Sakazuki nodded:
"No problem, go ahead."
"There's nothing much going on recently anyway."
"While you're at it, make some mini-missiles and hand them over to Bullet."
Enel said:
"No problem."
Sakazuki gestured for Bullet to withdraw his ability:
"There's one more thing I need you to do."
Enel picked up the orange lying on the ground after Bullet took back his ability:
"Oh?"
"What is it?"
Sakazuki got up and walked over, his arm turning into magma:
"I need you to design a bomb."
The magma on his arm flowed to the ground, wriggling into shape.
A magma island occupying one-third of the ground formed.
After quickly cooling, it turned into a pitch-black island.
Mountains, trees, towns, ports—all vividly detailed.
Then his arm turned back into flesh.
Sakazuki extended his right index finger:
"Watch closely."
His index finger began to twist into magma.
It formed the shell of a missile split in half.
Then, one by one, smaller missiles filled the interior.
Enel's eyes widened as if he had already realized something.
The missile shell on Sakazuki's index finger closed. He stepped back a few paces, aiming at the black island on the ground.
The missile dragged a tail of black smoke as it shot toward the island.
Mid-air, it suddenly exploded.
Countless tiny missiles scattered like raindrops, falling onto the black island.
A series of explosions erupted, followed by flames igniting at the impact points.
Two-thirds of the island's surface facing them was now ablaze.
Nearly half the pitch-black island danced with firelight.
Enel gasped sharply:
"This is brutal."
Just from the magma simulation alone, Enel could already imagine what it would be like in reality.
One shell like that, and half the island's population would be burned alive.
When it comes to ruthlessness, Sakazuki really takes the crown...
Sakazuki chuckled lightly:
"Any problems?"
Enel nodded heavily:
"No problem."
"It's not difficult."
"But for the smaller bombs inside—should they all be incendiary bombs?"
Sakazuki said:
"That's up to you."
"Steel balls, shrapnel, whatever you want."
"Make a few variants."
"So they can be used depending on the situation."
Enel said:
"Then no problem."
"By the way, what's this bomb called?"
...
Grand Line, Alabasta.
Robin was directing Baroque Works agents to move sacks of Dance Powder into the warehouse.
Dance Powder...
Thinking about Crocodile's plan, Robin frowned slightly.
This plan would last for years, slowly and subtly changing the people's perception.
Turning public anger toward the Alabasta royal family.
Unless someone knew the truth, no one would ever suspect Crocodile was behind it all.
That terrifying patience and cunning... Crocodile...
But such a terrifying Crocodile still feared Sakazuki endlessly...
Can I really take my revenge... Lorka-san...
Suddenly, she seemed to sense something.
With a casual wave, Robin made several arms sprout on a distant rooftop platform, grabbing at the air.
But there was nothing...
"An illusion?"
...
Alabasta Port.
Swoosh—
Karol appeared in a corner, exhaling softly:
"You've grown quite a lot."
Watching a child he had raised grow to this level was a bit comforting.
At least... he didn't have to worry about her being taken advantage of anymore.
In the first half of the Grand Line, under Crocodile's command, things were still quite safe.
Plus, with Robin's importance, she'd have peace for a long time...
"Time to get to work."
Swoosh—
He vanished from Alabasta completely...
...
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Intelligence Division.
Admiral Kuzan pushed open the door.
Everyone greeted him casually, and Kuzan nodded slightly in return.
This was routine for Kuzan.
Every now and then, he came to the Intelligence Division to read the latest pirate reports.
Then he'd pick a few to take with him.
Soon, the wanted posters and records brought by the intel officers were all read through by Kuzan.
He sighed inwardly—still nothing...
He casually pulled out a few wanted posters and left the Intelligence Division.
...
New World, Whole Cake Island.
Inside the grand hall, Charlotte Linlin was sleeping while Katakuri stood nearby waiting.
As evening approached, Charlotte Linlin finally woke up:
"Food!!!"
Countless dishes were pushed in by her subordinates, filling the table.
Charlotte Linlin got up and walked over.
She noticed Katakuri:
"What is it, Katakuri?"
Katakuri spoke:
"The Red-Haired Pirates led by Shanks have entered our territory."
"Do we need to negotiate, Mama?"
Charlotte Linlin thought for a moment:
"Red-Hair?"
"That brat who made Kaido suffer recently, right?"
"Interesting."
"Send someone to keep an eye on him."
"Anyone who can make Kaido suffer must be quite capable."
"mamamama~"
Katakuri nodded:
"Yes."
...
New World, Wano Country, Onigashima.
Kaido looked at the report in his hand and sneered:
"So they've entered that old hag's territory, huh."
"Are the arrangements ready?"
King said:
"Everything's set."
"The moment Red-Hair leaves, we move."
Kaido raised his sake jug and took several big gulps:
"Burororororo!"
"That old hag Linlin cares most about her reputation."
"Red-Hair..."
...
New World, Totto Land.
The Red-Haired Pirates' ship slowly set sail.
Shanks looked back at the island, letting out a long breath:
"Finally leaving."
He clicked his tongue, wincing at the memory.
The food on this island was... too sweet.
The bread was sweet, the wine was sweet, even the blankets had a sugary scent.
It was driving him insane.
The rest of the crew also sighed in relief—they couldn't take it anymore...
Just as the ship left, the island turning into a black dot behind them—
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Massive explosions echoed from the island.
Those with strong Observation Haki swept their senses toward the island, their faces hardening.
Yasopp looked puzzled:
"These guys..."
"Why are they killing only Big Mom's subordinates?"
"Got a grudge?"
Shanks frowned, then suddenly froze:
"No."
"This is a setup..."
Swoosh—
His sword was drawn in an instant.
He dashed toward the island.
Beckman also froze, then realized what was happening.
He shouted for the others to follow him toward the island.
...
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
WEE-OOH—WEE-OOH—WEE-OOH—WEE-OOH—
The ear-piercing alarm blared again.
In the Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku was in the middle of signing paperwork.
Snap—
The pen in his hand broke cleanly in half.
Veins throbbed on Sengoku's forehead:
"Damn it..."
"Who is it this time..."
-----------
The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg. 414 chapters in total