At Mary Geoise, in Pangu Castle's Room of Authority.
The Gorosei were gathered, the atmosphere so heavy it could almost drip.
"Two Admirals couldn't even take down a mere rookie pirate?" Nasujuro Saint's voice was icy, the Shodai Kitetsu in his hand trembling slightly.
"Kuzan and Borsalino are too disappointing." Saint Pite slammed the table, his tone furious, "This incident has already made the World Government lose face!"
Saint Saturn flipped through the battle report, his brows furrowing tighter and tighter: "What's more troublesome is that the Red Hair Pirates, the Shichibukai, and people from the Underworld all witnessed this battle…"
"Action must be taken." Nasujuro Saint said decisively, "Red Hawk's threat has far exceeded expectations."
"Wait." Warcury Saint suddenly looked up, "Borsalino said… Red Hawk's Devil Fruit ability is very similar to the one Osrian has been searching for?"
The room instantly fell silent.
"So, it's very likely that Osrian was killed by Red Hawk… If that's the case, four Celestial Dragons have already been killed by Red Hawk in such a short period of time." Saint Mars's expression was indifferent and stern, as if he was about to erupt at any moment.
"Red Hawk's strength is already enough to contend with an Admiral. It's difficult to eliminate him, unless one of us makes a move." Saint Pite said faintly.
"Let's see if there's an opportunity first. If so, I'll personally make a move." Saint Mars said coldly.
The Room of Authority quieted down.
The other four Gorosei seemed to implicitly agree with Saint Mars's decision.
— — — —
The next day.
At Marineford, the atmosphere in Fleet Admiral Sengoku's office was also not good, as Vice Admiral Gion's warship had already returned to Marineford.
"How are Kuzan's injuries?" Sengoku asked in a deep voice.
"He's stable now." Vice Admiral Tsuru sighed, "But the damage caused by that flame is very peculiar. Even Kuzan's ice and Haki couldn't completely suppress it. The medical team said it would take at least a week to recover."
Sengoku's brows furrowed even tighter.
"Borsalino, are you sure Red Hawk really has the ability of instant recovery?"
"Yes~ Sengoku-san." Kizaru crossed his legs, slowly filing his nails, "This old man saw it with his own eyes at the time, but… this old man thinks there should be a limit to it, otherwise he wouldn't have waited for this old man to appear before using it."
"Instant recovery, even if it has limitations, this is a very terrifying ability…" Sengoku muttered to himself, his expression growing more solemn.
"What's even more troublesome is…" Vice Admiral Tsuru added, "According to Gion's report, Red Hawk has also mastered 'Observation Kill', which even interfered with Kuzan's Observation Haki."
"Observation Kill?!" Sengoku suddenly looked up, a hint of shock flashing in his eyes, "Isn't that an ability only Red Hair has mastered?"
"Now, there's another Red Hawk." Vice Admiral Tsuru's expression was grave.
Sengoku was silent for a long time, then he looked up and said seriously: "Issue an order, Red Hawk's bounty is to be raised to… 3.59 billion Berries! Let him stir up a storm in the New World!"
"This old woman understands." Vice Admiral Tsuru replied.
She understood Sengoku's meaning; someone like Red Hawk, who had no faction, no matter how strong he was, would not pose a threat to their World Government.
— — — —
New World, a certain sea area.
The Red Hair Pirates had already returned to the New World. On the Red Force, Shanks was raising a toast and drinking with his companions.
"Hahahahaha! We really saw a good show this time!" Lucky Roux said indistinctly, biting a large piece of meat.
"That Red Hawk, he actually managed to fight Hawkeye to a draw with just his swordsmanship and physique, and after that, he could even suppress Kuzan…" Yasopp wiped his beloved sniper rifle, his tone filled with admiration.
"What's even more terrifying is…" Beckman exhaled a smoke ring, his eyes deep, "His growth rate is simply unbelievable."
Shanks took a large gulp of sake, a smile playing on his lips: "The tide of the new era… is becoming more and more interesting."
"I just don't know if Luffy can surpass him…" Beckman's expression was somewhat solemn.
— — — —
Another day passed.
Calm Belt, Nine Serpent Island, Amazon Lily Kingdom Royal Palace bathroom.
Hancock was immersed in a warm rose bath, her beautiful face flushed unnaturally.
"Sister, you've been soaking for three hours already…" Sandersonia said cautiously.
"Shut up! This Empress is merely contemplating matters of state!" Hancock suddenly stood up, water splashing everywhere, "Issue an order, the Kuja Pirates are to… immediately… immediately…"
Her voice grew softer and softer, finally becoming a light sigh: "Never mind, you two may withdraw for now."
"Yes, Sister." Sandersonia immediately replied, then pulled Marigold out of the bathroom with her.
After her sisters left, Hancock covered her burning cheeks, her long legs unconsciously rubbing together: "That man… how dare he look at this Empress's… here… like that…"
~ ~ ~ ~
Sandersonia and Marigold came out of the royal palace, exchanging glances, their eyes filled with worry.
Ever since they returned from Kuraigana Island, their proud sister seemed like a different person.
She locked herself in her room, neglecting food and drink, occasionally staring blankly into the mirror, and even… blushing?!
Just then, Nyon, holding a newspaper from today, arrived. She asked in confusion: "What's going on? Has the Snake Princess not finished bathing yet? Today's national curfew is already two hours later than usual."
"Nyon, Sister… seems a bit off." Sandersonia looked worried. After much deliberation, she still told Nyon about the Empress's behavior these past two days.
"Nani?!!!" Nyon seemed startled. Her trembling voice continued: "It's over, it's over… The Snake Princess is very likely suffering from lovesickness…"
"Sick?!" Marigold said, ready to act, "We'll call a doctor immediately!"
"No… no need to call a doctor…" Nyon's voice grew more and more panicked, "Because this kind of illness… doctors can't cure…"
"Can't cure?!" Sandersonia and Marigold instantly turned pale with shock.
"You two guard the door, this old woman will go in and see." Nyon quickly finished speaking and hurried into the royal palace.
Entering the royal palace, Nyon saw that the Empress had already finished bathing. She was now wearing a deep red, seductive nightgown, tossing and turning on the soft bed, not even noticing Nyon's entry.
Seeing the Empress, whose face was flushed and eyes hazy, yet who looked sickly, Nyon grew more and more panicked.
"Snake Princess, today's newspaper has arrived, Red Hawk…"
"Ah~" Before Nyon could finish her sentence, the Empress on the bed, hearing the words Red Hawk, immediately let out a somewhat painful cry.
She clutched her clothes and covered her chest, feeling an unbearable ache in her heart.
Seeing this scene, Nyon's face instantly turned incredibly pale.
Her hanging heart finally died.
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