Doflamingo scanned the Marine personnel in the conference room, finally fixing his gaze on Corazon. It was clear that the damage Corazon had inflicted on him was immense. If he couldn't eliminate Corazon, Doflamingo felt he would never find peace.
However, the room was filled with formidable Marine figures: Sengoku, Sakazuki, Borsalino, Tsuru, and Fujitora. With these individuals present, he had no chance of striking at Corazon. From the warning look in Tsuru's eyes, Doflamingo knew that if he broke the rules, the Marines wouldn't hesitate to take him down.
Although he was a former Celestial Dragon, that status didn't afford him immunity. As a Shichibukai, if the Marines decided to act, even the World Government would likely only offer mild rebukes. After all, the government would understand the greater value of eliminating a rogue Shichibukai.
Doflamingo suspected that Corazon's presence at this high-level meeting was a deliberate move by the Marines to warn him off. It was a clear message that Corazon was under their protection, and any thoughts of retribution were futile.
"Fufufu~ It seems you're highly valued in the Marines, Rosinante," Doflamingo sneered at Rosinante, unaware of his adoption by Sengoku.
Sengoku, sensing Doflamingo's malice, cast a wary glance at him, his brows slightly furrowed. Sengoku had always kept an eye on Doflamingo, aware of his connections with the Celestial Dragons and his unsavory dealings with the World Government.
Doflamingo, feeling Sengoku's gaze, grew cautious. Though Sengoku was known for his wisdom, his wrath was formidable, and Doflamingo did not want to draw his ire.
At the round table, Vice Admiral Tsuru noticed Doflamingo's restless demeanor. She whispered something to Fujitora. Seeing Tsuru's quiet conversation and Fujitora's eyeless gaze directed at him, Doflamingo's forehead veins bulged with frustration.
Just then, Sengoku produced a thick stack of documents and handed them to a Marine for distribution.
"Hand these out."
Following Sengoku's command, the Marine quickly distributed the documents to everyone present.
Crocodile picked up the document and skimmed through it.
"Operational plan?"
The document outlined the battle strategy for the upcoming conflict. However, the plan seemed incomplete, as if some details were intentionally withheld. The document also included information on Kaido's forces and Germa 66's troop strength.
Crocodile read through it briefly. Understanding Kaido's and Germa 66's strength was secondary; the operational plan was more intriguing. According to Sengoku's plan, the four Shichibukai were to face the Beast Pirates' top officers, Jack and Queen. This meant they would be the first line of defense against the Beast Pirates' assault.
Sengoku's straightforward and brutal strategy ensured the Shichibukai couldn't shirk their duties.
Crocodile set the document down and looked at Sengoku. With their strength, handling two of the enemy's top officers was manageable, but what were the Marines' plans? Were they aiming to confront Kaido directly or eliminate him?
The other Shichibukai also turned their attention to Sengoku. Meeting their gazes, Sengoku clasped his hands together and calmly said, "If you have any objections, feel free to voice them. After all, the Shichibukai are not under the direct command of the Marines. That's the purpose of this meeting."
"..."
Faced with Sengoku's words, none of the four Shichibukai spoke. While the Marines' approach seemed to be using them as pawns, each Shichibukai knew that slacking off in battle wouldn't be difficult for them. Moreover, raising objections might play into Sengoku's hands. It was better to follow the plan and remain vigilant during the fight.
"Since there are no objections, we'll proceed with the operational plan," Sengoku said directly after confirming the Shichibukai had no dissent.
The internal Marine strategy would not be shared with these pirates.
Doflamingo smirked and asked, "I'm curious, what happens if we refuse to comply with this Shichibukai summons?"
"Removal from the Shichibukai and subsequent capture, leading to imprisonment in Impel Down, where the scum of the sea belong," Tsuru answered calmly.
"Fufufu… the Marines are quite ruthless," Doflamingo laughed coldly.
Crocodile's eyes narrowed slightly. He had considered refusing the summons but knew he needed the Shichibukai status. He hadn't expected the Marines to be so harsh.
"Why should you scum of the sea enjoy the privileges of being a Shichibukai without fulfilling your obligations?" Akainu said coldly, clearly having no fondness for the Shichibukai, or any pirates for that matter.
The Marines' harsh words highlighted their attitude toward the Shichibukai.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be going," Mihawk said, picking up his sword, Yoru, and heading out. Kuma also closed his book and left the meeting room.
"See you on the battlefield, Marines," Doflamingo and Crocodile said in turn as they exited.
Once all the Shichibukai had left, Sengoku looked at the remaining Marine officers. It was clear he was about to discuss the detailed Marine strategy.
"Borsalino, Sakazuki, in the upcoming battle, you two will face Kaido. Any objections?" Sengoku asked Akainu and Kizaru with a serious expression.
"No problem," Akainu replied solemnly.
"Kaido, huh? That's quite a tricky assignment," Kizaru said nonchalantly, filing his nails.
"Issho, as for you, your task will be to deal with Germa 66. Your mission is straightforward: use your Devil Fruit power to sink Germa 66's war fortresses into the sea," Sengoku instructed Fujitora.
Akainu and Kizaru looked at Sengoku, surprised. They knew Germa 66 was a prize desired by the World Government, yet Sengoku was ordering them to be sunk. This was peculiar.
"Admiral Sengoku, sinking Germa 66's war fortresses might be a bit…" Fujitora hesitated.
"Don't worry, Issho. I understand your concern, but there's no need. The fortresses are filled with Judge's artificially created soldiers. They aren't truly human, just emotionless combat machines," Sengoku reassured.
Fujitora nodded, accepting the task.
The finer details of the battle plan were discussed, with specific strategies clarified. Notably, no one asked about Garp's role. Sengoku had not mentioned him, suggesting Garp had an even more critical mission than fighting Kaido.
[AN - its exactly what ya guys are thinking..... Nic-]