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Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
In the office at the top of the fortress, Sengoku flipped through the newspaper in his hand, then tossed it back onto the desk, his expression darkening.
"The World Government's plan has fallen through, and now they're trampling all over Big Mom's authority, becoming yet another enormous threat in the New World!"
"Unavoidable, it seems."
Sitting across from him was Vice Admiral Tsuru, the Marine's Great Staff Officer. She looked equally troubled, rubbing her temples as she spoke.
"The scale of that battle on Whole Cake Island is astonishing. It's hard to believe that Alex has reached this level in just a few short years. Our prior assessments were accurate, but it was unexpected to see that, aside from the Shiki's abilities, he's also harnessed Byrnndi World's powers."
"The Punk Hazard incident... it feels like swallowing bitter medicine. We can't even express our pain."
A formidable swordsman with two Devil Fruit powers: the Float-Float Fruit and the More-More Fruit, both devastating when wielded by someone of his strength.
"All of these moves show careful planning behind the scenes! Not just a double Devil Fruit user, but an also intelligent."
Sengoku spoke in a low, grave tone, then turned to Kizaru nearby. "Borsalino, how did this battle compare to what's reported in the papers?"
To prevent an alliance between Big Mom and Alex, the Marines had dispatched Admiral Kizaru as an observer, secretly attending the tea party to gauge the situation.
"Honestly, it was terrifying, a real clash of emperors~"
Kizaru leaned back in his chair, a hint of unease in his otherwise placid expression. "The reports are close, but witnessing it firsthand… it was even more intense. The constant clashes of Conqueror's Haki alone were something else."
"When I saw him begin manipulating the seawater, I knew my mission was over."
Kizaru's calm explanation also served as a reminder of why he hadn't intervened. Without backup, even an admiral risked becoming an immediate target in such a volatile situation.
Sengoku nodded slightly, pushing his glasses up with a complicated look on his face. "It seems any attempt to curb Alex's growth will be challenging from now on."
Marineford's location near Mariejoas means large-scale troop deployment to the New World isn't feasible for now. Otherwise, that sea wouldn't be known as the true haven for pirates. In the New World, where monsters roam unchecked, the Marines' reach has its limits.
"Maybe we don't need to worry so much," Kizaru interjected, his tone as indifferent as ever, his expression one of almost detached wisdom.
"No matter what name Alex makes for himself in the New World, that sea's size remains unchanged. If his crew rises to dominance, it's only a matter of time before other factions grow dissatisfied. Isn't the New World now an era of emperors competing for supremacy? Instead of worrying about Alex, you should be more concerned about Whitebeard!"
"You b*****d!" Sengoku snapped, instinctively ready to reprimand him, but then paused, realizing the logic. Indeed, while it was difficult for the Marines to fully extend their reach into the New World, it also meant Alex would likely remain confined there.
Luckily, Tsuru intervened, offering Sengoku some reprieve. "Although you make a fair point, we must treat all threats to the world with equal seriousness, no matter their scope. Alex is becoming a big name in the New World at a young age; he demands careful consideration."
"No one wants to see another Rocks D. Xebec rise again!"
At the mention of Rocks, a somber silence settled over the room. Even if Alex was limited to the New World, a pirate with enough power to dominate that region could still pose a serious threat to the government's authority.
After a pause, Sengoku continued. "Then we'll keep a close watch on Alex's movements. Send some operatives to infiltrate Wanokuni. If any major incident unfolds, we'll be able to respond quickly."
Thinking of someone specific, Sengoku turned to Tsuru. "By the way, I haven't seen Gion around lately. Where is she?"
"I told you, don't overthink things, Sengoku," Tsuru replied mildly. "Gion was fed up with Tokikake pestering her, so she accepted a few missions and went off to North Blue. She might even take the opportunity for a little break—just look at Garp, who's using his mission in East Blue as an excuse to visit his grandson."
"North Blue?" Sengoku mused, letting the topic drift. "Speaking of North Blue… Has Doflamingo been causing trouble there recently?"
"Indeed," Tsuru confirmed. "Although he hasn't entered the New World, he's been stirring up influence in North Blue. He's a troublemaker, and certain people above us aren't keen on him growing so bold."
Doflamingo's past as a former Celestial Dragon wasn't much of a secret among Marine higher-ups.
"It just so happens," Sengoku added, "that I have someone who's managed to establish a link with Doflamingo. He volunteered to go undercover and infiltrate Doflamingo's operation. I trust his reliability—he's someone I hold in high regard."
Tsuru smirked. "That guy? You mean Rosinante?"
"Yes" Sengoku said, coughing lightly before straightening, shifting back to his formal marshal demeanor. "Now then, beyond the tea party incident, another major event is stirring in the New World."
Whitebeard has instigated a conflict with Kaido.
On this topic, however, Sengoku and Tsuru appeared less tense than they had discussing Alex. While Whitebeard and Kaido were forces to be reckoned with, they were known quantities, whereas Alex was proving to be an unpredictable variable.
Both were notorious and powerful pirates, dominating the current New World, yet Whitebeard's power was greater by far.
Regardless of the outcome, this clash would deal a substantial blow to both sides' forces. Pirates fighting pirates—that was always something the Marines were glad to see.