Vice Admiral Gust had only skimmed the first page before his hands trembled.
The folder was thick.
Far too thick.
Line after line of intelligence had been compiled into a formal report, complete with analytical conclusions at the end.
Report Summary
The First Mate of the Tequila Pirates personally stated that a powerful individual has likely joined the crew. Estimated bounty: over 50 million Berries. Based on tone, the individual is likely an independent operator.
The First Mate's original statement reads as follows: …
An unidentified pirate from the Tequila Pirates purchased intelligence regarding Marine base locations and World Government facilities. Subject identity: …
Cross-referenced with World Government archives, the unidentified pirate originates from the former Territory of Baron Trell. Following Baron Trell's death, 117 former residents joined the Tequila Pirates. List attached.
The former boatswain and newly appointed First Mate of the Tequila Pirates also originates from the Territory of Baron Trell.
Prior to the intelligence purchase, the unidentified pirate was called out of a tavern by the First Mate for a private conversation.
As Gust read, a faint unease crept up his spine.
He flipped to the final page.
His fist slammed against the desk.
"Summon the staff. Immediately."
At the bottom of the report, the conclusion was written clearly:
Preliminary Assessment:
There is over a 70% probability that the Tequila Pirates intend to target G-12, the Marine fortress under Vice Admiral Gust's command.
The reasoning followed in meticulous detail.
The Tequila Pirates were already one of the largest crews in West Blue. If a pirate with a bounty exceeding 50 million Berries had joined them, they would become the undisputed strongest pirate force in the region.
Captain Medica was known to crave authority.
Given his personality, any recruit's bounty would likely remain below his own 76.3 million Berries—he would never tolerate a subordinate whose fame surpassed his own.
Combined with the First Mate's wording and Medica's documented intolerance for shared authority, analysts concluded that the recruit was most likely a lone operator.
Among independent pirates with bounties above 50 million Berries, only one matched:
The "Marine Hunter," bounty: 61 million Berries.
The Marine Hunter had last been sighted in the Kingdom of Taran—only five days' sailing from the island the Tequila Pirates had just departed.
The Marine Hunter's hostility toward the Marines was well documented.
If Medica intended to recruit him, promising the assault of a major Marine base would be a powerful incentive.
The Tequila Pirates had discreetly purchased intelligence on Marine bases. Though they also acquired World Government facility data, there was no strategic motive to attack those offices. The probability of such an action was assessed at under 10%.
The additional lifeboats? Perfect for deploying a strike force through the narrow channel beside G-12 Fortress.
The bulk purchase of rum? Highly flammable. Suitable for igniting wooden fortifications and trapping defenders within.
Conclusion:
Agent #150011247 assesses that Captain Medica has over a 70% probability of planning an assault on G-12 in exchange for securing the Marine Hunter's allegiance.
"All of you have read this?" Vice Admiral Gust asked grimly, scanning the room of advisers and senior intelligence officers.
The Deputy Chief of Staff spoke first.
"Using fire is logical. Our base's location and structural composition are… unconventional. But rum as accelerant? Why not oil?"
The intelligence chief bowed slightly, unable to suppress a trace of sarcasm.
"Perhaps the Deputy Chief is unfamiliar with market pricing. Due to supply constraints, oil costs roughly five times more than rum."
The deputy flushed red.
Another staff officer jumped in quickly to defuse the tension.
"Lifeboats as assault craft? That sounds like someone's imagination running wild. Lifeboats prioritize capacity over speed. They're hardly suitable for rapid strikes."
The intelligence chief adjusted his glasses.
"I proposed the scenario. Two branch majors tested it personally. With coordinated rowing, a lifeboat can exceed the speed of a standard warship."
He leaned forward.
"Five large lifeboats accommodate roughly 280 men comfortably. Packed tightly? Seven to eight hundred. The entire Tequila Pirates crew numbers just under a thousand. Why purchase such capacity unless preparing for high casualties in an assault?"
The staff officer stiffened.
"Or perhaps they simply fear annihilation and want an escape route prepared in advance!"
A faint scoff escaped the intelligence chief.
"If that proves true, I will personally eat the Den Den Mushi recording this meeting."
Silence.
The Deputy Chief of Staff cleared his throat hastily.
"And this assumption that Medica intends to become West Blue's pirate overlord—what supports that?"
The intelligence chief sighed.
"Have you read the full briefing? Or were you transferred here yesterday?"
The room tightened.
"Medica has attempted to unify West Blue's pirates three times.
First attempt—his bounty was insufficient to inspire loyalty.
Second attempt—his crew lacked the strength to dominate rivals.
Third attempt—most pirate crews responded except two major factions. The coalition collapsed within three days due to internal conflict."
He lifted a bounty poster and tapped it with a dry finger.
"Since this man became Tequila's boatswain, the crew's internal regulations have become remarkably efficient—arguably more structured than our own."
A pause.
"I studied those regulations and suggested certain adaptations be implemented within G-12."
An awkward cough.
The Chief of Staff, who had remained silent until now, nodded thoughtfully.
"That explains why reports of soldiers and officers fighting over merit have decreased recently."
The room fell into an uncomfortable hush.
No one addressed the implication directly.
The idea that a pirate crew's internal system had improved discipline more effectively than the Marines' own structure was… humiliating.
And now—
That same pirate captain might be preparing to strike their fortress.
Vice Admiral Gust's jaw tightened.
If the intelligence was correct—
G-12 was no longer observing the Tequila Pirates.
It was their target.