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This was not the 188th Branch where Bai Yu had been stationed.
This was the G-5 Marine Branch—closer to Marine Headquarters, yet notorious in its own way.
Unlike conventional branches, the G-5 was unruly, often acting independently without permission from the higher-ups at Marineford.
As a result, the branch had earned quite a reputation—infamous rather than esteemed.
"Smoker, this isn't your jurisdiction!"
The arrival of Vice Admiral Smoker caused the brigadier general of the main branch to visibly frown.
Smoker's disdain for red tape and corrupt authority was well known. He was a man who would rather resign than follow an order that violated justice. So, the brigadier could only soften his tone, choosing diplomacy over confrontation.
"Do you even know who that is?" Smoker asked, glancing at the brigadier like he was a fool.
"That's Bai Yu."
"The same Bai Yu who's been making waves at Marine Headquarters lately."
"You've probably read his combat report."
Smoker spoke as he moved to stand beside Bai Yu.
"Wait… White Feather?!"
The brigadier general's expression changed drastically.
"You mean the same Bai Yu who took down a Warlord of the Sea—Shichibukai—and defeated the Golden Lion Shiki?!"
"He was with the 188th Branch—how is he here?"
"No, wait… the promotion! He's a Rear Admiral now!"
Recognition swept across the tavern like wildfire. Marines began whispering among themselves, their faces filled with awe.
The super rookie—the rumored monster in human form—had actually shown up at the Sabaody Archipelago!
"I... I've got duties to return to," the brigadier muttered, eager to escape.
He had no desire to test his strength against someone who could fell legends. Face be damned—he made a hasty exit.
"The tension here just skyrocketed."
"Let's stay out of this. Time to leave."
The remaining marines followed suit, filing out of the tavern with hasty excuses. None dared remain in the presence of two infamous officers.
Soon, only Smoker and Bai Yu remained.
Bai Yu turned toward Smoker, a sly grin playing on his lips.
"What's this? Here to settle the score from last time?"
"I came to apologize," Smoker interrupted firmly.
He surprised Bai Yu by lowering his head in a formal, exaggerated bow.
"I was reckless and out of line before. I misjudged you."
For a proud man like Smoker to humble himself like this—it stunned Bai Yu.
Smoker continued without waiting for a reply.
"You're the one who informed HQ that Vergo was a Donquixote infiltrator."
"That incident wasn't G-5's doing."
Smoker straightened, his expression sincere.
"We owe you. If Vergo had continued unchecked, the entire G-5 branch could have been compromised."
"In my eyes, you didn't just expose a traitor—you saved lives."
Bai Yu gave a relaxed wave.
"Just a coincidence," he said lightly, taking a sip of his drink.
Smoker took a seat beside him.
"You came to Sabaody because you're heading to the New World, right?"
Bai Yu didn't respond, only smiled.
"To capture Vergo?" Smoker asked again.
Still, no answer.
"…Then let me join you."
Smoker leaned forward, eyes resolute.
"Vergo was part of our G-5 unit. We should be the ones to bring him in."
Bai Yu paused, clearly weighing the offer.
After all, Vergo wasn't his ultimate target.
The one he was truly after was none other than Donquixote Doflamingo, the Joker of the underworld, a Warlord of the Sea and underground broker.
Noticing Bai Yu's hesitation, Smoker added another clause.
"I'll go alone."
"I'll follow your orders completely."
Smoker's voice carried conviction.
"And one more thing…"
"I've seen the intel you submitted to HQ."
"Vergo's directly tied to Doflamingo. There's a top executive from the Donquixote Family in Sabaody right now."
Smoker laid his cards on the table.
Bai Yu's interest deepened. He had already planned his moves.
"Fine," Bai Yu said curtly. "We cooperate."
"My target is Doflamingo."
"You'll follow my lead."
Leadership and control—uncompromising.
Smoker blinked, surprised once again.
He had underestimated Bai Yu.
Bai Yu wasn't just targeting the underlings.
He was gunning for the king.
"No objections," Smoker agreed immediately.
"Then tell me—who's the executive?"
"Diamante," Smoker replied.
One of Doflamingo's original followers. Holder of the Ite Ite no Mi (Ripple-Ripple Fruit), a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that allowed him to make anything flutter like cloth—including deadly weapons.
He was a top executive—one of the elite three known as the "Diamante Army."
Bounty: 99 million Berries.
"What's his location?"
"Area 55. Preparing to coat a ship to enter the New World."
"Then what are we waiting for?"
Their mission aligned—Bai Yu downed the last of his drink and stood.
Smoker rose alongside him, the makeshift alliance sealed.
To run into one of Doflamingo's top men here—Bai Yu wouldn't pass up such an opportunity.
If nothing else, he could extract valuable intel.
As they exited the tavern, Bai Yu gestured for Smoker to lead.
On the way to Area 55, Bai Yu shared a key strategy.
They would keep their intentions concealed—drawing no undue attention.
They had just begun cooperating, and Bai Yu intended to cloak the entire operation under the guise of a routine G-5 maneuver.
Smoker's presence in Sabaody and eventual involvement in the New World would appear entirely in character.
Even targeting Donquixote personnel wouldn't raise eyebrows.
To Doflamingo, it would seem like G-5 business as usual—nothing more.
Smoker silently applauded Bai Yu's foresight.
They arrived at the coating zone in Area 55 under cover of subtlety.
There, moored at the edge of the dock, was a distinct pirate ship—its sails marked with the unmistakable Donquixote Family insignia.
"Do we move in now?" Smoker asked in a low voice.
The target was close, but Bai Yu's signal would decide everything.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCED 30+ CHAPTERS.
Currently at CHAPTER 159 on Patreon.
Two members on my patreon get a free book each month. A lucky draw,it can be you.
Five chapters every two days on Patreon.
One chapter everyday on webnovel.
patreon.com/FrancisMW