Just two hours later, the Radio Snail started ringing.
"I found out."
Jabra's voice came through the Radio Snail, also mimicking that face with the long mustache.
"Sisomia Kingdom, one of the World Government's allied nations, has a standing army of 200,000. It's a powerful military and trade kingdom."
"The city is called 'Novbri,' indeed a bustling port city, mainly trading along the route to Shampodi. The southern city 'Selfbri' trades on the route leading to the Grand Line entrance."
"Besides that, there's the central Royal City. If you're not attacking the Royal City, focus on Novigrad; this city has 5,000 defense soldiers, and there's a Navy Base on the eastern side of the kingdom. If attacked, the Navy can arrive within an hour."
"As for the places of wealthy people... I shouldn't have to tell you, you'll know when you arrive."
In an alleyway, Jabra leaned against the wall, gazing at a group of expressionless people in front of him, and repeated, "You will definitely know..."
...
"Okay, I understand."
Lily hung up the Radio Snail, looking at the city's outline, murmuring, "5,000 people, huh..."
5,000 defense soldiers, plus the expected resistance within the city, and the Navy arriving within an hour, makes it quite difficult for them, with their thousand people, to break through.
Especially within an hour.
In the past, when faced with defenses of this level, Sage would first eliminate part of those fervently resisting, leaving the rest for battle. No... Even without Sage's use of Supreme King, they were confident they could finish the fight within an hour.
It's mainly because Sage is here.
Even though they've fought forces numbering 5,000 before, now without Sage, Lily suddenly feels uncertain.
She could perfect the plan for Sage, could command effortlessly under Sage's protection, but this time is different. She's not leading independently; because Sage is gone, she must take the helm, but the more it is this way... she feels insecure.
"Ultimately, it must be done."
Marika saw Lily's anxiety beneath her calm expression and comforted her, "If you can't manage even this, then later tasks will be even more unattainable, Lily."
"You..."
Lily looked up, "You know what I'm thinking?"
"I can guess."
Marika smiled and faced the sea, "If captured, there's only one place, isn't there? If we can't wait for news from Sage, or receive it through the papers, the only place we can go is there. I'm happy on the ship, and if it's for Sage, I'm willing to do it."
Lily shook her head, smiling, looking at the Pirates busy on the deck, "You're right; if we don't act now, we'll be even less able to later. We were meant to make a splash!"
In the beginning, they set sail not to let Sage bear the bounty alone but to navigate any sea as an exceptional Navigator, and that's why they formed the Pirates with Sage.
Their voyage hasn't been long, but Sage has always been the backbone. They are accustomed to Sage's chaotic planning that ultimately comes to fruition.
Now, left to her to command, no matter the uncertainty, it must be done!
She can't let Sage down, nor does she want to become so anxious after losing Sage.
If Sage is really captured, he must be rescued!
No matter what happens, rescuing him has hope; if not, Sage truly won't come out!
Before that, people within the Pirates need to be eliminated again!
These people have been peaceful under Sage's leadership, but that doesn't mean they will remain so now that Sage is gone.
Just within these days, Lily has noticed thoughts of agitation in some people, not from CP9, nor the cadres, but those original Pirate Captains who joined in Demon Valley Town. They've started to stir.
A rebellion is unlikely; presumably, they want to leave, but now they're watching due to their loyalty.
Before rescuing Sage, these people must be dealt with.
Robbing this place, aside from maintaining the crew's morale, is a trial for these Pirates.
Lily wants to see if these people still adhere to the Pirates' rules. If not, they can be eliminated on the spot.
If they seize the opportunity to leave, let them go, to prevent accidents.
Otherwise, when heading to Impel Down, if these people cause trouble midway, that would be truly troublesome.
"Everyone!"
Lily drew her White Thunder, pointing towards the city's direction, "To Novbri, one-hour limit, plunder the city!"
"Oh!!"
The Pirates raised their weapons, pulling sails to drive the Death Star quickly sailing towards the city's port.
Lily pulled Las to her, solemnly stating, "Las, your task awaits."
"Miss Lily!"
Eight-year-old Las was excited by the words, "Can I join the pillaging too? Although I'm still weak, I'll definitely try hard!"
Jabra was training him, and he would pass on the experience to other members of the Demon Race, because Sage valued him. Despite being only eight, the Demon Race regarded him as the future representative serving Lord Sage, making his status high within the Demon Race.
"No, you have a more important task. I'll give you fifty members of the Demon Race, your mission is to guard this ship closely, not openly, but covertly, hiding on board. If any comrades board before retreat time... remember, kill them!"
Lily's expression was cold, "I can tolerate them leaving like Sage, but if they harbor thoughts against the Death Star, attempting rebellion, then they must be killed!"
Las froze, instinctually glancing toward the deck. On the deck, gathered Pirates each held weapons, their faces fierce and eager to plunder the next city.
These are well-acquainted comrades...
"Understood!"
Las clenched his fists, determination rising in his eyes, "Miss Lily, leave it to me, I won't let Lord Sage's ship face any mishaps!"
"Very well, Las, this is your responsibility!"
Lily patted Las's head, gripping her White Thunder tightly, her cool voice filled with resolve, "And I will lead the charge!"
The Death Star quickly sailed to the city's port, with cannon blasts echoing as cannonballs fired from the Black Ship demolished the defensive Cannon Platforms around the port, startling cries from people nearby.
The massive Black Ship rammed into the port, the Pirates laughing ferociously as they jumped off the ship, charging into the seemingly prosperous city.
Why seemingly prosperous...
Novbri, this port city, is indeed prosperous, its buildings towering like those in Carnival City, yet these tall buildings only occupy a small portion.
The Death Star is large, also tall. Lily standing on the ship's side deck can precisely see beyond these tall buildings.
It's a collection of decrepit houses encircling the prosperity completely, cutting the splendor into two worlds.
Like the pedestrians on streets extending from the port, most are in tattered clothes, with ten people, one dressed normally, among whom only one appears wealthy.