Chapter 136: Meeting the Intruder
Even if they usually disliked each other, in this case, the Shichibukai chose to stand on the same side with tacit understanding. Even Bartholomew Kuma, who usually obeyed the World Government's orders without question, was no exception.
The Shichibukai and the Marine Admirals faced off, and for a moment, the atmosphere in the conference hall grew dangerously tense.
"This is exactly why I say pirates can't be trusted," Akainu said, standing up again, magma bubbling from his body. "Even if they show up to the battlefield, there's no way to confirm where these criminals will truly stand. Fleet Admiral Sengoku, give me the word and I'll wipe them out right now."
"Try it, magma bastard!" Moria growled, brandishing his massive scissors.
"Silence!" Vice Admiral Tsuru, who had remained silent until now, snapped. Her voice echoed through the chamber. "Is this how you behave before a war? Fighting each other before the real battle even begins? It's shameful."
Tsuru's presence still commanded authority. With her words, both sides settled down.
"Sit down, Sakazuki," Sengoku ordered, glancing sternly at Akainu.
"Tch." Akainu grunted, his magma receding slightly as he sat.
Moria scoffed, putting away his scissors and returning to his seat.
Once calm returned, Tsuru continued, "To be honest, we don't expect much from you in this war. The World Government summoned you mainly for show. But if any of you act in a way that discredits the name of the Shichibukai during this conflict, don't expect leniency."
Her eyes scanned the Warlords.
"You're all smart enough to understand what I mean."
Moria chuckled. "Fine by me."
Dracule Mihawk, Boa Hancock, Bartholomew Kuma, and Jinbe remained silent but clearly agreed.
"Good," Tsuru nodded. "Now let's move on to the war council."
She stepped to the front of the table.
"Our target is Portgas D. Ace, who carries the bloodline of the Pirate King. A year ago, he allied with the Whitebeard Pirates. This means if we move against Ace, Whitebeard will act—and war will be inevitable."
"We attempted to negotiate with Whitebeard," Tsuru said, "but he refused. So this war is coming, whether we want it or not. The only question is where and when."
"We control the timing. But Whitebeard controls the battlefield. That puts us at a disadvantage. Which brings us to why we need you. Before the war begins, we want you to launch surprise attacks on Whitebeard's territory. Disrupt his plans."
Moria laughed. "Now this is a plan I can get behind."
"No objections here," Mihawk said.
"I agree," Hancock said after a moment.
Kuma said nothing, but gave a nod.
Only Jinbe stood up to speak—but he was interrupted.
A figure suddenly appeared in the center of the room, wearing a top hat and holding a cane. He smiled politely.
"A preemptive strike is a solid idea," he said, "but I have a better one."
Gasps filled the room.
"Who the hell are you?!" someone shouted.
"A-la-la... letting someone sneak in here. That's sloppy," Aokiji murmured, rising with a sigh. Cold mist drifted from his body.
"Just a simple trick," the man replied. "No need to get worked up, Admiral Aokiji."
"You're Lafitte," Tsuru said coolly.
Sengoku turned to her. "You know him?"
"Former West Blue security officer. Expelled for excessive violence. A nasty piece of work."
Lafitte bowed. "I'm flattered, Vice Admiral Tsuru. Truly. But we're getting off topic."
Sengoku narrowed his eyes. "You said you can make Whitebeard attack first. Explain."
"Our captain recently captured someone valuable. If used properly, it could provoke Whitebeard into making the first move."
"And your captain is?"
"Marshall D. Teach," Lafitte said proudly. "He may be unknown now, but he carries the power of a legendary pirate. Strong enough to be worthy of the Shichibukai title."
He twirled his cane. "And the person we captured is none other than the second-in-command of the Revolutionary Army."
—
Meanwhile, on an uninhabited island near Dressrosa, a wounded Kerla awoke from unconsciousness.
"Sabo-kun!" she cried, scrambling to find a Den Den Mushi.
But every communication device she had was gone.
Weak and desperate, Kerla dragged herself to the shoreline. After scanning the horizon, she gritted her teeth and plunged into the sea, swimming toward a distant destination with all the strength she had left.