-Real World-
Holy Land Mary Geoise
Fleet Admiral Sengoku found himself in the uncomfortable position of being interrogated by the Five Elders when the Sky Screen's revelations provided an unexpected glimpse into the Marines' future independence. Through the mouths of CP0 agents—the World Government's most elite operatives—the extent of the Marines' eventual defiance became crystal clear.
The sight of even arrogant CP0 agents acknowledging Marine dominance sent shockwaves through viewers across the world. If the future Marines truly intended to operate above World Government authority, would they even acknowledge the Five Elders' commands? The Celestial Dragons themselves might find their supreme authority challenged by their former servants.
"Sengoku," Saint Jaygarcia Saturn's voice dripped with barely contained fury, "you'd better pray you don't live to see that future. If the Marines truly become what we've witnessed, I'd rather disband your entire organization immediately."
The Warrior God of Science and Defense offered no pretense of respect for the Fleet Admiral. In their eyes, Marines were nothing more than well-trained attack dogs—useful tools that could be discarded when they outlived their purpose. The fact that they'd forced the Shichibukai system upon the Marines years ago proved the extent of their control.
The irony wasn't lost on anyone present. The same Shichibukai system the World Government had imposed would eventually be abolished by the Marines themselves, creating a perfect circle of defiance.
"We won't demand you surrender Artoria," Saint Marcus Mars continued, his tone suggesting this was a generous concession, "but she must remain at Marine Headquarters permanently. No acting positions, no temporary authority. We refuse to repeat the same mistake twice."
Sengoku's jaw clenched, his legendary composure straining under the weight of helpless frustration. Despite his Conqueror's Haki and natural leadership qualities, he remained fundamentally bound by Celestial Dragon authority. As long as he pursued justice through official channels, he would remain their subordinate.
"Captain Smoker has awakened Conqueror's Haki, much like yourself," Saint Topman Warcury observed with calculating interest. "Given his youth and military dedication, focus your training efforts on him."
The implication was clear—Smoker represented a potential future Fleet Admiral the Five Elders believed they could control. His sense of justice fell somewhere between Sakazuki's absolute methods and Kuzan's flexible approach, making him theoretically more manageable than Artoria's unpredictable leadership.
The thought of twelve Marine Admirals operating independently filled the Five Elders with dread. The day might come when the World Government would need to request Marine assistance rather than command it—a reversal of power that threatened the very foundation of their authority.
What disturbed the Five Elders even more was witnessing CP0's legendary invincibility shattered. The World Government's highest intelligence agency was about to suffer a direct assault in broad daylight.
-Broadcast-
The three CP0 agents hadn't entered Dressrosa through conventional tourism channels. Their submarine approach had been carefully planned to avoid detection, but clearly their operational security had been compromised.
"The Donquixote Family contact chose quite the isolated meeting spot," Ada observed, her keen instincts detecting underlying tension in the situation. "Both of you stay alert. This feels too convenient."
Kaku maintained his characteristic optimism despite the circumstances. "Everything's been proceeding too smoothly. Acquiring the business intelligence was almost effortless—I'm not accustomed to such easy operations. Perhaps we're due for some complications."
"Contact incoming," Lucci announced, his Observation Haki operating at maximum sensitivity. His pet dove, Hattori, ruffled its feathers nervously on his shoulder.
A figure dressed in standard Donquixote Family attire approached their position with measured steps. To casual observation, nothing appeared amiss about the approaching operative.
Ada had strategically positioned several parasitically-controlled animal sentries around the meeting point, sharing their sensory input through her Devil Fruit ability. The intelligence she received sent chills down her spine. "We have a problem. Multiple hostiles are tracking our contact." Before she could relay more detailed information, her animal spies were systematically eliminated.
Several kilometers away, a group was rapidly approaching their location. At the head of the formation, Ada spotted a familiar black-haired young man flanked by two Donquixote Family executives.
