The last two years had brought sweeping changes to the world, but the most inspiring development for the Marines was a shift in their highest ranks. Garp, the legendary Navy Hero who had famously spent decades refusing promotions from the World Government, finally accepted the rank of Admiral. It was a move born of necessity rather than ambition. The Marines had been left in a humiliating position following the sudden and unannounced departure of Fujitora, which left a gaping hole in their military structure.
In the wake of that scandal, the World Government had scrambled to find a replacement. However, finding a "monster" with the sheer power required to hold the title of Admiral was no easy task. Furthermore, the Fujitora incident had bred a deep sense of internal distrust. The high-ranking officials were terrified of promoting another wild card who might abandon his post or defy orders. Eventually, through the persistent persuasion of Sengoku and Tsuru, Garp agreed to take the position for the sake of the organization's future. While other Admirals might tremble before the authority of the World Government, Garp remained as defiant as ever.
The tension in the room was thick as Garp glared at Rob Lucci. His expression was grim as he asked, "Kid, what exactly are you talking about?"
For a moment, Rob Lucci felt like he was being hunted by a deadly apex predator. He gritted his teeth, refusing to back down. "Is there something wrong with what I said, Admiral Garp? Two years ago, Straw Hat Luffy was one of the primary masterminds behind the chaos at Impel Down and the war at Marineford. As a Marine, isn't it your duty to capture pirates? Or are you saying that you can't bring yourself to act because the boy is your grandson?"
Fury flashed across Garp's face, but before he could erupt, Sengoku intervened. "Don't lose sight of the priority here, CP0. If you truly believe capturing Straw Hat is our most urgent matter, the Marines will handle it. Since you clearly don't trust Garp to do the job, we can simply send Borsalino and Aramaki instead."
Lucci's face stiffened at the suggestion. Both men were Marine Admirals and essential to their current defense. If they were dispatched to hunt down a single pirate, who would be left to handle the threat of Kaido or protect the Holy Land of Mary Geoise? The only other option would be to send Fleet Admiral Sakazuki himself, which was out of the question.
Chief of Staff Tsuru spoke up, her voice calm and analytical. "Sengoku is right. Straw Hat and those other children are not the main concern right now. Our focus must remain on Kaido. We need to conserve every bit of our military strength to deal with the Emperors of the Sea."
As if to punctuate her point, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway. A Marine Rear Admiral burst through the doorway, his face pale with terror. He clutched a report in his trembling hands and shouted, "Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, we have urgent news from the East Blue! Page One, one of the Tobi Roppo from the Beasts Pirates, has appeared in the Goa Kingdom. He has hijacked the Heavenly Tribute intended for the World Government and is launching a full-scale attack! The kingdom is currently surrounded by pirate ships!"
"What!" The room erupted in shock.
Without saying a single word, Garp stood up and marched toward the exit. No one tried to stop him; everyone knew that the Goa Kingdom was Garp's home.
"Wait, Garp! It's too late for you to make it there in time," Sengoku called out, his own expression filled with unease. "Let's send Borsalino..."
Before he could finish his thought, another Rear Admiral ran into the room, looking even more panicked than the first. "Reporting! News from Egghead Island! Four Headliners of the Beasts Pirates have been spotted in the waters nearby!"
The color drained from the faces of every Marine in the room, and even Rob Lucci looked stunned. The world was sliding into chaos.
Meanwhile, at the port of the Goa Kingdom in the East Blue, the situation had been much calmer just thirty minutes prior. Two massive transport ships were docked, ready to carry the Heavenly Tribute to the Red Line. They were escorted by five Marine warships assigned to the East Blue fleet.
On the docks, Queen Sari Nandkanet looked at her husband, King Sterry, with a look of deep concern. "My dear, are you sure about this? Won't this anger the Great Pirates of the New World?"
Sterry scoffed, a look of pure disdain on his face. "Don't worry about them. Those lowly pirates are nothing compared to the Celestial Dragons. They are like gods, Sari. Besides, don't you see the opportunity here? While other kingdoms are wavering or betraying the World Government, we are standing firm." He clenched his fists, his eyes gleaming with greed. "If we prove our loyalty now, they might even make us Celestial Dragons."
"Celestial Dragons!" The Queen's eyes widened, her fear replaced by instant ambition. For a noble like her, joining the ranks of the world's elite was the ultimate dream. "You are so brilliant, my dear! This is indeed our chance for greatness!"
A Marine officer approached them and bowed. "Your Majesty, we are ready to set sail."
"Very good, Admiral Roy," Sterry replied pompously. "I am leaving the safety of the tribute in your hands."
"You have nothing to fear, sir," the officer assured him.
The five warships began to lead the transport ships out of the harbor. The vessels were loaded with supplies and a massive sum of currency, totaling over 1,000,000,000 Berries. As Sterry and the Queen walked back toward their palace, Sterry couldn't stop smiling, already imagining his new life in Mary Geoise.
Suddenly, a series of deafening explosions rocked the air. The Royal couple froze in their tracks. When they turned back toward the horizon, they saw a horrific sight. The five Marine warships were engulfed in flames and slowly sinking into the sea.
"What... what is happening?" Sterry stammered, his mind unable to process the destruction.
The Queen let out a piercing scream, pointing a trembling finger toward the sea. "Look over there!"
Sterry followed her gaze. Emerging from the mist were ten massive pirate ships, each flying a black flag adorned with a horned skull. The King's face went white as he realized who had arrived. "The... the Beasts Pirates!"
In the New World, the atmosphere at Egghead Island was just as tense. Rows of Pacifista units stood programmed and ready on the shoreline, while massive weaponized sea beasts rose from the waves. Every mechanical eye and biological sensor was locked onto five figures hovering in the sky above dozens of approaching warships.
Lily, who was acting as the primary scout and communicator, listened to the reports coming through her earpiece. She bowed her head respectfully to the four figures beside her. "Sirs, I have an update. Page One has confirmed that the mission in the East Blue is underway. They have successfully struck the Goa Kingdom."
"The Goa Kingdom?" The name sparked a memory for one of the commanders.
Queen thought for a moment before a smirk crossed his face. "Isn't that the hometown of that Navy Hero, Garp? Page One certainly has a flair for the dramatic. He picked a hell of a place to start a fight."
"Well, if they've started their move, we shouldn't keep everyone waiting," one of the others remarked. "Eneru, are you ready?"
"Don't worry about me," Eneru replied calmly, a spark of high-voltage electricity dancing on the tip of his finger.
Deep within the island's fortified laboratory, Dr. Vegapunk and his six clones were huddled around a series of monitors. They watched the four legendary figures on the screen, their faces dripping with cold sweat.
"What's the plan?" York, the clone representing desire, asked urgently. "Can we get the Den Den Mushi back online? Can we call for help?"
The lead Vegapunk felt a sinking sensation in his chest. He realized that the only reason their communications were working again was because the enemy wanted them to work. The Beasts Pirates had intentionally lifted the jammer.
Just then, a booming, familiar voice echoed through the sky above the island, amplified by the very air itself. "Hey there, Vegapunk! An old friend has come all this way to see you. Is this really how you greet your guests?"
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