112. The Power Of The Straw Hat and Cross Union

The comparison makes everything nervous.

Take Fujitora for example, he's steady and dependable.

Then there's Aramaki, who's impulsive and arrogant. He got himself killed almost instantly when he jumped into action, dropping down the ranks in a snap.

Look at Fujitora's role in this whole thing.

He started by suspending warships, then took charge against Byrnndi World, and finally, he played a crucial part in the evacuation and saving of Aramaki.

Fujitora's contributions in this operation outweigh Aramaki's by far.

"Nah, it's just my duty as an old man," Fujitora humbly responded to the praise.

Everyone knows he's not faking simplicity; it's his genuine kindness and righteousness shining through his smile.

That's why, in just a few days, Fujitora, who wasn't even originally part of the Marines, gained the respect of most Marine executives.

How could they not admire a strong guy with strategic-level Devil Fruit abilities, who's genuinely nice and fits in so well with the world?

A day later, Kizaru and the others smoothly returned to Naval Headquarters from the Red Line.

"What went wrong with the plan?" Sengoku asked the small group gathered in his office.

Kizaru, Fujitora, Gion, and Tokikake were there, but Aramaki was absent due to serious injuries sustained in the previous battle.

The failure of the Wano plan needed investigating, especially considering the timing seemed right.

"Indeed, Sengoku-san," Kizaru began, "the timing was on our side. Zoro and Mihawk were down, and Luffy took a beating from Bullet."

"Exactly," Sengoku interjected, "but why didn't it go as planned?"

Kizaru explained, "It was that fool Aramaki. He rushed in, thinking he could handle Luffy's final blow against Bullet. But he got hit hard and nearly died."

Sengoku sighed heavily. Losing someone of Aramaki's calibre at the start was a severe blow to their plans.

The Straw Hat crew and their allies were formidable opponents. Losing an Admiral-level fighter from their side was a significant setback.

With that kind of firepower, it's no wonder the plan went south.

Sengoku dismissed the group, feeling the weight of his responsibilities and the desire for retirement creeping up on him.

But before Kizaru left, he had something important to share about the Straw Hat Pirates and the Cross Guild Union.

Kizaru's expression turned serious as he spoke, "It seems the Straw Hat Pirates and the Cross Guild might be stronger than we thought."

Recalling his recent bout with Black Leg Sanji, he noted, "Sanji's gotten a lot stronger since the Summit War. His physical prowess, combat skills, and Observation Haki have all improved. I believe he's even reached the legendary realm of predicting the future."

Kizaru, though reliant on his Pika Pika no Mi Devil Fruit powers, possessed strong Observation Haki himself. Yet, he found himself outmanoeuvred by Sanji, realizing that when all possible futures were seen, his speed advantage diminished significantly.

"I couldn't keep up with Sanji's moves. He's evolved to a whole new level," Kizaru sighed.

Sengoku's face mirrored Kizaru's seriousness. "To overpower an Admiral... That's a significant leap in combat ability."

Indeed, there's a stark difference between facing an Admiral and defeating one. The bounties alone speak volumes, with Black Leg's likely soaring past 3.5 billion Berries.

"And then there's Roronoa Zoro," Kizaru added. "Even though he and Hawkeye were both out cold when we arrived, if Zoro can hold his own against the likes of Hawkeye, it's a testament to his remarkable growth."

Hawkeye, a powerhouse among the Shichibukai, had tangled with the likes of Red-Haired Shanks, making his recruitment a coup for the World Government.

"I've received intel from the CP0," Sengoku interjected wearily, having observed the battle firsthand through the Cipher Pol agents. "Zoro's skill matched Hawkeye's. They're on par, perhaps even vying for the title of the world's greatest swordsman."

Zoro's bounty, likely surging to nearly 3.9 billion Berries, signalled a staggering increase. In less than a month since the Summit War, the Straw Hat Pirates' second and third-in-command had become formidable forces.

"As for the captain, Monkey D. Luffy," Sengoku continued, "his bounty is already unprecedented, trailing only behind that of Gol D. Roger. Despite defeating Bullet and Big Mom, his bounty remains unchanged. It's nearing its ceiling."

The thought of Luffy storming Mariejois seemed absurd, even for the man who'd toppled Emperors. Yet, the world's oldest and most guarded secrets remained elusive, even to the likes of the legendary Gol D. Roger.

Gion and Tokikake had their own news to share. Jinbei, the newest Straw Hat member, was suspected of possessing Admiral-level strength, having matched Sanji's calibre during the Summit War.

Sengoku listened, feeling the weight of his position, longing for the day when his successor would be determined and he could finally retire from the tumultuous seas.

Tokikake spoke up next.

"Jinbei's strength rivals that of a substitute Admiral, and facing him, I felt completely outmatched. It's only a matter of time before defeat is inevitable."

Then Gion chimed in, "There's also a member from the Cross Guild, a woman with two sharp horns on her head, likely from a rare race. Her Zoan Devil Fruit ability grants her immense physical strength and formidable Haki, easily putting her at Admiral-level combat prowess."

Gion's unease mirrored her experience with Jinbei, sensing an overwhelming power that left no room for victory.

Sengoku's expression darkened.

"So, we've underestimated both the Straw Hat Pirates and the Cross Guild. Each boasting an additional Admiral-level combatant?"

Both Gion and Tokikake nodded solemnly.

It was a sobering realization. Admiral-level fighters were the pinnacle of Marine and World Government might. Their addition to the enemy's ranks signalled a significant escalation in the conflict.

Sengoku sighed heavily. This wasn't just a challenge; it was a fundamental shift in the balance of power.

In the past, it took three Admiral-level fighters to challenge a seasoned Emperor's crew. Now, with four Admirals in play, the stakes were higher than ever.

The surge in pirate strength, coupled with the emergence of formidable factions like the Revolutionary Army, painted a bleak picture for Marine control.

"I'll inform the higher-ups," Sengoku said wearily, his mind reeling with the implications of these revelations. "You all should rest."

As his subordinates departed, Sengoku couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty. The recent aggression from the higher echelons of the World Government hinted at desperation, a departure from their usual cautious approach.

The aftermath of the Summit War had unleashed chaos in the New World, and the lack of a clear strategy from above left Sengoku puzzled and concerned.

"I hope they intervene soon," he muttered, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders.

The time for action was now before the situation spiralled further out of control. The powers that be possessed the strength to quell the chaos, but their silence only deepened Sengoku's apprehension.

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