West Blue, Borudoana Island.
One day remained until the Celestial Dragons' Hunting Season began.
Watching the final batch of prisoners being deployed across Borudoana Island, Jake finally felt the weight lift from his shoulders.
He exhaled deeply and turned to Monet beside him, his voice tinged with unmistakable excitement.
"Monet, in less than ten days, we've evacuated every villager on this island—even some animals and plants. Now this place is no different from a deserted wasteland!"
Though exhaustion still lingered on Monet's face, the genuine joy in her heart lent an upward lilt to her voice.
"True. Without your tireless efforts these past sleepless days, we could never have accomplished this. Fleet Admiral Sengoku even said he'd promote you to Vice Admiral after this mission."
"You too. A week of nonstop ice bridge reinforcement and temperature control definitely warrants a promotion."
"That's not what matters to me, and you know it. Though the rank increase is welcome."
For once, the two savored this rare moment of idle respite, standing still to relish the satisfaction of hard-earned rest.
Kizaru approached from a distance carrying two teacups.
Smiling at the pair, he handed them the drinks and remarked.
"You've both worked hard. But the results speak for themselves—Impel Down executed some useless gluttons, we saved countless civilians, and the Celestial Dragons satisfied their... peculiar appetites. A triple victory, I'd say."
Taking the tea handed over by Kizaru, both Jake and Monet expressed their thanks.
After taking a sip, Jake said to Kizaru.
"No, Borsalino-sensei, it's not just a triple win—it's a quadruple win for us! Once their hunting is over, Whitebeard's tsunami will wipe them out completely. Then we just need to protect one or two Celestial Dragons for appearances' sake and let the rest perish!"
Upon hearing this, Kizaru's smile never faded.
He looked at Jake and said cheerfully.
"What a terrifying plan~ But I fully agree. The same goes for Dr Vegapunk. By the way, I talked to him about your warning last time—the one where you sensed some instability among the clones around him.
The Doctor values your opinion highly, so not long ago, he disabled all data memory sharing and has been handling most matters related to you personally. So rest assured, the Doctor is safe."
Jake let out a slight sigh of relief.
Vegapunk was a crucial force for overthrowing the World Government later on—he absolutely couldn't afford to lose him.
But that traitorous York had to be eliminated early, or else all his plans would be for nothing.
Before Kizaru personally confirmed this news, Jake had insisted that Kizaru not reveal the full truth to Vegapunk.
At first, Kizaru thought Jake was worried about Vegapunk himself, but later he realized Jake's concern was actually about Vegapunk's clones.
Exhaling softly, Jake smiled and said.
"In that case, Dr. Vegapunk will be much safer moving forward. Oh, Borsalino-sensei, you can tell the Doctor directly—the one betraying him is likely that York. When I visited before, I could clearly sense deep malice radiating from her.
That malice wasn't just directed at me—it was mostly aimed at Dr. Vegapunk himself, and even the entire Marine Headquarters."
At this, Kizaru's expression grew much more serious.
He looked at Jake and nodded solemnly.
Just as the two were about to continue their conversation, Sengoku's call came through, urgency lacing his voice.
"The Celestial Dragons are growing impatient. Borsalino, Jake, Monet—you three are the only ones there right now. Make sure everything goes smoothly. The Celestial Dragons originally scheduled to arrive tomorrow might land tonight. Don't let those bastards cause any trouble."
Hearing this, Jake glanced at the fully prepared Borudoana Island and replied calmly but firmly.
"Don't worry, Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Everything here is already set. Most of the prisoners have even been given a drug that renders them completely powerless—they won't pose any threat to the Celestial Dragons.
Let this Hunting Season for the Celestial Dragons turn into a Marine Headquarters celebration for eliminating pirates."
"Just be careful. The God Knights are accompanying them this time—those aren't ordinary Celestial Dragons. Among them is someone no weaker than a Marine Admiral: Figarland Garling.
Avoid conflict with him if possible.
Even if the plan doesn't succeed, you should avoid him as much as possible. His strength is formidable and he's extremely ruthless. If he really decides to act, you might not survive an encounter with him. Let that guy Borsalino deal with him instead, understand?"
Upon hearing this, Kizaru chuckled and said.
"How cruel~ Fleet Admiral Sengoku. After all the blood and sweat I've shed for the Marines, now all the dangerous tasks fall to me. Jake here is really making me jealous~"
"Borsalino, you damn brat, stop spouting nonsense to me. Do your job properly. If this matter is resolved perfectly, I'll give you a week's vacation!"
"Really?!"
Seeing the sudden sparkle in Kizaru's eyes, both Jake and Monet couldn't help but laugh.
.....
Meanwhile, on Borudona Island, the pirates imprisoned in Impel Down looked at their fellow inmates with despair, having completely lost any will to survive.
The reason was simple.
When they arrived on the island, they saw over a dozen Marine warships surrounding it completely, leaving no gaps for them to escape.
And standing on those warships were terrifying figures whose very names made them tremble in fear.
Admiral Borsalino, Admiral Sakazuki, Vice Admiral Onigumo...
Any one of these individuals could single-handedly wipe out all the prisoners, and now they had gathered together.
This further crushed the prisoners' already dwindling hope for survival.
All they could do now was pray for death to come swiftly.