Akainu's words made the atmosphere turn tense. After all, Creed's grandfather, the Marine Hero Garp, was still there!
"Sakazuki, what did you just say? Creed was defending himself! You think he wanted this? Since when do Marines get attacked by pirates and not fight back? If that's the kind of cowardice you want, then what's the point of being Marines?! Back in the day, I chased Roger all across the seas!"
Garp immediately snapped back, his tone sharp. He had the qualifications to say it. Back then, he had hunted Roger time and again, driving the Pirate King into desperate straits.
"Garp, your grandson didn't just beat Katakuri, he also attacked two Warlords. How do you expect us to explain this to the World Government? I've heard the Gorosei have already begun to intervene!"
Akainu didn't back down, flames surging around him, the temperature of the Marshal's office rising sharply. He still regretted not beating Creed into submission back when they had fought—if not for Momousagi stepping in, maybe Creed would've been more obedient, and the Marines wouldn't be facing so much trouble now.
In his mind, Creed had already become a tumor of the Marines—one that needed to be cut out as soon as possible.
"Hmph! As long as the Gorosei haven't passed judgment, you've got no right to run your mouth, Sakazuki!" Garp sneered. "Don't try to throw their name around to suppress me. Childish!"
"Enough! Both of you, stop arguing! First, bring Creed back here, then we'll talk!" Sengoku finally barked.
If they kept clashing like this, Marineford would fall into chaos before Big Mom even made a move.
"I've had enough of this. Call me when there's actually something worth my time. Escorting Doflamingo was exhausting," Kizaru yawned, strolling out. The others were speechless—after all, Doflamingo had been handed over to the World Government mid-transport, while Kizaru spent days enjoying himself at Sabaody.
"Hmph!"
Akainu snorted coldly, then left with a dark face.
"You'd better handle this properly. And find out who in the underworld put that ten-billion bounty on Creed's head!" Garp tossed the words over his shoulder as he too left, leaving Sengoku fuming: "Damn it, stop dumping everything on me!"
Marineford was once again thrown into chaos.
—
At the G-K Branch, Creed had received his transfer orders from HQ. He was saying his farewells to Issho and the others.
Before leaving, he handed command of the branch to Issho, who sighed deeply. "So this was your plan all along… tricking me into the Marines just so I'd watch the fort for you!"
"Boss, come back soon! We still want to fight alongside you!"
"Yeah, Boss! Word of your deeds has spread through all the Marines in the New World. The base commander of G-5 even came to thank you personally—said you really avenged them this time!"
"Exactly! Lots of brothers from G-5 want to transfer here now!"
"They've been bullied by pirates for too long. Last time, they were beaten for nothing and still had to apologize!"
Ellent and Jimmy chattered away like machine guns, worried Creed wouldn't return.
"Don't worry. Since I brought you all to the New World, I'll never abandon you," Creed promised.
"Come back quick!" Issho reminded him firmly.
Creed smiled, raising his hand in farewell. "Don't worry. When I return, the New World will be under the rule of our G-K Branch!"
"Goodbye!"
The Marines waved frantically as Creed's warship set sail. Ain remained at the base this time, not accompanying him.
The voyage was smooth, with no pirate attacks. But as the warship neared the Red Line, ready to dock and cross, they were met by men of the World Government.
Two figures in white suits and masks appeared, their strength radiating at SSS–level. Creed instantly recognized their unusual attire—CP0.
CP0, the Cipher Pol Aigis Zero, the highest intelligence agency directly under the World Government, serving the Celestial Dragons. Their agents were rumored to rival Marine Admirals, known as the "strongest shield of the Celestial Dragons."
Despite their power, they were polite. "Rear Admiral Creed, the matter is urgent. Please forgive our abrupt arrival."
After verifying their identities and orders, Creed followed them, though tension gnawed at him.
The order he carried bore the mark of an extremely high-level assembly. Even Admirals would have to drop everything to attend. The only detail written: Strategy Conference.
"Strategy Conference? Could it be because of me? Did Big Mom fly into a rage and decide to go to war with the Marines? An operation to defeat an Emperor's crew… that's unprecedented. And I'll get to be part of it?"
The thought shocked Creed—but it also stirred excitement in his chest.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For 20+ Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!]
[[email protected]/Draumel]
[Thank You For Your Support!]