From the moment he decided to act against William, Nao knew that this incident wouldn't end so simply.
The World Government, pressured by the two royal families and some subtle hints from Mariejois, would definitely take punitive measures against him.
But he never expected the government's representatives to arrive so quickly, or to be of such high rank.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of the second day.
The two Marine warships led by Kizaru and Rear Admiral Buma were intercepted on their return journey to G-2 Branch Base by a strangely shaped speedboat.
Everyone on the speedboat wore black suits. Leading them was a middle-aged man with naturally long, curly black hair, who introduced himself as Spandam, a Commander from CP9.
He had all the necessary credentials, and his demeanor was condescending. Coincidentally, Kizaru also knew him, so there was no reason to obstruct them. He could only allow them to board the Marine warship's deck.
And watch as they searched everywhere, finally finding Nao diligently training in the training room.
"Oh, it's actually you?"
Nao looked surprised, circling the man and examining him up and down as if he were a rare treasure:
"Tsk, tsk. You really look exactly like your son. Is the CP department so idle that they need a bigshot like you to personally come and arrest just me?"
What kind of talk is that? Spandam's eye twitched. What do you mean, 'I look like my son'?
"You know me?"
He eyed Nao suspiciously. "I don't remember you at all. You're just a small rookie; you shouldn't have been qualified to participate in operations cooperating with us before…"
"You didn't have an impression before, but you will now, won't you!"
Nao put away his swords, clapped his hands, and laughed. "Come on, let's go to your ship. Lead the way!"
He's this cooperative?
The anticipated resistance didn't appear. In fact, Spandam didn't see any resentment on the other party's face. He felt like this mission was going too smoothly. He pondered as he walked ahead, only to suddenly realize it once they reached the deck.
—Damn it! He, the dignified CP9 Commander, had actually become a guide for a suspect!
He hadn't even had time to turn around and reprimand Nao when he was startled by the dense crowd of Marines—they had gathered on the deck at some point, forming a circle, glaring hostilely at him and his group.
"What are you guys trying to do?!"
Spandam was, after all, someone who had seen his share of big scenes. He quickly reacted, sternly rebuking, "CP is on official business! All of you, get out of the way! Arresting Natsuya Nao is a World Government order! Do you intend to defy it?"
The few black-suited agents behind him expressionlessly drew their guns, pointing them at the surrounding soldiers.
However, the Marines showed no fear. They continued to block the path completely. Some of the more reckless, grizzled veterans even spat and then sneered, raising their own weapons at the agents.
"Damn it, who are you trying to scare?!"
"Mr. Nao is a hero of the Marines! You actually want to help a pirate get revenge and take him away? First, ask if the gun in my hand agrees!"
"Exactly! Let's just wipe out all these turtle-sons of bitches! Leave no survivors! If none of us talk, who's going to know where these guys died?!"
They don't know their place.
Spandam sneered inwardly. While he was timid by nature, he was also always arrogant and conceited—a bunch of ordinary Marines wanted him to back down? Impossible!
He waved his right hand, just about to order his subordinates to fire a warning shot, when a faint sigh suddenly echoed on the deck: "Everyone, step aside. Let them go."
The voice belonged to Kizaru. He had appeared beside Nao at some point, his expression complex as he met Nao's gaze.
"Commander!"
"Vice Admiral, how can you…"
Kizaru raised his hand, cutting off the soldiers' disgruntled voices, and said calmly: "This is the World Government's will. The CP department is merely acting on orders. You should also know that obstructing these fellows here is pointless."
"But…"
"Obey orders."
The surrounding marines fell silent upon hearing this. They looked at each other, their gazes dimming.
Finally, they silently opened a small path.
"That's more like it!" Spandam roared with laughter, extending a hand to Kizaru with a smile. "I like cooperative people like you! Next time we have a chance, let's work together again!"
However, Kizaru had no intention of shaking hands. After a brief, indifferent glance downward, he bypassed Spandam and walked in front of Nao.
"…" Spandam's extended arm froze, and a look of vexation and shame appeared in his eyes.
"You'll have to bear with this for a bit, Nao."
