Naval Headquarters in Marineford.
Knock, knock, knock —! !
"Come in, please!"
Sengoku continued to bow as he focused on the papers in his hands.
The current fleet admiral Kong is already vying for the position of Commander-in-Chief of the entire army, and he's overseeing most of the Marine's affairs.
Sengoku is now like the Crown Prince, just one formal title away from becoming the Fleet Admiral of the Marine.
As the upcoming Marine Fleet Admiral, there will undoubtedly be a constant stream of tasks to handle every day.
It won't be as relaxed as Garp's routine at all.
'Garp...'
Just the thought of Garp caused Sengoku's blood pressure to rise.
If only Garp hadn't turned down the promotion to Admiral multiple times, he wouldn't be facing such difficulties.
"Admiral Sengoku, you..."
The Marine Colonel, who had just knocked on the door and entered, was unaware of what Sengoku was contemplating.
Observing the displeased expression on Sengoku's face, he sensed that he wasn't in a good mood today, making me a bit uneasy.
"Oh, it's alright."
Sengoku was surprised upon hearing this. He made an effort to compose himself; his face swiftly regained its composure, and he spoke in a deep, steady voice.
"Is there something you want to report to me?"
"Reporting to Admiral Sengoku, the personnel monitoring the Big Mom Pirates from the front have found that she has left the waters of Totto Land!"
In reality, the Marines deploy a considerable number of spies to observe the territories of each Sanko. After all, each is a mobile war fortress.
It can be stated that the actions of one impact the entire sea.
The Marines must stay informed about their overall movements!
"Have you figured out her intentions?"
Sengoku felt a weight in his heart. Big Mom, this unpredictable woman, never brought anything good whenever she ventured out.
"Uh, I'm not sure, Admiral. You're aware that among the territories of the three Emperors, monitoring the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates is particularly challenging."
The waters of Totto Land belonging to the Big Mom Pirates are teeming with her powerful creations known as Homies.
Marine's attempts to infiltrate it are nothing more than wishful thinking.
They can only maintain a 24-hour surveillance from a distance outside the waters of Totto Land.
Regarding the Beasts Pirates, the Marines have not yet figured out a safe passage to enter Wanokuni due to special sea currents.
The only Cipher Pol (CP) agent who managed to infiltrate Wanokuni last time was eventually exposed.
It appears to be the right time to start deploying undercover personnel to join the major pirate groups.
Sengoku couldn't resist tapping his index finger slowly on the table, contemplating Marine's strategy.
Marine has a covert special force, established not long ago, tasked with monitoring the movements of the Sea Emperors and other significant pirates posing a massive threat. However, it's currently in its early stages.
It wasn't akin to what would unfold more than ten years later, where every nook and cranny inside the Sea Emperors would be infiltrated.
"Huh? Is there anything else?"
Sengoku was taken aback, gazing at the Marine Colonel who hadn't departed yet.
"I noticed what was on your mind, so I didn't want to disturb you."
"Also, I just got a call from Vice Admiral Tokikake."
"Kaido of the Beasts... sank the prison ship and ran away!"
Colonel Marine said with a wry smile.
This marks the first instance of Kaido sinking a prison ship and making his escape. Previously, Marine had condemned him to death, but now they find themselves with no alternative but to transport him to the underwater prison.
Did not expect.
This guy actually sank the prison ship and escaped even while wearing a Seastone chain.
"What!?"
Sengoku was shocked and abruptly stood up from his seat, disregarding the usual Admiral's demeanor.
This guy, Kaido...
Is it his Devil Fruit's unique power, or does he possess some ability that lets him disregard the high-purity Seastone?
You see, Marine placed great emphasis on escorting Kaido this time, almost utilizing the highest purity Seastone shackles available.
"I understand. Please step out first, and then report to me if there are any updates on the situation with Big Mom."
"Yes, Admiral Sengoku!"
After the colonel left, Sengoku gazed at the incomplete documents on the table, sinking into deep contemplation.
He reminisces.
When Kaido was being escorted to the prison ship, individuals from the CP department appeared to have encountered him once, following the directives of the Five Elders, but Sengoku wasn't privy to the details.
The CP department did not permit anyone from Marine to be present.
After a prolonged moment, Sengoku slowly lifted the now cold tea and took a sip. His black, frog-like eyes were in contrast to the light, making his expression difficult to discern.
World Government...
...
On the other side, Broccoli Island.
Confronting the enormous palm that unleashed waves of menacing wind pressure, Atlas stood firm, as unwavering as an old dog.
Clang! !
The colossal palms converged, producing a resonant echo reminiscent of a temple bell—clear and prolonged!
"Not good!"
Observing this spectacle, Katakuri wasn't pleased but rather astonished.
The reason being, the two massive palms didn't entirely close; Atlas effortlessly spread them apart in opposite directions with a relaxed expression.
No matter how much Katakuri exerted control, he found himself unable to make any headway.
"Hey!"
"Have you senn..."
"A palm falling from the sky?"
Atlas grinned, basking in the bright sunlight.
"Um!!?"
Katakuri abruptly lifted his head, and at an unforeseen moment, a massive hand made of seawater materialized in mid-air, hurtling downward.
And target.
Precisely where he stands!
"Muso Donuts (Peerless Donuts)!"
With an enraged cry, a colossal donut materialized above his head, covered in Armament Haki, and numerous spikes protruded, shooting towards the massive palm!
Swish! !
Without hesitation, the sea's colossal palm engulfed the spikes mercilessly!
"Hateful!"
"Kaku Mochi (Square Mochi)!"
With no alternative, Katakuri once again conjured two enormous black hands.
However, it wasn't employed to assail Atlas. Instead, it interlocked the fingers of both hands and swiftly covered the entire body.
Boom! ! !
The colossal palm of seawater slapped down forcefully!
The entire Broccoli Island quivered inexplicably, and the ground where the port was situated subsided by three points!
Crash! !
The water recedes.
Katakuri panted heavily, gripping the Mogura tightly in his right hand, cold sweat forming on his forehead. He gazed up at Atlas, who had liberated himself and was advancing towards him step by step.
"Give up. Haven't you realized yet? You're no match for me at all!"
Atlas's attire remained unscathed, his body as pristine as ever, and his eyes exuded tranquility.
"It's preferable to face a capture than endure physical torment, don't you think?"
"Katakuri."
After regaining composure in his somewhat disheveled demeanor, Katakuri straightened his back and spoke coldly, "Enough of the nonsense. I won't surrender without a fight!"
His expression was resolute, and his eyes showed no sign of wavering.
Clearly, this wasn't an excuse.
"Ah!!"
"Alright, today..."
"You'll just stay right here for eternity!!!"
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Bonus chaps for 100 power stones
Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari