"Vanished? The entire Straw Hat crew, along with their pirate ship, disappeared from Elbaf in the blink of an eye?"
At the Marine Intelligence Department, a Vice Admiral spoke with a helpless expression, caught between disbelief and frustration.
"You expect us to handle intelligence that even CP0 couldn't uncover? This is a bit too much."
"So they really are gone? This is going to be troublesome. The higher-ups of the World Government specifically ordered us to keep a close watch on him at all times."
A group of Marines gathered around, staring at the Straw Hat Jolly Roger with bitter expressions as they murmured among themselves.
"To disappear so easily under so many watchful eyes, they truly live up to their reputation as the most mysterious pirate crew."
"That's not surprising. Their vice captain is already world-famous and acknowledged as the strongest on the seas. He might even be the most powerful pirate in history."
"Exactly. If that man wanted to hide his crew, it would be effortless."
"A God King who possesses multiple Devil Fruit abilities, who knows what power he used? Concealing a ship or moving it elsewhere would be simple for him."
The Vice Admiral frowned after finishing a Den Den Mushi call, then turned toward his subordinates.
"Enough. Stop boosting the enemy and lowering your own confidence. From this moment on, we have one mission."
His expression hardened.
"Find the whereabouts of the Straw Hat crew. We must track Shirogai's movements before the upcoming high-level meeting begins."
"As the founder of the Sky Island Alliance and the Air Force, every action taken by God King Shirogai will have a massive impact on the world."
The room fell into an awkward silence.
Find Shirogai? Are we even capable of that?
The intelligence officers exchanged glances, unsure whether to laugh or despair.
"Vice Admiral, even CP0, the best intelligence unit in the world, failed. What exactly are we supposed to do?"
"Yeah, Marine Intelligence has always been outclassed by the World Government's network. Shouldn't they handle this?"
"This is a direct order from above. No more complaints."
The Vice Admiral's voice turned cold.
"Use every resource available. Mobilize every force we can access."
"I refuse to believe the Straw Hats can remain hidden forever."
"Yes, sir!"
The Marines responded, though many wore bitter smiles as they accepted the nearly impossible mission.
"This is way too difficult."
One Marine sighed.
"Where could they even be hiding? Maybe the Sky Island Alliance headquarters? If they're there, no one would dare attack them."
Another Marine laughed at himself.
"Attack them? Who would even dare?"
"Would any of the Yonko dare? Would we?"
"Don't joke around. Shirogai is recognized as the strongest person in the world right now. Anyone who provokes him is just asking to die."
"Then why disappear at all?"
A Marine rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Maybe they don't want to show up publicly during this meeting."
"Who knows? Someone like him doesn't think in ways we can understand."
Another Marine leaned back lazily.
"Honestly, I don't ever want to face him again. Last time, even from far away, his Conqueror's Haki nearly crushed me."
"Just one glance and I blacked out."
Remembering that overwhelming pressure, the Marine shivered.
Still, not everyone had given up.
"Based on Elbaf's location, we might be able to predict their route..."
Some continued analyzing maps and data with focus.
"Perhaps their destination is the same as the other invited parties."
One Marine speculated quietly.
"Could they be heading to Mary Geoise?"
...
Far below the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, a pink ship drifted calmly across the sea.
At a glance, no one would associate this delicate, feminine-looking vessel with the infamous Straw Hat Pirates.
Yet it was none other than the Thousand Sunny.
Even more shocking, every person aboard the ship was female.
And not just ordinary women, but breathtaking beauties capable of captivating anyone who laid eyes on them.
===
Read chapters ahead on Patreon, with every chapter organized into collections.
Subscribing a membership gives you access to "ALL" fanfictions,
Or you can buy only the collection you want, to gain access to chapters ahead.
P-a-t-r-e-o-n.com/_Zeph.