"They got away?"
Sengoku's face turned green as he listened to Kizaru's report.
This time, they had deployed two Marine Admirals, yet... they still failed to eliminate the Straw Hat Pirates?
Even if that ninja kid could single-handedly defeat a Buster Call, there's no way he could take on two Marine Admirals!!
Does that make any sense?
"That's just how it is, Fleet Admiral Sengoku~" Kizaru shrugged.
After Rayleigh blocked him and left, he went to search other areas for traces of the Straw Hat Pirates.
But... he found no sign of them.
Not only that, he couldn't locate Sakazuki either.
Veins bulged on Sengoku's forehead as he could almost imagine how furious those five old men must be.
Two Marine Admirals working together couldn't capture a rookie pirate crew... This is utterly disgraceful!
"Are you certain there's no trace of them left on the island?"
"Yes, confirmed." Kizaru nodded. "I led troops to search all the Numbered Trees but found nothing."
It was as if they had vanished into thin air, completely disappearing.
This frustrated Kizaru too, but what could he do?
He wasn't a god—he couldn't possibly know where they'd gone.
Sengoku clenched his fists before letting out a deep sigh.
"Ah..."
At this point, there was nothing more he could do.
After all, the Marines currently lacked the resources to search elsewhere for the Straw Hat Pirates.
Whitebeard could appear at Marine Headquarters at any moment—they had to stay vigilant.
"What about Sakazuki?"
"No idea~"
"No idea?"
Sengoku immediately frowned. Weren't those two supposed to intercept the Straw Hat Pirates together?
Come to think of it, that guy hadn't returned to headquarters either... What was he doing?
"I really don't know," Kizaru said, spreading his hands. "He never contacted me."
Listening to Kizaru, Sengoku felt a headache coming on.
At a time like this... where the hell did Sakazuki run off to?
Wait... Could it be that guy knew where the Straw Hat Pirates were and went after them?
At this thought, a glimmer of hope flashed in Sengoku's eyes.
If Sakazuki could annihilate the Straw Hat Pirates, the problem would be perfectly resolved!
Without hesitation, he pulled out a Den Den Mushi and dialed Akainu's number.
"Buro buro buro~"
"Buro buro buro~"
"Buro buro buro~"
"Click—"
Once connected, Sengoku spoke: "This is Sengoku."
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku?"
Hearing the Fleet Admiral's voice, Akainu's adjutant froze momentarily before his expression turned slightly uneasy.
"Why you?" Sengoku frowned. "Where's Sakazuki?"
"Admiral Sakazuki, the Fleet Admiral wishes to speak with you."
At his adjutant's words, Akainu—who had been standing at the ship's bow—turned and took the Den Den Mushi handed to him.
"This is Sakazuki."
"Sakazuki, why didn't you return to headquarters with Borsalino?" Sengoku demanded.
"Because I'm pursuing Moria," Akainu replied coldly. "If not for that bastard, I would've captured the Blood-Eyed Ninja."
At this moment, Akainu's heart was filled with indescribable fury.
His mission had nearly been completed, but then... Moria suddenly appeared out of nowhere!
Because of that damned Moria, he lost the chance to capture the Blood-Eyed Ninja and could only watch helplessly as the target vanished.
And afterward?
That bastard Moria didn't even fight him to the death. After stalling him for a while, the man grew shadow wings and flew away!
That scene nearly made Akainu explode with rage.
Sengoku remained silent for a moment before speaking. "So you're saying Moria helped the Straw Hat Pirates escape?"
At this moment, Sengoku too felt a terrifying killing intent toward Moria.
That traitorous bastard could have just defected quietly, but no—he had to deliberately assist the Straw Hat Pirates... What was he trying to prove?
Provoking the Marines?
"That was part of it," Akainu said.
"Part of it?"
"Yeah." Akainu nodded. "I failed to capture the Blood-Eyed Ninja because of him, but... the Straw Hat Pirates' disappearance was Kuma's doing."
Hearing this, Kizaru—who had been standing nearby—raised an eyebrow.
Kuma...
Suddenly, everything clicked into place for Kizaru.
As a Marine Admiral, he knew exactly what Kuma's Devil Fruit Ability could do.
"No wonder I couldn't find any trace of the Straw Hat Pirates on Sabaody Archipelago. So Kuma slapped them away?"
"Kuma?"
Sengoku's expression darkened. Had Kuma betrayed them too?
But that didn't make sense. The man's body had already been mostly modified—just one step away from becoming a complete weapon of destruction.
Under those circumstances... would he really betray them?
But if not betrayal, then why help the Straw Hat Pirates?
