Seeing that Bartolomeo was so unafraid of death, Crocodile, a former Warlord of the Sea who had often stepped foot into Marineford, was even less likely to back down at this point.
Noticing that everyone seemed to be treating Marineford as a joke, Douglas Bullet could only silently pray that the so-called "Hero of the Marines" wouldn't show up!
The next morning, the four of them stepped onto the streets of Loguetown after finishing breakfast.
As they reached the square where the commotion had happened the previous day, they immediately felt that something was off.
"Do you guys notice anything strange?"Douglas Bullet was the first to speak.
"It's too quiet. This square is usually the liveliest part of Loguetown. Even with all the chaos yesterday, it's impossible for the whole street to be completely deserted."Bartolomeo looked around the empty streets, a puzzled expression on his face.
Clearly, something had happened in Loguetown.
"They're here."Renji Kai narrowed his eyes toward the far end of the street and spoke with a lowered tone.
Hearing his words, the others instantly shifted into battle stance.
Even Bartolomeo positioned himself in front of everyone, ready to summon his barrier at any moment for protection.
And sure enough, the next moment, a large group of people dressed in white coats appeared from down the street.
From their attire, it was immediately obvious—they were Marines!
"Heh, now this is getting interesting… That guy came too,"Crocodile sneered as the group approached.
Of the four, besides Renji Kai, Crocodile was the one who understood the Navy's inner workings the best.
Douglas Bullet had been locked up in Impel Down for more than twenty years and was no longer familiar with the current world.
Bartolomeo had been focused on building his criminal underworld in this small corner of the world and didn't know much about the higher-ups in Marine HQ either.
Curious now, both Bullet and Bartolomeo turned to Crocodile.
"Who came?" Bartolomeo casually asked.
Before Crocodile could answer, Renji Kai took a step forward and said coldly:"Admiral Sakazuki, also known as Akainu."
Hearing this, Bartolomeo drew in a sharp breath.
He may not have fought a Marine Admiral before, but he'd heard the stories.He never doubted the strength of a Marine Admiral.
The Admirals were regarded as the peak of the Navy's combat power—near-invincible within Marine Headquarters.
Now that they were about to face one, Bartolomeo couldn't help but feel nervous. He brought his fingers together in a familiar hand gesture, ready to activate his defense techniques at any moment.
Moments later, the Marine forces led by Akainu came to a stop in front of them.
Behind him stood three Vice Admirals, forming a perfect 4v4 standoff.
Akainu, chomping on a cigar, scanned Renji Kai briefly, then shifted his gaze to the man behind him—Crocodile.
"Crocodile… You pathetic piece of trash. We gave you the title of Warlord as a favor, and now you're someone else's lapdog?"Akainu exhaled a puff of smoke and mocked him with a sneer.
Crocodile almost coughed up blood on the spot.
This was the second person within 24 hours who had taunted him like this.
But unlike Smoker, Akainu was a whole different league, so all Crocodile could do was talk back.
"Who I choose to work with is none of your damn business. The World Government already revoked my title, so I don't owe you anything anymore."
"Hah! What a joke. Joining forces with another loser—do you really think you can challenge the World Government or the Navy?
Today, I'll wipe all of you worthless pirates off the map right here in Loguetown!"Akainu growled, his tone cold and merciless.
"Hey, Red Dog… didn't the World Government send you with a message for me?"Renji Kai suddenly cut in, his words dropping like a bomb.
Everyone behind him was stunned.
Even across the battlefield, Akainu and his three Vice Admirals paused briefly—though they quickly composed themselves.
But Renji Kai had already caught the subtle reaction in that short moment.
He had suspected this all along.
After defeating Crocodile, he knew the World Government might consider recruiting him.
After all, he had taken control of a former Warlord, and was roaming the seas with one of the most dangerous men in history—Douglas Bullet.
If Renji Kai really were to become a Warlord, it would be a huge win for the World Government.
With a single position, they could control three powerful pirates—a three-for-one deal that was too tempting to pass up.
"…The World Government did send an official letter,"Akainu finally admitted.
The three Vice Admirals behind him immediately reacted—their expressions darkened as they all turned toward him.After all, they had originally agreed to keep this matter hidden.
"Oh? What did the letter say?" Renji Kai asked calmly.
"The World Government has ordered the Navy to severely punish the two criminals who escaped from Impel Down…
…and to eliminate the disgraceful former Warlord once and for all!"Akainu enunciated each word with force.
"Hah! Falsifying a World Government order isn't a small matter.
You three Vice Admirals… aren't you afraid of what'll happen if your superiors find out?"Renji Kai replied with a sarcastic smile.
He didn't believe a single word Akainu said.
Because he knew the World Government far too well.