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Doberman, the man who dared to provoke the Four Emperors, was certainly not timid.
"Look at my bad temper!"
Doberman immediately accepted Enel's invitation to spar.
The two instantly engaged in a sparring match on the deck. With Sakazuki watching over them, there was no risk of anything going out of control.
In this battle of thunder and might, who would prove stronger?
It didn't take long for the result to become clear.
As expected, a figure flew out of the flashing lightning and crashed heavily onto the deck.
Enel climbed back up, bruised and swollen, and walked over to Sakazuki. His body bore multiple marks from Doberman's strikes, and his arrogance had vanished completely.
For the first time, Enel remained silent.
Sakazuki had previously mentioned that even blue sea's lieutenant generals had combat power "as common as dogs." Now that Enel couldn't even defeat a lieutenant general, didn't that mean he was worse than a dog?
The realization hit hard.
"It's okay to lose to Sakazuki, the Marine Fleet Admiral. But to lose to a 'dog,'—ah no—a Marine lieutenant general…" Enel's bitterness was evident as he sat with a dejected look on his face.
However, Sakazuki hadn't clarified the full context. Elite lieutenant generals like Doberman were far stronger than their ordinary counterparts. Considering Enel's lack of systematic training, it was already remarkable that he could put up such a fight.
Doberman wasn't unscathed either. Burn marks covered his body, and his hair stood on end from the shocks, giving him the appearance of a startled rooster.
Despite winning with his mastery of Armament Haki and years of combat experience, Doberman couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed about the struggle it took to win.
Internally, Doberman thought: Fleet Admiral, why didn't you tell me earlier that this guy has the powers of the Thunder-Thunder Fruit? The strongest Logia fruit!
Doberman now fully understood Sakazuki's earlier comment that Enel had the potential to develop into a general's level of combat power.
Sakazuki waited until both had cooled down before ordering the group to return to Marine Headquarters.
However, Sakazuki wasn't aware of the tension building at Marine Headquarters at that very moment...
However, Sakazuki didn't know that there were two very anxious people at Marine headquarters at this time.
Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Office
Sakazuki was sitting in a daze at his desk.
Hibari, on the other hand, was processing piles of documents in an orderly manner.
Hibari had just finished approving a document in his hand and twisted his sore neck.
Taking one look at the stunned Sakazuki, she immediately punched him on the head.
"Why are you so dazed? Help me get these approved documents stamped!"
Sakazuki snapped back to his senses, brought back by the pain from the punch.
"Damn Marine! Beating me every day!"
"Take one of my moves!"
Seeing that no one else was around, Bon Clay couldn't bear it anymore and launched a counterattack.
However, Hibari easily dodged it.
Then she punched Bon Clay in the back of the head, causing him to cry out in pain and surrender.
"You still dare to resist?"
Hibari raised her fist again, threatening Bon Clay.
While the two were still arguing, suddenly there were rapid footsteps outside the office door.
Then came a violent knock.
There seemed to be a million urgent matters that needed the Fleet Admiral to deal with.
Hibari and Bon Clay immediately stopped fighting and sat down.
"Please come in!" Hibari said softly while glaring at Bon Clay, warning him to behave and not draw attention.
"Report, Fleet Admiral! The Emperor Red-Haired Pirates have led a sudden attack on the Marine base at the Sabaody Islands!
There are still Celestial Dragons on the island, and the World Government requests your immediate presence for negotiations!"
A Marine soldier entered, accompanied by a World Government official.
"I hope Fleet Admiral Sakazuki will set off as soon as possible! Saint Charlos's safety is crucial!"
A government official, suspected to be from the CP organization, added.
Both Sakazuki and Hibari's pupils shrank in shock.
Why did it have to happen now?
Hibari gave Sakazuki a knowing look.
Sakazuki understood immediately.
He frowned symbolically and coughed twice to suppress the shock and tension in his heart.
"I understand. Inform Kizaru to head there immediately and control the situation. He's the fastest. I will set off shortly."
The two followed Sakazuki's instructions and left.
In emergencies, no matter what it is, sending Kizaru first is always the safest bet.
Even if surrounded by the Four Emperors, Kizaru could always escape, and no one could stop him.
However, this time, the entire Red-Haired Pirate crew had mobilized.
One Kizaru would not be enough.
After all, Ben Beckman, the vice-captain, was said to rival Red-Haired Shanks in strength and was incredibly smart.
Thus, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki himself would need to step forward.
After dismissing the World Government officials, only two people remained in the Fleet Admiral's office.
Bon Clay, pretending to be Sakazuki, could no longer maintain his serious face and firm posture.
He slumped into his seat, his back drenched with sweat.
Cold sweat continued to bead on his face.
"It's over! We have to face the Four Emperors. What should we do?"
"I don't want to die! I don't want to be Fleet Admiral anymore! I want to go back to my country of transvestites!"
Bon Clay muttered nervously, his exaggerated expression making Sakazuki's face look ridiculous.
Hibari frowned at Bon Clay's antics, though he felt equally anxious.
Still, he forced himself to stay calm.
"Calm down! Don't worry. I'll call Uncle Sakazuki."
Aboard the Warship
Sakazuki and Enel, who had just sailed from Jaya Island to the waters near Water 7, were eating in the ship's dining hall.
They had just finished a roasted and sliced sea king meal.
Satisfied, Sakazuki picked up a napkin to wipe the grease from his mouth.
He then pulled out a cigar from his pocket, rubbed his fingers together to create a spark, and lit it effortlessly.
Placing the cigar between his lips, Sakazuki took a deep puff and narrowed his eyes contentedly.
Through the smoke, he looked at Enel, who was still eating heartily.
Sakazuki was about to tell him about the history of Water 7's shipyard and see if he was interested in Tom, the legendary Fish-Man shipwright.
But before he could speak, his pocket Den Den Mushi rang.
Taking it out, he saw it was Hibari calling.
Sakazuki's instincts told him something was wrong.
"Moshi~ Moshi~"
"Uncle Sakazuki! The Red-Haired Pirates have attacked the Sabaody Islands. The World Government requests you to protect the Celestial Dragons! The CP agents are waiting at the Marine base for you!"
Hibari's voice conveyed the urgency of the situation.
Sakazuki frowned.
Why would the Red-Haired Pirates attack the Sabaody Islands?
Could it be…?
Sakazuki recalled his last visit to the Sabaody Islands.
He had left orders for the Marine base there to carry out specific operations.
He hadn't expected Shanks to act so soon.
For someone who wielded the strongest Conqueror's Haki among pirates, wasn't this a bit petty?
A cold smile appeared on Sakazuki's lips.
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