaki outfit, wearing a hat and wooden clogs, spoke from a lower seat, his eyes filled with displeasure.
Admiral Candidate, Vice Admiral Tokikake, truly the most slovenly person in the Marine.
"Vice Admiral Tokikake's idea is too prejudiced. This man's eyes are pure, his demeanor transcendent; he must be an absolute powerhouse!" Another beautiful woman in a pink embroidered dress spoke clearly from the side, looking at Shaya's photo with great curiosity.
The beauty was quite charming, and the spider tattoo on her thigh added to her allure. She was Admiral Candidate, Vice Admiral Gion.
Upon hearing this, Tokikake's face darkened, "Gion, don't be fooled by this guy's appearance. How strong can someone so young be? And mixing with pirates, he must be a scoundrel who commits all sorts of evil!"
Damn it, all pretty boys should die! How dare he interest Gion? Go to hell!
Momousagi blinked and said nothing. She was just inexplicably interested in Shaya.
After all, there weren't many men stronger than her, and Shaya was so mysterious, how could she not be curious?
"Fleet Admiral, what should we do?"
Kizaru changed the subject. He and Tokikake had a good relationship; after all, with Tokikake around, he looked so much more handsome.
"The higher-ups have ordered that no new power is allowed to emerge, even if it's just a suspicion!"
Sengoku's words reflected the Gorosei's thoughts. Even if Shaya and his companions showed no threat now, even if they didn't oppose the Government, it wouldn't be allowed.
After all, the balance of the sea was stable now, and any new power would cause chaos.
Most importantly, Sengoku felt that the higher-ups were very wary of the word 'moon'!
The lord of the moon had touched a raw nerve with the Gorosei!
"Borsalino, you must get to Alabasta as soon as possible and follow them. I will have Momousagi and Tokikake lead ten Vice Admirals to follow..."
At this point, Sengoku looked at the napping Aokiji, then at Garp, saying, "To prevent any accidents, you should also follow. If the situation is not right, contact Headquarters immediately. If necessary, I will send Aokiji!"
"Try to capture them alive, even one is enough!"
Tsk tsk tsk, Sengoku is truly ruthless.
Sending one Admiral, two Admiral Candidates, ten Vice Admirals, plus Garp, with Aokiji as backup—this lineup would be more than enough to conquer the Four Emperors.
"It's me again going first..."
Kizaru's eyelids drooped, his old face full of reluctance. If he were spotted, he couldn't deal with Hawkeye plus an even stronger presence... Don't expect him to fight to the death without a pay raise.
"Don't waste time, go quickly!"
"Yes, Fleet Admiral!"
...Inside the tavern
"My Lord, I'm back!"
Anas, who had been scouting for information, sat down and respectfully said, "I've asked many people, but only found one person: Paula of Baroque Works is in Alubarna. No news of anyone else for now."
"Paula? She doesn't know Crocodile's whereabouts."
Shaya shook his head slightly. Everyone in Baroque Works had code names, not real names. Except for Robin, no one knew the president was Crocodile.
And trying to find Robin was as difficult as finding Crocodile's location; that woman was too skilled at disguise and concealment.
"Lord Shaya, you can use my name to find him. I believe he will come."
Mihawk spoke. He also didn't have Crocodile's contact information, but he believed Crocodile would show him respect.
"Spreading the word that you're looking for him, that's indeed..."
As he spoke, Shaya's eyes suddenly narrowed, and he couldn't help but say, "How did she come? Crocodile must have received news of Mihawk's arrival and sent her to probe."
At the tavern entrance, a graceful woman casually sat down not far from Shaya and his companions.
If Shaya hadn't recognized her at a glance, he wouldn't have noticed her at all. After all, the beauty was looking down, wearing sunglasses and a hat, and hadn't even looked their way.
"Sir, who is she?"
"Your new colleague!"
Motioning for the two to sit properly, Shaya got up and walked over.
It must be said, Nico Robin was one of the talents Shaya needed most. She was knowledgeable, skilled in all areas, and calm in personality. Aside from combat, she was world-class in every other aspect!
This kind of girl was most suitable to be... a secretary!
"Beautiful lady, what would you like?"
"A cup of coffee, thank... Hmm?"
Robin, who had just looked up, paused, then quickly reacted and chuckled, "I didn't expect such a special waiter in a small tavern like this."
"Just trying to make a living..."