Marine Headquarters.
In a spacious office, an elderly woman was diligently reviewing a document. A series of urgent knocks suddenly echoed.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Come in."
"Reporting, Vice Admiral! New intelligence has arrived."
Tsuru put down the document in her hand. "Is it Smoker's report?" "Yes, ma'am."
Taking the report, Tsuru slowly read through it. After a long while, she seemed to have seen something unsettling and sighed heavily.
"This sea is becoming more and more chaotic." "Bellamy." Muttering the name softly, Tsuru's expression gradually turned serious. "The existence of the Buster Call is known to only a very small fraction of people, even within the Marines." "A mere street punk not only knows about the Buster Call but also harbors such intense hatred for the Celestial Dragons!"
Given Bellamy's background, it was impossible for him to have had any contact with the Celestial Dragons. These were not the thoughts a common hoodlum from a trash heap should possess. Even within the Marines, how many could truly see the world for what it was? How many knew what the "justice" they upheld truly represented?
"Bellamy, who exactly are you?!"
In Tsuru's eyes, Bellamy was clearly no longer a normal human. By analyzing all the intelligence on Bellamy, Tsuru felt she had already found the truth. His abnormality likely stemmed from "The Book of Curses" on Bird Dropping Island. Bellamy had once had close contact with this book, and after that, his strength had seemingly increased dramatically. This book had some connection to the Yellow Spring; Tsuru speculated that Bellamy's body might have been taken over by a monster from the Underworld.
Similar occurrences were not unprecedented. That Doc Q, running rampant around the world, was very likely a monster who had escaped from the Yellow Spring. The Marine Science Unit had previously searched for "The Book of Curses," but by the time they reached the island, the hidden small village was already empty.
Now, they had a good opportunity; perhaps they could capture Bellamy. This sea was already descending further into chaos; this huge variable had to be dealt with as soon as possible. If they failed to catch him this time, it would only be more difficult later.
Furthermore, Tsuru couldn't believe that Drake hadn't noticed the immense abnormality surrounding Bellamy. Yet, Drake hadn't reported such crucial intelligence to her at all. Tsuru knew this subordinate, whom she had personally trained, all too well. How could the hatred hidden in Drake's heart escape her eyes?
"Drake, what exactly are you thinking?" Tsuru couldn't yet be certain if Drake was still on their side.
"Someone, come!" "Inform Fleet Admiral Sengoku that I have an important matter to report." Before her voice had even faded, Tsuru suddenly stood up. "Never mind, I'll go myself."
Tsuru thought for a moment, then took Smoker's report with her and strode towards the Fleet Admiral's office. After some discussion, Sengoku somewhat realized the gravity of the situation. However, regarding the Yellow Spring, Sengoku didn't seem as apprehensive as Tsuru.
"How about this, little Tsuru? There happens to be a Vice Admiral resting at Headquarters. Let him make the trip." Tsuru couldn't help but frown, but she didn't try to say more. She knew Sengoku had his own considerations. "Is Garp not around?"
The mere mention of Garp made Sengoku's head throb. "That fellow… he went to see his precious grandson." "Garp's grandson, huh? His name is Luffy, right?" Tsuru had met the boy once; he was also a troublesome character.
"Oh, right, Sengoku. It would be best to capture him alive this time." Although the World Government's order was for immediate execution, since Tsuru wanted him alive, sparing Bellamy's life was not out of the question. Sengoku didn't say much, merely nodding casually as he handed Bellamy's file to the goat beside him, which began to chew on it.
"Then, it's decided." "If there's enough time, I'll have Garp make a trip to the North Blue."
The operation to capture Bellamy was thus determined.
Mid-August, Sea Circle Calendar 1517.
Dark clouds densely covered the sky; a storm seemed to be brewing. Drake lowered his binoculars, a hint of worry in his voice. "Captain, should we continue forward?"
An overwhelming wave of Observation Haki shot out from Bellamy's mind, piercing straight into the sky. "Continue forward."
In a corner of the wheelhouse, Bellamy sat with his eyes closed in meditation; he hadn't opened them from start to finish. His Observation Haki had already told him everything. Drake sensed a mysterious power enveloping their surroundings. He glanced silently at Bellamy and said no more.
"The Captain is becoming more and more terrifying." Bellamy's growth rate was simply too astonishing; Drake felt he was struggling to keep up.
After sailing for another half an hour, a small island faintly appeared ahead. According to Bellamy's original assumption, the Marines would either be ambushing them on the island or dispersed in the surrounding waters. But reality seemed to have deviated somewhat. Not only were the Marines not ambushing them, but they were openly flying their flags and charging straight towards them.
Just a mere Rear Admiral, was he that confident?
"These Marines… something seems off about them." Bellamy's eyes snapped open. His Observation Haki, capable of covering nearly half a city, swept rapidly across the area.
Just then, the Den Den Mushi in the cockpit suddenly rang. Purupurupuru, Purupurupuru.
Drake pulled out a special Den Den Mushi, his face etched with astonishment. Why were the Marines contacting him at this time? This wasn't part of the plan.
Bellamy vaguely sensed something was amiss. He nodded at Drake. "Answer it." Drake hesitated for a moment but still picked up the call. A command quickly came from the other end: "Order for Marine Secret Unit member Drake: Immediately scuttle the vessel you are on!"
Drake remained silent for a moment, then hung up. "Captain, what should I do now?" "You don't need to do anything. Just wait."
The Marine ships were rapidly approaching them; it looked like both sides were about to enter cannon range. Once the battle started, who would have the energy to pay attention to Drake?
Moreover, just moments ago, Bellamy's Observation Haki had sensed a terrifying aura. That level of killing intent wasn't something a mere Rear Admiral should possess. It was possible the Marines had dispatched a Vice Admiral for this operation. This was different from the information Drake had received. Could it be that Marine Headquarters had already detected his betrayal?
Bellamy had a feeling this unexpected development might be related to Tsuru. That old woman, known as the "Great Staff Officer," might have already sensed something. But even if she had detected Drake's betrayal, there was no reason to suddenly change the plan. Had some unforeseen event occurred that he didn't know about?
A fierce battle was imminent; there was no point in thinking about these things now.
"Everyone! Grab your weapons and prepare for battle!"
*The 'Yellow Spring' is the underworld or the land of the dead. This concept is drawn from Chinese mythology, where it represents the realm souls go to after death.