Kizaru slightly lowered his head, seemingly lost in thought, while Aokiji faintly murmured, "Is it really possible to make such a choice..."
He thought Sage would choose only one of two options: either simply stride forward, mockingly accepting the convenience of the 'automated walkway', or step aside like them.
Unexpectedly, this guy did step on it, but the walkway stopped instead. Could this be a completely different attitude?
Aokiji gazed at the automated walkway, his eyes seemingly seeing beyond it, perceiving something deeper.
A group of slaves responsible for operating the mechanism of this walkway, along with overseers, were all knocked unconscious, lying on the ground.
"You really are a troublesome guy..." Aokiji scratched his head, sighed again, and continued walking with Sage.
After walking for a while, Sage suddenly looked to the left, and not far from them, they could see a massive castle.
With just one glance, red light burst from his eyes. His Observation, adept at discerning historical information and valuable items, got activated. The massive castle appeared ancient and grand in his eyes.
The main structure of the castle was made of huge stones and ornate carvings, with towering spires piercing the sky, surrounded by expansive gardens and yards filled with flowers and trees.
As they got closer, the castle's grand entrance became visible, hung with heavy chains. Complex patterns and texts engraved on the door conveyed an ancient and noble aura.
"It's a collector's treasure!"
Sage gazed at the castle, his eyes paused at the topmost floor-to-ceiling window, seemingly spotting a figure inside. His smile widened as he extended his finger directly at the entire Mary Geoise Castle.
"Leaving it here is such a waste; why not give it to me instead!"
The breath of history and luxurious decorations made him sense that every single thing inside was precious and valuable.
Such castles suit him perfectly.
"I can take its place! Hahaha, Hohohoho!"
Sage's laughter was filled with arrogance, completely ignoring the reactions of the two Admirals beside him as he continued moving forward.
"Such a rude person!"
Inside the window, Saturn leaned on a cane, overlooking Sage leading the large troops. He frowned, "To even cast a fearless gaze like that, it seems the New World will be lively..."
Behind him, Peter, with both hands in his pockets, casually said, "Pirates are like that, ignorant of reverence, even when admiring Mary Geoise, only bringing such superficial views."
"Ignore him. We should deal with the current situation. Sengoku officially submitted his resignation, as for Fleet Marshal's candidate... on the Navy side, Aokiji is favored." Nusjuro cradled his blade, striking a pose as well.
"But within the Government, many nominated Akainu." Mars chimed in.
"We'll see. The choice for a new Fleet Marshal should be cautious. Until a new balance is found, let's not make hasty decisions." Warcury crossed his arms, rasping.
To them, Sage's gaze is but a tiny speck.
For eight hundred years, the World Government has faced such irreverent gazes many times, but without exception, they all vanished into history and turned to dust.
They've been victors for eight hundred years, not to be easily disturbed by a mere pirate.
Such people aren't qualified to meet the Five Elders.
Soon enough, Sage crossed Mary Geoise, reaching the base of another staircase where an elevator was ready.
Kizaru and Aokiji stood atop the steps, no longer moving, just watching Sage gradually depart.
Their task was simply to ensure nothing unexpected happened in Mary Geoise, the rest was none of their concern.
A group of people took the elevator down, reaching the other side of the Red Earth Continent. On the continent's edge, Red Harbor, under Government jurisdiction, where a Naval Fortress ensured smooth travel between the New World and the first half.
Underneath the cable car at that moment, groups of Navy officers stared angrily at the descending pirates.
A rough count showed there were at least two thousand Navy personnel stationed there.
"Quite the spectacle."
Sage stepped off the elevator, glanced at the fully-prepared Navy ahead, and shouted, "Hey, send a few people to follow on a small boat. I don't have the time to wait specially for you. Once we reach a certain sailing distance, I'll return the personnel to you!"
After speaking, without waiting for the Navy to react, he directly headed to the harbor, waiting for Stansen to carry the boat over, a splash sounded as the Death Star once again entered the water.
"Board the ship!"
Sage waved his hand, leading his crew onto the deck. At the same time, a Navy Officer, along with several Navy personnel, carried a small boat and followed up.
"Set sail!"
Upon reaching the deck, Lily drew White Thunder and pointed skyward, shouting, "Everyone quickly get to your posts; steer, set sail, ten o'clock direction, move out!"
The massive Black Ship, propelled by the engine and sails, broke the surface water and rapidly headed towards the ten o'clock direction.
They possessed the Eternal Pose of Dressrosa, eliminating further records. They would simply set sail, and once they arrived in Dressrosa, everything would be sorted out.
However, the deck was slightly cramped compared to before because of the giant Stansen, who was now squatting on the deck, occupying a considerable area.
"Sage..."
Lily circled around Stansen, walked to Sage's side, and said, "The warship is following us; Akainu is standing at its bow."
After setting sail, she immediately spotted the warship following them and got startled upon seeing through the telescope.
Akainu was right at the bow!
"I see."
Sage chuckled, "They seem quite concerned about me, worried I'll go back on my word? Or afraid I'll destroy the station?"
Lily glanced at the shivering Charlos, now being protected by the Navy, and frowned, "Should we take him along?"
"No need to worry about him; he won't catch up."
Sage waved his hand towards the anxious Navy personnel, saying, "Alright, off you go. The distance is sufficient; if you don't leave now, are you waiting for me to invite you for a meal?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding pirates dispersed, allowing those Navy officers to toss the small boat down and swiftly board it with Charlos, rowing back towards the chase.
Sage stood at the stern, in confrontation with the pursuing warship. Though quite a distance away, he could sense they were watching him as he was watching Akainu...
Sage gradually showed a fierce grin and shouted towards them, "Twenty years ago, you took away my foothold; twenty years later, I'll take Marineford from you! As for the rest of the account, one day we'll settle it, Akainu!"
Akainu crossed his arms, with half of his face shaded by his military cap, making it hard to discern his expression. Yet, intense molten lava began to exude from his body.
"Evil brat!" he said in a deep voice.
"Sakazuki Admiral..."
A Navy Rear Admiral saluted, "Charlos is on that small boat. He's almost reaching us. Should we attack the Disaster Pirates now?"
"Just take the person back; we'll let Disaster... escape!"
Akainu glanced sideways at the frantically rowing boat, with a terrified Charlos in the middle, and snorted coldly, "Burden!"
"Understood!"
The Navy Rear Admiral saluted again, visibly relieved.
The destruction of Disaster had already been proven. Admirals are formidable, but it doesn't concern them...
If a fight broke out, and this ship got destroyed, they'd be finished.
The Red Harbor behind them might be wrecked...
Only when the Death Star and the warship widened the distance did Sage retract his gaze, shouting to his crew, "To celebrate our arrival in the New World, let's have a feast, lads!"
"Yes!!" the pirates shouted in response.
But at that moment, Lily frowned again, scanning the surroundings, and then approached, saying, "Sage, Lucci is missing."