Chapter 196: Critical Situation
Naval Headquarters.
Sengoku appeared in the conference room and took his seat. Besides him were Aokiji, Kizaru, Kong, Tsuru, and others.
"Let's get straight to the point."
Sengoku wasted no time with greetings and said, "This situation is urgent. First, a Vice Admiral has been killed. Sakazuki has already taken charge of the initial investigation and is stationed at G Branch Base to command the pursuit. Additionally, the World Government has mobilized the newly established P8 and P9 to assist."
"The key points are as follows: First, this marks the second Vice Admiral killed by Baroque Works, following Crocodile and Moria, along with the Demon Spider Vice Admiral. In total, two Vice Admirals and two Seven Warlords of the Sea have fallen at their hands. Second, Admiral Gumeir was killed by that giant beast. There were no signs of Ace or Heckler during the incident. The beast showed no fear of Admiral Gumeir's attacks, demonstrating incredible speed and strength, killing him in less than two minutes."
"This indicates that the beast possesses formidable defensive capabilities and exceptional speed; its strength is certainly on par with a Vice Admiral."
"Most importantly, among the four deceased we just mentioned, aside from Moria, Crocodile, Demon Spider Vice Admiral, and Admiral Gumeir were all slain by this giant beast. This is terrifying; it suggests that the beast's status within Baroque Works may not merely be that of a tool."
"Furthermore, in the Nico Robin Attack on Alabasta incident, it was also this giant beast that killed Brigadier Madson and Colonel Penn."
"Regardless of its status, we must treat this beast as a powerful force capable of executing orders at the level of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
"What's even more frightening is that it can go underwater, making it difficult for us to track. This means that whenever it chooses to attack, every Vice Admiral will find it hard to escape its wrath."
"Considering Ace and Baroque Works together, we must view them as three Seven Warlords of the Sea."
"I don't want to sound alarmist, but if our assumptions are correct, we are facing a tremendous danger that must be resolved quickly," Sengoku said gravely.
Hearing this, Tsuru asked, "So Sengoku, what do you plan to do?"
"Sengoku replied, 'First, we can ensure that Baroque Works is still in the first half of the Grand Line; at least Ace, the giant beast, and Heckler are still there. So we need to investigate related matters, such as the only person who has ever joined Baroque Works, Princess Vivi.'
Aokiji said, 'Vice Admiral Peach Rabbit took her as a disciple. After the incident, she went to Alabasta with the intention of guarding that area.'
'Good. Then let Vice Admiral Peach Rabbit investigate this matter.'
Sengoku nodded and continued, 'Next, we need to prepare for defense. Besides the headquarters, there are three other Vice Admirals in the Paradise Area branches: G4, G6, and G8. I request everyone to support as much as possible. Kong, you go to the G4 base; it is the closest branch to G. I'm worried it might be attacked.'
'Understood.'
Kong crossed his arms and sat there. 'If they dare to attack, I'll let them feel my fists.'
Sengoku then looked into the distance. 'Tea Pig Major, you and Tsuru Vice Admiral will head to G6 and G8 respectively, each taking a fleet with you.'
'I’ll go to G6,' Tea Pig Major said while rubbing his hands. 'It's closer to where Vice Admiral Peach Rabbit is in Alabasta.'
'Leave it to me,' Tsuru nodded in agreement.
Sengoku added, 'Sakazuki will stay at G and take full responsibility for this capture operation. Kizaru and Aokiji, you two will guard Naval Headquarters. Kizaru, you are responsible for providing support at any time.'
'Support at any time?'
Kizaru nodded. 'I hope this situation doesn't last too long.'"
"Sengoku said, 'This basically ensures they won't be able to attack again.'
Each branch has two Vice Admirals, one of whom is an experienced Vice Admiral. Coupled with the Fleet, Baroque Works can only face total annihilation.
With Sakazuki present and the headquarters having Marshal and two Admirals, it is sufficient to handle most dangers.
Such a scale to deal with Baroque Works is indeed a significant mobilization.
Aokiji timely asked, 'But how do we capture them? Especially that giant beast; it's in the sea, making it hard for us to pursue.'
'We can't, but someone can.'
Sengoku continued, 'Two of the Seven Warlords of the Sea are dead; how could the others just sit back and do nothing? Gather the Sun Pirates and let Jinbei lead them in the sea hunt. They can communicate with marine life and summon ocean creatures. Jinbei is extremely powerful in water, and with the Sun Pirates, even if that giant beast hides in the deep sea, they can kill it.'
'That's a good choice,' Tsuru nodded.
Sengoku added, 'But that's not enough; Kuma will also follow. His abilities allow him to provide timely support.'
'Kuma? Does the World Government agree to his deployment?' Aokiji asked curiously.
Sengoku replied, 'Of course. Vegapunk has completed his modifications, and the World Government intends to present him before everyone. So the application has been approved.'
Hearing this, Tsuru sighed, 'This mobilization is quite large. How long has it been since our Navy gathered such strength against a single force?'
Sengoku said again, 'We must do this. In the past, pirates wouldn't actively hunt the Navy. But this time we've lost two Vice Admirals and two Seven Warlords of the Sea; not only did they slap our Navy in the face, but they also humiliated the World Government. Therefore, we must capture them as a warning to others.'
Kong squinted his eyes and said, 'They've gone too far.'"
Sengoku said, "This time our battle has two objectives. One is to kill that giant beast at the first opportunity to prevent it from returning; otherwise, we will be burdened with a large number of troops. As for Ace, since we have made such a big effort, when we encounter him, do not kill him—capture him alive."
Kong raised an eyebrow and asked, "You want to capture him?"
Sengoku replied, "That's right. Ace still has his uses. If we can capture him, we might even turn this loss into a profit. Kong, do you have any objections?"
Hearing this, Kong sighed and said, "No."
"Let's disperse."
Sengoku stood up and left the conference room.
...
Sabaody Archipelago.
"They're here. A secret order has come from that direction; it's time for us to regroup."
Elken stood at the bow of the ship, putting away the Transponder Snail as he looked at Christmas.
"Then let's set sail."
Christmas took out the Life Card to guide their direction, while the others on board controlled the Sea Vessel covered in a thin membrane as it slowly departed from the Harbor, heading toward the distant sea.
The ship wasn't particularly large; for a vessel heading to the New World, its forty-meter length made it seem somewhat delicate.
However, during their time docked at Sabaody Archipelago, many Bounty Hunters and pirates had returned empty-handed.
The sea vessel sailed for a while before slowly coming to a stop, motionless on the water's surface.
Gurgle, gurgle.
Before long, a yellow submarine appeared on the water's surface. The hatch opened, and several figures emerged from the submarine, stepping onto the deck.
"Where's the captain?" Christmas asked curiously.
"He's below deck," Ace replied, pointing downwards where a massive shadow loomed beneath the surface of the sea.
"Let's go."
Heckler said, "First, we head to Fishman Island."
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