Holy Land Mariejois, Pangaea Castle.
"How has such a disastrous incident occurred in Impel Down since Golden Lion?"
"That fool Magellan spends his days either pooping or on his way to poop."
"And Marine is no better. We invest vast resources into them every year, but they can't accomplish anything. They're just a bunch of incompetents!"
Looking at the report submitted in front of them, the Five Elders cursed. As the strongest combat force of Marine, Aokiji was once again defeated. The Five Elders were in an extremely bad mood.
"By the way, how's the situation over there at Wano?"
The blond, short-haired Five Elders shook his head and sighed: "I heard from Sengoku that the Red Hair Pirates also appeared there. With the addition of the BIGMOM Pirates, the pressure there is no less than that of Impel Down."
"But there are only Carlos and Gion over there, with just a few thousand troops, so don't count on it."
The expressions on the others' faces changed drastically after hearing this.
"Damn it! We finally solved Wano's problem and it just became a member nation..."
"If it doesn't work, just abandon the New World. Let the pirates fight over it."
"Abandon the New World? Are you kidding me?"
"Calm down! Now that things have reached this point, let's think about how to remedy it."
Saint Saturn slammed the table and said angrily: "You don't need me to say more, you understand who are imprisoned on the sixth floor of Impel Down."
"After this battle, Kaido and Bullet have become famous and will definitely attract countless pirates to join them. Once they have established a foothold in the New World, it will be difficult to deal with them again."
Everyone's expressions tightened, and they couldn't help but think of the Rocks Pirate decades ago. If they leave Kaido and Bullet unchecked and watch them grow stronger, they will be in trouble in the future.
The blonde, short-haired elder shook his head. "But, Marine just suffered a huge defeat. I'm afraid..."
Saint Saturn sneered. "Then spend 10 billion Berries and start a world conscription! If one hundred thousand soldiers are not sufficient, recruit another two hundred thousand!"
"Of course, military strength is one aspect, but we also need to recruit talented individuals. Regardless of their origin, as long as they have enough strength, promote them directly to Vice Admiral. If their strength is sufficient, Admiral isn't out of reach."
"Don't forget, the Shichibukai are also a powerful force."
"Vegapunk should also speed up his progress..."
As they discussed their countermeasures, the expressions on the Five Elders' faces became increasingly calm.
The 800-year-old foundation of the World Government cannot be challenged by just one or two strong men. Not even by Rocks or Roger from decades ago.
Moreover, they have heard that Vegapunk has started developing humanoid combat weapons. If the finished product is what he claims it to be, then no matter how dire the situation, it would be nothing to worry about. If they could mass-produce so-called "Pacifistas" and "Seraphims," the World Government would have enough power to suppress the entire ocean without the need for Marines.
"What's more, we still have the power controlled by Master Im. Marine is just a group of frogs in a well," the sword-wielding elder finally said, relaxedly.
The other Five Elders also looked relaxed when they heard this.
Yes, they also have Master Im. The power that can easily wipe a large island off the map in an instant isn't something that any human being in the world can resist.
While everyone was talking, the phone on the table suddenly rang. Saint Saturn picked up the phone with a serious look on his face, speaking in a stern tone:
"Sengoku, what's the matter? If you want to justify this failure, you don't have to say it. If you have time, you might as well train your soldiers more!"
On the other side of the phone, Sengoku smiled bitterly and said solemnly: "Lord Saint Saturn, the latest information."
"Carlos and the others defeated the BIGMOM Pirates and captured Charlotte Linlin alive. The Wano crisis is resolved."
These two simple sentences caused Saint Saturn's hand to shake suddenly, almost dropping the transponder snail.
He asked in disbelief, "What did you say! Is the news true?"
"It's confirmed, it's absolutely true," replied Sengoku.
"Good, very good!"
After hanging up the phone, he still seemed a little incredulous. The other four elders around him also cast unexpected glances and praised one another.
"First we captured Kaido, and now the BIGMOM Pirates have been defeated."
"This Carlos really lives up to our expectations!"
Dealing with an Emperor of the Sea isn't easy.
Marine dispatched two Admirals, three Vice Admirals, and summoned 100,000 troops from various places. Yet they failed to stop the Whitebeard Pirates, suffered a crushing defeat, and incurred heavy losses!
However, in Wano, only two Vice Admirals, Carlos, and Gion, plus three warships were enough to defeat the BIGMOM Pirates and capture Big Mom alive!
"It's a pity. If Marine hadn't lost control, we would only have to deal with the Whitebeard Pirates now."
"We could have completely conquered the New World."
Everyone was deeply moved. The more they thought about it, the angrier they became. The sword-wielding elder snorted coldly.
"There's nothing more to say. Impel Down needs a total reorganization. Akainu and Aokiji aren't qualified to bear the title of Admiral."
"When Carlos returns, immediately grant him the title of Marine Admiral."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
Everyone nodded.
At this moment, they even wanted Carlos to directly serve as Marine Marshal.
"Even so, we can't afford to be careless."
"The situation in the New World is complicated. The top priority is to ensure Charlotte Linlin is escorted back safely. There must be no more accidents along the way!"
"In that case, let's call upon the Shichibukai and have them escort the warship."
"The closest ones to Wano are the two of them."
"Issue a call-up order!"
The banquet in Wano had just ended. Early the next morning, the warship set sail, preparing to return to Marineford.
On the deck, a beach chair and ten small round tables were set up. Carlos lay leisurely on the lounge chair, his upper body bare, showing his angular muscles. Wearing sunglasses, he sipped a drink through a straw.
Yamato was very excited about her first time at sea. But after a few days, she gradually got used to the blue sky and sea. She spent most of her time sitting at the bow of the boat, fishing quietly to pass the time.
Ain stayed in the training room most of the time, continuing to develop her ultimate fruit ability.
As Carlos' deputy, Gion couldn't afford to take any time off. She arranged everything on the ship in an orderly manner. In her free time, she either stayed in the captain's cabin studying charts or practiced her sword skills, making her the busiest person on the ship.
Suddenly, a loud noise broke the tranquility.
"Attention! Five pirate ships spotted ahead!"
"Attention! Five pirate ships spotted ahead!"
The lookout shouted from overhead. Gion quickly came to the deck, picked up the telescope, and scanned the distance.
"Pirate flags, they belong to... the Great Vortex Spider Pirates?"
"Attention everyone, prepare to meet the enemy!"
The order was given, and the Marine soldiers sprang into action. But in the next moment, a shocking momentum erupted in the distance.
Everyone's expressions changed slightly, and they couldn't help but look in a certain direction. A bright and dazzling sword light erupted, roaring towards the five pirate ships.
Boom!
In an instant, the five pirate ships shattered into countless debris, scattered across the sea. The slashing strike continued unabated, flying straight into the distance. A huge gap appeared on the sea, making it seem as if the entire sea had been split in half.
"Okay, so awesome!"
Yamato was stunned and didn't even notice the fishing rod in her hand fall into the sea.
Everyone looked intently and saw a small boat shaped like a coffin drifting slowly toward them. There was a candle in each corner of the boat, emitting a faint green light. A tall man wearing a top hat slowly put away the black sword in his hand. He crossed his legs and folded his hands on his knees, seemingly indifferent to destroying five pirate ships with one blow.
After seeing the visitor clearly, Gion tensed up and subconsciously pulled out Kinpira from her waist.
"Damn it, why is this guy Hawkeye here..."
As the distance between the two parties shortened, a strong sense of oppression descended upon them. The sailors raised their muskets, assuming a position against a powerful enemy.
"Stop! What is your purpose here?"
Ignoring Gion's shout, Hawkeye jumped down to the deck.
"Get out of the way, my subordinates shall be defeated."
"You!"
Gion clenched her fists tightly, her eyes almost flaring. But she knew that the man before her wasn't someone to be trifled with.
He held many titles such as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Marine Hunter, and the World's Greatest Swordsman. Since his debut, both pirates and Marines had been his targets.
Through countless battles, he gradually cemented his reputation as the strongest swordsman in the world. Gion had fought him before but was disastrously defeated. The World Government had no choice but to invite him to become a Shichibukai. He has no companions, no subordinates, yet he could traverse the sea alone. His strength was evident.
The only ones who could contend with him were strong individuals of Admiral level.
Hawkeye scanned the entire deck, then turned his attention to Carlos.
"If I'm not mistaken, you are also known as Garros, right?"
"As a great swordsman, let's have a duel between swordsmen!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Hawkeye suddenly pulled out the black sword "Yoru" from his back and pointed it straight at Carlos. A burning fighting spirit erupted, and a powerful momentum filled the entire deck. The sailors' expressions changed, and they quickly took a few steps back. The other man's eyes felt like sharp knives slashing across their skin, making them tremble.
Without hesitation, Gion pulled out Kinpira and stood in front of Carlos.
"You... can't you see that we have a mission? What if we destroy the warship?"
Hawkeye glanced away, showing a hint of disdain in his eyes.
"Destroy the ship? That only shows that your level is too low and you cannot perfectly control the sword in your hand."
"It's been so long, and you still haven't made any progress."
"Get out of the way, you are not qualified to fight me."
The name of the person, "Hawkeye," alone was enough to instill fear and dread in everyone present.
A flock of seagulls flew in the blue sky. The gentle sea breeze blew by, causing waves to ripple on the sea surface. It was originally a peaceful scene, now filled with tension.
Everyone around him swallowed nervously, looking at the man lying on the beach chair.
Facing the world's greatest swordsman's challenge, Carlos remained unmoved, resting his hands on the back of his head and sunbathing lazily.
"A duel between swordsmen? I refuse."
Hawkeye was stunned and frowned slightly.
"As long as you defeat me, you can become the world's greatest swordsman."
Carlos waved his hand. "Sorry, not interested."
Hawkeye snorted discontentedly. "Strong people will not shy away from fighting but will become stronger in life-and-death battles. You..."
Before he could finish speaking, Carlos interrupted impatiently. "I can't beat you, I admit defeat, I surrender, is that okay?"
"Is there anything else? If not, please leave. I have a mission, and I don't have time to play with you."
He wasn't Zoro, and the title of World's Greatest Swordsman held no appeal to him. Rather than fighting for an empty title, he'd rather relax and sunbathe.
"You...do you think a guy like you deserves to be called strong?"
Carlos spread his hands and said with an indifferent expression: "Whatever you think."
"A few days ago, I experienced a fierce battle. Now I'm seriously injured and can't even hold a sword."
"If you still insist on fighting, there's nothing I can do about it."
Looking at Carlos lying on the beach chair and leisurely drinking juice, Hawkeye frowned. "Injured? Are you joking?"
Gion on the side nodded and spoke at the right time.
"Not long ago, Carlos defeated Charlotte Linlin at Wano."
"Hawkeye, do you want to take advantage of others' danger?"
"If you don't believe it, you can go to the cabin and have a look."
After hearing this, Hawkeye's eyes lit up, and his expression became solemn. "I see, after Kaido, another Emperor of the Sea has been defeated by you..."
The World Government recruited him to escort the warships. He wasn't keen on accepting but hearing that the opponent was a formidable swordsman piqued his interest.
Unexpectedly, the opponent turned out to be such a strong person!
After a moment of silence, Hawkeye spoke slowly: "A few days ago, Impel Down rioted and countless prisoners escaped. Kaido and Bullet are looking for you."
"Besides them, the Whitebeard Pirates seem to be on your trail too."
"Your current situation is very dangerous. The World Government has recruited the Shichibukai to ensure your safe return to Marineford."
"I can help you deal with them until your strength returns to its peak."
"But in exchange, you must accept my duel invitation."
Yamato, Gion, Ain, and others were startled and cast worried glances at Carlos.
Carlos was also a little surprised. He didn't expect such significant events would occur in just a few days.
Although he didn't understand why Bullet and Whitebeard were hunting him, Kaido alone was enough to give him a headache.
"It's really troublesome..."
Carlos sighed in distress. "Okay, I accept the deal. I'll rely on your help for now. But, are you the only Shichibukai to respond?"
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not questioning your strength."
Hawkeye wasn't angry either.
"In addition to me, the World Government has also recruited Heavenly Yaksha Doflamingo this time."