Following the dispersal of forces and the failures of Aokiji and Kizaru, Marine Headquarters convened an unprecedented meeting, attended by World Government officials and the most formidable military personnel.
"Dawn Pirates have been confirmed to have escaped. From now on, carefully analyze all available intelligence on this crew to ensure our future operations succeed. We can no longer treat them as an ordinary pirate crew," Fleet Admiral Sengoku personally addressed the assembly.
Though he desired retirement, the vacancy left by Admiral Akainu could not go unfilled, and Sengoku could not selfishly step aside.
If he retired, Aokiji would likely become Fleet Admiral, leaving two Admiral positions empty—positions not easily filled immediately.
Thus, Sengoku reluctantly remained in command. This time, he had little to boast of, and the Impel Down incident made his position even more stressful.
The meeting included only officers of Vice Admiral rank or higher: ten Vice Admirals, Admirals Kizaru, Aokiji, and Garp, alongside Ramirez and CP0 commanders representing the World Government. The outcome of this meeting would decisively influence the seas.
The last meeting of this scale had been convened against Whitebeard's crew.
"Now these pirates out there dare to emulate the Dawn Pirates—unforgivable!" Vice Admiral Doberman, wrapped in bandages from battle, scowled.
"Admiral Akainu's death was unexpected. Moreover, under the influence of many pirate factions, Crocodile shows signs of being recognized as a new Yonko. The Betora Pirates publicly supported the Dawn Pirates becoming a new Yonko, pledging allegiance and sinking two of our warships," Sengoku said grimly. The seas had become chaotic.
"You mean the one-armed Blood Hawk with a 970 million Beli bounty?" Admiral Kizaru was surprised. He had pursued this captain before but failed; the arm had been torn off by Akainu long ago.
A pirate of this caliber openly supporting the Dawn Pirates signified significant influence.
"Not only that, but zealots have begun appearing worldwide. Killing Celestial Dragons or Admirals alone is enough to shock the world. We must eliminate the Dawn Pirates before they grow stronger. Kizaru, having clashed with Crocodile multiple times, analyze his combat abilities and relevant intelligence." Sengoku's gaze swept the room, resting on Kizaru.
Kizaru rose leisurely and said, "From Marine Headquarters footage, Sakazuki was ambushed and severely wounded by the Dawn Pirates. Many may underestimate Crocodile's strength, even Fleet Admiral Sengoku. In my view, they are not merely growing—they are already formidable enemies. I advise everyone not to take them lightly."
His words silenced several resentful Vice Admirals. Even those who had not fought Rosen personally, and had assumed the Dawn Pirates could only harm a weakened Akainu, now paused.
"Indeed, that brat shouldn't be underestimated," Garp said casually. Though Whitebeard's death saddened him slightly, he had little reason to complain; their old group had left the Marines plenty of messes to clean up.
"Are they really that strong?" Vice Admiral Fireburn doubted it—a former Shichibukai couldn't possibly be that powerful.
"If one-on-one, my chance of victory would be no more than forty percent," Kizaru admitted. Crocodile had awakened his full Devil Fruit potential.
His destructive abilities bypass defenses, making one-on-one victory difficult. A draw was more likely.
The assembled Marines, including Rufus, looked shocked. Such strength demanded attention.
"Since this is Kizaru's firsthand assessment, I trust it. First, issue bounties based on these evaluations, then organize fleets to hunt them. But Crocodile isn't the only threat; his subordinates must also be considered. Tashigi, summarize the intelligence you've collected." Sengoku continued.
This was a high-level meeting specifically analyzing the Dawn Pirates.
Tashigi stepped forward, placing Hathaway's wanted poster on the board. Scanning the room, she said, "Hathaway, the Crimson Queen, former queen of Lantis, joined the Dawn Pirates after the Demon Extermination Order. Her combat ability is second only to Crocodile. Her temperament is brutal; she has killed hundreds of Marines, including three Rear Admirals and one Vice Admiral. She once faced Admiral Akainu alone. Non-Devil Fruit user, exceptional swordsmanship, extremely dangerous!"
Her words silenced the room. One woman nearly equal to the captain? This meant two Dawn Pirates were almost at Admiral level.
"Next, Nico Robin, the Devil's Child, can decipher Poneglyphs, survivor of Ohara. Previously a Hana Hana Fruit user, in this war she displayed a new, powerful ability, unlike any recorded Hana Hana ability. Judging by evidence, it may be a Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit—rare and extremely powerful!"
"Wait, Vice Admiral Tashigi, are you saying she has two Devil Fruits? That's impossible!" Rufus interrupted.
"We don't know for certain, but it's possible. In this sea, nothing is absolute. Sometimes we encounter things beyond understanding. We can only warn not to underestimate them. As I said, Nico Robin may possess dual Devil Fruit powers, can read Poneglyphs, stronger than most Vice Admirals, extremely dangerous."
The Vice Admirals looked grim. Another woman above them in rank—but Tashigi's assessment was widely accepted.
"Enel, self-proclaimed Thunder God, exceptional Observation Haki, reportedly able to monitor an entire island. Rare innate Haki talent. Goro Goro Fruit user, arrogant yet cautious. In this battle, defeated Logia user Smoker and severely injured Vice Admiral Dalmesia. Strong and dangerous."
"Daz Bones, code MR.1, Cutter Cutter Fruit user, powerful and taciturn. Defeated Vice Admiral Flying Squirrel. Loyal to Crocodile, mid-to-high threat."
"Gem, code MR.5, Bomb Bomb Fruit user, strong, defeated several Vice Admirals and Captains, medium threat."
"Machita, code Valentine, Kilo-Kilo Fruit user, highly developed. Combined with Science Department's genetic factor experiments. Defeated one Rear Admiral and over ten Captains, medium threat."
"Trafalgar Law, Ope Ope Fruit user. Defeated four Pacifistas, strong but new to Dawn Pirates, unclear intentions, no prior severe incidents, medium threat."
"The intelligence shows a serious problem: the Dawn Pirates are extremely strong. As Kizaru said, they have already grown. We cannot be careless. We must plan meticulously how to eliminate them." Tashigi's expression was grave. A crew this powerful had formed almost unnoticed; recognizing it now, it was perhaps too late.
(End of chapter)