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Chapter 66: The World Panics! The Marines Are Powerless
That afternoon, the Morgans newspaper urgently reported Kaido's raid on the G5 Marine branch. Newsbirds were flying all over the world once more, spreading the news across the sea and dealing a harsh blow to the Marines' reputation.
"Hey... slap me to see if I'm blind," said one reader in disbelief.
"No, thanks. I saw it too," another responded.
"Another island after Wano and Zou... and this time it's a Marine branch in the New World."
"Kaido is starting to seem more and more like a monster..."
"Shh! Be careful! If Kaido finds out we're talking about him, we'll be in trouble!"
On an island in the New World, people whispered as they looked at the newspapers in their hands, their faces filled with incredulous astonishment and fear. However, turning to the next page left them even more shocked.
"The Marines sent three Admirals?!"
Their spirits lifted momentarily as they eagerly continued reading, hoping to hear that Kaido had been killed or captured. But the following text snapped them back to reality.
"Three Admirals... defeated?!"
"What a joke!!!"
"He alone defeated the Marines' top combat power?!!"
"Does this mean he will act even more lawlessly?"
"What are the Marines doing? They're not even putting up a fight against the Beasts Pirates!"
"The Admirals can't even make a dent..."
"Hey... the Marines are really disappointing."
Many people rubbed their eyes, hoping they were just old and dizzy and had misread the news. But after rubbing their eyes, the harrowing words became even clearer—an ordinary person's worst nightmare.
"Why did it happen in just a few hours..."
"The original fleet admiral battle lasted ten days and ten nights, didn't it?"
"One and two are no match... Could it be that Kaido is stronger than we all thought?"
"Not even Whitebeard could achieve this much."
"Don't worry, Whitebeard definitely couldn't do it, only Kaido could."
"And he doesn't seem to be injured..."
"We're all used to it; it's not our first time seeing such a thing."
On Hive Island, Blackbeard's face showed shock, and he focused intently on the newspaper in front of him. His sweaty pupils trembled, and his hair stood on end as he said,
"It's also too... exaggerated... that guy Kaido."
"Indeed. That's three Admirals," Shiryu commented, his face shadowed by the brim of his hat, his thoughts unreadable.
"Whew~ Pizarro's revenge feels really refreshing~~," Catarina Devon said with a smile, thinking Kaido was avenging Pizarro.
"Don't be stupid. He messed things up himself and dragged us into it. We're lucky Kaido isn't seeking revenge on us," Sniper Van Oka retorted coldly as he cleaned his gun.
"Weihahahaha~ Our captain spent 20 billion to appease Kaido's anger," commented Burgess, eating and drinking noisily.
"That was indeed a costly peace, but we had no choice," Lafitte added elegantly, crossing his legs and savoring his red wine.
"None of that matters," Blackbeard interrupted, rising from his throne and spreading his jewel and ring-laden hand.
"The point is, the balance on the sea is broken once again. The scene has shifted from the Marines to Kaido, all because of his strength alone! This is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the Marines!"
Ambition blazed in Blackbeard's eyes as he envisioned countless treasures, power, and pleasures beckoning to him.
The Marine's three Admirals have been defeated! Now, he must be seriously injured. Who else in the Marines could possibly stop them?
"Even with Akainu and powerful veteran vice admirals like Sengoku and Tsuru, the Marine still stands strong," said Van Oka casually from the side.
Blackbeard's face stiffened, cursing inwardly at how this guy seemed to enjoy upsetting plans. Nonetheless, he waved his hand dismissively and declared with pride, "Akainu, as a Fleet Admiral, won't easily come into play, and those old timers like Sengoku won't be able to stop us! It's our time—the rise of the Blackbeard Pirates!"
The room fell silent, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.
Back at Marineford, Akainu was in his office, gazing gravely at the sea that was calm on the surface yet turbulent beneath. Sengoku leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, his expression also troubled.
Catching a glance at Akainu's back, Sengoku knew well the burden on the Fleet Admiral, but all he could offer was a feeble update, "Borsolino has completely broken facial bones and the doctor suspects a severe concussion; he may not awaken. Although his body is seriously injured, it is still treatable."
"Fujitora suffered shattered fractures throughout his body and his internal organs are in pieces, bleeding both internally and externally. The surgery is difficult, but the doctors are doing their best, trying to find matching blood and organ types."
"As for Aramaki... his arms and legs are gone; only his torso is left with a large hole in his abdomen, almost completely severing his stomach. The situation is grave, but at least he has a chance of survival thanks to the regenerative ability of his Forest Fruit, which is quite effective. By absorbing from others, he can replenish himself. Even with severed limbs, he can rely on trees to substitute, so his chances of surviving and living are pretty good."
Akainu, after hearing this, remained stoic, his gaze fixed on the outside world, leaving Sengoku in doubt about his thoughts. The room was quiet for a moment before Sengoku let out a silent sigh. As a former Fleet Admiral who had never faced such a crisis, he found it pointless to suggest any action to Sakazuki.
After a time, Sakazuki asked, "What about Vergo?"
Sengoku had anticipated this question and replied, "He lured Kaido away in a desperate move, giving the Marine a chance to rescue the Admirals. He managed to narrowly escape using the speed of the Thunder Fruit and was hospitalized upon return, totally exhausted. The doctors say there isn't a place on his body that's fully intact, but the damage isn't too severe."
Sakazuki's expression was unreadable, and Sengoku thought, he must be considering Vergo's actions—his successful diversion of Kaido and his escape from Kaido's grasp might show he's stronger both in spirit and strength than Borsolino and the others.
"What are you going to do with him?" Sengoku inquired.
If Sakazuki chose to reprimand Vergo, the man would face a difficult future for his unauthorized actions, the theft of Blackbeard and Kaido's cargo, the provoking of Kaido, the suggestion of a joint attack by the three Admirals, and the hundreds of soldiers at the G5 branch.
Vergo wouldn't stand a chance if punishment was the chosen course, but Sengoku was aware that Sakazuki wasn't the kind to be unkind, particularly when the Marine was in such dire need of talent.
"I'll go talk to the Five Elders," Sakazuki finally stated.