"Drum Kingdom... So that's where he ran off to," Sengoku said.
He had sent Aokiji all over the world to search, especially in the New World, which was the main focus.
After all, according to Aokiji's description, the opponent's strength was absolutely astonishing. The possibility of him coming from the New World was very high, and he might even have some connection with the Four Emperors.
Yet, he had been hiding in Drum Kingdom in the Grand Line and had become the king there.
"Hmph, I've finally found him. Kizaru, put aside the matter with Red-Hair for now... I'll have Aokiji take over. This time, we absolutely cannot let him escape!"
The pressure from above was immense, and Sengoku would not give up any opportunity.
Heaven knows where the Hero-King would appear next if he left? After all, he possessed powerful mobility. Kizaru was the best choice to deal with him.
"Don't act for now. Wait until Red-Hair sets sail, then immediately dispatch troops to exterminate the Hero-King. It's best to capture him alive, but if he tries to run, you can kill him on the spot."
"Well, I understand. I'll do my best. After all, he fought Kuzan, and Kuzan's evaluation of him isn't low. I can't guarantee 100% that I can catch him."
"Just do your best!"
Soon, the Den Den Mushi hung up, followed by a busy tone.
Kizaru stretched lazily.
"Trouble has come knocking. According to Red-Hair's schedule, they'll set sail tomorrow morning. I'll rest well for now!!"
Before leaving, Kizaru ordered, "By the way, send some men to keep a close eye on the movements in Drum Kingdom, especially in the direction of the royal palace. Report to me immediately if there's any situation, understand?"
"Yes, understood, Admiral Kizaru!!"
The night passed without incident.
Early the next morning, the Red Hair Pirates gathered near the port. The procurement of supplies was almost complete, and everyone gathered, ready to set sail.
At this moment, Red-Hair stood at the bow of the ship, gazing into the distance. His eyes were fixed on the location of Drum Mountain.
"Boss, there seems to be movement from Kizaru's side again," reminded the obese Lucky Roux, taking big bites of a greasy chicken leg while speaking.
"Since last night, the Marines have been acting sneaky, sending quite a few men to infiltrate the kingdom."
"It doesn't matter. Kizaru isn't aiming for us."
An Admiral and one of the Four Emperors wouldn't fight under normal circumstances.
Because both sides knew there was no need to fight. An Admiral couldn't capture an Emperor, and an Emperor couldn't kill an Admiral. Unless everything was prepared, the stalemate wouldn't be broken so easily.
"Not aiming for us? Then why is Kizaru making these small moves behind our backs?"
"He's probably targeting someone in this kingdom, right?"
Hearing this, everyone nearby was interested. Yasopp smiled and said, "Oh? Could there be some big shot hiding here? Someone requiring Kizaru to act personally?"
"I went into the kingdom yesterday to scout around and paid special attention to that Drum Mountain..."
"That huge, twisted mountain peak?"
"That's right. A few days ago, that mountain stood in the kingdom, but... someone smashed it."
Hearing this, everyone present was stunned. It took several seconds before Yasopp spoke up.
"Hey, hey, Boss, you're joking, right? Smashed it? That mountain isn't small."
"That's right, it was indeed smashed. Not only that, but he used a miracle to bind the collapsing mountain peak and saved the entire country," Lucky Roux said, swallowing the chicken in his mouth.
"That's pretty impressive. So... Boss, who is that person?"
Everyone was curious.
Red-Hair just smiled and didn't speak. He took out a wanted poster and handed it to everyone.
"Now you know why Kizaru is making a move."
Vicious and Heinous,
Dead or Alive,
Hero-King!
Bounty: 800 million Beri.
"What? The one who caused the Impel Down riot?"
Everyone was shocked and surprised.
The World Government was searching for him all over the world. They didn't expect him to be here.
"I see. No wonder Kizaru is acting sneaky. It seems he's waiting for us to leave before taking action. He's probably afraid we'll interfere as a variable!"
Benn Beckman smiled, roughly guessing Kizaru's thoughts, and then turned back to ask, "Boss, what should we do?"
"Ignore it. Although I'm a bit curious, there's no need to cause unnecessary trouble!"
"Well, understood!"
Soon, after the Red Hair Pirates had prepared their supplies, they raised their sails and departed quietly.
Kizaru remained standing at the bow of the warship. After watching the Red Hair Pirates leave, he muttered, "Gone? They probably know what I'm going to do. That Red-Hair guy... he won't come back to hinder me, will he?"
With that, Kizaru took a step forward. The next moment, his body turned directly into a flash of light and descended onto the port.
At the port, a dense crowd of Marines was already waiting. Seeing Kizaru, they all saluted.
"Admiral Kizaru!"
Kizaru waved his hand and ordered, "Send a group of men to follow the Red Hair Pirates. If there's any sign of them turning back, report to me immediately. If there are no problems, report every thirty minutes."
"Yes, Admiral Kizaru!"