Kachak
The phone is disconnected.
Atlas contemplated deeply. He must venture into the New World, not only for the enhancement of his strength but also considering his prospective promotion to the Admiral position. As a Marine candidate for Admiral, remaining in a place like Paradise is no longer fitting for him.
Knock...knock...knock...
Suddenly, a rhythmic knocking echoed on the office door, disrupting Atlas's contemplations.
"Please come in!"
Atlas snapped out of his thoughts and exclaimed loudly.
Squeak!
The office door swung open in response, revealing a tall figure entering at a deliberate pace. The epaulette of the Marine's justice cloak clearly displayed the rank of Major, and there were traces of food residue clinging to his rugged face.
Vergo.
Vergo, who was already formidable, made significant contributions when Atlas once again restored order to Sabaody. He swiftly ascended from his initial position as a captain to his current rank of major, placing him just below Smoker after the promotion—a single rank difference.
Smoker's current physique has nearly unlocked the two hakis, but his Armament Haki is occasionally ineffective, and his proficiency in Observation haki is only moderate. Coupled with his well-honed Logia ability, his strength far surpasses his original capabilities.
"What's the matter, Vergo?"
Atlas was somewhat uncertain about Vergo's intentions. Despite being aware early on that Vergo was an undercover agent sent by Doflamingo, he seldom employed phone bugs to relay information to Doflamingo. Even though, given his current position, he had access to valuable information, the cautious approach of Vergo was apparent.
"Reporting to Vice Admiral, I'd like to request some time off!"
Vergo is straightforward, devoid of any literary nonsense.
"Oh? What's the reason for your sudden request for leave?"
Atlas raised his eyebrows slightly. According to the information transmitted from headquarters, if he remembered correctly, Vergo's family background indicated he was an orphan whose parents and family fell victim to pirates.
After Marine's investigation, everything is traceable, but Atlas is confident that most of the information is fabricated. As the king of the North Blue's underground world, Doflamingo can easily create a false identity for someone who has never appeared before.
Vergo stood still for a moment, oblivious to the fact that Atlas had started to deduce his motives. "I've traced the group of pirates who killed my parents, and I want to go and take revenge myself."
The reason is quite justifiable, and the timing is remarkably fitting. As a youngster seeking revenge, Vergo's desire is understandable, and Atlas cannot deny it. Furthermore, considering that Atlas is currently on the verge of departing for the New World, Vergo deduces that his request, being a minor matter, won't attract much attention from Atlas.
Everything seemed to align perfectly, but there was a major premise that was incorrect—Atlas was well aware that Vergo's claimed identity information was forged. Consequently, Vergo's reasons for requesting leave raised serious doubts in Atlas's mind.
Suddenly, an idea struck Atlas, though his expression remained composed. "Oh? Where are those pirates now?"
"North Blue."
"Isn't that quite an extended vacation?"
"Yes, I hope Vice Admiral can grant the approval."
Vergo, unlike Atlas and Garp who hold the rank of Vice Admiral, doesn't have the privilege of a special ship for personal leave. Hence, the round trip delays could amount to almost a month or two.
"Alright, I'll approve a two-month leave for you initially. Let's proceed to the New World first. By then, there should be warships bound for North Blue. You can catch a ride to the G-5 base."
Atlas didn't add any further complications and readily agreed.
"Yes! Thank you, Vice Admiral!"
"Then, you should go back and make the necessary preparations, including planning your return route."
Atlas isn't too concerned. Countless merchant ships ply the waters from Paradise to the Four Seas. If need be, Doflamingo is likely to discreetly dispatch ships camouflaged as merchant vessels to rendezvous with Vergo.
Click!
The office door was firmly shut once more, and Vergo's figure vanished from Atlas's sight.
knock...knock...knock...knock...
Atlas unconsciously knocked on the gleaming desk, his thoughts drifting to the information about Rosinante in his mind.
Sea Circle Calendar 1509, it's currently around the time when the Op-Op Fruit should surface. Based on this, Rosinante is slated to meet his demise under Doflamingo's gun in approximately a month. But why did Doflamingo summon Vergo to the North Blue?
'Could it be that he sensed the threat from Vice Admiral Tsuru? In order to ensure the Op-Op Fruit fell into his hands at this critical moment, did he go so far as to willingly expose Vergo's undercover identity?'
"Hey~ I genuinely don't comprehend the thought processes of these pirates."
Atlas has a headache, but the only certainty now is that Rosinante will meet his end soon, compelling Atlas to head to North Blue!
'By the way, there's that guy...'
Contemplating this, Atlas dialed the messenger's phone number.
"Hey, please bring recruit Gild Tesoro here."
"Yes! Vice Admiral, sir!"
After a while, Tesoro appeared in Atlas' office, clad in a Marine uniform.
"Mr. Vice Admiral, is there something you wish to discuss with me?"
Tesoro's tone was exceedingly respectful, almost bordering on fanaticism. This gratitude stemmed not only from Atlas using Conqueror's Haki in Mariejois but also because the man before him had granted him a new lease on life.
Even before Atlas returned from his leave, he had employed the Horse Talisman's ability to erase the hooves of the Soaring Dragon behind Tesoro!
It's crucial to understand that once a person is branded with the hooves of a Soaring Dragon, they are irrevocably marked as inferior beings, forever tethered to the Celestial Dragons. This is nearly unbearable for any species with an independent personality and remains the most painful memory in their hearts!
Initially, Tesoro assumed that Atlas's earlier words about finding a way to help him remove the hoof were mere words of solace. However, he didn't anticipate that Atlas would genuinely take this matter to heart.
"Well... stay with me during this period, and when the warship departs for the New World, come with me to North Blue."
Atlas's objective this time is crystal clear—to dismantle the Donquixote Family, or even incapacitate this self-proclaimed king of the underground world. After all, Doflamingo is no longer a Shichibukai, and Atlas can openly confront him, disregarding his status as an original Celestial Dragon, and even kill him outright!
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Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari