"War is on the horizon!"
In a powerful voice that echoed authority, Sengoku wasted no time and went straight to the point.
"War?"
The five Elders individuals exchanged glances, unable to hide their concern.
"Sengoku, the war you're mentioning..."
The CP agents dispatched didn't detect any significant movements among the various forces at sea. Is the Marine's intelligence more reliable than that of a CP agent with a background in espionage?
The Five Elders, however, don't really buy into it.
"One of the two pirates caught by Atlas is from the Whitebeard pirate crew. Knowing Whitebeard's nature..."
"He's definitely going to launch an attack on Impel Down!"
Even though Whitebeard's Tremor-Tremor Fruit holds the potential to wreak havoc on the world, it doesn't necessarily make the Marines afraid of him.
"...."
The Five Elders exchanged silent glances.
Despite discovering that Atlas deviated from their mission of seeking pure gold and instead captured two pirates, their focus was mainly on Shanks, and they didn't have much information about the other individual.
Unexpectedly, that Hakuryu had brought back two significant problems...
"The balance at sea must remain undisturbed!"
Saint Saturn emphasized.
"I understand, but Whitebeard is now taking the lead, and the Marines can't just be reactive!"
Sengoku's voice remained steady, giving no clue to the Five Elders about his thoughts.
It's not as if Sengoku hasn't evolved over the years...
A sudden realization crossed the minds of the Five Elders.
They're well-versed in the powers of Human-Human Fruit, Model: Buddha, earning him the title of "The Resourceful General."
"So, what's the Marine's take on this?"
Saint Saturn posed the question once more to Sengoku, whose expertise in handling the situation seemed unparalleled.
"Two options: one is to release Teach from Impel Down."
Upon hearing this, Saint Saturn exchanged questioning glances with the other four individuals.
"But... I reject it on behalf of the Marines!"
Sengoku's tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
The clandestine maneuvers by the World Government behind the scenes had already deeply dissatisfied him with the Five Elders figures. Moreover, this time, it had encroached upon the core principles of the Marines, and there was no way he would back down.
"The Marines have decided to initiate a confrontation and carry out his execution in front of the entire world. If the Whitebeard Pirates dare to come, we won't let them leave unscathed!"
"...Let's talk about it."
A moment of silence passed, and after carefully considering the advantages and disadvantages, Saint Nusjuro spoke in a resonant tone.
That's the nature of a superior; you only see what they want you to see. When the Five Elders confront the Marines' unreasonable requests, they must navigate that complex situation.
....
New World, on board the Moby Dick.
Whitebeard, with his imposing figure, sat atop the sturdy mast as usual. No acupuncture needles pierced his body, and his expression was grave, embodying the strength of the world's mightiest man that filled the entire deck.
The ambiance was profoundly serious, no longer reflecting the relaxed atmosphere of days gone by. All the pirates wore serious expressions, gazing at their leader Whitebeard with keen eyes.
"Dad, what's our move now?"
Thatch removed the chef's hat from his head, and the two long knives on his waist already signaled his determination at this moment.
"Teach got caught by the Marines. We can't just stand by and do nothing!"
After Blackbeard intentionally approached him to to eat Cherry Pie, they naturally formed the closest bond on the ship, akin to a heartfelt connection.
Now that Blackbeard is in Marine custody, Thatch, being a devoted brother, will undoubtedly be the first to step forward.
"If you're not willing to rescue Teach, Dad, then I'll go alone!"
"Gurarara! What nonsense are you spouting? Teach is also my son. There's no way I'll leave him be!"
Whitebeard gazed at the enthusiastic Thatch and playfully scolded.
"Yes, even the Naval Headquarters doesn't concern us. Anyone who dares to harm the Whitebeard Pirates, be it a Marine or whoever, will face the consequences!"
"After all, Dad is the strongest man in the world!"
Marco chimed in as well.
This was the rightful pride of serving under the command of the world's strongest man.
"Exactly, even Shiki dares to strike the Marineford alone. We, the Whitebeard Pirates, won't cower!"
"Yes, anyone daring to harm our family will face the consequences!"
"Even if it costs me my life, I'll take a chunk out of the Marines to make them realize that the dignity of the world's strongest man isn't something they can trifle with!"
The surrounding pirates grew excited, raising their weapons and shouting enthusiastically.
Even though Teach seemed to lack a noticeable presence on ordinary days and appeared to have a good rapport only with Thatch on the ship, as an amiable figure, most individuals aboard harbored no ill feelings toward him. Moreover, those joining the Whitebeard Pirates generally had a 'simple' mindset.
After all, what pirate sets sail just to be someone else's subordinate?
This is clearly a bit beneath them.
"Gurarara! It's been a while since I took the initiative. It's time for the Marines to remember my terror once again!"
Whitebeard rose slowly, his eyes widening, and a fearsome aura surged into the sky, swiftly stirring up the wind and clouds above.
"Ooo! Ooo! Attack Naval Headquarters!"
"Summon a large fleet! We must rescue Brother Teach!"
The surge of fervor erupted once more, and the pirates' expressions grew angrier, some even gesturing with their hands, displaying unwavering confidence in Whitebeard's might.
"Gurarara, then gather all the pirate crews under the Whitebeard Pirates and liberate Teach from Impel Down."
Grand Line, Sabaody Archipelago.
Inside Shakky's Rip Off Bar.
Rayleigh delicately sipped the contents of his cup, cradling his knife-like chin with one hand, exuding the distinctive allure of a seasoned old man.
"Rayleigh ..."
Shakky, on the side, suddenly handed over a newspaper wafting the scent of ink, raising an eyebrow slightly.
"The young lads on your ship appear to be in a bit of a pickle."
"Shanks?!"
Rayleigh, appearing slightly inebriated, set down the wine glass in his hand, instinctively took the newspaper, and blurted out.
It was evident that it couldn't be Buggy making headlines in the newspapers.
"What did Shanks do this time?"
"See for yourself. This time, it's a significant issue. It might be challenging for him to handle it on his own."
A smile crept onto Shakky's face.
Naturally, she was familiar with this young man, Shanks. Even in her pirate days, she had dealings with the crew of Roger more than once. Moreover, he had coincidentally visited Rayleigh not too long ago.
"Um?"
Rayleigh furrowed his brow, read the entire newspaper, pondered for a while, and then proceeded towards the back room without uttering a word.
----------
A huge thank you to Tiago farinho for joining my Patr*on.
Powerstones Please!!
Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari