Chapter 137 – The Successor of the Lion
Navy Headquarters, Marineford, inside the conference hall.
"Our pirate crew is called the Blackbeard Pirates, and our captain's name is Marshall D. Teach, better known as Blackbeard. Please remember this name." Lafitte's eyes swept across the conference table. He smiled faintly and continued, "Not long ago, our captain inherited the ability of a legendary pirate, making him more than worthy of the title of Shichibukai."
"As for the man captured by our captain — his name is Sabo, the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army," Lafitte added.
"Sabo!"
"The second-in-command of the Revolutionary Army!"
Hearing the name, Akainu and Aokiji exchanged glances, surprise evident in their eyes.
They knew full well that during the Dressrosa incident, Kizaru had been injured by this very man and had yet to fully recover.
As two of the Navy's three Admirals, Akainu and Aokiji understood Kizaru's strength better than anyone. Injuring him was no simple feat — even the two of them together would have difficulty doing so.
Although Kizaru's report stated that both he and Sabo had sustained injuries in that battle, the fact that Sabo could fight Kizaru to such a degree proved he possessed Admiral-level combat power.
For someone like that to be captured by an unknown pirate… even accounting for possible injuries, it meant this "Blackbeard" was a force to be reckoned with.
"Marshall D. Teach… that's the man the Whitebeard Pirates issued a kill-on-sight order for a year ago." Vice Admiral Tsuru's gaze fixed on Lafitte. "If I remember correctly, he was once a member of Whitebeard's crew, but was hunted down for murdering a crewmate."
"Fufufu… That's right." Lafitte showed no shame at the mention of Blackbeard's betrayal. Instead, he said with a smile, "We and the Whitebeard Pirates are mortal enemies. If our captain becomes a Shichibukai, we will spare no effort in helping the Navy bring Whitebeard down."
"How did you capture the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army?" Sengoku suddenly asked.
"It was… an accident," Lafitte replied smoothly.
"An accident?" Sengoku's eyes narrowed. He had a fairly good idea of what had happened.
Though the clash between Sabo and Kizaru had not been made public, Sengoku knew very well that Kizaru had been seriously injured — and that the man he fought was likewise gravely wounded.
It was likely Blackbeard had stumbled across the injured Sabo after that battle and seized the opportunity to capture him.
"Next question," Sengoku said. "You claimed your captain inherited the power of a legendary pirate. Name him."
"The Golden Lion," Lafitte answered without hesitation. "The man who once contended with Gol D. Roger and Whitebeard for supremacy before the Great Pirate Era — the 'Flying Pirate' Shiki the Golden Lion. Our captain has inherited his Float-Float Fruit ability."
"Golden Lion Shiki!" Sengoku's expression darkened. "How did you obtain his ability?"
"No comment. That is our secret." Lafitte's smile never wavered. "But I think you'll agree that a captain who possesses the legendary Float-Float Fruit is more than qualified to hold the title of Shichibukai."
The room fell silent. Everyone present knew Shiki's reputation — one of the few pirates who could truly be called a legend. With his power, Blackbeard indeed had the qualifications.
"Hmph!" Sengoku finally snorted. "We will consider your request. The appointment of a Shichibukai requires the World Government's approval."
He then asked, "Although you've captured the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army, that man has nothing to do with Whitebeard. Why are you certain Whitebeard will come to Marineford for him?"
"Because Sabo is the sworn brother of Portgas D. Ace," Lafitte explained, tapping his cane lightly against the floor. "If you publicly announce that Sabo will be executed here at Marineford, Ace will come to save him. And if Ace comes, Whitebeard will not sit idly by — he'll lead his entire fleet here. The war will shift from Whitebeard's territory to your very doorstep."
"I see… the second-in-command of the Revolutionary Army and Fire Fist Ace are brothers?" Gecko Moria chuckled darkly. "Hehehe… Sengoku, this deal sounds quite advantageous. Offering one Shichibukai seat in exchange for such an opportunity — I'd call that a bargain."
"Silence!" Sengoku shot Moria a sharp glare. "It's not your place to tell us how to run the Navy."
After a pause, Sengoku turned back to Lafitte. "Very well. I agree to your terms. But you must deliver Sabo to Marineford within three days — and join the war against Whitebeard."
"Fufufu… No problem. In three days, the Blackbeard Pirates will be here with him." Lafitte gave a gentleman's bow to the room before leaping out the window. A pair of pure-white wings sprouted from his back, carrying him into the sky.
"That's all for today's meeting," Sengoku declared once Lafitte was gone. He left the room at once, with Tsuru following close behind.
Akainu and Aokiji exchanged a glance before departing together.
The remaining Shichibukai looked at each other. All of them understood — the news Lafitte had brought could be the turning point of the coming war, perhaps even deciding its outcome.
This unexpected intrusion had thrown the balance into chaos.
That evening, in the waters near Sun Island—
Outside the Flame Gate, a small figure emerged from the sea, swimming toward the shore. It was Koala, her body battered and bruised from her desperate journey from Dressrosa.
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