Captain Hoffman's intuition was spot on: the truly terrifying aspect of the Buster Call was indeed the five vice admirals.
Without a formidable commander, even twenty warships would end up encircled by someone like Hailan. Kicking off a warship's mainmast from hundreds of meters away was not an opponent to be trifled with. Everyone there was a regular soldier, and none were eager to die.
Since Hailan, the special envoy from headquarters had stated he wouldn't hold them accountable, the fleet that Roy had sent suddenly became Hailan's direct subordinate unit.
Admiral Nelson was now completely alone.
The mercenary Alec had long since fled, willing to forgo the three billion Beli he was promised to avoid getting further involved.
Ten warships turned around under Hailan's command to pursue Sam's fleeing Grand Fleet, while Hailan returned to the island, arriving at the small town where Roy had previously been stationed.
A handsome youth in a suit was already waiting there.
Looking very much like a scholar, Kuro adjusted his glasses with his palm and reported to Hailan, "Sir, you're late. Captain Roy has already been killed."
Hailan frowned slightly, "I didn't expect the mastermind to act so decisively. Did you find any other clues?"
"Antonio and his butler were also killed in their home. Now, Victoria Kingdom is conducting a citywide manhunt for the criminals."
"Moreover, Antonio had a dozen women kept in a mansion, and even they were killed. Not a single person in the entire household survived."
Hailan grew more puzzled.
It was easy to understand why the mastermind killed Captain Roy and Antonio, the head of the Thousand-Year Dragon Bounty Hunters Guild. But why kill Antonio's women?
Kuro adjusted his glasses again and speculated, "Sir, I suspect those weren't Antonio's women but the mastermind's, just kept under Antonio's name."
"What makes you say that?"
"From my observations, Antonio never had any relations with the women in that mansion. There are two possible explanations."
"One, Antonio had some physical ailment."
"Two, Antonio didn't dare touch those women for some special reason."
"Obviously, Antonio doesn't fall under the first case, so that's my conclusion."
Hailan took a deep breath, analyzing, "If you're right, then Antonio must have left some clues in that mansion. No matter how ruthless a man is, he wouldn't be completely emotionless when killing his own women."
"The scene wasn't tampered with?"
"No, the mansion's location is quite secluded, so it hasn't drawn attention. I've also had it secured."
"Let's go, take me to see it!"
…
Meanwhile, Sam's pirate crew, pursued by the ten warships, had fled Victoria Kingdom's waters to an unknown island.
"Damn Marines, trying to swallow even my Grand Fleet! Isn't Roy afraid of choking himself?"
As the ship docked, "Admiral," Sam cursed, staring at the slowly approaching warships.
Beside him were the lightly injured Fisher and the one-armed Schroeder.
"Where's Captain Cook?"
Click, still in his wet clothes, suddenly asked.
"He probably didn't make it out of that bombardment. But he should be alright."
Sam answered Click, then shifted topics, "Schroeder, can you still fight?"
Gritting his teeth, Schroeder responded, "Water combat is out, but if we can ambush them on the island, I can still take down a few dozen Marines!"
His bleeding, pain-contorted face made Schroeder look like a demon filled with hatred.
"Then we'll set up an ambush on the island. Our situation is too dire for naval combat!"
Not only had they lost a significant number of crew, but their ships were also severely damaged by Nelson's fleet's bombardment.
Sam's Grand Fleet had no other options.
"Ha, who do we have here? Isn't this Sam's Grand Fleet? What happened to you guys? How did you end up in such a sorry state?"
As Sam's pirates were about to land, they froze at the sight of another group of armed pirates emerging from the island.
Sam instantly recognized the leader by his short blond hair and distinctive twin-braided mustache.
"Red-Leg Zeff!"
"Chef Pirates... Why are you here?"
Admiral Sam gritted his teeth in frustration.
In the East Blue, the Chef Pirates were his Grand Fleet's biggest thorn.
Sam had tried to unite all pirate crews in East Blue to solidify his rule as the undisputed overlord. But he faced unprecedented resistance when he invited Zeff and his Chef Pirates.
Though Zeff was a pirate, he had his code. He only plundered gold and silver, never food, and avoided killing whenever possible.
Zeff also had a dream: he planned to venture into the Grand Line after exploring East Blue and mastering all its culinary arts.
With his pride, there was no way Zeff would serve under anyone.
"A mysterious man informed me that if I waited here for three days, I'd get the surprise I wanted most."
"And now it seems he wasn't wrong. This is the best gift for my upcoming 30th birthday."
"Sam, no, Admiral Sam, you're done for today!"
The "mysterious man" Zeff referred to was Kuro, who Hailan had tasked with making the necessary connections.
Hailan was short on manpower, so Zeff, who had grudges against Sam's Grand Fleet, became his best ally.
This was all part of Hailan's plan.
Furious, Sam roared, "Zeff, don't think just because I'm a bit down today, you can take me on. Your Red Leg can't even scratch my Golden Armor!"
"You won't know unless you try."
"If I wasn't confident, why would I wait here just for you, Admiral Sam?"
"Diable Jambe!"
"It's... on fire?!"
Click gasped as Zeff's leg suddenly ignited.
Zeff spun like a top, his right leg glowing red-hot.
His leg wasn't stained with his enemies' blood this time but was engulfed in blazing flames!