Early in the year 1511, Sea Calendar.
"Government Dispatches Battle Unit to Ambush Yonko Alucard's Kuja Pirates, Completely Annihilated."
Sengoku sat in his Japanese-style office, staring silently at the morning newspaper's headline.
More than half a year had passed since the last Marine assault on Alucard's territory, yet the fact that the Princess Shirahoshi, suspected of being the Ancient Weapon Poseidon, remained in Alucard's control was a thorn in the Government's side—one they couldn't stand to leave alone.
Although it was still an unconfirmed rumor that the mermaid princess was Poseidon, the Government was now almost certain.
Why?
Because Alucard hadn't been to any other sea for the last two years. He'd been staying within his own territory and hadn't gone out much. This was a complete departure from his usual behavior, as he was known for being active and constantly stirring up trouble.
The Government had concluded that Alucard was waiting for the mermaid Shirahoshi to awaken her Poseidon ability. It was a classic case of a man being ruined by the treasure he possesses.
Six months ago, the Marines, led by Vice Admiral Aokiji and Rear Admiral Issho, had launched an attack with nearly 3,000 soldiers on the Kuja tribe, but their plan was seen through. They were discovered before they even reached the Kuja's territory and were forced to retreat.
Now, half a year later, the Government had grown impatient and sent a combat unit to launch a surprise attack. The result, as the news report said, was a crushing defeat.
If you were to ask Sengoku if he cared about this, he would say of course he did. He would never allow a pirate to possess one of the Three Ancient Weapons.
However, this wasn't the time to directly confront Alucard. It was a losing battle that would only result in unnecessary casualties. Even with the fear of Shirahoshi's power growing, he had to take it one step at a time. The Government was acting out of overwhelming fear, which was why they were repeatedly falling into Alucard's traps.
"But the Kuja's strength can't be underestimated either…" Sengoku flipped through the Kuja Pirates' file.
Boa Hancock, Love-Love Fruit user, also possesses a similar ability to Alucard. Bounty: 550,000,000 Beri.
Boa Sandersonia, Snake-Snake Fruit: Anaconda user. Bounty: 470,000,000 Beri. Boa Marigold, Snake-Snake Fruit: King Cobra user. Bounty: 260,000,000 Beri. Viola, Glare-Glare Fruit user. Bounty: 300,000,000 Beri.
Scarlett, no Devil Fruit ability, uses a knight's sword as a weapon. Bounty: 82,000,000 Beri. Rindo, no Devil Fruit ability, a Haki user. Bounty: 50,000,000 Beri.
"Aokiji and his team failed because of this young woman, didn't they?"
Sengoku looked at Viola's bounty poster. The Glare-Glare Fruit ability was an extraordinary form of clairvoyance, and her skill in reconnaissance was rarely seen in the world. So while her combat ability wasn't high, her bounty was surprisingly inflated.
Knock, knock.
A knock came at the door. Sengoku called out, "Come in," and a Marine Captain with the rank insignia on his shoulder entered. He saluted Sengoku and reported, "Admiral Sengoku, I have a few urgent matters to report to you."
The Captain handed Sengoku a sealed document wrapped in oilskin and then left the room. Sengoku untied the string and pulled out the file.
"The Red Hair Pirates Have Entered the Mid-Section of the New World, Suspected of Having Intentions to Claim a Yonko Title."
"The Donquixote Pirates Have Entered the New World."
"DYNA Stone's Location Confirmed on Three Islands in the New World, Not in Yonko Territory. Full Development Will Take Three to Five Years."
[PS: This information is only known to Marine officers with the rank of Vice Admiral or higher.]
As he read the striking headlines, Sengoku's brows furrowed even more deeply. The file at the very bottom had a large, stamped seal on the side of the title, with two words: "TOP SECRET."
"Pacifista Project Nearing Completion. Testing Phase is Ready." "Pacifista…"
The face of a man with purple hair and an unwavering gaze appeared in Sengoku's mind. He gritted his teeth, stood up, and left the office, feeding the files to his pet goat. The Admiral's office was not a place to talk about this.
"Admiral Sengoku, Fleet Admiral Kong has been summoned to Mariejois."
When Sengoku arrived at the Fleet Admiral's office, this was the answer he received. At the same time, inside an office in Mariejois.
"The Government's human weapons... If this information gets out, what do you think Zephyr will feel?"
Kong stood before the Gorosei, his face grim, his eyes bloodshot with displeasure. "Did you lose your minds after falling into Alucard's trap?" In his agitation, Kong had resorted to insults.
"Watch your tone, Kong." The bald Gorosei with glasses and a sword also had bloodshot eyes.
Kong was right. The morning news had shown that the Government had suffered a crushing defeat against Alucard, which was extremely humiliating for them. But they had no choice. Alucard had control of the Sea Princess, one of the Three Ancient Weapons. Even if it was just a possibility, it filled the Government with fear.
Their fear made them impatient, and when they got impatient, they lost their composure. A military that loses its composure is bound to be defeated.
The matter Kong and the Gorosei were arguing about today was the Government's human weapons, the Pacifista, which were being created using Zephyr's body as a blueprint.
Kong had originally intended for the Pacifista to be a hidden weapon, used like the CP organizations—without a trace, staying out of the public eye. He believed that this was enough and would avoid hurting Zephyr's pride. It would also be easier to handle if Zephyr found out.
The Gorosei's idea, however, was to mass-produce them. They wanted to create as many as possible, enough to form an entire army.
Kong adamantly opposed this. He felt that this was akin to throwing Zephyr's pride on the ground and stomping on it.
"Which is more important, Kong? The Government's fighting power or the pride of a former Admiral?" The Gorosei with the curly white hair asked, his eyes narrowed.
Kong had an emotional connection to Zephyr, but the Gorosei had none. The issue of a former Admiral's pride was nothing compared to the matter of the Government's military strength.
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