At the same time…
About three nautical miles off the coast of Haiyin Cape, beneath a natural curtain woven from nightfall and thin mist, two warships floated silently on the low-visibility sea.
The larger one belonged directly to Sengoku, a Marine Headquarters vessel.
The smaller ship came from the G-10 branch, commanded by Vice Admiral Hack.
The two ships had just rendezvoused.
Inside Sengoku's warship, a strategy meeting was underway.
Seated at the table were Sengoku, Hack, and several field-grade officers.
Spread across the table were detailed maps of Haiyin Cape, along with an enlarged layout of the harbor district.
"According to our latest intelligence from embedded agents,"
One officer pointed to the harbor map.
"The primary target has arrived. Captain ·Riberra Sami, along with key officers—Bonebreaker Kate·Aldo, Wild Sakura Teresa·Marcus, Harpoon Henry, Heavy Cannon Blaze·Feiqi—and over a dozen crew members have all landed on the island this afternoon."
His finger traced across several marked zones.
"Taverns, markets, and the dock area—these are their main activity zones. Their behavior matches the crew's usual resupply pattern. No abnormal vigilance has been observed so far."
He flipped to another page.
"The landing party is only the advance group. The main force—over one hundred personnel—led by Gentleman·Nostella·Kahairo is still en route."
"Based on intercepted communication, their estimated arrival is tomorrow at noon."
"Additionally…"
The officer paused slightly.
"The updated bounty notices we released—raising the bounties of Mad Shark·Barnes and Gale·Ryan and labeling them as officers of the Jellyfish Pirates—have already been seen by Feiqi and reported to Riberra Sami."
He looked up.
"Riberra Sami's reaction was… unusually calm. No excitement, no display."
"Combined with the earlier communication blackout, we can confirm: Barnes and Ryan have been exposed."
"However, their Vivre Cards remain intact. Most likely they are currently imprisoned or under strict surveillance."
"Just as I expected…" Sengoku murmured.
" ·Riberra Sami… he's nothing like ordinary pirates."
"Calm. Suspicious. Extremely skilled at concealing intent."
Hack frowned, clearly puzzled.
"Could it be because he was originally an animal? Some kind of instinct?"
Sengoku shook his head.
"Unlikely. Animals may be cunning, but this level of calculation…"
"…If anything, the Human-Human Fruit may be more effective on animals."
He waved the thought away.
"That's not important."
"Send orders to all undercover agents on the island," Sengoku continued.
"From this moment, increase concealment level."
"No unnecessary observation of the target."
Knock knock.
"Enter."
A messenger rushed in.
"Report! Latest intelligence from Haiyin Cape!"
"Proceed."
"Yes!"
"The Jellyfish Pirates may have already developed suspicion."
"Their navigator, Hans, appears to possess a special sensory ability."
"Our agents conducted only brief observation before he turned and looked directly toward them."
"It is assessed that the target group may already be partially aware."
Hack flipped through the files.
"Hans… no combat record. Just a navigator."
"No record doesn't mean no ability," Sengoku said coldly.
"He may possess exceptional sensory talent."
"Or… he may have already awakened Observation Haki."
"Notify all agents—avoid his line of sight at all costs."
"Even the slightest sense of being watched could alert them."
The messenger saluted and left.
After further discussion, two operational plans were finalized.
Plan A — Full Containment at Sea
To minimize civilian casualties:
Wait for Kahairo's main force to arriveAllow the entire Jellyfish Pirates crew to regroupLet them board and depart the harborEngage only after they enter open waters
Objective: Total annihilation or capture.
Plan B — Emergency Containment
If the target becomes aware and attempts escape:
Immediately deploy naval forcesSeal off the harborUse main cannons for suppressive fireForce them away from the townPush the battle into a more favorable maritime zone
Priority: Avoid large-scale combat in populated areas.
"What about civilian evacuation?" Sengoku asked.
The responsible officer responded immediately:
"We've coordinated with the local mayor."
"If conflict occurs on land, we'll initiate evacuation under the pretext of:"
Night fire drillsEmergency underground maintenance
"Evacuation zones include the harbor and surrounding areas."
"Our personnel are already in position."
"We can clear most civilians within thirty minutes."
Sengoku listened in silence.
His eyes moved slowly across the maps—terrain, harbor layout, force distribution.
His mind rapidly simulated outcomes.
After a moment, he spoke.
"Good."
"The primary objective: eliminate or capture the entire Jellyfish Pirates crew—especially ·Riberra Sami."
"Secondary objective: protect civilians and minimize damage."
He looked at every officer in the room.
"Like a ruler protects his land and people…"
"We, the Marines, are the rulers of this sea."
"We fight so civilians don't have to live in fear of pirates."
"So that when they see a Marine warship…"
"They know they are safe."
"That is justice."
"Protect what we guard. Bring peace to what we govern."
"So remain patient."
"Wait until the prey walks fully into the net."
"If they stay still—we wait."
"If they struggle…"
"Then we show them—"
"This place is already surrounded by an inescapable net."
"Dismissed."
The officers departed.
Silence returned.
Sengoku walked to the window.
Beyond the glass lay darkness, fog, and the endless sea.
Yet his gaze seemed to pierce through it—
—to the distant lights of Haiyin Cape…
—to the tavern where Riberra Sami and his crew laughed and drank.
Riberra Sami…
he thought quietly.
You are clever. Careful.
But the moment you stepped onto that island…
your countdown began.
Enjoy it while you can.
This… is the calm before the storm.
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