Chapter 52: Kizaru Returns Seriously Injured, Navy Headquarters Shakes
Navy Headquarters, Marineford.
As the world's only Navy Headquarters, this place is heavily guarded. Any signs of trouble cannot be hidden from the Marine's supervision.
Whoosh!
A golden light shot from the sky and landed in the port of Marineford in an instant.
"Who is it?"
The Marine soldiers on guard immediately spotted the golden light and rushed forward. As they saw the figure, many of them breathed a sigh of relief. It was Admiral Kizaru who had arrived, not an enemy.
However, upon seeing Kizaru's miserable condition, the Marine soldiers were dumbfounded. Covered in cuts and bruises, he had two bloody holes on his chest and lower abdomen, revealing flesh and bones.
The surrounding Marines gasped. How could someone harm Marine Admiral Kizaru like this?
"Quickly, find a doctor!"
"Go and inform fleet admiral Sengoku that Admiral Kizaru has returned!"
A Marine Vice Admiral gave the order, and then they helped Kizaru.
Meanwhile, Kizaru spat out another mouthful of blood, his face growing paler. His eyes were hazy, and his consciousness was on the verge of collapse.
Lucifer had badly wounded Kizaru, piercing through his abdomen and chest. An ordinary person would have died countless times from such injuries. Kizaru barely survived due to his strong vitality. He had fled, losing a significant amount of blood and energy. He is now at his limit.
"This is a real crisis. Admiral Kizaru has been beaten like this."
"Is Lucifer really that strong?"
The Marine Vice Admiral knew about Kizaru's mission at sea. Kizaru's serious injuries and the fleet's failure to return made it clear who the culprit was.
The Marine Vice Admiral sent Kizaru to the hospital, and the remaining Marines looked at each other, fear visible in their eyes. In the minds of many Marines, Admirals are known for their invincibility. It was unthinkable for them to be defeated, let alone seriously injured.
The news of Kizaru's return, being seriously injured, would soon create an uproar in Navy Headquarters.
Soon, fleet admiral Sengoku, Vice Admiral Garp, Admiral Aokiji, and other Marine administrators learned about Kizaru's condition. So they rushed to the hospital immediately.
However, Kizaru had fallen into a coma after surgery and couldn't provide details of the mission.
"Doctor, how is he?"
Sengoku asked the doctor, concerned.
"The situation is critical. Admiral Kizaru has sustained serious injuries and lost a significant amount of blood," the doctor replied.
"But fortunately, Kizaru Admiral's vitality is incredibly strong, and the wounds have passed the dangerous period after being stitched."
"After one or two months of rest, he should be able to recover."
People in the world of One Piece are physically incredible strong. As long as they got enough sleep and ate well, their injuries would gradually heal. Kizaru, being a monster, had an exceptional recovery ability.
Even so, it would still take a month or two for him to fully recover, indicating the severity of his injuries.
"Understood. During Admiral Kizaru's recovery period, all medical expenses will be covered at the highest standards," Sengoku said.
"Yes, Your Excellency Marshal."
Sengoku and the others glanced at Kizaru, who lay sleeping in the ward, before returning to the Navy Headquarters building. With such a significant incident happened, they needed to discuss the next steps and countermeasures.
In his deep sleep, Kizaru was unaware that he had finally received the extended vacation he had longed for. It would last at least a month, possibly even two, but he had paid a heavy price—nearly lost his life. It's uncertain whether Kizaru would be happy or saddened by this revelation.
Navy Headquarters Building, Conference Room.
Many high-ranking Marines gathered together in a tense atmosphere. Sengoku remained silent, as did most of the Marine executives. The room was filled with smoke, and serious expressions are etched on everyone's faces.
"I believe everyone is aware," Marshal Sengoku began, looking around the room with a somber voice.
"Admiral Kizaru was defeated by Lucifer and returned seriously injured, he's half dead."
"I have confirmed that Rear Admirals Carl Vados and others, who were called for help and were accompanying Kizaru on the mission, have also been killed."
"The losses suffered by the Marines this time are significant."
The high-ranking Marines exchanged glances, at a loss for words as silence hung heavy in the room.
Suddenly, Vice Admiral Ghost Spider broke the silence. "This is a disgrace to the Marines. Navy Headquarters must take action."
"I propose that Naval Headquarters dispatch more troops to capture Lucifer and eliminate him completely!"
"Who will lead the team?" Vice Admiral Flying Squirrel asked calmly.
"Marshal Sengoku, please recall Admiral Akainu from the New World!" Vice Admiral Ghost Spider suggested, looking at Sengoku.
As the Hawk Marine Vice Admiral, Ghost Spider had great confidence in Akainu. Among the three Admirals, Akainu's strength appeared to surpass the others'.
(Although Aokiji and Kizaru are also Admiral, it seems that Akainu is the strongest based on the number of kills and appearances in battles.)
"And who will guard the New World?" another Marine Vice Admiral questioned.
With three Marine Admirals, one would be stationed in the New World, one at Navy Headquarters, and one dispatched freely to carry out missions while protecting Mary Geoise, the holy land.
The deployment of the three Admirals was strictly regulated and couldn't be disrupted at will.
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