Must we obtain the Op-Op Fruit?
As the three CP0 agents barged into the office, making demands with an air of superiority, the reactions of those present varied.
Sengoku frowned, visibly displeased.
Garp, ever straightforward, bared his teeth slightly.
Tsuru silently observed CP0, deep in thought.
Akainu remained expressionless, his posture unchanged from start to finish.
Aokiji put down his hand and looked at CP0 as if they were an annoyance.
The sudden interference of CP0 was clearly an unexpected development.
"Obtain the Ope Ope no Mi?"
Sengoku frowned as he looked at the leading CP0 agent and said coldly, "Do you really think the Maude Pirates would agree to such a demand?"
"Why would we need a pirate's consent for something so trivial?"
"Trivial…?"
Sengoku's face darkened.
"Is it not?"
CP0 first responded with a rhetorical question, then coldly continued, "Or are you admitting that the Navy is incapable of setting up an ambush during the trade and capturing the user of the Ope Ope no Mi on the spot?"
Before Sengoku could reply, CP0 slightly tilted their head back and said matter-of-factly:
"But then again, considering you've already failed once, you're indeed not suited for this task. So, once the trade negotiations are settled, CP0 will take over the subsequent operation."
"You're only going to provoke Maude with this course of action."
Sengoku's gaze at CP0 turned frigid.
"So what? No matter the cost, whatever the 'gods' desire, you must hand it over."
CP0's tone was absolute, as they coldly added, "And yet, as the Fleet Admiral of the Navy, you're actually concerned about angering a mere pirate? You should step down—there's someone more suited for your position."
"Don't underestimate Maude, and don't complicate matters further."
Sengoku's voice was equally resolute. "As long as we can obtain a hundred living hearts, with Dr. Vegapunk's expertise, the results will far surpass anything the Ope Ope no Mi could offer!"
"..."
The three CP0 agents silently stared at Sengoku, who continued to defy them, recalling his unwavering stance during the Impel Down incident.
There was an unmistakable air of displeasure in their demeanor.
Sengoku, however, paid them no mind and spoke in a low voice: "Given the current situation, further antagonizing the Maude Pirates is unwise."
If not for Vegapunk's request and the Navy's need to recover after the war, they wouldn't have chosen to provoke a threat comparable to Whitebeard.
Certain decisions and actions had to be made at the right time.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, it seems you misunderstand something."
The lead CP0 agent leaned forward, placing one hand on Sengoku's desk and coldly stated, "This is not a discussion. It's an order from above."
With that, not waiting for a response, CP0 turned and left.
As they stepped out of the office, the lead agent left one final remark:
"We will remain here until that pirate makes the call."
"..."
Sengoku stared at the open office doors, the veins at his temples twitching slightly.
CP0's interference, coupled with the direct orders from above, had muddied the once-clear waters.
Tsuru let out a soft sigh. "Things have become troublesome."
...
Ten thousand meters in the air, on the Thriller Bark.
Maude casually tossed the Den Den Mushi to Lafitte.
Catching it, Lafitte smiled silently.
Law looked at Maude and sighed in relief. "All the Navy wants are a hundred living hearts. That's not difficult. This means we don't have to target the Celestial Dragons."
Urouge and Hawkins also felt relieved.
Strictly speaking, they had only recently joined Maude's ranks, and the prospect of immediately taking action against the Celestial Dragons was overwhelming.
Maude stepped down from the balcony and said seriously, "Law, do you really trust the Navy?"
"No, it's just…"
Law shook his head and said, "Since we're the ones setting the terms of the exchange, as long as we plan ahead, even if the Navy tries something, we can preemptively eliminate any threats."
Even though rescuing his crewmates was a priority, Law's stance remained firm—he didn't want Maude and the others to bear the immense risk of abducting a Celestial Dragon.
If they could resolve the matter with minimal trouble, all the better.
Besides, collecting a hundred living hearts was an incredibly simple task for Law.
Maude removed his coat, looking at Law calmly. "Law, you told me about the battle for the Ope Ope no Mi on Minion Island eleven years ago. Do you really think the Navy—or rather, the World Government—"
"—if given the opportunity, would simply ignore the fact that the Ope Ope no Mi is inside you?"
"This is the same fruit the World Government was willing to pay five billion for, no matter the cost."
The moment he said this, those unaware of the fruit's significance were visibly shocked.
"Five billion?!"
Urouge and Hawkins stared in astonishment at Law, whose expression had turned grim.
Most people in the world had no idea of the true value of the Ope Ope no Mi.
Its ability to transplant personalities was one thing, but its ultimate power—the ability to grant eternal youth—was another matter entirely.
This power was the key to absolute control over the world…
Law remained silent.
As Maude had pointed out, the World Government would likely intervene.
"There's only one way to completely eliminate any variables. So just wait here, Law."
Maude casually tossed his coat aside.
Perona, quick on her feet, caught it before it hit the ground, glaring at Maude indignantly.
"This was freshly washed!"
"Ah, sorry."
Maude waved dismissively.
"That's too half-hearted!"
"Lafitte, Brook, let's go. Gaya, I'll leave the rest to you."
Ignoring Perona's glare, Maude turned and leapt off the balcony using Geppo.
"Yohohoho!"
Brook followed without hesitation, using Geppo to ascend effortlessly into the sky.
Lafitte spread his wings, taking off gracefully.
There was no need for the entire crew to act—if they were going to abduct a Celestial Dragon, they had to move quickly.
After all, with how the Celestial Dragons behaved, sooner or later, one of them would show up at the Sabaody Archipelago.
But waiting passively wasn't Maude's style.
If he was going to strike, he would make sure it sent shockwaves through the world.
Maude, Brook, and Lafitte landed on a small floating island adjacent to the Thriller Bark.
As their feet touched the ground, the island—previously hovering still—plummeted toward the thick cloud layer below, sending ripples through the sky.
...
Holy Land Mary Geoise, Pangaea Castle.
The towering spires and domed buildings exuded an air of unparalleled opulence.
On the streets, World Nobles clad in extravagant attire paraded about, their every gesture steeped in arrogance.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over part of the city.
The ominous darkness expanded at an alarming speed.
Those who noticed instinctively looked up—
And beheld a sight they would never forget.
On this day, the world would tremble.
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