In the Holy Land, Mariejois, within the headquarters of the World Government, the Five Elders were gathered. Representing the highest authority, the five of them sat quietly, listening to the voice of a Den Den Mushi. Their expressions were a mix of disbelief and intrigue.
"We're currently on our way back to Mariejois," Claudius's voice came through the phone. "And as luck would have it, I ran into Garp while he was on vacation in South Blue. So, rest assured, security won't be an issue. The news is confidential, and no one is likely to stir up trouble."
The bald Elder leaned forward, his tone incredulous. "Claudius, this isn't something to joke about lightly. Are you seriously saying you've captured Roger?"
"Of course, I'm not joking," Claudius replied with a chuckle. "How could I face the five of you if I dared to lie about something like this?"
The Elder with the beard spoke up, his voice sharp. "You didn't just find someone who looks like Roger, did you? Roger's been a ghost for years, neither the Navy nor the CP agencies could catch him."
Claudius sighed in mock exasperation. "I'm not an idiot. I can tell the difference. And even if I somehow got it wrong, do you think Garp would make the same mistake?"
After a pause, Claudius continued, "Didn't I tell you before? CP-X was created to handle what the Navy and the CP agencies can't. It wasn't impossible to catch Roger, it was just a matter of time. Oh, and speaking of impossible, I've been to the sky too."
The bald Elder couldn't help but laugh. "You really are proud of yourself, aren't you? But if this is true, then you've certainly given us a monumental surprise. CP-X didn't disappoint. When you return, we'll increase our support for your organization. And as promised, your ascension to the highest rank among the Celestial Dragons won't be overlooked."
"Thank you, Your Excellencies," Claudius responded, his voice smooth with satisfaction.
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters in Marineford, Fleet Admiral Kong sat stunned, listening to Garp's report through a Den Den Mushi. Around him, high-ranking officers like Sengoku were gathered, all wearing expressions of disbelief. They had spent so much time hunting for Roger without success, and now, Garp who was supposed to be on vacation was telling them that Claudius had captured him?
"So, you're saying Roger has been captured and you're on your way back?" Admiral Kong asked, still trying to process the information.
"I already told you, I didn't catch him. Claudius did. I went to South Blue to deliver something to him, and by sheer luck, I stumbled into him capturing Roger. He actually pulled it off," Garp said, sounding both amused and frustrated.
Sengoku raised an eyebrow, his voice filled with suspicion. "Garp, don't tell me you knew Claudius was onto something, and that's why you went to South Blue?"
"Are you kidding me?" Garp barked into the Den Den Mushi. "Would I ever do something like that?"
Of course, Garp conveniently forgot the conversation he'd had with Claudius not long before, where they'd discussed keeping Roger's whereabouts between them. For now, Garp played the part of the innocent vacationer who just happened upon a great event.
After a few more words, Garp confirmed that they would return to Mariejois as quickly as possible and then ended the call.
Sengoku and the other high-ranking officers stood in silence for a moment, struggling to wrap their heads around the situation.
Fleet Admiral Kong, still staring at the now-silent Den Den Mushi, finally muttered, "Is CP-X really that capable?"
Sengoku stroked his chin, clearly puzzled. "As far as I know, they weren't supposed to be that powerful. On paper, they've developed a bit, but I thought they were mostly a shell organization. This whole thing with Roger, it doesn't make any sense."
Chief Staff Officer Tsuru, who had recently been promoted, glanced at Sengoku thoughtfully. "Perhaps we've underestimated them. After all, the operations within Mariejois have always been somewhat… unconventional. CP-X isn't under our command, nor are they subordinates. We really don't know how capable they might be."
Sengoku frowned, processing her words. "Are you suggesting there might be unknown powers or assets under Claudius's control?"
"Who's to say?" Tsuru replied cryptically.
At that moment, Zephyr, now serving as the Marines' chief instructor, smiled and chimed in. "Come on now, is it really so strange that CP-X might have capabilities we don't know about? Think about it after all these years, has anyone ever fully understood the scope of the CP agencies? It's pointless to overthink this. And besides, Claudius isn't our enemy. If CP-X is stronger than we thought, that's a good thing for us."
Fleet Admiral Kong nodded and knocked on the table with his knuckles. "Zephyr's right. Claudius and CP-X aren't like the rest of the CP agencies. He has a solid relationship with the Navy, and if they're stronger than we thought, that only benefits us. There's no need to pry into it any further."
Sengoku took a deep breath and nodded in agreement. "You're both right. The fact remains, this is a good thing for us."
After a moment of silence, Sengoku spoke again. "We need to start preparing. Fleet Admiral, you'll need to contact the higher-ups. We have to decide what to do with Roger. Are we taking him to Impel Down, or are we moving straight to execution?"
"Roger's not just any pirate," Tsuru interjected. "Since he became the Pirate King, the number of pirates in the world has skyrocketed. I think it's highly likely they'll want to make an example of him. An execution seems more probable."
"No need to discuss that further," Fleet Admiral Kong said, waving a hand. "The decision's already been made. Roger must die. Start making preparations for his execution."
Sengoku nodded. "Understood. I'll order the recall of all our forces currently searching for Roger. We need to focus our efforts on his execution. There can't be any slip-ups, especially with the threat of a prison break or a public rescue attempt."
"Agreed," Fleet Admiral Kong said. "I'll confirm the location of the execution with the higher-ups as soon as possible. Once we have the details, I'll let you know. In the meantime, make sure everything else is in order."
Sengoku nodded and began making plans. He couldn't help but smile as he said, "In the last few years, we've managed to take down some of the biggest names Ochoku, John, Golden Lion, and now Roger. Once Roger's executed, things should calm down. Maybe those big players in the New World will finally settle down."
Zephyr chuckled, joining the conversation. "Yeah, after this, we might finally be able to catch our breath."
Little did they know, an unprecedented storm was quietly building. The execution of Roger, the Pirate King, wouldn't calm the seas, it would ignite them, setting the stage for the most chaotic era the world had ever seen. The Marines' battle was far from over. In fact, it was just beginning.