Chapter 44

Amidst the island shrouded in black smoke, ruins lay scattered everywhere, and the once lush earth had transformed into scorched land, devoid of any vegetation.

The acrid scent of gunpowder lingered in the air, evidence of a recent massive battle. This was Potterland Island, Doflamingo's new residence.

Just half an hour ago, Sengoku had led Marine Admirals Kizaru and Aokiji in a resounding assault. The operation had yielded impressive results, with numerous pirates apprehended, many of them boasting bounties ranging from 500 to 600 million.

However, Sengoku's appearance remained dark, his heart far from joyful. The primary objective of the Marine's incursion was to rescue Akainu while simultaneously dealing with Doflamingo and the black dragon. The successful completion of any of these objectives would have marked the operation as a triumph.

Regrettably, Akainu remained unretrieved, and neither Doflamingo nor the Black Dragon had been eliminated. From start to finish, it had all been a ruse.

There had indeed been an auction, but the item put up for sale wasn't Akainu. Furthermore, Doflamingo and the Black Dragon had never made an appearance. Sengoku, a seasoned veteran with decades of experience on the seas, sensed immediately that something was amiss. This was likely a conspiracy against the Marines.

Blue ! !

Sengoku's phone rang, and his heart skipped a beat as he hastily answered it.

"Marshal Sengoku, something's gone terribly wrong!"

"That nasty 'Dragon of Doom' has raided Naval Headquarters and taken Vegapunk!" Xilan exclaimed urgently.

"What?!" Sengoku rolled his eyes, nearly succumbing to anger on the spot. Vegapunk was instrumental to the Marine organization, he was after all responsible for its advanced technology. The SSG-class project, intended to replace the Shichibukai, was of paramount importance to Sengoku. He had always prioritized Vegapunk's safety, even providing personal protection by Admirals.

However, as fate would have it, precautions could not prevent every possible threat. Sengoku now realized that the so-called auction of Akainu had been a cleverly laid trap, and he, the Marine Marshal, had fallen for it like a fool.

In a fit of rage, Sengoku spewed old blood and lost consciousness on the spot.

[T/L: Oh damn, no wonder it's a Chinese fanfiction right?]

"Marshal Sengoku, are you all right?"

"Quick, fetch the medical team!"

Chaos erupted among the Marines, but none noticed the phone bug concealed in Sengoku's hand, its corner curling into a conspiratorial smirk.

"Sengoku, Sengoku, even as the Marine Marshal, he couldn't bear the weight," Xilan mused, cigar in his mouth as he idly tapped the table with his ring-adorned hand.

At this moment, the Naval Headquarters lay engulfed in smoke, the once-secure technology building now reduced to rubble. Vegapunk had been secretly relocated.

Xilan retrieved another phone bug from his drawer and dialed a number.

"Kaido, our people are en route to Wano, the 200 billion Berries will be transferred to my G0 base, alright?"

"That's it?" Kaido's words surprised Xilan. "The last few times I invaded Naval Headquarters, I actually went for Vegapunk."

"What do you plan to use him for?" Xilan inquired with curiosity. Vegapunk's expertise didn't pertain to ordinary weaponry.

"Hahaha~~~ I really needed him," Kaido chuckled before hanging up.

Xilan remained pensive, his hair strands dangling in his face. He didn't concern himself with Kaido's plans; as long as the money flowed into the G0 base, he would play along, even if it meant potentially endangering the world.

"Now, it's my turn."

Xilan opened the window and grabbed a prepared loudspeaker. His voice echoed throughout Naval Headquarters: "Listen up, everyone! Extinguish the fires and tend to the wounded. No more sacrifices are allowed! Let our sorrow drive us forward!"

This audacious operation emulated Garp's actions during the original Summit War. When it came time to stand up, Garp had been punched aside by Luffy, ending the battle. Yet, the old rogue had desperately called for help, running around and working harder than anyone else.

After half a day, Sengoku, who had recovered, returned to the scene. He gazed at the shattered Naval Headquarters and spat out another mouthful of blood.

"What's wrong with the two of you?!" Sengoku erupted with fury as he summoned Garp and Xilan, berating them fiercely. "You are high-ranking Marine officials! How can you be so inept!"

"Decades ago... you two were the 'Marine Double Walls,' the terror of countless pirates. You were the Marine's most formidable executioners. Look at what you've become now!"

Sengoku's face flushed with anger. It wasn't just the defeat that vexed him; it was the fact that during the crucial moment of the Black Dragon's invasion, both of these individuals had mysteriously disappeared.

Xilan, casting a sidelong glance at Garp, found it odd as well. It was true that he had transformed into a Black Dragon and naturally vanished for a period, but Garp's sudden absence raised suspicions.

Earlier, Xilan had been worried that Garp might jump into the fray and create problems, but Garp had surprisingly shown little interest.

"Sengoku, didn't you say we were old?" Garp sighed, stroking his gray hair. "Look at us, Xilan and me, our hair is all white. Unlike you, who dyes your hair with those masks all day long."

Xilan nodded in agreement.

"Get out, get out of here!" Sengoku thundered, ordering Garp and Xilan to leave.

The two simply shrugged and departed, leaving a seething Sengoku behind.

As they retreated, Sengoku's gaze sharpened, a calculating glint appearing in the corner of his eye. In this operation, there was an unmistakable undercover agent within the Marines. Otherwise, the timing of the Black Dragon's assault would not have been so impeccable. Sengoku led the way, and the Black Dragon followed suit—such a coincidence was too improbable.

He was certain of it—either Garp or Xilan had betrayed the Marines!

—

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