"Correct," Akainu confirmed. "During my fight with Moria, I heard someone shout Kuma's name."
"So I fought my way toward the source and eventually sensed Kuma and the Blood-Eyed Ninja's presence."
"After that... the Blood-Eyed Ninja and the other two vanished."
He paused before adding, "I assume you all know what Kuma's power is capable of."
+
"Yes, we know."
Precisely because they knew, it made the situation even more baffling.
They couldn't fathom why Kuma would assist the Straw Hat Pirates.
By all accounts, there shouldn't have been any connection between them.
"If you want answers, go ask him yourself," Akainu said.
Not that he'd gotten the chance—the man had disappeared before Akainu could interrogate him.
The frustration of it all made Akainu's blood boil.
"That won't be possible," Kizaru interjected.
"Why not?"
"On my way back, I received word that Kuma has already returned to Egghead. By now... he's probably undergoing Consciousness Removal Surgery."
Vegapunk himself had informed Kizaru that the procedure would commence immediately.
This was the World Government's directive, so Kizaru couldn't object.
Who would've thought... that before having his consciousness erased, Kuma would come to Sabaody Archipelago to rescue someone?
Hearing Kizaru's words, both Akainu and Sengoku fell into heavy silence.
None of them were fools; they naturally understood what this meant.
As things stood now... even if they wanted to figure out Kuma's intentions, it was already impossible.
Because Vegapunk had once said that the Consciousness Removal Surgery was irreversible. Once the procedure began, no one could restore the other's consciousness.
Thinking of this, Sengoku sighed silently.
"Let's leave the matter of the Straw Hat Pirates as it is for now. I'll explain the situation to the Five Elders later," Sengoku said. "Sakazuki, you should return first."
No matter what, the Straw Hat Pirates' escape was already a done deal. No matter how displeased he was, he couldn't change that fact.
So... it was better to focus on the tasks at hand.
"Return?"
"What about Moria?"
If he didn't kill that bastard, he felt he wouldn't be able to swallow his anger.
"We'll deal with Moria later," Sengoku said. "The priority now is handling what comes next. You understand what I mean, right?"
At these words, Akainu fell silent.
He knew exactly what Sengoku meant—he was being ordered to return and stand by, guarding against a potential sneak attack by Whitebeard.
But the problem was... he had already found traces of Moria. Just a little more time, and he could have captured that bastard!
Next time, he absolutely wouldn't give that bastard a chance to escape!
Yet Akainu also knew that what the Marines had to do next was of utmost importance. There couldn't be the slightest mistake, or the Marines might face catastrophic consequences.
Thinking this, Akainu sighed quietly.
"Understood. I'll set sail back immediately."
"Good, return as soon as possible." Sengoku paused briefly before adding, "As for the World Government... I'll handle it."
Click.
After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Sengoku rubbed his temples with a headache.
Though he already knew what had happened... getting the Five Elders to accept this reality wouldn't be easy.
Setting the Den Den Mushi aside, Sengoku asked, "By the way, you mentioned you ran into the Dark King, Rayleigh, right?"
"That's correct."
"What was that guy's intention?" Sengoku said. "Is he planning to set sail again?"
If that old man took to the seas once more, the repercussions would be enormous.
Especially... during such a sensitive time.
"Not at all," Kizaru shook his head. "From what he said, he just took a liking to the Straw Hat Pirates, which is why he intervened to stop me."
As for why he favored that group of rookies, Kizaru had no idea.
Perhaps... it was because of that Ninja?
"Even Rayleigh is backing this group of rookies..." Sengoku muttered with a headache. "This really isn't good news." According to Kizaru, the Blood-Eyed Ninja had already mastered Haki and could wield it proficiently in battle.
Yet just days ago, that guy hadn't known Haki at all!
This meant he had learned this combat technique within a matter of days—proof of just how terrifying his talent was.
Coupled with his innate Ninja abilities, the threat he posed was even greater!!
If he reached the New World, who knew if he might grow to the level of the Four Emperors?
This kid that even Rayleigh thinks highly of... might truly have that kind of potential!
At this thought, Sengoku felt a throbbing pain in his head.
Damn it, Garp! What kind of partner has your grandson found?!
But the moment he thought of Garp, Sengoku fell silent again, then sighed quietly.
Forget it... that old man isn't having it easy right now either. No point chewing him out.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, shall we deal with Rayleigh?" Kizaru asked.
Though he said this, Kizaru's expression remained lazy, clearly not actually intending to capture the man.
Otherwise... he would've made his move earlier.
Sengoku didn't mind—he was already used to Kizaru's usual antics.
