When Shiro's words spread throughout the sea, the surrounding Navy officers were all stunned!
Whether they were part of Tokikake's group or sailors who had followed Momousagi and left the Navy, the sight of the Celestial Dragon in such a state left every Marine reeling.
This wasn't just about killing a Celestial Dragon—it was an outright abandonment of one of the world's so-called nobility. This would surely infuriate the World Government more than anything else!
Shiro, known as one of the worst criminals on the seas, had shown just how ruthless he could be. Once hailed as the Rear Admiral of the Navy, his reputation was largely positive. Now, the Marines understood what a dangerous man he truly was.
Shiro was one of the most feared men on the seas!
Even the Four Emperors, who dominated the New World, wouldn't dare humiliate a Celestial Dragon like this!
"Yo~ Only you could pull something like this, Shiro. Are you really not afraid of death?"
At this moment, Admiral Borsalino could hardly believe what he was seeing. If Shiro had simply killed the Celestial Dragon, it would have been shocking enough—but this? He'd turned the Celestial Dragon into a broken figure and even taunted the World Government with a "No thanks"!
Hard, unyielding, and confident—Shiro had pushed the limits once again.
Does this kid really think he can overthrow the World Government that controls everything? If he fails, he'll face the monstrous wrath of the World Government!
"Stop talking nonsense, Borsalino. Technically, you're still my senior, so I'll give you this credit. Let my subordinates go, and you can take this Celestial Dragon away!"
Shiro stepped on the unconscious Celestial Dragon and looked at Borsalino with a grin.
Borsalino hesitated briefly before finally releasing Enel, who quickly dashed back to Shiro's side. Shiro then tossed the Celestial Dragon to Borsalino.
"Shiro, we'll meet again. I hope next time, it won't be you who's being destroyed~"
With a deep look at Shiro, Borsalino grabbed the Celestial Dragon and, leaving those final words, turned into a beam of light and vanished, taking the Celestial Dragon away instantly. The Celestial Dragon was in critical condition and had to be taken back to Mary Geoise for treatment immediately. If he died before reaching Mary Geoise, Borsalino would face punishment.
This mission was both boring and infuriating!
After Admiral Kizaru left, the forces under Tokikake's command were left in disarray. But surprisingly, Shiro didn't order their annihilation. Instead, he delivered a speech. Many soldiers, even those who had served under Momousagi, were moved and felt compelled to pledge their allegiance to Shiro.
By the end, nearly all the remaining Marines chose to follow Shiro, merging into the forces led by Momousagi.
In total, Shiro now commanded 30,000 sailors and eight top-tier Navy battleships. His current Naval strength rivaled what he had taken when leaving Marineford!
"Yeah hahaha, boss, did I do well?" Enel chuckled as he leaned toward Shiro after the battle dust settled. He couldn't win against an Admiral in a direct fight, but he could hold his own for a while, which was all Shiro had asked.
"Yes, and soon enough, you'll have a bounty!" Shiro nodded approvingly before glancing in the direction of Mary Geoise. He hoped that Celestial Dragon made it back alive—at least for now.
"Shiro!" Momousagi approached, her eyes filled with pride. The young boy she once knew had grown into a force even she had to admire.
"Aunt Momousagi!" Shiro greeted her with a rare, gentle smile.
"Shiro, that Nico Robin… it seems like she's not just a friend, huh? When we get back, let's see how Hancock reacts!" Momousagi laughed, covering her mouth. She could tell that Robin was quite fond of Shiro.
"Haha, let's not get into that now, Aunt Momousagi. I need you to meet someone. In the coming days, I'll need your help convincing him to join us!"
"Who? Do I know him?"
"Of course, you do—Admiral Kuzan!"
In a Naval branch base somewhere in the New World, Admiral Kizaru's report left Sengoku the Buddha furious.
"What? Mission failed, and you let Momousagi escape? Borsalino, prepare for punishment from the World Government!"
Kizaru, exhausted from constant travel, had stopped at the branch base to rest and report to Sengoku. But his news of failure earned him only anger from the acting Fleet Admiral.
"You probably don't know yet, Borsalino! Recently, Punk Hazard was attacked, Kuzan went missing while covering Sakazuki, and all nearby Marine ships were destroyed. Even the Celestial Dragons observing the battle disappeared. The World Government is livid! And now you've failed again. We need those Celestial Dragons found—immediately!"
Sengoku's voice was filled with frustration, regretting his decision to serve as acting Fleet Admiral.
"Oh~ Kuzan's missing? That's dreadful news. But, Sengoku the Buddha, I think I know who's behind the Punk Hazard attack and the abduction of the Celestial Dragons."
"Quit stalling, Borsalino! Things are dire!"
"It's that terrifying kid, Shiro. I barely escaped from him. He's stronger now, and he has a lot of powerful allies!"
A heavy silence followed.
"I expected as much… we've underestimated Shiro, haven't we?"
Sengoku's voice grew graver.
"The Celestial Dragons… are they in Shiro's hands too?"
"No, I managed to rescue them, but…"
Borsalino explained the dire condition of the Celestial Dragon, leaving Sengoku shocked. Shiro was truly audacious!
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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg
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