268. Marineford Showdown

Goal: 30 power stones by tonight (4 hours)

Reward: Bonus Chapter

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Red Line, Mariejois.

The Shichibukai who have been residing in Mariejois for some time now are relishing their meal.

The table at the meeting is covered with heaps of empty plates, and there are sufficient skeletons to assemble hundreds of creatures.

As a Marine, Atlas is keeping up with the same pace, and Vice Admiral Tsuru has already gone back to Marineford, leaving the responsibility of overseeing the reception to him.

Certainly, it doesn't look unpleasant when a few individuals are dining. Despite the quick pace, their postures remain very graceful.

Mihawk, in particular, leisurely cuts the steak in front of him and occasionally takes sips of exquisite red wine, resembling an elegant aristocrat.

The personalities of Doflamingo, Crocodile, and Moria, who were eliminated by Atlas beforehand, sharply differ from Mihawk and the others.

They all display arrogance and dominance, with Doflamingo even daring to play tricks on the Marines in Mariejois by relying on his former Celestial Dragons status!

Snap!

Atlas sets down his chopsticks, reaches for a bunch of napkins, wipes his mouth, and speaks in a deep voice:

"Based on our Marine intel, the Whitebeard Pirates have set sail from the New World. I reckon they'll be reaching Naval Headquarters shortly. You..."

Glancing around, even though the few individuals didn't lift their heads, their involuntarily slowed eating pace betrayed their thoughts.

"After you've had your fill, let's rendezvous at Marineford."

With that said, he leaned back, and there was no protrusion in his lower abdomen, as if the colossal amount of food from a moment ago had vanished into thin air.

He has honed his skill in Seimei Kikan to such a degree that he can essentially eat and digest simultaneously.

He can effortlessly perform it even while eating.

This is—

Utter mastery over one's body!!!

...

Naval Headquarters conference hall.

Almost all the top brass assembled, including Sakazuki and Aokiji who were relocated from the New World.

The only one missing is Borsalino!

Oh, and by the way, Marine hero Garp is also present.

Boom!

The door is abruptly pushed open from the outside, capturing the attention of everyone in the conference room.

"You rascal, how many times have I told you to knock before entering? Don't pick up the habits of that old rascal Garp!!"

When Sengoku saw who was entering, veins popped out on his forehead, and he couldn't help but curse.

"Have the Shichibukai settled in yet?"

Vice Admiral Tsuru noticed Sengoku's reaction, smiled slightly, and inquired of Atlas, who was leisurely walking through the door.

She was initially in charge of hosting the Shichibukai but was later reassigned to Atlas by Sengoku.

It was only fair for her to ask.

"They have settled in. They are quite content with their lodgings. I believe they'll head to the battlefield in high spirits without any issues."

However, those fellows will probably find themselves jobless soon.

Atlas silently added in his mind.

"You've done well. After this war, Fleet Admiral Sengoku will discuss with the Five Elders, and the position of the fourth Admiral is not out of the question."

Akainu nodded slightly upon seeing Atlas, his eyes filled with admiration.

He has always appreciated the conduct of this junior.

Especially this time, it presented such a favorable opportunity for the Marines to wipe out the Whitebeard Pirates in Marineford.

"Sakazuki-senpai, you've done me a favor, by the way..."

Atlas looked around with some confusion and asked, "Where's Vice Admiral Garp? Why hasn't anyone seen him?"

If Garp were here normally, you'd probably hear him yelling before he even walked in.

"Vice Admiral Garp went to Impel Down, and he took over the task of escorting Marshall D. Teach."

Hearing this, Kuzan lifted a corner of his blindfold and replied lazily.

"Alright, let's leave that rascal Garp aside and focus on the current matter."

After instructing Atlas to take a seat, Sengoku looked serious: "Hakuryu, your battleship isn't damaged, is it?"

"The Ryu-Sen?"

Atlas, whose seat was still warm, was surprised and asked uncertainly.

"Yes, your ability to render objects invisible is perfect. The firepower equipment provided by the science force is also the most advanced among the Marines currently. When the time comes—"

A fierce glint flashed in Sengoku's eyes, and he declared, "Once Whitebeard's Moby-Dick comes into view, unleash firepower upon it!"

While ordinary artillery might inflict limited damage in high-level battles, the setup of the Ryu-Sen makes it simple to deal with visible threats and minimize casualties on the Marine side.

"No problem," Atlas agreed.

Even with the dual assurance of his Haki ability and Jinbei's vigilant watch, casualties were unavoidable.

That's the nature of war.

Though not intricately portrayed in the original storyline, war inevitably brings about loss and death.

Pere~Pere~Pere~Pere~

Suddenly, a buzzing announcement emanated from Sengoku's body, interrupting the conversation in the room.

Turn around and answer the call!

"Moshi Moshi~ I am Borsalino~~ Can you hear me, Sengoku-san?"

The Den Den Mushi promptly imitated Kizaru's tone, and even the once smooth skin became slightly wrinkled, emitting an unusual aura.

"Hello, I'm Sengoku. What's happening over there in the New World?"

Sengoku frowned, sensing an ominous feeling in his heart.

"According to information from our Marine surveillance ship~~ The Strongest Creature-Kaido seems to have set sail from Wanokuni~~ It's quite frightening~ He's the Emperor of the Sea."

Kizaru on the other end of the phone still sounded nonchalant.

"Do you want me to intervene?"

"...No need, just keep an eye on Big Mom's movements. Dealing with Kaido alone should be manageable."

Observing Vice Admiral Tsuru, who was shaking her head on the other side, Sengoku swiftly made a decision.

Unlike the other two Sea Emperors, Big Mom is undeniably the most cunning and has no qualms about exploiting opportunities.

If one were to wonder during the war which Sea Emperor would seize the opportunity?

There's no doubt it's Big Mom, but it remains uncertain whether her target is Whitebeard or the Marines.

Rather than having Kizaru intercept Kaido and potentially find himself besieged by the two Sea Emperors, it's better to keep the pressure on Naval Headquarters.

"That's fine~ That's fine, then Sengoku-san, you should be more careful~~"

Kizaru didn't say much upon hearing this.

For Marine's combat deployment, incorporating an additional The Strongest Creature-Kaido isn't an issue, so he can stay in the New World to recuperate.

After all, dealing with the world's strongest man or something...

It's truly daunting~

"Alright, the details of the combat power deployment have been discussed in the previous meeting. The specific execution is up to you. There's only one objective this time—"

"Keep Whitebeard in Marineford forever!!"

Sengoku's eyes are determined, and he exudes ambition.

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