Punk Hazard.
Caelan and his group had reached the shore, surrounded by the giant children, along with the captured Caesar and Monet.
Everyone from the Wind Rider also arrived and learned what had happened on the island.
Not long after, Vergo, Smoker, and Hina arrived, leading the Marines of the G-5 branch.
The three of them led three thousand Marine soldiers toward Caelan.
Vergo's here—could there still be hope?
Caesar and Monet's eyes lit up, but they quickly lowered their heads, acting like ostriches burying their heads in the sand.
Gion looked at Vergo, a sense of unease rising within her.
So many children had been kidnapped by Caesar. Could it be that the G-5 Marines knew nothing? Even if they were incompetent, there should have been some kind of response.
Moreover, the area under G-5's jurisdiction had been oddly peaceful.
According to the annual reports submitted to Marine Headquarters, G-5's performance had been stable with minor growth, year after year.
Something's wrong. Seriously wrong.
There's definitely something wrong with this base commander.
Gion stared at Vergo with a much deeper gaze.
"So this is the legendary God Slayer? He doesn't seem as domineering as the Young Master."
Vergo muttered to himself as he looked at Caelan.
His Young Master always stood at the forefront of fashion—pink feather coat, golden shoes, exuding an overwhelming aura.
As for Caelan, dressed neatly in a black-and-white martial arts uniform, he looked clean and sharp, but far less flamboyant than his Young Master.
With just one glance, Vergo judged Caelan as inferior. Doflamingo was still the best.
Behind Vergo, Smoker and Hina were also observing Caelan, trying to see if he had changed.
"He seems much calmer than when we met in Loguetown."
Smoker frowned slightly, feeling uncertain about his judgment, but the truth was right in front of him.
The Caelan he met in Loguetown had been wild and aggressive, filled with a fierce fighting spirit.
Now, Caelan still radiated energy, but he was much more composed and calm than before.
Could it be that killing a Celestial Dragon had a calming effect on the mind?
Smoker shook his head. That thought was absurd.
Hina also observed Caelan closely.
He looked brave with an upright posture and heroic appearance, Caelan looked more like an ideal Marine admiral.
Compared to Borsalino's laziness, Aokiji's laid-back attitude, and Sakazuki's gangster-like presence, Caelan appeared far more serious.
And just then, Caelan noticed her gaze and gave her a slight smile.
Hina quickly turned away, a bit flustered as if she'd been caught peeking.
"Caelan, I've heard much about you!"
Vergo walked up and extended his hand respectfully.
"No need for pleasantries. Just save the children."
Caelan replied casually, ignoring Vergo's attempt at a handshake.
Vergo smoothly withdrew his hand without missing a beat, then turned to shout at the Marines, "Did you hear that? Go save the children!"
"Yes!!!"
The Marine soldiers shouted in unison, then began helping the giant children onto the warships one by one.
Taking the opportunity, Hina approached Gion to ask some long-overdue questions.
Smoker also wanted to get closer to Tashigi; after conversing for a while, he returned to supervising the operation.
As the Marines worked to rescue the children, Vergo casually remarked, "Isn't this the evil scientist who experimented on the children here?"
"If I'm not mistaken, this should be Caesar Clown—the one who released poison gas on Punk Hazard and forced the Naval Science Division to retreat, right?"
Vergo pointed at Caesar and feigned ignorance.
"You're sharp. That's him."
Caelan watched Vergo's performance with mild amusement.
To be fair, his acting wasn't half bad.
"After escaping, he didn't go into hiding. Instead, he returned here and experimented on children again. He deserves death!"
"If it were up to me, I'd chop him into pieces!"
Vergo added angrily, with righteous indignation.
On the ground, Caesar, bruised and swollen, glared at Vergo. Was this guy trying to silence him?
"Indeed."
Caelan nodded slightly and continued watching Vergo perform.
"That said, he's still a fugitive from the Naval Science Division. The Navy can't completely wash its hands of him."
Vergo lowered his head with apparent shame, apologizing for the Navy's incompetence.
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he added, "Besides, he did experiments on these children. If he's involved, the follow-up treatment will be easier."
"So, what are you getting at?"
Caelan raised an eyebrow and looked at Vergo with a playful expression.
Caesar, still on the ground, suddenly looked calm. He seemed to understand that Vergo might be trying to rescue him.
"I'd like to take Caesar back. He'll face a trial by the Navy and assist in the children's treatment."
Vergo observed Caelan's reaction carefully as he spoke.
Caelan frowned. That was it? Was this guy taking him for a fool?
If not for the bigger picture, he would've slapped this clown to death right then and there.
No matter. He could kill him later.
Caelan rubbed his fingers and said, "That's it? Nothing else?"
Vergo was momentarily stunned but quickly caught on.
Thinking they were entering negotiations, he smiled and said, "Of course not. Caesar's bounty is 300 million Berries. We'll give you 600 million as a token of appreciation for your efforts!"
"Now that's more like it."
Caelan's expression eased slightly, and he gave Vergo's shoulder a pat.
That was good enough. He could kill him later and collect even more.
"As long as you're satisfied."
Vergo felt his heart clench but didn't exhale until Caelan's hand left his shoulder.
Still, the plan had worked.
Vergo felt pleased with himself, confident in his own intelligence.
So what if he was the so-called God Slayer?
He just got played.
"Shall we make the exchange now?"
Vergo respectfully looked at Caelan, a mocking glint flashing in his eyes.
"Mm."
Caelan gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze to Caesar.
Caesar looked stunned. He really thought he was about to be freed from Caelan's clutches.
At that moment, he looked at Vergo with fierce eyes, delivering his best acting performance yet.
Monet let out a quiet breath of relief. The artificial Devil Fruit project had been preserved.
"Caelan, here are the 600 million Berries!"
Vergo smiled as he handed over a suitcase to Caelan, full of confidence.
Right then, Caesar felt a chill.
As he turned his head, he met Caelan's gaze—sharp as a blade, as if it could slice him in half at any moment.
What the hell was that look?!
Caesar's heart skipped a beat, and all his survival instincts kicked in.
He realized the truth in an instant.
He and Vergo's little act had been seen through.
If he really left with Vergo, he'd probably die even more horribly.
Suddenly, Caesar understood everything.
He pointed directly at Vergo and shouted, "Caelan-sama, he's an undercover agent sent by the Donquixote Family into the Marines!"
"!!!"
Monet and Vergo's eyes widened in shock, their composure shattered in an instant.
(To be continued.)
***
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