Akainu's fists had already turned into magma. Suppressing the fury burning in his chest, he ground out through clenched teeth,
"Who the hell did this?"
As soon as he spoke, an overwhelming killing intent filled the entire conference room.
Sengoku's fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles cracked audibly. At this moment, all he wanted was to tear the culprit into pieces.
Carl narrowed his eyes slightly and said,
"From the clues we have so far, it seems that Vice Admiral Garp encountered the Revolutionary Army in the East Blue."
Akainu frowned upon hearing this and said,
"The Revolutionary Army? Those bastards went to the East Blue?"
"That's right. CP0 reported that the Revolutionary Army has abandoned their headquarters in Baltigo, completely withdrawing from the Grand Line. It looks like they're trying to hide in the Four Seas."
Carl's eyes gleamed as he continued,
"As for why they appeared in the East Blue, and specifically in Foosha Village where Vice Admiral Garp was vacationing, I believe it has to do with Straw Hat Luffy."
He still remembered that the last time he encountered Luffy, the Revolutionary Army's Southern Army commander, Lindbergh, was also present. This indicated that the Straw Hat Pirates had long been entangled with the Revolutionary Army.
After all, in this timeline, Luffy had grown up under Dragon's watch. The Revolutionary Army and he were practically family.
Now, both the Straw Hat Pirates and the Revolutionary Army had suffered heavy losses at the hands of the Marines. It was not surprising that they would gather together for support.
Moreover, Joy Boy had already awakened within Luffy, and he would undoubtedly seek to unite all forces against the World Government.
Most likely, Luffy and the Revolutionary Army were in the East Blue searching for a new base. Since Foosha Village was Dragon's hometown, it was their primary scouting location. They must have encountered Vice Admiral Garp, who was vacationing there, leading to a battle that ultimately resulted in Garp's death.
However, what Carl hadn't expected was that Garp would choose to fight to the death.
Based on his past impressions of Garp, if he had encountered Luffy, he would have most likely let Luffy go, pretending they never met.
Perhaps, Garp's "D" fate had already ended the moment he let Dragon escape all those years ago. He had completely freed himself from the shackles of the "D."
Garp's actions this time honored his decades-long service in the Marines and upheld the justice he believed in.
When Sengoku heard that Garp's death was linked to Luffy, the veins on his forehead bulged as he roared in anger,
"It was that damn Monkey D. Luffy?! Doesn't he know that Garp was his grandfather?! That bastard!!!"
Even the usually composed Tsuru wore an expression of utter fury. She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and said bitterly,
"He's a beast, just like his father, Dragon!! He doesn't deserve to be called human! He doesn't even deserve to live in this world!!!"
Zephyr slammed his fist onto the table, shattering it, and shouted,
"That bastard should be executed on the spot! I will kill him with my own hands!!"
Sengoku gritted his teeth and said,
"No! Death is far too easy for him. He must have his limbs broken and be imprisoned in Impel Down for the rest of his life!"
Tsuru, her face ice-cold, added,
"Since they've fled to the East Blue, they are obviously trying to stay hidden. It will be difficult to track them down. I suggest deploying forces from Headquarters and conducting a complete purge of the East Blue. Any suspicious factions or those with anti-government sentiments should be eliminated!"
Zephyr remained silent, but for Sengoku and Tsuru, both considered "doves" within the Marines, to say such ruthless words, it showed just how furious they were.
Carl nodded slightly and said,
"For too long, our Marine forces have been primarily focused on the Grand Line, leaving our presence in the Four Seas too weak..."
After a brief pause, he continued,
"Alright, it's time to rectify the Four Seas. As soon as Vice Admiral Garp's remains return to Headquarters, we will initiate our operation."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the conference room immediately straightened their backs and saluted.
"Yes, sir!!"
That day, the harbor of Marineford was filled with Marines. Every soldier stood in solemn silence, their gazes fixed on the approaching warship.
Carl stood at the forefront, with Akainu, Sengoku, and the others behind him.
As the warship docked, Marines from the East Blue division disembarked slowly. At the center, a group of soldiers carried a coffin containing Garp's body, while others followed behind, holding urns with the remains of the fallen Marines.
Carl led the senior officers forward. Two soldiers stepped up and carefully opened the coffin, revealing Garp's lifeless form inside.
Throughout the journey, Garp's body had been kept in cold storage, preserving it in pristine condition. A white Marine flag was draped over him.
Upon seeing Garp, Sengoku and the others could no longer contain their grief. Tsuru broke into tears, rushing forward and calling out his name repeatedly.
Sengoku clenched his eyes shut as tears streamed down his face. Clenching his fists, he choked out,
"That stubborn old fool... still so damn reckless..."
Zephyr patted Sengoku's shoulder and said in a low voice,
"Sengoku, Garp upheld his own justice to the very end. Isn't that admirable?"
Hearing this, Sengoku forced back his tears, looked up, and let out a mix of laughter and sobbing,
"Yeah... I really am a senile old man. In the end, I was the stubborn one. Dammit... I can't bear to let him go!!!"
Saying this, Sengoku approached the coffin, took out two bags of rice crackers from his pocket, and placed them in Garp's hands, whispering,
"I was saving these at our usual spot for you to pick up... but this time, I guess that won't happen..."
Carl also stepped forward, placing a final photograph of Garp over his chest.
Memories of their time together in Level 6 of Impel Down flashed through Carl's mind. He recalled the moment he told Garp,
"Don't disgrace the Marines anymore!"
Now, looking at Garp's face, still bearing traces of bruises, Carl sighed softly and said,
"Vice Admiral Garp, you were an outstanding Marine. The Marines are proud of you."
Then, Carl raised his arm high and commanded,
"All soldiers, fire a salute!"
The instant his voice fell, the Marines fired their guns in unison toward the sky. The gunfire startled a flock of seagulls, sending them soaring above Marineford.
Next, Carl led the entire Marine force in saluting Garp's coffin. Sengoku, Tsuru, and Zephyr gently closed the lid.
The moment the coffin was fully sealed, a cold light flickered in everyone's eyes.
Carl signaled to the communications officer and ordered,
"Notify the World Economy News Paper, send the message worldwide: Straw Hat Luffy and the Revolutionary Army are now wanted. Anyone providing their whereabouts will be rewarded!"
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+210 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg