A few minutes later, Akainu and Aokiji entered Sengoku's office. Not only that, but Garp also walked in, munching on a rice cracker.
"Sengoku, you don't look so good. Didn't you rest well last night? What happened?"
Akainu followed Garp, a look of suspicion on his face. He had been assigned to handle matters concerning the Seven Warlords, so he was unaware of the situation in Impel Down. However, when he saw the injuries on Aokiji, he knew something bad must have happened.
"Something major has happened."
"What is it? A new development in the New World? Those pirates really are a handful."
"Not that."
Sengoku found it hard to speak, his face bitter as he began.
"Impel Down! There was a riot in Impel Down. Several legendary pirates from the past, including that madman Bullet and Byrnndi World, have escaped."
At these words, the rice cracker in Garp's mouth shattered with a crunch. Even Akainu was stunned.
"Impossible! That's Impel Down, the great underwater prison! With Magellan and Shiryu guarding it, how could a riot of that scale occur?"
"It's true. The culprit is one man, calling himself the Hero-King!" Aokiji said calmly.
Having fought the Hero-King, he naturally knew the details.
"As for his strength... it's hard to judge. We had a brief encounter, but neither of us used our full power. I can only say... his abilities are strange!"
Garp and Akainu frowned.
"He did it? He broke into Impel Down single-handedly and then incited a riot?"
Garp was incredulous. He was well aware of Magellan and Shiryu's strength. They were formidable. To break through their defenses and enter Impel Down was next to impossible.
"That's what's so strange... No one knows how this Hero-King appeared on the sixth level. According to the prisoners' testimony, it was as if he appeared out of thin air. And... it seems to be related to the newly imprisoned pirate on the sixth level, Rex."
Sengoku mentioned the name Rex. It was unfamiliar, making everyone present curious.
"Rex, bounty of one hundred million Beri, one of the Supernova pirates. He has some skill. He killed a Celestial Dragon at the Sabaody Archipelago and was thus thrown into the Infinite Hell!"
Hearing this, Aokiji frowned.
"Rex... you're saying he's related to that Hero-King?"
"Yes! According to the testimony of the prisoners on the sixth level, the Hero-King appeared from his cell."
"May I see his bounty poster?"
Sengoku nodded and handed a bounty poster for Rex to Aokiji.
Aokiji glanced at it and then shook his head.
"I can confirm... they are two different people!"
"Could it be a Devil Fruit?"
"Unlikely! I fought the Hero-King. I know his abilities... unless he ate a second Devil Fruit."
Aokiji denied the possibility.
With that, the Hero-King became even more mysterious.
Sengoku was silent for a moment. The matter was urgent. He immediately gave an order.
"In that case, Kuzan, you fought him. The investigation is in your hands. Everything about him must be investigated thoroughly. Have the intelligence department pursue it with all their might. He may have accomplices, or he may be part of a pirate crew. We must find out."
Sengoku's tone was firm, as if he would not rest until the Hero-King was found.
After all, it was Impel Down that had been compromised.
Enies Lobby, Impel Down, and Marine Headquarters formed a triumvirate, representing the face of the World Government.
Now, the Hero-King had slapped the World Government in the face in front of the whole world. He had to be eliminated.
"Also, issue a wanted poster immediately. The Hero-King, bounty of 500 million... no, 800 million."
He paused for a moment, then continued.
"Have them keep an eye out in the New World. This Hero-King must not be allowed to have any contact with the Four Emperors. Don't let any clues slip by."
The order was given, and Aokiji immediately set sail with his troops. Although he had fought the Hero-King, he had no leads at the moment and could only take it one step at a time.
"Sakazuki, first settle the matter of the Seven Warlords. After you're done, immediately go and support Kuzan. I have a feeling the matter of the Hero-King is not so simple."
Regarding the proposed Seven Warlords policy, Sengoku was also concerned and asked.
"Of those seven, how many have accepted the title?"
"Currently, there are four: Doflamingo, Bartholomew Kuma, Crocodile, and Jinbe. As for Moria, he has entered the Florian Triangle and has not been found yet. Mihawk's whereabouts are unknown, and we can't contact him... The Pirate Empress refused and even injured the Vice Admiral who went to inform her!"
Akainu's expression was grim. If he had been in charge of the matter, the Pirate Empress would have been suppressed long ago.
"That woman probably won't submit so easily. Perhaps we can use this opportunity to eliminate her!"
Hearing this, Sengoku waved his hand and smiled.
"No need. She will submit. We have conquered the Calm Belt. Amazon Lily is exposed to the world. She cannot remain isolated. Her submission is only a matter of time. Sakazuki... go personally and put pressure on her. That woman is strong, an excellent choice for the Seven Warlords!"
"As for Mihawk and Moria, send more people to inform them. The Seven Warlords system must be completed within three months!"
"I understand."
Akainu nodded.