Receiving the warning, Lucci and Kaku immediately shifted into combat readiness. Both agents underwent partial Zoan transformation—Lucci becoming a leopard-human hybrid while Kaku assumed his giraffe-human form. Their hybrid states provided optimal balance between human dexterity and animal physical advantages.
The approaching contact displayed obvious signs of distress. Tears streamed down his face, and his mouth had been grotesquely sewn shut. More alarming still, his body began expanding like an inflating balloon, swelling beyond human proportions while maintaining forward momentum toward the CP0 agents.
Recognizing the imminent danger, all three agents launched themselves skyward using "Geppo" (Moonwalk). However, before they could reach sufficient altitude, their compromised contact reached critical mass.
The explosion that followed created a massive mushroom cloud, tongues of flame reaching toward the heavens as the detonation consumed everything within a considerable radius. The shockwave rippled outward with devastating force, catching the airborne CP0 agents in its expanding sphere of destruction.
Maintaining their aerial positions through continued Moonwalk steps, the three agents assessed the damage below. "I can confirm visual identification," Ada reported grimly. "Gladius of the Donquixote Family—user of the "Pamu Pamu no Mi" (Pop-Pop Fruit)."
The implications were staggering. Doflamingo, a former Celestial Dragon and ex Shichibukai, had just authorized a direct attack on CP0. Such audacity explained why the Marines would send an Admiral to deal with him personally.
A figure emerged from the dissipating smoke and debris—a man sporting a distinctive blue spiky long hair and an expression of casual satisfaction. "CP0's reputation for resilience appears well-deserved," Gladius called out. "The Donquixote Family has specific business with the lady among you. Gentlemen, we'd appreciate your cooperation."
Character Notes: Donquixote Family Executive - Gladius, "Pamu Pamu no Mi" (Pop-Pop Fruit) user
"Let's finish this quickly," added a second voice. A corpulent figure wearing red-tinted clothing stepped into view, his unkempt blonde hair and slovenly beard creating an impression of deliberate slovenliness. "We can't afford to miss tomorrow evening's music festival."
Character Notes: Donquixote Family Executive - Machvise, "Ton Ton no Mi" (Ton-Ton Fruit) user
Ada immediately transmitted detailed intelligence about both opponents to her companions, ensuring they understood the specific threats each enemy represented.
"Why would Doflamingo specifically target Senior Ada?" Kaku wondered aloud, genuine confusion evident in his voice. "There's no logical strategic reason for such focus."
"We'll each engage one opponent for close-quarters elimination," Lucci declared, his normally controlled demeanor showing cracks of genuine anger. "After neutralization, Ada can use her abilities for interrogation. They'll pay the price for attacking CP0."
The leopard-man's protective instincts had been triggered. Ada represented more than just a fellow agent to him—she was someone he'd sworn to protect, making this assault deeply personal.
Ada unconsciously positioned herself behind Lucci's imposing frame, scanning the battlefield below. The black-haired young man who had led the pursuit finally stepped into full view beside the Donquixote executives.
Sky Screen viewers noticed the confusion flickering across Ada's features. Despite her extensive intelligence training and perfect memory, she appeared unable to identify the dark-haired young man. Yet this was the same individual Luffy had encountered at Bellhill's restaurant—the mysterious Eren, suspected of Donquixote Family affiliations.
"Ada," the stranger called up to them, his voice carrying across the devastated landscape with unsettling familiarity. "Has your memory been tampered with since we parted in Flevance?"
The mention of Flevance—the White City—triggered something catastrophic in Ada's mind. Suppressed memories began flooding back with overwhelming force, creating neurological chaos that manifested as excruciating pain. The agony tore through her consciousness like lightning, making it impossible to maintain her Moonwalk technique.
Noticing his companion's distress, Lucci immediately caught the falling woman in his arms, his leopard eyes blazing with murderous intent toward the figure below. Whatever Eren had done to Ada, he would pay dearly for it.
The stage was set for a brutal confrontation between the World Government's elite agents and the Donquixote Family's executives in this desolate wasteland. The outcome would send ripples throughout the underworld's delicate balance of power.
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