"Big bro, check out the news!"
"What news?"
Roy was in the lab, working with Luffy's blood. Some of the artificial Devil Fruits had already begun to grow; success or failure hinged on this moment.
"Heh heh, it's about Aokiji."
Marco's grin told Roy that whatever was in the papers had to be good.
Sure enough, when he unfolded it, there was a clear photo of him and Kuzan standing side by side.
{SHOCKING! ADMIRAL AOKIJI JOINS THE WHITEBEARD PIRATES!!!}
The headline screamed across the front page, the image unmistakable, Roy in the foreground, and behind him, none other than former Marine Admiral Kuzan.
"That guy… there's no turning back for him now," Roy smirked.
"It's a shame he didn't really join us, though," Marco said with a regretful sigh.
"There's nothing to be regret about. Someone like him doesn't suit us. Don't you have patrol duty?" Roy asked.
"My patrol zone is around here," Marco replied.
"Send the others out. Report any trouble immediately."
"Already taken care of. No issues."
The Blackbeard Pirates hiding in the sky were definitely a nuisance; they had to be found and eliminated.
Today's newspaper was like a bomb.
For the average person, seeing that headline was unbelievable. After checking and double-checking, they finally realized it wasn't fake.
"So the rumors were true!"
"Admiral Aokiji did leave the Navy after losing to Fleet Admiral Akainu!"
"And now he's joined the Whitebeard Pirates? They already had Whitebeard and Roy, now they're even stronger."
"They lost Fire Fist Ace but gained Aokiji… the Whitebeard Pirates just became even scarier."
"What pirate crew could possibly stand against them now?"
Pirates across the world felt despair. The Whitebeard Pirates were already absurd, first Roy carrying on their legacy, and now a former Navy Admiral joining? They were becoming untouchable.
Especially pirates in the New World, they were overwhelmed with hopelessness.
...
Holy Land Mary Geoise, Room of Authority
Inside the Room of Authority, some of the Five Elders sat on sofas, others stood. Saint Nusjuro sat cross-legged on the carpet, the First Generation Demon Sword Kitetsu leaning against him.
"It's confirmed. That man betrayed the Marines and joined the pirates."
"Losing such a powerful asset to piracy is an unforgivable failure on your part as Fleet Admiral," Warcury said, side-eyeing the man at the door.
Sakazuki had a cigar in his mouth, head tilted slightly.
He replied calmly, "Since when do I control where people go? Who could've predicted he'd turn traitor? I broke his damn leg, and he still walked away."
"Then break the other one too," Saint Peter said coldly.
"Measures are already in place. And we've confirmed, he hasn't joined the Whitebeard Pirates," Sakazuki said.
"He's in the New World, whereabouts currently unknown. What's certain is that he's not with the Whitebeard Pirates. But the Whitebeards are using this to bluff. After the Blackbeard Pirates, they're using this news to intimidate them," Saint Mars commented.
"The Great Military Draft has already begun. We're drawing elite fighters from all over the world to strengthen the Navy. The new Marine HQ is under construction and should be completed within a few months," Saint Saturn added.
"I'll prove myself. I'll prove the strength of the Marines. Even without him, I'll keep leading them forward." With that, Sakazuki turned and left.
Once he was gone, the Five Elders continued their conversation.
"He must have an agenda. What was his purpose in going to Amazon Lily?" Saint Saturn asked.
"Whatever his motive is, we need to find a way to eliminate him. He gives me a strong sense of danger," Saint Warcury said.
"He seems to be studying ancient history," Saint Nusjuro added.
"Don't worry. As long as he can't read the Poneglyphs, he'll never understand what happened during the Void Century. Unless he becomes Pirate King, which is unlikely. Currently, he only holds a copy of a Road Poneglyph rubbing, stolen from Big Mom."
"What about that burned man?"
"Still no trace of him."
"Traitors… they deserve death."
"The Holy Knights have been chasing him for years."
"Should we send the Holy Knights after Roy?"
"Not without Imu-sama's order!"
The discussion went on in the Room of Authority.
.....
10,000 Meters Above Sea Level - Floating Island
Teach held the latest newspaper, sweat beading on his forehead as he read: "Former Marine Admiral Aokiji joins the Whitebeard Pirates…"
"Looks like we might run into an Admiral during our raids now," Lafitte said.
"What about our plans? The Whitebeard Pirates are already on guard. If we clash with them…" Shiryu muttered.
"Zehahaha! Relax. I don't believe for a second that Aokiji actually joined them. I know the Whitebeard Pirates better than any of you."
"At most, it's a temporary partnership. It's not the right time to attack them, but I've already got a new target." Teach tossed the paper aside and looked toward the sky.
"A new target?" Van Augur and the others turned to him.
"Yeah. It's just as profitable as Whitebeard's territory, maybe even more."
"Where?"
"Pirate Island, Hachinosu!"
Meanwhile, in Whitebeard's Territory
Roy had just completed the separation process. Next, the SAD he cultivated would be used to nourish the Miracle Apple Tree.
"Big bro, the Beasts Pirates sent a message," Marco entered.
"Did the goods arrive?" Roy wiped his hands and turned around.
"They already delivered it to Pirate Island, Hachinosu. They want us to pick it up there."
"Too scared to deliver it directly?"
"Probably. They said to make contact on Hachinosu."
"Wang Zhi really got addicted to playing broker, huh? Fine. He probably has some items I ordered, too. Let's go make the trade."
"Should we go with you?"
"No need. I can handle it. What could go wrong?"
"I just worry he might be setting up an ambush," Marco said.
"Then let Newgate come with me," Roy grinned.
"Huh? Pops?"
"He's been pretty idle lately. No one would expect him to leave, perfect time to take a stroll down memory lane on Pirate Island."
"I doubt Pops will agree," Marco laughed.
"We'll know once we ask."
The two left the lab and headed for the main hall. Whitebeard was playing cards. When he saw them come in, he frowned. "What do you want?"
"Looks like you're losing hard."
His face was covered in paper chits, clearly losing, though it might be intentional.
His opponents? Three stunning, blonde, identical triplet nurses, curvy and elegant.
"If you've got something to say, spit it out."
"I need to head to Pirate Island, Hachinosu, to pick up some cargo. Want to come?"
"Pirate Island, Hachinosu…"
"That name sure rings a bell!!"
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu