Dr. Vegapunk detailed the assignments for everyone present. The first step in the plan to overthrow the World Government was the successful execution of the Sky Island Seizure Plan.
First and foremost, the full-scale war between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Navy had to erupt smoothly.
Alucard was tempted to interject, "Don't bother, Ace will get caught anyway."
However, on second thought, because he had spent so many years muddling the timeline, he couldn't be certain that Ace would definitely be captured. Furthermore, hadn't Sabo shown no signs of intervention? The Whitebeard Pirates had even expanded, adding a 17th Division led by Lucky Roux.
Thus, it wasn't a guarantee that Ace would be taken.
To ensure this event occurred, they first had to strike a deal with Teach.
Alucard had already informed Dr. Vegapunk about Teach consuming the Dark-Dark Fruit. Consequently, Vegapunk chose Ivalis to lead the Golden Hair Pirates to find Teach and iron out the details.
On the other flank, a force would head to the Sky Islands to conduct harassment operations against the Government troops currently expanding their military foothold there.
For such a task, one needed individuals with exceptional abilities who knew how to hit and run.
Dr. Vegapunk selected his bodyguard, the female dragon knight Aranea Highwind, to lead a unit of Pacifistas. Supported by PX-0 Bartholomew Kuma, "Big Eater" Jewelry Bonney's crew, and Fallon's Black Thorn Pirates, they would act as the primary disruptive force. These two prongs were vital.
The remaining members were assigned secondary tasks. This wasn't due to a lack of strength, but rather suitability. For instance, Shirahoshi possessed terrifying power, but her home field was the sea, not the sky. From the beginning, Dr. Vegapunk didn't intend for her to intervene in this particular theater.
"Well then, everyone, please set out immediately."
Dr. Vegapunk clapped his hands, giving a final word to Bonney and the others heading for the sky. "Do not worry about safety. Kuma's ability allows everyone to reach the Sky Islands with an almost 100% survival rate."
"Hey, you said 'almost,' didn't you? Meaning we could still die?" Bonney protested loudly, but Dr. Vegapunk ignored her.
"Quiet down. If you're unwilling..."
Fallon cracked his knuckles with a series of sharp pops. He sneered, "If you're scared, crawl out of the Immortal Pirates and go back to Paradise to enjoy yourself."
"What did you say, you bastard!" Bonney barked back, looking ready to scrap with Fallon on the spot.
"Shut up, the Captain is right here."
Ivalis stood up, taking his sword from the table and strapping it to his waist. He led Benn Beckman, Cavendish, and the others toward the exit. "I'm heading out."
Leading a crew consisting almost entirely of non-ability users, Ivalis was undeniably the best choice for negotiating with, or fighting, Teach.
"Tch!"
Fallon, who loathed Ivalis the most, let out a dismissive snort. However, mindful of Alucard's presence, he dared not do anything out of line. He quickly prepared to depart for the Sky Islands with Aranea and Kuma.
The others signaled their respect to Alucard and left one after another. Wolf, being far too conspicuous, was not given a major role in this specific mission and was granted freedom of movement. After the meeting, he left quickly, intent on finding Weevil to avenge the defeat he suffered two years ago.
However, before he could leave, Dr. Vegapunk called him back, saying he had something to discuss, and led the giant toward the laboratory on the west side of the city.
Soon, only Alucard and the Kuja remained in the conference room. Under Hancock's resentful glare, the rest of the Kuja departed. Only Scarlett dared to stand her ground against Hancock at a time like this, remaining behind.
Before long, at the two women's passionate invitation, a decadent symphony echoed within the room.
An indeterminate amount of time passed. Hancock and Scarlett lay on the bed, lightly brushing aside hair soaked with perspiration. Hancock, possessing better stamina, managed to sit up and lean her lithe body against Alucard's shoulder. "Master... isn't this going a bit too far?"
Although Dr. Vegapunk had only spoken of the Sky Island Seizure Plan, and had mentioned nothing of the subsequent steps or the ultimate goal of toppling the Government, Hancock had already caught the scent of his true intentions.
"Too far? Are you joking?"
Alucard bared his fangs and clenched a fist. "The fun has only just begun."
Hours later, ten thousand meters above the sea on a Sky Island, thirty Pacifistas, the entire Bonney Pirates, and the Black Thorn Pirates successfully made landfall thanks to Kuma's powers. Aranea, meanwhile, had used her own ability to fly up in one go.
"So the legendary Sky Islands really do exist. If those lazy bums back in the bars knew about this, their faces would be swollen from the shock."
Looking at the vast white ocean of clouds, Fallon kept his hands in his pockets while surveying the area. About two miles away, he could vaguely see signs of the local residents.
BOOM!
The cloud layer beneath them was breached once more. This time, it was Kuma himself and Aranea, who had flown up using her Steam-Steam Fruit abilities in tandem with her flight armor.
Aranea stood with one hand on her hip, patting her mouth with the other as she stifled a yawn. "Though I'd rather not do it, since I'm more familiar with this place than any of you, I have the misfortune of serving as the commander-in-chief for this mission. Please listen to my orders while we're here. Is that clear?"
Fallon narrowed his eyes. "If it's for the sake of the mission, I have no objections."
"Let's just get started already!"
Bonney said brashly. At that moment, her stomach let out a loud protest. Clutching her slender, flat belly, she asked, "But can we eat first? What's good to eat on a Sky Island?"
"You little brat..."
Fallon looked extremely annoyed, but Aranea offered a slight smile. "Well, no rush. Our mission is a war of attrition anyway. There's no harm in grabbing a meal first."
"Oh! Aranea, you're alright! I like you."
Hearing Aranea agree to her request for food, Bonney gave her a thumbs-up. Aranea's lips, hidden beneath her helmet, twitched slightly. Your standards for 'liking' someone are incredibly low.