Chapter 477: The Lougetown Incident Is Over
When Tsuru finished speaking, both Sengoku and Garp turned serious.
"Oh no," Sengoku muttered, realization dawning. "The town's been infiltrated."
Given the situation, it was clear now—the pirates attacking outside were only a distraction. The real enemy had already slipped into Loguetown.
Under Rear Admiral Rick's command, the garrison wouldn't stand a chance against whatever had invaded the city.
"Move!" Garp barked, his body already blurring as he launched himself like a cannonball toward the town.
Sengoku and Tsuru followed right behind.
"Rick, you handle the clean-up outside," Tsuru called as she passed. "We'll secure the city."
There was no time for explanations.
Many had forgotten that Tsuru, known as the "Flower of Violence," wasn't just a brilliant strategist—she was a formidable fighter herself. She'd spent too long behind a desk, but her strength had never waned.
The three veterans entered Loguetown within minutes.
What greeted them was devastation. The streets were littered with bodies—some human, some… not.
Residents who'd dared step outside were staring in horror.
"It seems someone got here before us," Garp muttered, scanning the area with Observation Haki.
The entire district was silent except for the faint crackle of fires and the drip of blood from broken rooftops.
"Was it the Dragon Hunter Pirates?" Sengoku asked, frowning. "No one else could've handled monsters like these."
Garp shook his head. "If it was them, the sea battle outside wouldn't have lasted this long. No… this reeks of someone else."
His tone softened, a rare flicker of respect in his eyes. "Looks like those old timers decided to step in again."
Tsuru sighed quietly. "Then we'll leave it at that. They've done what needed to be done. No point disturbing them."
Sengoku nodded in agreement. "Let Rick handle the aftermath."
The trio turned and made their way out of the ruined city.
---
Outside the walls, Rick hurried to meet them, still covered in dust and soot.
"Advisors Sengoku, Tsuru, Garp!" he said breathlessly. "The battlefield's under control, but—what happened inside the city?"
If something catastrophic had occurred behind their lines, he would bear the responsibility. His family lived here, after all.
"It's over," Tsuru replied simply. "The threat's been neutralized."
She adjusted her coat. "A vice admiral or higher will arrive tomorrow to take over the situation. You'll handle the cleanup until then."
With that, she departed. Sengoku and Garp gave Rick a nod—silent approval, but more meaningful than any medal.
For Rick, that look was enough. It filled him with pride.
Sometimes, a Marine didn't need a promotion or a reward. Just a glance of acknowledgment from legends was enough to make all the hardship worthwhile.
When he finally entered the city, Rick stopped cold.
Arms, legs, and heads were strewn across the cobblestones. Enormous blood splatters marked the walls like crimson brushstrokes.
He swallowed hard.
What kind of monsters had done this?
If his troops had faced this horror instead of the decoys at sea… none of them would have survived.
---
Later That Day
The Mondo Pirates began investigating the origins of the enemy fleet.
It didn't take long to uncover the truth.
The attackers were former subordinates of the Celestial Dragons, pirates secretly operating under the World Government's protection.
The discovery enraged the Mondo Pirates. They retaliated immediately, hunting down and destroying four affiliated pirate groups within days.
"Did you catch him?" a calm voice came from the Den Den Mushi.
"Why?" Garp grumbled. "You planning to dissect him for research?"
The voice belonged to Ryuunosuke, speaking from his base.
When the three Marine legends had arrived at Loguetown, they'd encountered Hakuin. Against Garp, Sengoku, and Tsuru together, he hadn't stood a chance.
Now, Garp used him as a punching bag whenever he was bored.
"This guy's as strong as a Marine vice admiral," Sengoku said, sipping tea beside him. "There's no point handing him over for study."
"But Ryuunosuke," Garp asked, "why would the World Government pull something like this now?"
He leaned forward, serious for once. "If they can unleash monsters like these anywhere, anytime, the sea's a ticking bomb. We won't always get the warning in time."
On the other end, Ryuunosuke chuckled softly. "Maybe they're just desperate. Roy wouldn't be resorting to such crude methods if he still had options."
He paused, then added, "Old man, why not stay in the East Blue for a while? Visit Makino and her kid. The Dragon Hunter Pirates already have eyes here. If anything dangerous shows up again, you'll know immediately."
Garp frowned. "You brat…"
"Anyway," he said, standing, "things here are handled. I'm heading to Foosha Village. I'll call you when I arrive."
He slammed the receiver down before Ryuunosuke could reply.
Sengoku smirked. "Still hates taking orders from anyone younger than him."
Ryuunosuke's laughter came faintly from the Den Den Mushi before it clicked off.
---
Back aboard the Dragon Hunter flagship, Najenda entered the captain's quarters.
"Captain, the reports from Shino have been compiled," she said, handing over a folder. "The Mondo Pirates eliminated four pirate crews—all former retainers of the Celestial Dragons."
She hesitated. "Also, the man captured by Garp—Hakuin—is confirmed as one of the Ten Terrors. His power level matches that of a Marine vice admiral."
Ryuunosuke skimmed the papers, his expression unreadable.
"So it's true," he murmured. "Carmel's not to be underestimated… and Roy's already making his next move."
He looked up. "Najenda, alert all regional captains. Tell them to sweep every route where the World Government's ships have been sighted. Anyone resembling these creatures—destroy them immediately."
"Understood, Captain."
"Oh, and one more thing," he added. "Shino's still with Erwin, right?"
"Yes. She said she'll return with him soon."
"Good."
Najenda nodded, saluted, and left.
Ryuunosuke waited until the room was silent again. Then he reached into his drawer and pulled out another Den Den Mushi.
"Beru… beru…"
He dialed a number, eyes narrowing.
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