Marineford Harbor.
A warship lies anchored serenely on the sea. Around two thousand Marine soldiers are on board, prepared for action. It's a sizable Marine standard warship.
It must be acknowledged that Sengoku's work efficiency is remarkably high. The moment he issues an order, ships and soldiers are promptly organized and prepared.
However, Atlas might have to live up to Sengoku's diligence this time. If he fails, it would be understandable. After all, Atlas is currently just a Rear admiral. As for he being a Vice Admiral, the awarding ceremony hasn't been held yet.
"Hey, little brother, would you mind giving me a lift? It seems Admiral Sengoku wants me to rise and put in some overtime at this late hour..."
Just as Atlas was contemplating, a lascivious voice echoed from behind him. Without a doubt, the only person capable of infusing his words and actions with such licentiousness was Borsalino, beside Tokikake.
"Vice Admiral Borsalino, why are you so prompt this time? I thought you were planning to tag along behind," remarked Atlas.
"There's nothing I can do. My warship is still undergoing repairs, and Admiral Sengoku hasn't arranged one for me yet, so I'll have to borrow yours for a while," replied Borsalino.
Borsalino frowned and said with some embarrassment.
"That's truly inconvenient... a warship would significantly enhance my work efficiency!"
"Yeah, I'm not sure if the Marines pay overtime, but I don't do unpaid overtime!"
Atlas and Borsalino exchanged glances, responding to each other tacitly.
"Alright, no more chit-chat. Everyone's here! Target: Holy Land Mariejois!
The massive warship gradually departed from the port of Marineford, sailing in an orderly fashion towards Mariejois.
...
Dawn breaks, and light appears.
Upon the successful arrival of the warship at Mariejois, nearly half of the sky over the city was illuminated by flames. Runaway slaves and captured guards were scattered everywhere.
However, not all slaves were solely focused on escaping. There was always a small faction who had become indifferent to life and death. Seizing the opportunity amidst the chaos and seeking revenge might be their sole purpose.
Yet, only a handful of individuals dared to confront the authority of the world nobles, akin to the middle-aged strong men. Others, fueled by anger but lacking an outlet, resorted to selective retaliation against the port city beneath Mariejois.
"Marine? You're finally here. Why is there only one warship?"
As the warship docked at the port, a figure wearing a black and white mask, shrouded in darkness, approached Atlas and Borsalino, who were engaged in conversation.
"Huh? Are you, a gutter rat, trying to instruct me on how to handle things?"
Atlas caught the questioning tone from the individual and retorted with a hint of displeasure. He already held a less than favorable opinion of the individuals from the CP department, and as a Marine not under their jurisdiction, Atlas felt no obligation to show them respect.
"you..."
"Alright, I'll leave this to you, Atlas. I'll head to Holy Land Mariejois for a little inspection. It wouldn't do to disrupt the world nobles, after all!"
Observing that the masked man appeared inclined towards aggression, Borsalino swiftly intervened, presenting the Celestial Dragons as a shield.
The masked man had no choice but to relent upon hearing this. While dealing with both Marine and the CP department had never been a walk in the park, the CP department, unlike Marine, dedicatedly served the Celestial Dragons. Their entire existence revolved around the Celestial Dragons, a perspective instilled in them since childhood. In their education, anything could yield to the demands of the Celestial Dragons.
"No problem, leave it to me. My Conqueror's Haki is excellent for clearing the area!"
"Conqueror's haki, how terrible!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Borsalino's entire body transformed into light elements and sped towards Mariejois, leaving Atlas with a dejected expression. If he hadn't been familiar with Borsalino's habitual tone, he might have mistaken the seemingly mocking remark as genuine.
"Conqueror's Haki…"
CP0 on the side was slightly taken aback. He had only heard of Sengoku from Marine revealing Conqueror's Haki. He didn't anticipate that the young Marine in front of him also possessed such a qualification. He was aware that entities like Marine and their CP department were fundamentally distinct. Marine may have awakening Conqueror's Haki, especially within the CP department, was rare.
"What a scary bunch of guys!"
Atlas's Haki enshrouded the entire port city, making the movements of countless individuals distinctly visible. It remained ambiguous whether the "terrible" he referred to was in regards to the Celestial Dragons or this assembly of enraged slaves.
"Mr. Marine, please stop this riot quickly."
CP0's tone this time was notably improved. It made one wonder if spending too much time with the Celestial Dragons had influenced him. He always seemed to carry an air of unbridled power, with a constant undertone of superiority in his words.
"Really, why are you urging me?"
Atlas rubbed his brows impatiently, his pupils trembled slightly, and a powerful Haki spurted out!
Buzz!
Everyone in the city, be they escaped slaves or guards relentlessly pursuing them, experienced a palpable sense of oppression in their hearts!
"You despicable slaves, how dare you run away! Ugh..."
The three Boa sisters, along with Hancock, observed as the guard who had been snarling at them slowly collapsed, and their minds couldn't settle for a moment.
"Haki..."
Hancock, being the most perceptive, was the first to sense something amiss. He glanced uncertainly toward the port and then swiftly gathered the three sisters, racing towards the refuge ship that Tiger had prepared.
...
"Scared me..."
The gray-green-haired Tesoro patted his withered chest, lingering in fear. Simultaneously, he cautiously picked up the weapon that had just fallen to the ground and swung it at the fallen guard!
A similar scene unfolded in every corner of the city. Many individuals who were destined to perish in this chaos might have their fate altered!
...
"Hey! What are you doing?"
CP0, standing next to Atlas, naturally detected the anomaly and promptly questioned Atlas loudly.
"I apologize sincerely. The awakening time for my Conqueror's Haki was too brief. I was still somewhat out of control, and it led to an error."
Atlas said he was sorry, but his expression showed no sign apology at all.
What a liar!
CP0 grew a bit agitated. This guy was evidently aiding the slaves, yet there was nothing he could do about this infuriating Marine. His face beneath the mask even exhibited a hint of distortion.
"Hmph! I will certainly report this incident to the Five Elders. Consider carefully how you intend to explain this to Sengoku!" declared CP0 sternly.
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A huge thank you to BombMarley for joining my Patr*on.
Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari