She was none other than Black Maria, one of the Tobi Roppo.
Listening to Sarutobi's words, Black Maria fell into silence.
She muttered to herself, "A Marine defeated Ace and even severed one of his arms?"
That was Fire Fist Ace... Although this guy wasn't as strong as their captain, his strength was undeniable!
He was absolutely among the top-tier fighters just below the Four Emperors.
In fact, among those below the Emperors, he ranked within the top three.
If someone like that wanted to escape, even an Emperor wouldn't be able to stop him.
Yet not only was he defeated, but he also lost an arm and was captured...
Just how strong must that Marine be?
She couldn't even imagine.
'Could it be that one of the Marine Admirals, the Navy's highest combat force, had come?'
'No!'
'As Marine Admirals, each had their own responsibilities and would never act so recklessly.'
'Moreover, no Marine Admiral would dare to venture alone deep into the heart of the New World.'
'Let alone directly challenge the territory of one of the Four Emperors.'
Doing so would be like provoking all the pirates in the New World.
The consequence would be facing a massive manhunt across the entire New World.
Against such overwhelming numbers, even Aokiji and Akainu would be forced to remain in the New World forever—except for Kizaru.
They were well aware of this.
But if it wasn't one of the three Marine Admirals, then who could it be?
Suddenly, a photograph from a newspaper surfaced in her mind.
Her expression shifted repeatedly as she gasped.
"It's him!"
At this realization, Black Maria swiftly turned to look in one direction.
Two figures stood there.
One had long purple hair, with one side combed over to cover the right side while the other side was shaved.
His eyes had a triple-white coloration.
He wore a white-and-green horned hat.
Strangely, the horns weren't decorative additions to the hat but actually grew from his own head.
Simultaneously, he wore a half-black, half-white mask.
The other was a tall young woman with long legs and an excellent figure.
She had thick blue and thin pink-striped long hair, with only a strand of white hair on her forehead, and oversized pink circular eyes.
She wore a blue bow tie and cape.
Dressed in a light blue short skirt and red high heels, she had a pair of bull-like horns on her head and wore a light pink flower-patterned mask.
These two individuals' appearances were so distinctive that Lancelot would have recognized them instantly if present.
They were Ulti and Page One.
One had a brother complex, the other a sister complex.
Both possessed considerable strength and talent.
Most importantly, they were young with great potential for growth.
They were the ones stationed in Wano Country alongside Black Maria.
At this moment, both wore grave expressions.
Clearly, they had also deduced the identity of this marine.
After exchanging glances, they instinctively looked toward Black Maria.
Their three gazes intertwined, each face growing more solemn than the last.
Because they understood—if things went badly today, all three of them might meet their end here.
For a moment, all three felt their hearts leap into their throats.
"Hah..."
Black Maria, Ulti, and Page One took deep breaths.
Finally reaching a decision, Black Maria declared, "I'll report this to the captain."
Pausing briefly, she added, "As for us... we should stay put here! That level of powerhouse is far beyond our capabilities to handle."
Ulti and Page One nodded repeatedly.
While they tended to act somewhat recklessly, they weren't fools.
"Huh?"
Sarutobi wasn't pleased, having hoped these three could help hold the line before Kaido's arrival.
Seeing his expression, Black Maria, Ulti, and Page One coldly stated.
"We advise you to stay put here. Although that guy's a marine, he's more ruthless than pirates when he strikes."
"Wha..." Sarutobi was utterly dumbfounded.
But Black Maria, Ulti, and Page One paid him no further mind.
Particularly Black Maria, who had already picked up the Den Den Mushi.
"Buru... buru..." She dialed Kaido.
The Den Den Mushi connected quickly.
"This is Kaido."
Black Maria replied, "Captain, it's Black Maria. Sarutobi from Orochi's side came to us for assistance. He says that marine has arrived in Wano Country... and he's captured Ace, the second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, even severing one of his arms."
"What?"
On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, Kaido first froze at Black Maria's words, then couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
Then Kaido began laughing.
"Worororo..."
Because in his view, Lancelot was simply seeking death!
Who was Ace? He was not merely the commander of the Second Division of the Whitebeard Pirates, but also the son Whitebeard valued most.
Otherwise, the position of Second Division commander would never have fallen to Ace.
After all, the Second Division commander position originally belonged to Oden.
How many years had it been left vacant?
"Very well..."
His determination to avenge Jack had never wavered.
However, after fighting Lancelot, he understood.
Defeating Lancelot alone would likely be extremely difficult.
After all, this marine not only possessed strength comparable to his own, but also had the entire Marine forces and World Government backing him.
Although he was one of the Emperors of the New World, leading his forces to invade the Grand Line was nearly impossible.
He might even fall into a trap instead.
But now things were different... He could fully ally with Whitebeard.
Plus, given his relationship with Big Mom, perhaps the three Emperors could join forces...
Who in the world could stand against them?
Not to mention Whisky Peak.
Even Marine Headquarters would be within their reach.
Even if the three Marine Admirals—Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru—gathered, along with Fleet Admiral Sengoku and all the Marine Vice Admirals, they would fear nothing.
"Worororo...."
At this thought, Kaido laughed again.
Then he spoke into the Den Den Mushi.
"Black Maria, don't provoke him. Just find a way to take pictures of Ace. Best to capture his miserable state after losing his arm... and get another photo of Ace with Lancelot."
"This way, I'll have the leverage to form an alliance with Whitebeard."
Hearing this, Black Maria, Ulti, and Page One's eyes lit up.
They had to admit, the captain was indeed a sly man—he immediately thought of the best approach.
If they joined forces with the Whitebeard Pirates, who in the world could stop them?
Not just Lancelot alone.
What could the entire Marine forces do against them?
At this thought, Black Maria, Ulti, and Page One immediately grew excited.
Just imagining it made them feel how shocking such a lineup would be.
Unfortunately, Black Maria, Ulti, and Page One didn't know that Kaido also wanted to bring in the Big Mom Pirates.
Otherwise, they would have been even more excited and shocked.
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