"Deploying one Admiral is already the highest level of response."
Sengoku's deep voice carried finality as his knuckles tapped rhythmically against the desk. "The current situation is delicate. Having two Admirals simultaneously leave headquarters could easily cause unnecessary turmoil. There's no need to make a mountain out of a molehill."
The air in the conference room seemed to solidify, with only the faint sound of ocean waves audible through the windows.
The title of Navy Admiral was never just an ordinary rank. They were three pillars maintaining the world's balance, strategic weapons deterring the Four Emperors, symbols that made countless pirates tremble at the mere mention.
The dark clouds of the impending war already loomed over Marineford. Every decision could affect the entire world's nerves. They absolutely couldn't casually mobilize strategic forces just to satisfy the Celestial Dragons' selfish desires.
"Bahr the Blasphemer's abilities are too troublesome," Aokiji said, straightening slightly in his seat. His tone remained calm but methodical. "Borsalino needs to deal with those brats who attacked the Celestial Dragons. He might not have spare energy to keep watch on Bahr. If that kid escapes, it'll be hard to explain to the Celestial Dragons."
He paused, showing rare seriousness. "With war approaching, we can't afford distractions from this matter. It must be resolved quickly."
Sengoku remained silent for a moment, his fingers still tapping the desk.
Indeed, since his "departure," Bahr the Blasphemer had twice escaped from both Garp and Aokiji. His strength was undeniable. At this critical juncture, any slip-up could affect subsequent plans. There was no room for carelessness.
"You're right," Sengoku finally nodded, his tone decisive. "We'll proceed as you suggest. You handle Bahr's capture while Borsalino focuses on dealing with Straw Hat Luffy's crew and that long-eared fellow. Remember—this must be resolved swiftly without delaying more important matters."
Aokiji said no more. Rising from his chair, the Justice Coat draped over his shoulders fluttered slightly with the movement. His bootsteps echoed steadily as he walked toward the door, carrying an air of unshakable determination.
....
At a restaurant on Sabaody Archipelago.
The wooden table sagged slightly under stacked plates. Bahr leisurely chewed a piece of grilled meat while watching Pascia opposite him devouring fried chicken legs with both hands. Sauce dripped from the corners of her mouth onto the cloth dress covering her chest, her cheeks bulging like they held two ping pong balls. She swallowed frantically as if afraid someone might steal her food.
"Slow down. No one's taking it from you," Miss. Valentine said, pushing salad around her plate with a silver fork. Her eyes flicked to the girl's greasy mouth with vague distaste. "How many days since you last ate?"
A barely noticeable flicker of fear passed through Pascia's eyes. With her mouth still full, she mumbled indistinctly, "If you're disobedient... you don't get food."
Bahr's hand holding the wine glass paused momentarily, causing tiny ripples in the amber liquid. He looked at Pascia and understood immediately.
The so-called "no food if disobedient" was just those people's old trick for training slaves' obedience—starve them to the brink, then offer food to make them beg like dogs.
"Don't mind her. Keep eating." Bahr pushed his plate of grilled sausages toward her. "Order more if this isn't enough."
No strength for work... on an empty stomach.
Pascia's eyes lit up, but she didn't immediately dig in. Instead, she timidly glanced at Bahr, only stuffing the sausage into her mouth after seeing his nod—though her chewing became noticeably more restrained this time.
Miss. Valentine curled her lip, about to say something more when a sharp commotion erupted outside the window, mingled with the shattering of porcelain and startled screams from the crowd.
Perona, who had been nibbling on a strawberry cake, immediately perked up her ears. "It's so noisy out there. What's going on?"
Bahr looked toward the shifting shadows outside the window, a knowing smile curling at the corner of his lips as his fingers tapped lightly on the table. "Seems things are about to get messy."
He tilted his chin toward Pascia. "Eat up. You might not have time to savor your food later."
Pascia startled at Bahr's tone, shoving bread into her mouth so hastily she nearly choked. Miss. Valentine handed her a glass of juice and smacked her back irritably. "What's the rush? You think the boss would let you starve?"
Bahr couldn't be bothered with such trivialities. He saw the situation clearly—nine times out of ten, this ruckus meant the Straw Hats had made a move against a Celestial Dragon.
But what did that have to do with him? It wasn't like he was the one who'd struck a Celestial Dragon. He was the only one on the ship with a bounty, and as long as he kept a low profile with his mask on, would the Marines really go out of their way to cause trouble?
The Coating would be finished in a few days, and for now, he had Pascia to keep him entertained.
Just thinking about the alluring mermaid girls and the agile, beautiful fish-women made the corners of Bahr's mouth curl upward, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Let the outside world descend into chaos—Marines, Celestial Dragons, none of it mattered much right now. As long as he could make it to that "paradise for men" on time to indulge in pleasure, everything else could take a backseat.
Bahr was just digging into the roasted meat on his plate when the "Brururu" ring of a Den Den Mushi cut through the restaurant's clamor. He frowned, fishing the Den Den Mushi from his pocket and answering with a lazy tone tinged with irritation at the interrupted meal. "What is it?"
They'd prepared communication tools before splitting up. A call at this hour likely meant something had gone wrong.
"Boss, we've run into a tough opponent. Not easy to handle." Ohm's steady voice came through immediately, carrying an unusual tension—even his deliberately suppressed panting was audible.
Bahr's chopsticks froze mid-air, his brows knitting tighter. Ohm was always composed. If he said "not easy to handle," the situation was probably more troublesome than expected. "Where are you?"
He knew Enel's temperament all too well. That arrogant brat would grit his teeth and tough it out no matter how strong the opponent, refusing to call for help until he was truly cornered.
If Ohm was reaching out now, it meant Enel was tied up in battle—maybe even at a disadvantage.
Anyone who could keep Enel, with his lightning speed, locked in combat was no ordinary foe.
"At the lawless district... near the warehouse area in Zone 30." Ohm's voice was muddled by distant noise and faint thunder, making it hard to catch. "The opponent seems to be—"
A sudden burst of static crackled through the line, as if the signal had been disrupted, cutting off the rest of his words.
Bahr immediately set down his bowl and chopsticks. The chair legs screeched against the floor as he stood up. He jerked his chin toward Miss. Valentine and Paula at the table. "I'll go check it out first. You two head back to the ship on your own."
Before the words had fully left his mouth, his figure blurred into a shadow accompanied by the faint distortion of Space, vanishing instantly from sight.
The grilled meat on the plate still steamed hot, but the person who had been at the table was already gone. Only the soft "plop" of the disconnected Den Den Mushi echoed lightly through the dining hall.
--Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LegendaryTL
Thanks!