Not long after Roya's departure, Vice Admiral Tsuru arrived with a large contingent of Marines, swiftly surrounding the island. The only one left was Corazon, who had just been revived by Law and was now regaining consciousness.
"Corazon!!"
"Where's the medical team? Get them over here now!"
"We must ensure Corazon's survival!"
Vice Admiral Tsuru watched Corazon anxiously. As an old friend of Sengoku, she had just learned of Corazon's true identity—not only a Marine spy but also Sengoku's adopted son.
He had to be saved.
Tsuru quickly directed the medical team to examine Corazon while she took the opportunity to inspect the island for clues.
She approached a nearby building, lightly tracing her fingers over the scorch marks covering its surface.
The burns were everywhere, countless in number. Recalling the towering flames she had witnessed earlier, Tsuru felt a shudder run through her. "What terrifying power..."
Just as she murmured this, the medical team finished their examination and approached to report.
"Vice Admiral, we've completed Corazon's examination."
The team leader's expression was strange as he continued, "But... it's... it's bizarre. Despite Corazon's injuries being severe enough to be fatal, he shows no signs of life-threatening danger. His blood circulation is normal. It's almost as if... as if he's undergone some kind of miraculous surgery."
Tsuru's eyes darkened at the medical officer's words. She muttered under her breath, "A miraculous surgery... So, the Op-Op Fruit must have been taken and consumed by someone."
With this thought, she walked over to Corazon.
Lying on the ground, Corazon saw Tsuru approaching and tried to sit up, but she stopped him.
"Corazon, I just need to ask you a few simple questions."
"...Understood."
Though no longer in mortal danger, Corazon's voice was weak, his breathing still unsteady."Do you know the identity of the sudden appearance of a powerful figure on the island?"
Corazon shook his head.
"Have you seen his face?"
Corazon shook his head again.
"What about the Op-Op Fruit? Do you know where the Op-Op Fruit is?"
Corazon shook his head once more.
He knew Law had saved him, but he couldn't tell the Marines that Law had eaten the fruit.
This was his way of protecting Law, hoping only that he would grow stronger on the high seas and find his own place in the world!
Vice Admiral Tsuru studied Corazon's eyes closely but found nothing revealing.
After a long silence, Tsuru sighed. "Someone, take Corazon back to the ship and let him rest."
Then, she took out her Den Den Mushi and dialed Sengoku.
At Marineford, in Sengoku's office.
Standing by the window, Sengoku answered the call the moment the Den Den Mushi rang.
"Sengoku, Corazon is unharmed."
Hearing Tsuru's words, the weight on Sengoku's heart finally lifted.
"That's good, that's good! What about the Op-Op Fruit and Doflamingo?"
At Sengoku's question, Tsuru's expression turned bitter. "The Op-Op Fruit was most likely taken by that mysterious powerhouse on the island. As for Doflamingo, he probably fled the moment that figure made his move."
Tsuru recounted everything she had witnessed to Sengoku in detail.
Sengoku clenched his fists tightly, especially when he heard about the towering flames that melted the snow, shattered the Birdcage, and stretched for miles. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
"I understand. Search the island once more. If nothing turns up, return."
After hanging up, Sengoku relayed the information to Kong, who then headed straight to Mary Geoise, where the Five Elders resided.
"Kong, I hope you bring us good news!"
One of the Five Elders, holding a sword, spoke to Kong.
Unfazed by their tone, Kong stood before them and said solemnly, "The Op-Op Fruit has been stolen."
As his words fell, the elder polishing his beloved sword paused, his oppressive aura surging toward Kong. "What did you say?!"
Bracing against the pressure, Kong repeated, "A mysterious powerhouse appeared on Hachinosu, the island where the trade was supposed to take place, and took the Op-Op Fruit."
Once confirmed, the Five Elders fell into silence.
A tense atmosphere filled the room.
After what felt like an eternity, one of the bald elders spoke. "Issue a bounty—2 billion Berries! We must find this person. I'll have all intelligence agencies assist in uncovering this mystery. The Op-Op Fruit must remain in our hands."
Kong gave a firm nod before withdrawing from Mary Geoise.
The Marines acted swiftly. Before long, a blank bounty poster appeared across the seas.On every island under the Navy's control, these wanted posters were plastered everywhere. They even collaborated with the information magnate Morgans, dispatching countless news delivery birds to ensure these bounties reached every individual's hands.
The Moby Dick, a massive ship belonging to Whitebeard.
Marco was examining the latest bounty posters when he froze momentarily upon seeing this blank one.
"Pops, the Navy just issued a completely blank wanted poster! The only detail listed is 'capable of wielding sky-scorching flames.' No other information—just a 2 billion berry bounty!"
Marco's voice drew the attention of the other crew members.
"What?! Two billion berries?! And for some complete mystery person!"
"Just what kind of monster must this be? What could they have done to make those Navy fossils so furious?!"
"Gurararara! Someone like this… I really want them to become my son!"
Whitebeard's boisterous laughter echoed across the Moby Dick, and the crew couldn't help but join in, infected by his enthusiasm.
Marco sighed beside him, "Pops, here you go again!"
——
On Whole Cake Island, Charlotte Linlin—who was preparing for her first tea party—also saw the newspaper.
"Two billion berries?! Those Navy mad dogs will truly do anything!"
Katakuri, standing beside her, remarked, "Mama, for the Navy to lose their minds like this and make such a decision, this person must have done something that struck at their core interests."
"Let's focus on making the first tea party a success first. If this person dares to come, I'll turn their soul into a delicious snack! It'll surely taste wonderful!"
"Yes, Mama!"
——
On a small island, Law stared at the blank bounty poster in his hand, feeling warmth in his heart. The image of that nearly invincible figure filled his mind.
"Once I grow stronger, I will follow you without fail!"
His voice rang out clearly across the island.
——
Meanwhile, the protagonist of this blank bounty was out at sea, where he discovered a woman...