While the auction on Sabaody Archipelago was in full swing, creating a lively and heated atmosphere, not far away at Marine Headquarters in Marineford, a grand and solemn naval building, a figure walked into the admiral's office.
The man, wearing a black suit with the navy's justice cape, was tall and powerfully built, appearing to be in his fifties.
"Hark, you're here… Have a seat!"
Marine Admiral Hammons William greeted him politely. Although he didn't rise from his chair, he gestured for the man to sit. The visitor was not just any officer but one of the Marine Headquarters' strongest forces: Admiral "Iron Claw" Hark.
Admiral Hark nodded, crossed his arms, and sat down casually. He looked at the man behind the desk, who was in his sixties, with graying temples and an imposing figure. His mere presence radiated authority.
"Why did you call me here? What's the matter?" Hark asked.
"Do you remember that young Lunarian?" Hammons William got straight to the point. "The Fallen Angel, El?"
"Of course I remember…" Hark's eyes narrowed in surprise. "Has he finally surfaced to cause trouble after five years?"
Five years ago, Admiral Hark had led a fleet alongside then-admiral candidate, now Admiral Kong, and thousands of elite marines from G-11, with a total of eleven warships. Their mission was to annihilate the Fallen Angel Pirates, led by Kukulkan El, a young Lunarian with terrifying potential. However, when they arrived, the island was deserted, and nothing was left.
"Over the years, CP has been searching for his whereabouts. They've caught glimpses of him a few times," Hark said, recalling the intelligence reports on El. "But by the time the World Government received the reports, he had already disappeared."
"It's believed he's hiding in the Calm Belt."
"Hmm, that kid is too cunning—hiding in the shadows and gathering strength," Hammons William said sternly as he handed several photographs to Hark.
"What's this?" Hark asked, glancing at the first photograph, his eyes widening in shock. It showed a winged figure using a massive rock wall as a punching bag, delivering furious blows. Judging by the scenery, it seemed to be the Red Line.
The next two photos depicted vast, towering landscapes of the Red Line, now marred by a colossal, gaping hole that seemed bottomless. The marks clearly indicated that it was man-made.
In disbelief, Hark gasped.
"This monster…"
He stared at the photos, astonished, then looked at Admiral William. The idea that someone could use the indestructible Red Line as a punching bag, hammering it into such a state, was terrifying. Given enough time, this person might even be able to punch through the entire Red Line.
"These photos were taken a month ago. A news bird from the World Economic Journal happened to catch sight of Fallen Angel El training on a corner of the Red Line," Hammons William explained gravely. "CP spent a considerable sum to buy these from the news agency."
He paused before continuing. "As soon as we got the report, I sent Kong to the area to monitor it for a few days... but for some reason, El never appeared. Maybe he noticed us, or maybe something else happened."
"Judging by these scenes, Kukulkan El has already gained considerable power," Hark said bluntly.
"Indeed, he's not to be underestimated. But at the end of the day, he's still just a seventeen-year-old kid… I'm confident in Kong's strength," Hammons William said with a smile, pride evident in his voice.
Steelbone Kong had officially become an admiral three years ago, and Hammons William felt a particular pride in him, as Kong was his personal protégé. Now in his prime, Kong had already gained recognition from the higher-ups, and there was a chance he could one day succeed William, rising beyond the rank of admiral.
"Given time, he will surely surpass me…"
Hark nodded in agreement. He acknowledged Kong's talent and potential, but as a senior admiral, Hark also had his pride. He didn't believe that a "newcomer" who had only recently been promoted had already surpassed him, even if that person was a rare Zoan-type user with the Mythical Beast Model: King Kong Ape.
"Still, we can't let this Lunarian monster continue lurking in the shadows. If we don't act, he'll become an enormous threat."
Hark stared at the photos of Fallen Angel El. Though they only showed part of El's side profile, it was clear that he had grown taller and more mature since a few years ago. His muscular frame, though not exaggerated, exuded an explosive strength that was hard to fathom. The massive holes in the Red Line… just looking at them made one's scalp tingle.
"Exactly, that's what I've been thinking…"
Before Hammons William could finish his sentence, the Den Den Mushi on his desk suddenly opened its eyes and rang urgently.
Both William and Hark turned toward the call.
"Moshi Moshi, this is Fleet Admiral Hammons William…" William frowned as he picked up the receiver. Calls that reached the fleet admiral's office were usually emergency military reports, not to be ignored.
"This is G-5 base, Admiral William, something terrible has happened…"
A panicked, fearful voice came through the Den Den Mushi. "Just moments ago, a gigantic snake with four wings and golden horns suddenly attacked the G-5 fortress! No, ahhhh—"
Crack
"What!?"
Before the report could be finished, a scream was heard, followed by a sharp cut in the transmission.
Both Hammons William and Admiral Hark's faces changed dramatically.
~~~
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