Arderay Kingdom Ruins, Castle Inner Hall.
Scarlett and Hancock stood behind Alucard, having tidied their attire. Gone was the languid atmosphere from earlier; their expressions were serious as they both looked down at the man standing on the red carpet below.
It was Ivalis the Blond, one of the main combatants of the Red-Haired Pirates, a man with a bandana and a stern face. The two women had been greatly startled when they first heard the news of his surrender.
Although they hadn't formally engaged Ivalis in the previous battle, they had caught glimpses of his fight with Zephyr, confirming he was an exceptionally skilled man, worthy of his rank in the Red-Haired Pirates.
Yet, it was precisely because of this that his surrender was so shocking.
Alucard, seated on his throne, had yet to speak. Hancock, however, lightly swept her beautiful hair back, her face full of disdain and suspicion. "As one of Shanks' subordinates, you actually seek to join the pirate crew that killed your former Captain. It's highly suspicious. Are you here as a mole?"
Hancock's thoughts mirrored those of most of the crew: they did not believe Ivalis' surrender was genuine, assuming he was merely looking for an opportunity to avenge Red-Haired Shanks.
Ivalis, under scrutiny, showed no embarrassment, though a slight look of displeasure flickered across his poker face. He replied, "I merely believe I am not suited to be a captain, and I do not wish for my voyage to end here, so I have made this choice."
He continued, "Furthermore, we have not betrayed Captain Shanks. Before the war even began, I stated my intentions, and he agreed to let me do this."
"Still highly doubtful." Scarlett did not speak as loudly as Hancock, but her comment was loud enough for all four present to hear.
This time, Ivalis was unaffected. He remained quietly in place, using Shanks' saber, which he held in front of him, as a kind of cane to support himself.
"Very well, then go and accept the test from Z."
Alucard, who had been listening in silence, finally spoke. This sentence indicated that he had accepted Ivalis' surrender.
"Thank you." Ivalis returned his saber to his left hip and turned to leave.
"Master, that man..." Hancock's willow-like eyebrows furrowed, clearly still wary of Ivalis' submission. She wasn't afraid of him, but having such a potential enemy in their base felt like a ticking time bomb.
"Why don't we just have Viola use her mind-reading on him?" Scarlett suggested.
"Her mind-reading is only effective against those whose strength is not significantly greater than her own. It may not work on Ivalis."
Alucard's face showed no concern, only a sense of expectation. "If he chooses to betray us, so be it. But he will have to consider the consequences himself."
…
Exiting the castle, Ivalis nodded to the thirty-plus former Red-Haired Pirate crew members who had followed him. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief; had Alucard refused, they would have been wiped out instantly.
However, they were also deeply shocked that Alucard had agreed to their surrender.
"Things aren't as simple as just getting Alucard-sama's agreement."
Suddenly, a mocking voice came from behind Ivalis' group. They turned to see Stragus and many of the Immortal Pirates crew members surrounding them, all wearing extremely hostile expressions.
Stragus flicked his tongue over his blade. "Without strength, I can kill you just as easily."
This situation was completely different from when Law's Heart Pirates joined them.
Moreover, many of the Immortal Pirates had been taken down by Ivalis, a master swordsman. It was impossible for Alucard's subordinates to simply obey quietly.
Ivalis stepped out from his subordinates and drew his saber, facing Stragus. "Fine, I was feeling a bit bored anyway."
Clang!!
Two intense sword slashes, one gold and one purple, collided fiercely in front of the castle, creating a ringing clash of metal that shot high into the sky.
Hancock walked to the window and watched the fierce battle below. She frowned, "Senseless fighting like wild beasts. What a disgusting group of men..."
As soon as she finished speaking, Hancock cupped her cheek with one hand, a look of adoration replacing her frown. "But Master is different..."
…
Marine Headquarters, Marineford
Sengoku stood before Kong. Just moments ago, the Marines had concluded their highest-level roundtable conference. Kong had announced that he would soon be leaving for Mariejois to take up his new post, and Sengoku would assume his position as Fleet Admiral.
Simultaneously, Kuzan, Borsalino, and Issho were to be promoted to Admiral, filling the three long-vacant Admiral positions, and would be granted the aliases Aokiji, Kizaru, and Fujitora, respectively.
"You're not at retirement age yet, are you, Kong-san?" Even though the decision was final, Sengoku still couldn't help but try to dissuade him.
"There's no need for further discussion. I'm preparing to leave for Mariejois. Tomorrow, we will hold a press conference to announce your appointment as Fleet Admiral to the whole world, and we will announce the appointments of Kuzan and the other two as Admirals at the same time. I will leave right after the conference ends."
Kong then recalled something else. "Oh, also, the World Government is establishing a new special unit, and they will be taking some of the Marine's mainstays. The currently confirmed personnel are Momousagi, Chaton, Shirokitsune, and Yako."
Kong rattled off several code names, prompting a continuous sigh from Sengoku. "You certainly are transferring a large number of talented individuals all at once."
Kong shook his head. "It wasn't entirely my choice, either. In any case, please sit well in this position."
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