Chapter 62 Beheading Operation
Brett's office.
Brett positioned himself by the window, observing the vessels slowly departing from the nearby harbor.
After merely one night of rest, the merchants had swiftly loaded the ore onto their ships and commenced their journey.
The Sabaody Islands are in close proximity to Fish-Man Island and can be reached within a day's time. If they were to delay for an additional two days, they would surely forfeit two trades.
However, they did not depart unaccompanied; Fishmen were present to provide protection.
Neptune temporarily reassigned some personnel from the Dragon palace army to escort the merchants from Fish-Man Island back to Sabaody Archipelago.
"Is there truly no issue with this? " Jinbei's voice, tinged with concern, emerged from behind.
Brett turned to face him, leaning against the window as he replied composedly, "There is no need for excessive worry, brother Jinbei, engaging in frivolity serves no purpose. "
"Nevertheless, Dragon Kingdom is affiliated with the World Government. When I killed those marines, there were no witnesses. As long as they don't have evidence, they lack justification for initiating war."
"Is that so? "
Jinbei exhaled in relief, "I believed we had just mitigated the threat from pirates, only to be on the brink of conflict with the navy once more. "
"Naturally, this assumes the World Government has not made a definitive decision," Brett added.
". . . "
Jinbei narrowed his eyes, "Would you like to reach out to Whitebeard? He would certainly assist if he is aware of the circumstances. "
Brett did not question this certainty.
Whitebeard's reputation is widely recognized.
The flag of the Whitebeard Pirates continues to fly at Fish-Man Island's port. Neptune and Whitebeard share a long-standing acquaintance. If Fish-Man Island faces challenges, the Whitebeard Pirates will never remain passive spectators.
"You may begin preparations," Brett instructed. "One cannot simply remain idle and wait. "
It is unwise to base your security on the disposition of others.
Brett was uncertain whether the navy would refrain from action due to concerns regarding Dragon Kingdom, Jinbei's status as a Warlord, his presence in the deep sea, and the involvement of the Whitebeard Pirates.
He recognized that advance planning was imperative.
Although Brett resides in the deep sea and is not vulnerable to a direct assault by the navy, complications still arise.
The World Government possesses extensive resources that can be mobilized. If a direct confrontation is pursued, Fish-Man Island is unlikely to benefit.
What if the government navy opts for covert actions rather than overt confrontation?
Preparations must be initiated promptly.
Brett had even considered the possibility of entirely vacating Fish-Man Island should the government aim to sever ties with it.
Brett felt somewhat helpless in this situation.
This predicament is entirely the fault of Hager.
If he had not insisted on creating chaos, such an embarrassing situation would not have arisen.
"I understand; I will get in touch with Whitebeard. "
Jinbei acknowledged and stated, "I will also reach out to the World Government alongside King Neptune. It is my hope that the identities of the participating nations and a Warlord will induce some caution on their part. "
Brett nodded in agreement.
Although it is somewhat humiliating to rely on external parties, there is little choice at the moment.
However, there is nothing to fear; the worst possible outcome is merely going to sea.
Furthermore, is it certain that the government will make a decisive move?
Brett struggles to place trust in the principles of the World Government.
This group was experiencing considerable distress. Meanwhile, discussions regarding Brett were already occurring at Navy Headquarters.
"So, Kong, what are our next steps? "
In addition to the Fleet Admiral himself, five other individuals occupied the somewhat cramped space of the Fleet Admiral's office.
The Admiral Sengoku, who spoke at that moment, while a elderly white-haired man seated on the sofa consuming senbei.
Opposite him sat a serene-looking old man with purple hair, while Vice Admiral Tsuru, the chief of staff, was positioned between the two elder gentlemen.
The final individual, a man with curly black hair, lounged alone on another sofa, appearing rather lethargic.
"This matter is quite challenging to navigate. "
The Fleet Admiral overseeing the entire navy let out a soft sigh, saying, "That wretch Jinbe claimed that the boy is innocent, yet we cannot substantiate this with evidence. "
"Ultimately, Fishman Island is a member of the World Government. We cannot deploy troops to detain the leadership of a member state based solely on suspicion. "
While pirates may act without restraint, the navy must adhere to regulations.
The navy must maintain adherence to rules; otherwise, how would other allied nations feel secure?
The navy has never reckoned with the implications of initiating a conflict with Fishman Island due to an incident involving Fishman Brett.
"That Jinbei remains a newly appointed Warlord. If we were to confront him hastily, how would other Warlords view our actions? "
The Fleet Admiral appeared significantly troubled, "Moreover, what ramifications would arise from waging war against the fishmen in the depths of the ocean? "
If only serving as a navy member were as uncomplicated as being a pirate.
"Are we merely going to stand idly by? "
Sengoku remarked coldly, "Fleet Admiral, are we going to allow the individual who may have killed our comrades to escape justice? "
The Fleet Admiral looked up, casting a displeased glance at Sengoku.
'How could you, comprehend my difficulties without being in my circumstances? Indeed, I should have transferred this burden to him.'
"Admiral Sengoku is correct, Fleet Admiral Kong, this situation cannot conclude in this manner! "
A man entered the room with purpose.
The elderly man with purple hair expressed surprise, "Sakazuki, why have you returned? "
The man donned in a naval cap released an intense presence and stated, "The latest information reveals that the Whitebeard Pirates are approaching the forefront of the New World. "
"Did they request assistance from the Whitebeard Pirates? " Vice Admiral Tsuru acknowledged, "As suspected, Fish-Man Island remains nominally under the jurisdiction of the Whitebeard Pirates. "
"Then the complexity of the situation increases. "
The purple-haired individual, who was a former Admiral and is now the chief instructor of the navy, Zephyr, furrowed his brow.
"I never intended to confront Fish-Man Island with force directly," Kong remarked nonchalantly, "However, given that Whitebeard has taken action, Garp, if you are feeling restless, proceed to the New World. Should any incident occur, I fear that Borsalino may not manage it by himself. "
"Oh! Leave it to me! "
The naval hero, who had just consumed a bag of senbei, was brimming with enthusiasm.
"This merely indicates their sense of guilt. "
Sakazuki stated coldly, "We must apprehend that fishman and ensure he faces justice. "
"Then, Sakazuki, what is your proposal? " Kong inquired eagerly.
The next Fleet Admiral is determined to be Sengoku, but the decision regarding whether Sakazuki or Kuzan will lead the next generation remains undecided.
"Given that we cannot deploy troops directly, and if the individual escapes into the depths of the sea where no one can capture him, we will send an elite team to retrieve him," Sakazuki suggested, "Dispatch someone to infiltrate Fish-Man Island in disguise and apprehend him directly. "
"That is an excellent idea. "
Kong concurred, "However, operations in the deep sea are incredibly perilous. "
"As a member of the navy, what threats should we fear? If feasible, I will request to participate in the fight personally," Sakazuki responded in a stern tone, "But since we intend to infiltrate Fish-Man Island, we must first satisfy two requirements. "
" People without devil fruit powers and that doesn't possess the same renown as I do."
Kong was left speechless. Had he not been familiar with this man's character, he might have believed he was boasting.
"Since there is no superior alternative, this will be the course of action! "
The Fleet Admiral exuded confidence, "Execute a beheading operation and capture the fishman Brett! "
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