When Everything Goes Wrong (III)

As I regained consciousness, a high-pitched ringing filled my ears, and a dull ache pulsed at the back of my head. The scene around me was pure chaos. Crew members were scrambling to recover from the blast. Law was already barking orders to get the sub back in shape and out of harm's way.

I stumbled toward him through the mess. "What's the situation?"

His face was grim. "It's a Navy warship."

"A Navy warship? Here? Why?"

"We don't know. No clear visual yet." He turned and shouted, "Ikkaku! Get me a visual. I need to know who's in command of that ship and their rank."

"Aye, captain!"

The warship was closing in fast, but it hadn't fired again, which was good news for us. They either didn't have more ammunition or the first torpedo was a one-time deal. Still, I had a sinking feeling, and Ikkaku's urgent return confirmed it.

"Captain," she said, her voice tight, "it's a Rear Admiral."

My confusion morphed into dread as I looked at the image on her monitor: a tall man, short black hair, sunglasses, and a Marine's coat with Justice emblazoned on the back, gripping a bamboo stick. The look on his face was colder than death itself.

"Vergo."

Law's whisper echoed my own horror. This wasn't just any Rear Admiral. Vergo was a monster in Armament Haki, and fighting him was impossible. Escape was the only option. But Law was locked in his own head. Vergo did a number on him and Rosinate back in the day. I didn't have time to hesitate. I had to act.

Get a grip, Zephyr. This isn't the time for self-doubt. I forced myself to focus, running through a plan as quickly as I could. "Law," I said, grabbing his attention. "We can't beat him. We need to escape. Bepo, get everyone ready to take the sub down. Go deep, below their scanner range. We'll buy you five minutes."

Bepo gave a sharp nod and got to work.

Turning back to Law, I continued, "It's clear you know this officer. He must be the spy working for 'Joker.' If we're going to get out of here, you need to stall him until the maintenance is done."

Law looked at me, bewildered. "Are you serious? He could kill me in a minute."

"I know," I said, keeping my voice firm. "But this isn't a situation we can fight our way through. You worked for 'Joker' before. There's a history there. Maybe you can get Vergo to talk."

"But if he talks, his cover could be blown. He'd never risk it."

"That's where I come in." I laid out the plan quickly. "I'll create a commotion at the back of the ship. From what you've told me, Doflamingo still wants you alive for the Eternal Surgery, right? Vergo will probably send his men after me so he can speak with you alone."

"And what am I supposed to talk about?" Law looked doubtful.

"You're smart; you'll think of something. We don't have time to iron out all the details. Penguin, Shachi, you're in charge of giving the signal when the sub's ready to go."

"Understood," they replied in unison.

Law shot me a worried look. "But when it's time to retreat, I won't be able to teleport both of us without a clear visual."

"Don't worry. I'll swim. You know I'm the best swimmer in the crew."

"Still, it's dangerous—"

"Of course, it's dangerous. But we don't have any other option." I looked at Uni and Clione. "When I'm coming back, I'll be exposed to attacks from behind. You two need to cover me. My life depends on your aim, so don't mess it up!"

Uni grumbled, "What do you take us for? We're not amateurs!"

I gave him a big thumbs up, and he responded with a middle finger, bringing a grin to my face. Then I turned to Law.

"It's time to get out of an impossible situation."