"Correct, it's that guy."
Sengoku pulled a document from his drawer and slid it toward Akainu:
"I don't quite approve, but CP insists that Weevil's strength is sufficient to fill the vacancy. Though intellectually... he seems to have some issues..."
"Then it's settled."
Akainu's face remained cold as he exhaled a smoke ring. "All we need is his combat power anyway. If he's dim-witted and lacks ambition, that just makes him easier to control, doesn't it?"
"That's not my concern."
Sengoku shook his head slightly. "You might not be aware yet, but this guy... he's the perpetrator behind the Zephyr incident back then..."
Akainu stiffened momentarily.
"Pirates truly are scum without exception."
He bit down on his cigar. "But given how turbulent the situation has become, rather than letting such trash roam free, it's better to make his death meaningful. At least he'll contribute something, no?"
Ever since several Warlords of the Sea had fallen consecutively to that man, the so-called Warlords might as well be expendable materials in his eyes. No need to maintain appearances—just drag pirates up to fill the lines. When they die, replace them with the next batch.
Better pirates die than Marines.
Seeing Sengoku still hesitating, Akainu snorted coldly and crushed his cigarette butt violently into the ashtray. "Indecisiveness is a fatal flaw for a leader. If I were Fleet Admiral, I wouldn't hesitate for even a second on this matter."
"..."
Sengoku glanced at him and said quietly, "Sakazuki... The Fleet Admiral's seat isn't as simple as you think..."
Akainu smirked, clearly unconcerned.
A brief silence fell over the office.
Outside the window, seagulls cried, and the distant shouts of recruits training on the field could faintly be heard.
Knock knock!
Just then, the office door was urgently rapped.
"Enter."
Sengoku frowned.
"Fleet Admiral!"
A clerical Lieutenant rushed in, flustered: "Report, Fleet Admiral! We've just received urgent messages simultaneously from G-1 and G-5 branches! Large-scale fleet movements have been observed in the New World!"
Sengoku and Akainu were instantly alarmed.
"A large fleet? Which faction?" Akainu demanded.
"It's... it's the Curtain Closer!" The Lieutenant swallowed hard. "Based on their trajectory, their target is highly likely to be... Totto Land!"
"Totto Land?"
Sengoku's pupils contracted as he shot to his feet: "That brat Xiano is declaring war on BIGMOM?"
What was going on?
Hadn't that guy specifically attended BIGMOM's Tea Party just last winter?
Marine Headquarters' assessment had always been that while the two factions weren't exactly close, their relationship was generally amicable.
Even if the Curtain Closer clashed with the other Emperors, logic dictated they'd likely start with Kaido or Red Hair first.
Why Totto Land?
And why so abruptly? Even their undercover agent... He'd previously instructed Drake to avoid all contact with Headquarters for the first half-month after joining, to avoid suspicion.
Otherwise, they might have...
"Whoever he chooses, the old Four Emperors are all tough opponents. As long as that old hag is alive, the Charlotte Family remains united and formidable enough."
Akainu lit another cigar and said indifferently:
"If we're talking about the real reason, it's that brat getting too full of himself after what happened in Sabaody. He actually thinks no one in the world can touch him now, so he took the initiative to break the peace and start trouble."
"Should we increase surveillance, Fleet Admiral?"
The Lieutenant asked cautiously.
"The Curtain Closer rarely mobilizes their entire force. How could we settle for just surveillance with such a golden opportunity?"
Akainu raised his eyes to look at Sengoku, grinning as he said:
"The Galaxy Sea is in the middle-to-late section of the New World. Taking a fleet would be too slow and might invite that meddling Old Man Whitebeard. Should I go alone?"
Marine Headquarters had already lost face to the Curtain Closer several times.
Now, it was time for him to reclaim their honor.
"No, Sakazuki. You're right about one thing—we can't miss this opportunity. But there's a more suitable candidate."
Sengoku pondered before continuing: "Do you remember that South Sea cop who came to Headquarters this morning wanting to join the Marines?"
"That green-haired guy?"
Akainu frowned. "He's only in his thirties, right? Said his closest colleague was brutally murdered by the Curtain Closer while protecting a Celestial Dragon in Sabaody, so he wants to join us to seek revenge..."
"That's the one."
Sengoku nodded. "Aramaki—that's his name. A Logia user of the Forest-Forest Fruit. Headquarters conducted strength tests on him this morning. Based on the assessment, his power is nearly at, if not already reaching, Admiral level."
Such high praise?
A hint of surprise flashed in Akainu's eyes.
He found it hard to believe some random cop from the South Sea could possess such strength, but coming from Sengoku's mouth, it had to be credible.
"What are you suggesting?" Akainu flicked his cigar ash, narrowing his eyes.
"I'm saying since Aramaki came to us willingly and holds a grudge against the Curtain Closer, we should send him to the Galaxy Sea."
Sengoku clasped his hands under his chin, his gaze profound:
"First, we can test his true strength. Second, news of his joining hasn't spread yet. If he ventures alone into the New World, no one will notice."
If he wins, the Curtain Closer's foundation will be destroyed, dealing them a heavy blow while the Marines get their revenge.
If he loses and fails...
No matter. We can always claim Aramaki only joined the Marines after this battle. Headquarters' reputation won't suffer at all.
Multiple benefits in one move.
Akainu didn't object, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke—clearly quite pleased with the plan.
He only asked one question: "What position are you giving that kid?"
"Kaji's spot is vacant now, isn't it?"
Sengoku looked out the window and said solemnly:
"If he proves his stance after this battle, there's no harm in giving him the Admiral candidate position. As for his codename... With the Forest-Forest Fruit..."
"Let's call him 'Green Bull.'"
...
"Eh? A green cow?"
The Sunset cut swiftly through the waves as Chopper's exclamation rang across the deck.
"Pretty amazing, huh?"
Sanji smiled, withdrawing his gaze from the distant sea beast leaping into the ocean. "A green bull's upper body and a snake's lower half... Only in the New World would you find such bizarre creatures."
"It's time to head back, Chopper. The strategy meeting is about to start. As newcomers, we shouldn't keep the seniors waiting too long."
"Got it!"
The two made their way toward the cabin. From this direction, looking far into the distance, one could see the silhouettes of numerous ships spread out behind and on either side of the Sunset.
A rough count revealed over twenty vessels.
They varied in size and design—most were two or three-masted ships, with a few single-masted ones, and even a uniquely shaped submarine...
But without exception, all flew the white flag bearing two crossed swords piercing a seagull, while their sails and hulls displayed the emblem of the Combat Corps.
The Curtain Closer's Combat Corps was still expanding, now numbering over five thousand members across more than twenty combat divisions. This time, around four thousand had been mobilized—an undeniably massive fleet by any measure.
Creak—
When Sanji pushed open the meeting room door, he was met with the pungent haze of cigar smoke and an air of solemn tension.
On either side of the long table, seated according to their division numbers, were the captains of the Combat Corps—Trafalgar Law, X-Drake, Bartolomeo...
Closer to the head of the table sat several high-ranking officers from the Curtain Closer headquarters.
This time, four members had remained behind at the base: Fujitora, one of the top executives, along with Zeff, Nami, and Mochi... Wait, did that cat even count as an officer?
Sanji wasn't sure, but more than that, he wondered why the supposedly formidable Issho hadn't joined them.
"What an idiot..."
Beside him, Zoro scoffed as if reading his thoughts. "Still can't figure it out? Don't forget, we just made a move against the Celestial Dragons. The Marine Headquarters and the World Government could be lurking in the shadows, ready to strike back. If there's no strong presence guarding our base, how can we focus on fighting the Charlotte Family?"
Fair point.
Sanji nodded in agreement, though he couldn't help but feel suspicious—since when did this guy analyze things so logically?
Thud!
The mystery was quickly solved. No sooner had Zoro flashed a smug grin than he was punched.
"Keep parroting my words, and I'll be the one training you in Haki from now on," Kuina warned coldly, retracting her fist as Zoro clutched his head, tears welling in his eyes.
"The boss lady's power is something else—he's completely at her mercy," Chopper snickered behind his hooves, only to shrink behind Sanji when Zoro shot him a glare.
As they spoke, more people filed into the room until every seat was filled.
When the last division captain took their place, the murmurs in the meeting room gradually died down.
All eyes turned to the head of the table—where a high-backed chair stood empty.
Almost simultaneously, the door swung open again.
