As Tsuru finished laying out the intel, a heavy silence settled over the room. The Marine officers present all felt their hearts sink, brows tightening in deep concern.
"So in other words... we can't deploy warships to conduct a large-scale search around the waters near Wano Country?"
Sengoku rested his chin on his clasped fingers, his expression grim.
As the Marines' foremost strategist, Sengoku tended to favor a more cautious approach. Wano was a militarily powerful nation, isolated from the world, and highly sensitive to external interference. Any large-scale operation near their borders could trigger immense political pressure—or even outright conflict.
"No. I disagree."
The voice was sharp, cold, and laced with killing intent. It sliced through the room like a blade.
Everyone turned in surprise.
Sakazuki, wrapped head to toe in bloodstained bandages, slowly rose to his feet. A lit cigarette hung between his lips as he stared directly at Fleet Admiral Kong, face blank and voice icy.
"Fleet Admiral, recovering Rogers Daren is critical to the Marines. Every extra day he stays in Kaidou's hands increases the danger."
"This isn't just about our pride anymore..."
"Let's not forget Daren's Devil Fruit ability."
At those words, Kong and Sengoku's expressions shifted slightly.
That's right.
Daren's Devil Fruit... and the future of the Marines' airborne fleet.
They absolutely couldn't let him fall into Kaidou's grasp.
Kong took a slow drag from his cigar, his gaze fixed on Sakazuki.
"So what's your plan?"
Sakazuki responded without hesitation.
"Send in a fleet. Launch a direct search in the area. Hell—we might as well use this as a chance to wipe out the Beasts Pirates once and for all!"
"Absolutely not!" Sengoku shot to his feet, face dark with urgency. "A full-scale military operation would provoke Wano's ruling regime. If they take it as an act of aggression, we could end up in an all-out war with them—and that's a risk we can't afford!"
Sakazuki let out a cold laugh, glaring at Sengoku with open disdain.
"What, Admiral Sengoku? Are you really that scared of a closed-off country? A bunch of samurai clinging to outdated rules and useless etiquette? Self-important fools stuck in the past... they won't last five seconds against Marine firepower."
"Besides, hasn't Wano always had that whole 'open-the-country' prophecy floating around? If they can't do it themselves, we'll lend them a hand—with cannon fire."
"If we move fast enough and seize control before they know what hit them, the higher-ups will only praise us for our results. They won't care about the method."
Sengoku snapped back.
"Sakazuki! We don't even know the full extent of Wano's military strength!"
"If we get dragged into a prolonged battle, our fleet will be stranded in the New World with no support!"
"If other pirate factions take advantage of the situation to strike, our supply lines and retreat routes will be cut off completely..."
"Enough!"
Kong's shout slammed through the tension like thunder, silencing the room.
Veins bulged at his temple, his head pounding.
"Sakazuki, your plan is far too reckless. The Marines aren't equipped to go to war with Kaidou and Wano at the same time. Our objective is to rescue Daren—not start a war."
"Our duty as Marines is to fight pirates and protect peace—not ignite unnecessary conflict."
Sakazuki clenched his jaw but said nothing more.
Kong let out a weary sigh and continued.
"That said, Sakazuki is right about one thing. Daren is vital to the future of the Marines. Even if there's only a sliver of hope, Marine Headquarters will do everything it can to bring him back."
"However, considering Wano's political sensitivity, this rescue mission must be carried out quietly—covert and discreet."
"In that case, I understand." Sakazuki stepped forward, tone firm. "Fleet Admiral, give the order. I'm ready to depart at any time."
But Kong shook his head.
"No. You're not the one I'm sending."
"Sakazuki. You're still injured—you'd have no advantage in a direct clash with Kaidou."
"And more importantly, your personality and combat style aren't suited for a mission like this."
The room fell silent.
Without adequate military support, infiltrating the New World—into the heart of the Beasts Pirates' territory—was an insanely dangerous task.
Kaidou's power was undeniable. Even Sakazuki had taken a serious beating going up against him. Anyone else trying their luck would be walking straight into death.
"Then I'll go!"
Zephyr's voice rang out as he stood, his presence surging. His tone was firm and urgent.
Kong and Sengoku exchanged a look, surprise flickering in their eyes.
Clearly, Zephyr cared deeply about Daren. Enough to consider breaking the vow he'd kept for years to stay out of frontline affairs.
But Kong still shook his head.
"Zephyr, the training camp needs you more. Don't forget—you've got a whole class of students waiting on your guidance."
Zephyr clenched his teeth in frustration.
"...Then how about I go?"
The voice that broke the tension was casual, almost lazy.
Everyone turned, stunned, to look at Borsalino—still calmly picking at his nails like nothing was happening.
They stared, wondering if they'd just imagined what he said. Even Sengoku's brain seemed to short-circuit for a moment, and he reached up to rub his ear in disbelief.
That guy... actually volunteered?
Sakazuki raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? With your abilities, you might really be the best option," Kong said, clearly surprised, but thoughtful as he eyed Borsalino.
Thanks to his Devil Fruit, Borsalino possessed unmatched speed and maneuverability—exactly what this kind of mission called for. He was uniquely suited for stealth rescues in enemy territory.
Even better, Daren himself had long-range flight capability. Borsalino wouldn't need to fight Kaidou directly. If he could just create an opening, he and Daren could slip away before a real confrontation started.
That was something even Sakazuki couldn't manage.
Kong was just about to give the order when a messenger burst into the room, panting for breath.
"R-report, Fleet Admiral Kong! We've just received word from the New World..."
He struggled to speak through heavy breaths.
"Vice Admiral Garp's ship has veered off its original course... It's heading straight for Wano!"
The room froze.
Zephyr and Sengoku both stiffened, turning to look at each other.
Their expressions twisted into a mix of shock and frustration as the same thought crossed their minds:
Damn it. That bastard Garp beat us to it!
...
(70 Chapters Ahead)
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