And Linlin is very likely not just missing, that's simply too absurd.
How could a dignified Four Emperors disregard her own forces, not show up even after they've been completely taken over by others, and simply go missing in this vast sea?
Renji!
The most probable explanation is that Renji made a move and defeated Linlin.
As for Linlin's situation, Doflamingo speculated that she must have escaped.
After all, it's hard to imagine anyone capable of detaining an Emperor who can fly.
As for killing her, hah, don't joke around, that's Linlin.
But even so, this speculation is already astonishing enough to overturn the world's understanding.
"Marine… is this kind of action a preparation to completely sever ties and go to war with the Four Emperors?"
Doflamingo's face was grim, the bulging veins on his forehead indicating his intense confusion. He was already swamped with the unavoidable tournament, and now this happened.
Originally, he was worried daily about the decision to offend Kaido and follow Renji's plan to start the tournament. Now it seems he might have boarded the right ship this time.
…
"Zehahahaha! That Linlin actually got pulled down?"
Teach, with an evil grin, excitedly downed his wine, then smashed the glass.
"Are you ready, my little ones? It's time for a big fight. For the title of Four Emperors! Zehahahaha!"
…
Douglas Bullet, one of the Four Emperors of the New World, was on his flagship.
"That old hag Big Mom actually lost?" Bullet frowned slightly.
Behind him, a tall, thin figure with a messy head of hair stood, gazing calmly at the sea, emanating a cold aura. He was none other than the former Admiral, Aokiji.
Shakky walked over, her face grim. "According to my sources, the main force that annexed Totto Land is very likely not Germa."
"It was the work of that Admiral, Renji!"
Shakky almost gritted her teeth as she spoke, the hatred in her heart growing more solid.
"Renji!? Him again!"
Hearing this, Bullet seemed excited, grinning as he said, "To be able to bring down Big Mom, another Four Emperors, has he really reached that level? Aokiji, as a former Admiral, you should know more, right?"
"…"
Aokiji didn't reply immediately, recalling his few encounters with Renji years ago. He was silent for a moment, then let out a long breath.
"I don't know much about him either. In short, his strength won't be weaker than mine."
"Captain Bullet, we need to act quickly." Shakky couldn't help but urge.
Bullet nodded, looking at Aokiji. "How is it? Do you have any objections to this trip?"
Aokiji said coldly, "If we encounter Kaido in Wano Country, with the two of us working together, we should still have a good chance."
Shakky stated with certainty, "Kaido is very likely not in Wano Country. The temptation of the Phoenix Fruit is far more appealing to him than to us."
This was the conclusion she drew from analyzing the intelligence she gathered.
The world thought they would participate in this tournament like other forces, but their true goal was to go to Wano Country and seize the Ancient Weapon, Pluton, while Kaido was away.
…
Smash!
Sake jars lay shattered on the ground. Kaido was weeping uncontrollably over Linlin's downfall.
"Wuwu, foolish Linlin! Why didn't you agree to my proposal earlier? Then this wouldn't have happened today!"
King, standing nearby, was sweating. "Kaido-sama, please don't be too sad."
"Join forces with me to seize those two Devil Fruits. Then you take the Twinkle-Twinkle Fruit, I'll take the Phoenix Fruit, and together we'll conquer the world and claim the Great Treasure."
"How wonderful that would be, you old hag. How could you possibly be missing?"
As he spoke, Kaido, who was wailing like a child, suddenly stopped. His eyes were bloodshot, and endless killing intent swirled around him.
"No matter who it is, Germa or… that brat! I will avenge you, Linlin!"
Kaido's formidable and robust body was covered in scars. This tragic appearance was left from the great war two years ago, and it was the most severe injury Kaido had ever suffered.
That soul-piercing pain still occasionally resurfaced in his memory, impossible to forget.
—
New Marineford.
Akainu sat silently in his chair, cigar in his mouth, while Renji stood calmly in front of the desk. The two men in the room stared at each other.
Whoosh! Crash!
The documents on the desk were blown everywhere by a rather strong gust of wind from one side of the room, completely unobstructed.
The oversized floor-to-ceiling window, representing Fleet Admiral Akainu's authority, was shattered again. However, Akainu had no time to care about that now.
"You… tell me honestly, what exactly did you do when you went to Totto Land?"
Renji calmly said, "What else could I do, Fleet Admiral? Don't you know me? As a model Marine, I naturally went to uphold justice."
Seeing Renji's righteous demeanor, Akainu was somewhat speechless.
"Then Linlin, did you see her?"
After a moment, Renji nodded.
Immediately, Akainu's eyes narrowed slightly. This was different from what was written in the mission report. He understood everything now.
"I understand. However, the Gorosei want to see you."
Akainu gave Renji a deep look, then reminded him, "Whatever happens, don't be impulsive. I've got your back."
At this moment, in Mary Geoise, the Gorosei had long been waiting.
"That ill-mannered brat, can he actually be late?" Saturn leaned on his cane, his face displeased.
The other Gorosei also looked annoyed.
"Hmph, just because he became an Admiral, he thinks he's above everyone else."