A figure draped in a black cloak strode in, accompanied by a majestic silver wolf with snow-white fur. His gaze swept across the room.
Instantly, the chamber fell silent, every person instinctively straightening their posture.
"Everyone's here?"
Xiano took his seat at the head of the table, scanning the room with his gaze. "Good, let's not waste time then. We'll begin this strategy meeting immediately."
He snapped his fingers.
Smoker, who had been prepared in advance, immediately understood. He stood up and spread a massive nautical chart across the whiteboard. The chart clearly marked the route from the Galaxy Sea to Totto Land, with particularly detailed annotations of the thirty to forty islands in the Totto Land region—their sizes, outlines, and general distribution.
This was a map Nami had drawn during last year's Tea Party, far more precise and comprehensive than anything available on the black market. Now it was proving useful ahead of time.
"According to intelligence, excluding those islands outside that merely fly the flag of the BIGMOM Pirate Crew, the territory of Totto Land alone consists of thirty-five islands," Smoker said gravely, pointing at the chart. "With the advantage of fighting on their home turf, they can quickly mobilize an army of over thirty thousand. This force surpasses not just our Combat Corps but even all Four Legions combined. In terms of scale, they far outmatch us."
"But not necessarily in strength!" His eyes swept across the room. "The Charlotte Family is bound by blood ties. Almost all their core combatants are BIGMOM's children. Among them, there are four Sweet Commander-level officers, and many of the other children are also formidable. However, their average quality is definitely inferior to ours!"
"No doubt about that!" Bartolomeo slammed the table and stood up, shouting excitedly, "It goes without saying! With Lord Xiano here and all you seniors, those so-called Sweet Commanders are nothing but trash!"
This victory would undoubtedly belong to them, the Curtain Closers!
"Sit down, Barto." Xiano shot him a glance. "Let Smoker finish his analysis first. Strategically, we can despise the enemy, but tactically, we must take them seriously."
"Yes, my lord!" Bartolomeo immediately sat back down like a tamed puppy, though the fervor in his eyes remained undiminished. "Senior Smoker, please continue!"
This guy... Smoker shook his head and ignored him, taking out five wanted posters and lining them up neatly on the whiteboard.
"As for their mid-tier forces, our officers and division commanders can handle them based on the battlefield situation. But these five—I believe we need to assign matchups for them in advance."
Starting from the lowest bounty and moving up, Smoker introduced them one by one:
"Charlotte Snack, one of the Sweet Four Generals, the Fried Minister, with a bounty of 600 million Berry!"
"Charlotte Perospero, the eldest son of the family. Within the family, he's practically the equivalent of a chief steward. Neither his status nor his strength should be underestimated. His bounty is as high as 700 million Berry!"
"Charlotte Cracker, one of the Sweet Four Generals, the Biscuit Minister, with a bounty of 860 million Berry!"
"Charlotte Smoothie, one of the Sweet Four Generals, the Juice Minister, with a bounty of 932 million Berry!"
"Charlotte Katakuri, the leader of the Sweet Four Generals, the Candy Minister, with a bounty of... 1.057 billion Berry!"
Smoker's voice echoed through the meeting room. When he read out the figure of 1.057 billion Berry, several of those who had only recently arrived in the New World couldn't help but gasp.
A breakthrough existence surpassing one billion Berries...
Fortunately, even without counting Fujitora who remained guarding their base, the Curtain Closers still had three members present.
The rookies' gazes instinctively shifted over. Jack basked in the attention, pointing at himself with his thumb as he grinned widely:
"Then what's there to discuss? Katakuri's the toughest one, right? Leave him to me! That guy really loves acting cool—I've been itching to fight him ever since Thunder God Island!"
"Not your turn, Jack."
Kuina spoke coldly, "This man... I'll handle him myself."
"Huh?"
Jack immediately looked pained, scratching his head as he complained:
"Boss, no need to push yourself so hard. Last time at
Sabaody, you took on the strongest—Kizaru. This time, let me share some of the burden, yeah?"
He'd crossed the one billion bounty mark too!
Though just barely scraping past the threshold, neither more nor less...
But at least in terms of bounty, he was on the same level as this Katakuri!
"Leave it to you?"
Kuina raised her eyes to look at him, "Would you win?"
(End of chapter)