Navy Headquarter, Marineford!
At this time Sengoku the Buddha had just completed the last round of defense for the Navy Headquarters. His palms pressed against his temples, and his brows furrowed.
Smoker had caused another problem at such a critical period. Didn't he know Straw Hat Luffy's identity? Does this force the old guy Garp to make a choice between the justice he believed in all his life or his two beloved grandchildren? What a headache!
However, Sengoku didn't truly blame Smoker. According to him, Straw Hat Luffy was defeated by a mysterious CP0 and handed over to Smoker, with orders from the World Government to escort the Straw Hat to Marineford for execution. But this was simply not possible. Even the World Government would probably not publicly execute both Straw Hat Luffy and Fire Fist Ace together.
Therefore, Sengoku immediately sought verification from the World Government. The response he received was unexpected. The World Government had not issued any such order and no CP0s were sent to Impel Down to perform missions. It was just reported that two CP0s on a mission to hunt down Shiro had disappeared. That meant the one who sneaked into Impel Down, contacted Smoker, and issued a false World Government order, was fake!
Even Sengoku, known as a wise Admiral, couldn't guess who or what was behind the impersonation of CP0. If Shiro hadn't suffered the 'Yasakani no Magatama' from Admiral Borsalino, it was likely he was the culprit. But now, Shiro definitely didn't have that capability. Whether he was still alive was an unknown.
But now, for Sengoku and the entire Navy, there was no time to regret. An unprecedented war was about to unfold at the Navy Headquarters.
"Marshal Sengoku, haven't the troops of Momousagi and Smoker returned?" Admiral Akainu pushed open the door, his face full of displeasure. As the front-line deputy dispatcher, he was responsible for the deployment of front-line troops. Momousagi, a candidate for Admiral, and the team of the newly promoted Commodore Smoker had not yet returned to their positions. Even Smoker was temporarily dispatched to Impel Down for support. But what about Momousagi?
"Gion and Smoker will be here soon. Sakazuki, is everything ready?" Sengoku said with deep eyes. As an old rival for decades, he was well aware of the terrifying strength of the world's strongest man. This war posed a significant challenge for the Navy Headquarters.
"Yes, everything is ready. Edward Newgate, one of the Four Emperors, the strongest man in the world? In the face of absolute justice, any pirate will only be executed!" Admiral Akainu said coldly, then threw the cloak engraved with justice and left Sengoku's office.
Sengoku looked at Akainu's departing back, feeling somewhat helpless. Sakazuki was indeed a conscientious Navy officer. Compared to Borsalino and Kuzan, Sakazuki's ability to work was more prominent. But his sense of justice was too absolute. Originally, Sengoku thought Shiro would be the best candidate to take over as Admiral in the future. The new generation of the Navy would become incomparably powerful and better guard justice at sea. But who would have thought that Shiro would kill the Celestial Dragon! He was too young and full of energy, not understanding the consequences of his actions!
And Garp, if you tell him that Straw Hat Luffy was taken to the Navy Headquarters, he might do something out of the ordinary.
...
As Sengoku the Buddha worried, when the entire Navy Headquarters was shrouded in pre-war clouds, Shiro finally re-landed at Marineford aboard Commodore Smoker's battleship.
"I'll report to Admiral Akainu first. Tashigi, you lead everyone to supply first," Smoker ordered after disembarking.
"Yes, Commodore Smoker," Tashigi responded, watching Smoker leave. She felt both excited and a little scared at the sight of the Navy Headquarters preparing for battle. As a sailor, it was an honor to participate in this unprecedented war. But war inevitably resulted in casualties. Rear Admiral Shiro's absence from this battle was a pity for Tashigi. She had asked him about swordsmanship many times, and he had given her a lot of inspiration. Despite their similar ages, Tashigi always regarded Shiro as an idol.
Shiro, stepping on the land of Marineford again, knew there was no need to continue following Smoker and Tashigi. Otherwise, his identity might be revealed, and they would be punished.
"Warrant Officer, this is the first time you've come to the Navy Headquarters. It's very big here, but it's a pity I can't show you around now. I'm afraid a big battle is imminent. Be careful not to get plundered... away?!" Tashigi turned to find Shiro gone. "Hey, where's the warrant officer?!"
Tashigi had a bad premonition and hurriedly asked the sailors behind her. "I don't know, it seemed like there was a gust of wind just now, and then the warrant officer disappeared, Ensign Tashigi. Wouldn't he be kidnapped again?" came mocking voices from the marines.
"You guys go get the supplies, then come back here to assemble. I'll go find Commodore Smoker," Tashigi ordered, feeling that things were not simple and hurried to notify Smoker.
But halfway there, she suddenly felt a chill on her neck, her vision blurred, and she heard a familiar voice. "Tashigi, go to sleep. Wake up after the war begins."
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