After some consideration, Sengoku said, "As long as he doesn't set sail, leave him be."
Although what that guy did this time was utterly infuriating, the Marines couldn't just recklessly take action against Rayleigh.
Because the implications were too great!!
Killing him would be easy, but capturing the other members of the Roger Pirates would be far harder.
If they learned of Rayleigh's death... explosive news might spread across the seas.
Like the truth of the Void Century... or the One Piece.
This was something neither he nor the World Government could accept.
So... best to ignore him.
This was the strange unspoken agreement between the Marines and the Roger Pirates—they wouldn't pursue them, and in return, the pirates wouldn't leak sensitive information.
It worked out for everyone.
"Hmm~"
"That's for the best." Kizaru chuckled. "After all... this guy's pretty strong~"
Sengoku shot him an exasperated look. This guy just wanted to slack off.
Shaking his head, Sengoku continued, "Anyway, this time we—"
Just then, the office door was suddenly knocked on, followed by a voice.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, urgent news!"
"Enter!"
"Bang!"
Watching the breathless communications soldier rush in, Sengoku frowned. "What's got you so flustered?"
Had Whitebeard already launched his attack?
No, that couldn't be. The execution was still days away. Even if that guy wanted to rescue someone, he'd have to go to Impel Down first.
But... knowing Whitebeard, that old man would never stoop to raiding Impel Down.
Forget whether they could even cross the Calm Belt—even if they could, Whitebeard would never swallow his pride like that.
After all... the Marines had already issued their challenge. If Whitebeard didn't respond, wouldn't that make him a coward?
His title as the "Strongest Man" would be utterly disgraced.
That was why Sengoku was certain Whitebeard would come to Marine Headquarters for the fight.
"Oh~"
"Don't panic. Speak slowly~"
"Admiral Kizaru—"
The soldier first greeted Kizaru, then swallowed hard. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, we just received an emergency newspaper release."
As he spoke, he placed a newspaper on the desk.
"Emergency...?"
Sengoku's expression darkened instantly. Had Morgans already printed the news about the Celestial Dragon's death?
But... how? It hadn't even been that long!
Only half a day had passed since the Straw Hat Pirates killed a Celestial Dragon.
And yet... this bastard had already printed the latest newspaper?
An emergency print run?
As he pondered, Sengoku walked forward and snatched the newspaper from the table, scrutinizing it carefully.
The headline clearly stated that Meiser, the Blood-Eyed Ninja of the Straw Hat Pirates, had slain three Celestial Dragons—complete with accompanying photos!!
The moment Sengoku saw the images, his mind went blank.
How the hell had this bastard gotten his hands on these pictures?
Could there have been one of Morgans' reporters at that auction house?
These bastards really were everywhere...
SLAM!
He slammed the newspaper onto the table and roared, "That damn Morgans! How dare he?!"
Didn't this guy realize the kind of impact such a report would have?
Wasn't he afraid of the World Government coming after him?
Kizaru leaned over and glanced at the newspaper, taking in the images.
One of them showed Meiser pinning Saint Shalria to her seat with a sword, his cold expression making it clear—Celestial Dragons meant nothing to him.
"Ohhh~"
"These rookies these days... scaryyy~"
To mercilessly slaughter three Celestial Dragons—what a madman.
Ignoring the sarcastic bastard, Sengoku looked up at the communications officer and barked, "Contact Morgans immediately. Order him to stop distributing the newspaper at once."
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Vice Admiral Tsuru already issued that command as soon as we received the news," the officer replied helplessly. "But Morgans said he'd already sent out all the printed copies—there's no way to recall them."
According to Morgans, the News Birds had already taken off with the papers. They had no way to contact the birds individually, meaning they couldn't call them back.
Only after the News Birds sold out their stock would they return to the press.
BAM!!
Furious, Sengoku punched a hole straight through the desk.
"That damn bastard..."
"Fleet Admiral, the newspaper's already out. We should focus on mitigating the fallout," Kizaru said. "After all... the Straw Hat Pirates aren't dead."
"I know."
That was exactly why he was so frustrated.
If word got out that the Straw Hat Pirates were still alive, it could trigger a wave of followers—or worse, inspire other madmen to start hunting Celestial Dragons!!
Resolving this mess wouldn't be easy.
The best solution was to track down the Straw Hat Pirates and eliminate them.
But... easier said than done.
Only Kuma himself knew where the Straw Hat Pirates had gone, and now his consciousness was gone!!
They'd have to search the hard way...
But right now, they had no time to deal with the Straw Hats. Whitebeard was the top priority.
With that in mind, Sengoku growled, "Tell Morgans that if he dares publish something like this again, I'll pluck every feather off his damn birds!"
