Navy, G-5 Branch.
As one of the few Marine branches stationed in the New World, the G-5 branch alone possessed greater naval strength than all of the Four Seas combined.
Its overall performance had also lived up to the trust placed in it by Marine Headquarters.
In particular, base commander Vergo had an outstanding record. He produced results on every mission and was highly regarded by Marine HQ.
He treated his subordinates with warmth and politeness, never acting arrogantly. Because of this, the entire G-5 unit respected and admired him.
Who would have guessed that such a person was actually a spy?
At that moment, inside Vergo's office—
He was comfortably sipping coffee and reading the newspaper.
> "A major arms deal occurred several days ago. The Marines arrived late and achieved nothing!"
"Tch, what a pity. They didn't even catch a glimpse of the culprit. If this continues, the Marines will lose all credibility."
"What a shame I was busy. If I'd been there, I definitely would've captured the criminal."
Vergo smacked his lips in mock regret.
But inwardly, he was proud.
That arms deal had been foiled thanks to his tip-off, allowing the Donquixote Family to avoid a major loss. He had played a key role behind the scenes.
Just then, Smoker and Hina entered the office in a hurry, accompanied by the communications officer.
"Tch, it's those two again."
Vergo frowned slightly, annoyed.
He glanced at Smoker and Hina with hidden dissatisfaction.
These two were former students of ex-admiral Zephyr—one with the Logia-type Smoke-Smoke Fruit and the other with the Paramecia-type Bind-Bind Fruit.
They had clearly come here just to polish their résumés. Fine—do it if you must. But did they have to meddle in everything?
They were constantly busy. Any time there was a call for help, they rushed off immediately.
They'd already disrupted the Donquixote Family's operations multiple times, earning him harsh scoldings from the young master.
Now they were barging in again. Could it be they were about to interfere with the Family once more?
After thinking it over, Vergo felt slightly relieved. The Family hadn't taken any action recently.
He took a sip of coffee and asked in a calm tone, "What's the matter?"
"Base Commander Vergo! We just received news that someone is conducting human experiments and has kidnapped numerous children on Punk Hazard!"
"The message was transmitted using the Den Den Mushi of former Vice Admiral Gion 'Momousagi.' She's requesting Marine support!"
The communications officer stood at attention and reported solemnly.
Every Den Den Mushi had a unique frequency, just like a phone number. The source could be traced with ease.
"Pffft—!"
Vergo nearly choked, spraying coffee everywhere.
Punk Hazard?
Something happened there?!
In that moment, Vergo realized how serious this was.
He quickly composed himself. Fortunately, neither Smoker nor Hina seemed to notice his slip-up.
Punk Hazard was their most critical base for the production of artificial Devil Fruits, and it was true that many children had been abducted for Caesar's experiments.
Previously, he had covered it up using fabricated causes like "disappearances," "drowning," and "pirate attacks."
But now it was exposed.
What made things worse was that the one who exposed it wasn't someone they could afford to offend.
Gion wasn't the problem. It was the person backing her.
Vergo coughed and asked, suppressing the panic in his chest, "Are you sure it was Gion?"
"There's an 80% match in voice print, and the Den Den Mushi ID confirms it—it's definitely hers."
The signalman answered confidently and respectfully.
He didn't view Gion, who had supposedly "accidentally killed a Celestial Dragon," as a criminal.
To him, Gion was a war hero and rising Marine star.
As for the Celestial Dragon incident?
That only made her more heroic.
Many Marines mourned her departure.
That was the general sentiment throughout the Navy.
"…This is bad."
Vergo's brows furrowed.
It was no secret that Gion had joined Caelan. That had already been confirmed by HQ after the events in the East Blue.
And if she was now on Punk Hazard, it meant Caelan was there as well.
Their experimental base was as good as destroyed.
That facility was key to their partnership with Kaido. If it was lost, the consequences would be devastating.
But how were they supposed to recover it?
Vergo's head ached just thinking about Caelan—the man who had killed a Celestial Dragon and left the entire Navy helpless.
Caelan was now a true Emperor of the Sea. Even Doflamingo had to tread carefully around him.
"Smoker, Hina. Ready a warship. We leave as soon as I'm prepared."
Vergo ordered with a solemn expression.
He had to go assess the situation personally.
As for how to handle it? That would require a discussion with the young master.
"Yes, Base Commander!"
Smoker and Hina saluted and left the office.
Once the room was empty, Vergo entered the office's secret chamber and called Doflamingo through a secure Den Den Mushi.
"Hello? Young Master! We have a major problem!"
"The Punk Hazard lab has been taken by the God Slayer Caelan. He's even contacted the Marines to rescue the children there!"
"What!?"
Doflamingo's voice rose sharply. This was the last thing he wanted to hear.
Ever since Caelan entered the New World, he'd been on edge, worried that this dangerous man would eventually target him.
Now that fear had become reality.
Not only had Caelan arrived, but he had struck directly at one of Doflamingo's most critical assets.
Punk Hazard was where SAD, the raw material for artificial Devil Fruits, was produced. Without it, the entire production chain collapsed.
More importantly, only Caesar knew how to manufacture SAD. Even with the right equipment, no one else could produce it.
If the artificial Devil Fruit trade stopped, he wouldn't be able to meet Kaido's demands.
Forget about continuing the partnership—he might not even survive.
"Damn it!!"
Doflamingo slammed his fist down, shattering the table in front of him.
Losing the artificial Devil Fruit line was something he couldn't afford.
No—he had to get Caesar back.
"Vergo, what do you mean by 'they contacted the Marines'?"
Doflamingo asked grimly.
"It's the children Caesar used for experiments. Caelan had the Marines called to come clean up the aftermath."
Vergo's face was twisted with mixed emotions.
This God Slayer was clearly treating the Marines like janitors.
"In that case, he must not know you're a double agent."
Doflamingo's eyes lit up. He saw a glimmer of hope.
"Vergo, take 600 million Berries with you and see if you can ransom Caesar under the guise of a Marine negotiation."
"If he refuses, don't force it. Just be careful not to expose yourself."
Caesar's bounty was 300 million. Doubling that should be a tempting offer.
Caelan had once been a famous bounty hunter and still had some rapport with the Marines.
There might actually be a chance of getting Caesar back.
And if not, as long as Vergo remained undiscovered, they could find another solution.
"Understood, Young Master!"
Vergo nodded seriously, his tone as solemn as a vow.
He was confident he wouldn't be exposed. Monet was fiercely loyal, and Caesar wouldn't be foolish enough to give away the identity of someone coming to rescue him.
After ending the call, Vergo immediately prepared the 600 million Berries and boarded the warship Smoker and Hina had readied.
The entire G-5 branch was mobilized. A total of ten warships set sail, heading straight for Punk Hazard at full speed.
(To be continued.)