"Zephyr..."
Sengoku gave a bitter smile. "I already can't reach him. Judging from the timing, the moment Dressrosa was sealed, the calls stopped connecting."
"This... then Zephyr must have already entered Dressrosa."
Tsuru also wore a strained smile. "Why would he act on his own?"
"As the Chief Instructor, he is acting without orders from the World Government or the Marine Headquarters, and making a move against an affiliated country and a Warlord!"
Sakazuki, who had been silent while listening, coldly snorted and crossed his arms. "Is he trying to embarrass the World Government and Marine Headquarters?"
Then he turned to Sengoku expressionlessly. "You need to make a decision, Fleet Admiral Sengoku."
Even though Sakazuki didn't say it outright, Sengoku understood the meaning behind those words and suddenly felt a splitting headache.
He removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose while cursing Zephyr in his mind.
That guy... at his age, why does he still cause so much trouble?
He even dared to act independently?!
And when he called earlier, he didn't explain properly. Sengoku had no idea what was going on inside Dressrosa now.
And even ignoring the affiliated country and Warlord issue, just that sea rogue's hidden identity was enough to give Sengoku a headache.
Any decision he made could turn unexpectedly dangerous because of that identity.
And who knew whether this matter was related to that retired Marine Lieutenant again?
Seriously, he's already retired, so why is that kid still causing trouble!?
With countless thoughts colliding in his mind, Sengoku sighed deeply, put his glasses back on, and slowly opened his now resolute eyes.
Looking at the gathered officers awaiting his command, he clasped his hands again and became serious.
At this moment, he finally showed the demeanor of a true Fleet Admiral and spoke with an air of authority. "Tsuru and Garp…"
As his gaze shifted to Garp beside him, he saw that the other party had been eating throughout the entire meeting.
Sengoku finally lost control; his recently regained authority instantly collapsed as he roared, "Will you take this seriously?!"
"Alright, alright! Sengoku! We're in a meeting! Calm down."
"So you do know we're in a meeting!"
Sengoku roared again, but forced himself to calm down. He knew this wasn't the time to argue with Garp.
Too bad Aokiji and Borsalino weren't here. Otherwise, he wouldn't need to rely on this idiot!
"Hmph!"
Sengoku snorted sharply before speaking in a serious tone. "Tsuru, Garp, the two of you will immediately go to Dressrosa and investigate what's happening. If something unexpected occurs, protect Dressrosa and report back to me at once. Also..."
He paused for a moment, sighed, and, as if making a hard decision, continued: "If you encounter Chief Instructor Zephyr, bring him back. Don't let him continue causing trouble outside."
"Yes, sir!"
"Can't you send someone else? I just got back, okay, okay, I know."
"Go carry out the mission now. And Tsuru, keep an eye on Garp. If that old bastard starts messing around, report to me immediately. I'll deduct all his allowances!"
Sengoku's tone turned chilling, his gaze fierce as he glared at Garp. "Take this seriously. This is not a small matter!"
"Got it! Let's go, Tsuru!"
"Don't worry, Sengoku, I'll keep an eye on him. Maybe the situation isn't as bad as it seems."
Sengoku: "..."
Sengoku rubbed his forehead and waved his hand. Only after everyone left did he lower his hand while speaking in a troubled tone: "Not that bad? Maybe..."
Coup d'état...
Hobby-Hobby Fruit…
When Dressrosa was sealed, memories flashed into Sengoku's mind, making him realize that perhaps everything that Zephyr had said was true.
Except…
"That guy just couldn't wait for Marine Headquarters' orders?"
Sengoku slammed the desk hard. "How dare he act without authorization?!"
At this moment, the situation in Dressrosa was affecting the entire Marine Headquarters.
Numerous marine warships departed from Marineford's harbor and sailed straight toward Dressrosa.
Tonight was destined to be restless. Although the major powers didn't yet know what had happened, the massive fleet couldn't be hidden.
Many had already noticed, and soon the major powers on the sea, upon learning of Marine Headquarters' sudden large-scale operation, began speculating on what on earth had happened in the sea.
Meanwhile, inside Dressrosa.
The head of the Donquixote Family and current king of Dressrosa, Donquixote Doflamingo, wore a terrifyingly dark expression.
Originally, he was happy because he had finally brought back this rebellious family member, but unexpectedly, just after returning to the kingdom, before he even had time to hold a banquet to celebrate bringing Law back, a series of unexpected events caught him completely off guard.
A group of people who had somehow sneaked into Dressrosa seemed to already know the secrets of the Donquixote Family, and every move they made perfectly targeted the Donquixote Family.
"Hahaha!"
Law, seated on the heart throne, let out a seemingly painful laugh while looking mockingly at Doflamingo beside him, whose face was grim.
"To see you so troubled now really pleases me. Looks like that guy wasn't lying. Maybe... He really did kill Vergo."
"Fufufu…!"
Hearing Law's words, the gloom on Doflamingo's face faded, and he let out his signature laugh.
Resting his left hand on his chin, he looked at Law and said, "It seems our family member may have learned something. I wonder if you could tell me?"
"Stop dreaming, Doflamingo. You are not my family. Corazon is my only family."
Law snorted coldly. "Don't worry, I'll sit right here and watch as you, perched on your lofty throne, get dragged down!"
"Corazon..."
However, in response to Law's words, Doflamingo acted as if he didn't hear the latter part. His eyelids lowered, his gaze revealing a hint of sorrow, but that trace quickly vanished as if nothing had happened.
Wearing Chelsea shoes, he stepped forward, hands in his pockets, stood up from the throne, and the corner of his mouth curled into a mocking smile.
"Ian, a former Marine Lieutenant at the West Blue's 315th Branch. He's the one who killed my family member, Vergo, isn't he?"
As he spoke, he walked over to Law, who was restrained on the heart seat, and bent down slightly, as if looking down on him from above.
"You really think a mere retired Marine Lieutenant could defeat me? If I weren't worried about the Marine Headquarters, I would have thrown that guy into the sea to feed the fish long ago. I just didn't expect—"
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