After negotiating the details of the collaboration with Diez Barrels, Wood followed the instructions provided by Fleet Admiral Sengoku and made contact with Corazon, the undercover agent embedded in the Donquixote Family.
When Corazon arrived at the designated meeting place and saw Wood in person, his expression was one of utter shock. He never expected that the man who had caused such havoc recently—breaking into Impel Down, killing a Navy branch captain, and assaulting Enies Lobby—was not only a super rookie with a one-billion Berries bounty but also a Marine undercover agent, just like himself!
It was hard to believe that this figure, who had essentially dragged the reputation of the World Government through the mud, was actually working for the Marines all along. The sacrifices made by Sengoku to protect Wood's cover must have been immense.
Corazon couldn't help but wonder what would happen if Wood's true identity was ever exposed. The World Government, especially Impel Down and Enies Lobby, would be furious beyond measure.
"You're the Marine traitor Wood, the super rookie that's been making waves across the seas recently, aren't you? This island is the territory of the Donquixote Family. What brings you here?" Corazon's tone was cautious, his words carefully chosen.
Most undercover agents tend to keep a low profile, avoiding drawing attention to themselves. But Wood, the so-called "Marine traitor," had become one of the most talked-about figures on the Grand Line recently. Although Wood had appeared at the exact location where Corazon had arranged to meet a Marine contact, he decided to maintain his disguise as a high-ranking member of the Donquixote Family, just to be safe.
"Lieutenant Commander Donquixote Rosinante, there's no need for these pretenses. We're both undercover agents, after all. Being cautious is wise, but I assure you, my identity is legitimate." Wood continued, his tone confident. "Your Marine code is 01746, and your codename is 'Corazon,' directly under Fleet Admiral Sengoku. My Marine code is 09527, codename 'Dark Serpent,' with the rank of Marine Headquarters Captain."
Hearing Wood accurately state his Marine code and codename, Corazon's suspicions were completely dispelled. He quickly used his Devil Fruit ability, the Nagi Nagi no Mi, to erect a soundproof barrier around them.
If Corazon had harbored any doubts before, they vanished the moment Wood correctly identified his Marine code and codename. Only a handful of high-ranking Marines knew that information, and if Wood were truly a pirate, there was no way he could access such classified details.
"My apologies, Captain Wood," Corazon said, bowing slightly. "I was merely being cautious. It's hard to believe that such a prominent figure, someone who has shaken the seas so recently, would actually be one of us. And your codename, 'Dark Jiao,' suggests that the headquarters has high expectations of you."
Having spent considerable time within the Donquixote Family, Corazon wasn't entirely ignorant of Marine affairs. He knew that many special officers within Marine Headquarters carried unique codenames. Due to Sengoku's peculiar interest, these codenames often combined colors with animals, typically marking out the elite within the organization.
Akainu, Kizaru, Aokiji—Doflamingo, who had deep connections within the World Government, was already aware that these three were the future Admirals-in-waiting.
And then there were the recently famous "Pink Rabbit" and the record-breaking "Brown Pig" from the Marine Academy.
Wood hadn't had a codename previously; he had been just another nameless officer. However, Sengoku had recently decided to assign him the codename "Dark Jiao" to help confirm his identity in the future.
When Wood first heard his new codename, he was completely bewildered. In Marine Headquarters, codenames combining colors with animals were symbols of strength. Being given such a codename meant that his days of being a low-profile captain in his hometown were effectively over.
The "dark" part of his codename represented his undercover role, hidden in the shadows. The "Jiao" was a mythical sea serpent, symbolizing a hidden power waiting to emerge, eventually to transform into a dragon. Although Sengoku's explanation was logical, Wood couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by the significance of it all.
Corazon, with his short blond hair, red hooded cloak with heart-shaped decorations at the drawstring ends, and a black feathered coat, looked rather comical and flamboyant, especially with the clown makeup on his face and a cigarette hanging from his lips. This was the daily appearance he maintained within the Donquixote Family, a disguise that served as his camouflage.
Thanks to his identity as Doflamingo's "brother," Rosinante, despite not showing much strength, had managed to become a top officer in the Donquixote Family, known as "Corazon."
"Captain Wood, Fleet Admiral Sengoku has likely briefed you on the situation. May I ask what your next steps are? Or what your plan is?" Corazon inquired, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern.
Now that he was certain Wood was indeed a Marine, Corazon felt both relief and disappointment. He was relieved that Sengoku had acted so quickly upon receiving his intel. But he was also disappointed that the only support sent was Wood alone.
If Wood truly had the rumored strength to defeat Rear Admiral Gion, known as "Pink Rabbit," and even go toe-to-toe with Marine hero Garp, Corazon would have had more confidence in their chances. But upon learning that Wood was merely an undercover agent with the rank of Captain, Corazon began to suspect that the stories might have been exaggerated.
Sure, Wood had been given a special codename like Akainu and the others, but unlike them, he was only a "Captain" rather than a "General." This suggested that Wood had more potential than actual power, and the tales of his exploits were likely part of a narrative spun by Sengoku to bolster his image.
Having spent so long within the Donquixote Family, Corazon knew just how formidable Doflamingo and his officers were. Adding the World Government into the mix made it hard to believe that Wood could contend with both forces.
In fact, Corazon doubted that Wood could even create enough chaos on Minion Island to disrupt Doflamingo's plans and allow him to secure the Ope Ope no Mi for treating Law.
"Of course, I have a plan," Wood began confidently. "Even I'm not reckless enough to take on the World Government and the Donquixote Family head-on. That's why I'll need your cooperation, Lieutenant Commander Donquixote Rosinante. But you should know, once this is over, you may no longer be able to stay within the Donquixote Family. And there's a good chance this will be dangerous for you."
Corazon listened intently as Wood outlined his plan within the soundproof barrier. After a moment of hesitation, Corazon ultimately agreed to Wood's proposal, understanding the risks involved.
*******
P/S: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 320+ at p@treon.com/Betek and change @ to a