Kizaru looked at Nao, unsure how to comfort him, only able to say in a low voice: "I've already reported last night's incident to Headquarters. Marineford is currently holding an emergency high-level meeting. Headquarters will do everything in its power to withstand the World Government's pressure and get you acquitted…"
"Don't talk like it's a farewell, Vice Admiral!" To his surprise, Nao showed no sign of worry. Instead, he heavily thumped Kizaru's chest, laughing heartily: "I'm just going on a little trip with these CP agents. Maybe we'll see each other again in a few days. It's not like the place is far… Oh, right, Mr. Spandam, where are you taking me again?"
"…" Spandam gritted his teeth, looking at him. "Enies Lobby! You'll face judgment at a military tribunal there!"
"That sounds a bit far, then." Nao stroked his chin. "Hmm, Vice Admiral, in that case, I take back what I just said. It might be ten days to half a month before I see you again, huh…"
"You're dreaming big, kid!"
Spandam was stunned, unable to resist roaring, "This is a direct order from the World Government's higher-ups! You killed the prince of a major kingdom and think you'll get off that easily? Dream on!"
"I'd advise you to say less of that for now."
Nao snapped his fingers, smiling at him. "It's not too late to yell at me once we're on the speedboat. Otherwise, you might not even get off this warship today, delaying your mission, how frustrating would that be…"
Spandam turned his head and, sure enough, the Marines were once again showing their anger, surrounding them.
"…"
Though he wasn't afraid of these people, as Nao had said, to complete the mission quickly and leave here smoothly, he wisely chose to keep his mouth shut.
Passing through the crowd, the CP9 black-suited agents led Nao to the small boat amidst countless cold stares. Nao cooperated throughout, even humming an unknown tune after boarding the speedboat.
Shia appeared on the second-floor cabin balcony at some point, watching him from afar with a face full of worry…
"I told you, no need to worry!"
He laughed heartily, waving vigorously in farewell. "You guys head back to G-2 Branch and wait! I'll be back to find you soon! See ya, everyone!"
"You're certainly optimistic." As the speedboat began to turn around and depart, Spandam couldn't help but mock.
"It's better to smile than to cry, right?"
Nao looked around, noticing a rattan chair at the stern of the boat. He lazily lay on it, crossing his legs, and smiled slightly at the dumbfounded Spandam:
"But, to be honest, sometimes I do get carried away by my passion. However, once I calm down, I never get blindly optimistic, you know…"
Marine Headquarters, Marineford
It was dusk, and a light drizzle suddenly arrived, making the air on this isolated island, surrounded by sea on all sides, feel distinctly cold.
Sengoku, having just concluded an emergency high-level meeting at Headquarters, strode out of the fortress and walked along the tree-lined avenue, his hands in his pockets, his face grim and sullen.
"After arguing for half the day, their opinions are still divided."
After walking for an unknown amount of time, Sengoku stopped by a small lake. Looking at the water's surface, rippled by raindrops, he sighed, "What in the world are those guys thinking?"
It was true that Nao had committed a sensational act without authorization, putting Headquarters in an extremely passive position. There was no denying that.
But both his intentions and his actions were to uphold justice and to fulfill the duties of a Marine! At a time like this, whether to protect a rising star who had shown such astonishing potential, or to avoid disheartening the vast number of marines, Headquarters should withstand the pressure and staunchly protect Nao. How could they waver and give up just because they were concerned about the pressure from the two royal families?
Recalling the high-ranking officials' differing opinions and the hesitant Fleet Admiral Kong during the meeting, Sengoku felt utterly disappointed and inexplicably tired.
But what about himself? In this situation, would he dare to stand alone and bear the pressure from the World Government?
After all these years, he was no longer the passionate young man who had first joined the Marines…
He stood silently by the lake. After a long while, he shook his head slightly, turned around, and was just about to go home to rest when the Transponder Snail in his pocket suddenly rang.
"Hmm?"
Sengoku took out the Transponder Snail, slightly surprised. This was his private Transponder Snail; it never received any work-related calls. Besides a very few close old friends, only one other person knew this number…
His only family in this world.
Could it be that kid?
Sengoku hesitated for a moment, but still answered the call, pondering in his heart. It had been so long since they'd last communicated. Why would that kid call at a time like this?