On the matter of their first elimination target, Marine HQ convened meeting after meeting.
Because the headquarters site and nearby branches in the New World had been destroyed by Big Mom, the initial plan named Big Mom as Target One—Creed wasn't even on the list. At the time, many believed Creed wasn't yet worthy to run alongside the Four Emperors—whether in power or influence—despite reports he'd traded blows with Kaido without suffering losses. Eliminating Creed, they argued, wouldn't deliver the same deterrent shock.
No one expected Creed to defeat Big Mom. That forced a rethink.
There was another problem: the other Emperors had ruled and cultivated the New World for a decade or two. Each controlled vast territories, deeply rooted. Even if the Marines possessed the raw strength to crush any single Emperor head-on, invading another's home turf still carried serious risks—massive Marine casualties, massive civilian casualties…
As a World Government arm, they had to weigh the fate of local residents. Otherwise, the World Economy News Paper would fan the flames again and make a global spectacle of it. Morgans—an Underworld Emperor in his own right—had no love for the Marines; anything that wasn't spotless justice, he would blast across front pages and pin public opinion against them.
For all these reasons, Vice Admirals Doberman and Onigumo pushed a new priority: strike Creed first, since he didn't yet hold territory of his own. A cleaner operation, fewer variables—an optimal opening blow.
"Hold on," Aokiji raised a hand in objection. "Creed has no domain at all. What kind of 'Emperor' is that? Even if we beat him, it won't scare the others like taking down one of the established Four. We should start where the debt is owed—Charlotte Linlin."
No one felt the sting of G-5's two bases being annihilated more than the man who oversaw them.
"I don't care who we fight so long as it isn't Creed," Kizaru lounged with one leg bouncing. "I'm developing a bit of… trauma."
A few officers exchanged looks. Yes, Kizaru had lost to Creed once—but was he going to use that as an all-purpose excuse for everything?
Sengoku cut in. "There's one more thing: the World Government just raised Creed's bounty to five billion. Highest among the Emperors."
A sharp intake of breath swept the room.
Five billion.
What did that even mean?
The Marines hadn't publicly released the Emperors' updated figures, but everyone knew they hovered between two and three billion. Creed's former three-billion bounty fit his status as the 'Fifth Emperor' just fine—but five billion now made him first among the five.
What did that signal? Perhaps that the World Government already viewed Creed as Threat Number One to its order.
The sharper minds in the room "smelled" the intent embedded in that number: it was the Government's will, plain and simple. If an Emperor must be erased, Creed stands first in line.
Plans would have to change.
"Creed… what a waste."
"Who could've guessed he'd grow this far?"
"It's been how long since he turned traitor? A few years?"
"If he'd stayed with us, he might be Fleet Admiral by now."
"…Enough. Let the past stay buried."
A hush of regret followed. The Marines had lost a once-in-a-century prodigy.
Sengoku continued, eyes flicking past Garp and Zephyr. "At the same time, the Underworld has also posted five billion on Creed. In other words, Creed now carries a total of ten billion in bounties. The Government's designation: a threat more dangerous than the Pirate King Roger. Priority: immediate elimination."
"Ten billion?! Are they insane?"
"Roger never had half of that!"
"Is this a joke? The Government's pockets are bottomless!"
"A ten-billion pirate… the New World is going to boil."
The chamber broke into clamor. When Rocks and Roger ruled the seas, one sat in the threes, the other in the fours. Creed's total now surpassed both combined. Some muttered that something terrible must have happened between Creed and the Government—something that endangered the Celestial Dragons.
"Set Creed's figure aside for a moment," Sengoku pressed on. "There's another critical matter. Princess Shirahoshi—the youngest daughter of King Neptune of Fishman Island—was taken by Creed. The World Government orders us to retrieve her from his hands…"
Uproar.
"They say Princess Shirahoshi is the world's greatest beauty! Even Boa Hancock of Amazon Lily is a touch behind."
"So the new Emperor's a lecher—ugh. I actually respected him for a minute."
"Strange. Didn't he just become Fishman Island's great hero? Saved millions down there. Was he aiming for the princess all along?"
"Don't be naïve. Playing hero and 'kidnapping' can go hand-in-hand—easier to win a beauty's heart that way."
"Damn it! How is Creed worthy of Princess Shirahoshi? We must capture and punish him. Throw him in Impel Down for life!"
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, make Creed Target One!"
"Seconded! Taking the princess cannot stand!"
Zephyr's snort cut the swell short. "You're all spouting crap. Creed isn't that kind of man. Don't slander him here." He hadn't spent long with Creed, but a swordsman's path and a man's conduct said enough—Creed wouldn't commit filth for lust.
Respect for the mentor who'd raised generations spoke volumes; most in the room fell silent at once. Many were his students.
Sengoku lifted both hands to press the room calm again, then delivered one last announcement. "By petition of the Commander-in-Chief, the World Government has approved this action: Vice Admiral Ain is stripped of Admiral-candidate status and expelled from the Marines. Like Creed, she is now designated a Navy traitor—to be executed on sight by any Marine."
(End of Chapter)
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