"Yes, sir!"
As he watched the officer leave, Kizaru mused to himself: 'That's what you say... but Morgans might not be scared so easily.'
After all... that guy is one of the so-called underground kings. If he truly feared the Navy, he wouldn't have been able to reach that position!
Hmm... Whatever, this matter isn't his responsibility anyway. Let the Fleet Admiral handle the headache!
With that thought, Kizaru immediately pushed the matter out of his mind, planning to go have some tea later. For a moment, his mood even became somewhat cheerful.
"What are you thinking about, you bastard?"
"Hehe, I'm naturally thinking about how to handle this matter~" Kizaru said with a grin.
His expression made it seem like he was genuinely considering things for Sengoku's sake.
Hearing Kizaru's words, Sengoku showed a gratified expression—this guy was finally starting to act like an Admiral should!
Thinking this, Sengoku said: "Fine, go back and think it over properly. If you come up with a solution, remember to tell me."
"Understood~"
"Oh, and don't forget to write the report."
"The report..."
The smile gradually faded from Kizaru's face as he said with a headache: "Can't I just give an oral report?"
"You must write it!" Sengoku glared.
Trying to slack off on something like this?
"Yes, yes, understood. I'll go write it now~"
Sengoku:
Watching Kizaru leave, Sengoku suddenly felt the urge to beat him up.
After taking a deep breath, he calmed himself down.
"Forget it, forget it. It wouldn't be good to injure him now."
If this brat seized the chance to recuperate, they might be short an Admiral's combat strength when dealing with Whitebeard later.
So... better let it go.
Shaking his head, Sengoku turned his attention back to the newspaper.
"That damn Morgans!"
"Gahahaha!"
"This edition of the news is definitely going to sell like crazy!!"
Morgans looked at the current edition of the newspaper with extreme excitement.
Three Celestial Dragons—such major figures—had died this time... This was absolutely earth-shattering news!!
To ensure the news exploded, he had even personally written this edition himself!
He was certain such sensational news would be wildly popular and sell like hotcakes!
The Straw Hat Pirates...
Glancing at the name in the newspaper, Morgans' eyes gleamed with excitement.
This crew had just attacked the World Government's Enies Lobby a few days ago, and now they'd killed three Celestial Dragons... Once they entered the New World, could they continue creating sensational events?
If they could defeat one of the Four Emperors... that would also make for extremely explosive news!
At this thought, Morgans burst into laughter.
"Gahahaha, Straw Hat Pirates, you'd better not die this time!!"
He was counting on these guys to create even more major incidents for him!
That way, his newspapers would keep selling like crazy!
The others watched the delighted Morgans, hesitating to speak.
"Say what you want to say. Timidity isn't a reporter's style."
"President... Aren't you afraid the Navy will cause trouble for you?"
"Trouble for me?"
"What trouble could they cause me?" Morgans waved his hand. "I didn't receive any notice from them before publishing, did I?"
"Now that the news is out, even if I wanted to recall it, I couldn't."
This was the brilliance of using News Birds to distribute the papers—once published, there was no taking them back!!
In that case, even the World Government wouldn't be able to cause trouble for him over this.
The staff members looked at Morgans, whose face showed not the slightest trace of fear, and were completely stunned into silence.
Their boss... was also a madman.
But... isn't that exactly why he's worth following?!
As journalists, it's their duty to report what others dare not!
At this thought, a fanatical gleam appeared in their eyes.
After all, how could anyone cowardly survive by the side of the Underground King?
These men had all been through the battlefields themselves!
"Alright, let's keep digging for news." Morgans grinned. "I hope the next scoop will be even more explosive!"
"Right!"
"Boss, now that the Marines have declared war on Whitebeard, should we go join the excitement?" a man suddenly asked.
"The Marines won't let us anywhere near Marine Headquarters." Morgans shook his head. "We'll just watch the live broadcast."
He didn't believe the Marines would permit them to conduct on-site reporting and documentation at Marine Headquarters—this period was simply too sensitive!
Moreover... that battlefield would be far too dangerous for ordinary journalists to approach. Watching the broadcast was the safer option.
As long as the Marines publicly executed Fire Fist Ace as promised, they could obtain firsthand information through the Visual Den Den Mushi.
"That makes sense."
"Haha, Chief, I'll go prepare the Visual Den Den Mushi right away!"
"No need to rush, we still have several days." Morgans waved his hand dismissively. "In the meantime, draft two versions of the report."
"Two versions?"
"Of course!" Morgans declared. "Because... no matter which side wins, it'll be world-shaking news for us~"
"Gahahaha!"