Time passed quickly, and before they realized it, the sun stood tall in the sky.
"It's hard to imagine that a young girl like her could possess such incredible physical strength," Shanks said to Marshal Blue.
"Yeah, she's pretty tough." He nodded.
*Purupuru! Purupuru! Kacha!*
"Hello, this is Zephyr." While Artoria and Garp's battle continued, Zephyr's Den Den Mushi rang.
"Zephyr, it's me." Sengoku's voice rang out, "What about your mission? Have you guys taken action? What is the current situation?" He asked, then continued, "The World Government tried to contact their Agents, but no one replied, so they called me to inquire about the situation."
Hearing Sengoku's question, Zephyr fell silent while looking at Garp, who was still fighting in the distance.
The battle zone looked extremely chaotic, the ground collapsing and cracks spreading everywhere. If he and the others hadn't moved the fainted soldiers, they would have fallen into the cracks of the earth from their battle.
Surprisingly, the impact of the battle between Artoria and Garp did not affect the castle, as if an invisible barrier had protected it.
"Sengoku, the situation is not good right now." Zephyr took a deep breath, "The World Government Agent and Kizaru suddenly disappeared. I suspect they have been drawn somewhere by the woman called Scheherazade." He continued, "Conversely, the Red Hair Pirates came to help Marshal Blue. It seems that they have established a good relationship."
"What?! Red Hair Pirates came to help Marshal Blue?!" Sengoku stood up, "Why would they show up and help Marshal Blue? There should be no contact between them." Sengoku began to have a bad feeling. He had guessed the outcome of the operation.
"Marshal Sengoku, allow me to go there." Akainu came to Sengoku's office while offering his help.
"With the appearance of the Red Hair Pirates, we must send reinforcements immediately." He added.
"Let's listen to Zephyr's report first." Sengoku frowned.
"Zephyr, tell me what your situation is now."
"The current situation is rather complicated. Other than the arrival of Shanks, the departure of the Drake Pirates' members did not affect their overall strength. Each one of them is very strong." Zephyr reported the bad news, "In addition, Golden Lion, who showed up to hunt down Marshal Blue, was killed by one of their crew using a weapon that was most likely an ancient one. We who have been cornered have no choice but to agree to their proposal."
"What?! An ancient weapon?! Zephyr, are you serious? Also, Golden Lion has been killed?!" Sengoku was wide-eyed.
"I don't know for sure, but it looks like an ancient weapon that is often discussed."
'Drake Pirates... who exactly are they?' Sengoku sat down while muttering moodily.
"Tell me, what kind of proposal has Marshal Blue made?"
"He proposed that Garp and I fight against one of them. If we win, we can leave safely. If we lose, we will become his prisoners." Zephyr was silent momentarily as he looked down, then continued, "Sorry, Sengoku, I have already lost, and now it is Garp's turn to fight one of them."
"Damn it! Did you agree to their proposal? If you become captives of those pirates, then where will we put the face of our Navy?" Akainu, who heard Sengoku and Zephyr's conversation, punched the table hard. White smoke from the shattered and burnt wood billowed throughout the room.
"Marshal, I will leave to catch up with them now."
"Wait, Akainu!" Sengoku stopped him immediately, "Even if you leave now, you won't arrive on time. Besides, there are Red Hair Pirates over there; sending you there is risky."
Pausing momentarily, Sengoku spoke to Zephyr again, "Zephyr, your duty now is to defend the lives of you and the soldiers, the rest aside." Like the last time, Sengoku believed Marshal Blue would demand a ransom again.
Although he was somewhat unwilling to pay for it, but money was not more valuable than the lives of his colleagues!
If Garp, Zephyr, and the others were killed, it would be a severe blow to the Navy. The consequences are not something the Navy can afford.
"Understood, Sengoku." He nodded, "I'll call you back later."
"Wait, don't hang up yet." At some point, Vermillion suddenly appeared at Zephyr's side, "Why not let me talk to Sengoku first? After all, we're the ones who will win this bet." He said while lightly smiling.