The wars of the New World continued relentlessly, and here in the Sabaody Archipelago, Don and Rayleigh's daily clashes showed no sign of stopping.
It seemed even the Marines had begun to notice something unusual.
Admirals Akainu and Kizaru, along with a contingent of Marine officers, had entered the archipelago.
Unfortunately for some pirates arriving at this time, they had stumbled into misfortune.
"Arrow of Captives!"
At the bow of the Perfume Serpent, Boa Hancock held the Heart of Hearts in her left hand. Countless arrows shot forth from it, blanketing the approaching Marine warships.
"Boa Hancock! The Sabaody Archipelago is under martial law. Entry is forbidden!"
A Marine Vice Admiral dodged the barrage desperately, bellowing.
"I am above reproach. Whatever I do will be forgiven."
With a flick of her hair, the Perfume Serpent pressed on.
The now defenseless Marine ships immediately contacted Headquarters.
Upon receiving the news, Headquarters did not delay, reporting straight to Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
"Boa Hancock is here too?"
Sengoku's face grew serious.
The situation in Sabaody had been strange of late.
That unusual auction—someone had deliberately spread the word and even involved the Celestial Dragons.
"Don't forget—Jinbe has also landed," reminded Vice Admiral Tsuru.
Sengoku nodded.
It wasn't surprising Jinbe came; the auction's main items were mermaids and fish-men.
But what was Hancock's purpose here?
Since becoming a Warlord, Hancock had rarely approached Sabaody Archipelago.
"What's the situation with Don and Rayleigh?"
Tsuru asked after a moment's thought.
"The same as always. They go out to sea to spar every day. We've tracked their battle site—just south of Red Line."
Hearing this, Sengoku spoke.
"Their fights are unusual. Normally, encounters like this wouldn't last so long; there would be interruptions. It almost seems… like a contest."
Tsuru's face carried a thoughtful expression.
"Also, the Hunter's Guild has been established in Sabaody, in District 16. That's an illicit zone of the archipelago," Sengoku added.
"I have a feeling… Don and Rayleigh's clashes might be connected to this guild. Though it's newly founded, its influence is still limited," Tsuru speculated.
"What we should really worry about is the auction. Can it be stopped?"
Tsuru asked.
"Very difficult."
Sengoku shook his head.
It had long been impossible to shut down the population auctions in District 1. Various powers were involved, and the World Government itself had shadows in the background.
The auctions brought enormous profit—billions of Berries circulated every year.
"Then why gather everything together for this auction?"
Tsuru asked again.
"I had people investigate. I even asked around—it's connected to the underworld," Sengoku said thoughtfully.
"The key question is the purpose. To orchestrate such a large-scale event now, the goal cannot be merely profit," Tsuru pondered.
"Could it have something to do with Don—or perhaps Rayleigh? Maybe someone wants them to come into conflict with us here."
Tsuru offered a possible scenario.
"If that's the case, then the one behind this might be Doflamingo."
Sengoku paused, considering the possibility.
He knew Don's past conflicts with Doflamingo well. In the North Blue, Don had almost entirely eradicated Doflamingo's factories and influence, later taken over by the Germa 66.
Don likely had dealings with the Germa as well.
And now, Don had displayed incredible strength and was about to enter the New World.
It made sense that Doflamingo might use underhanded tactics to avoid confronting him directly.
"If it's him, that makes sense. After all, he's the so-called 'Underground King,'" Tsuru concluded.
"He intends to use the Marines to capture Don—but how can he be certain Don will engage because of this?" Sengoku asked.
"Simple. Just find a way to involve the Celestial Dragons—or arrange a meeting. Even if it's not Don, any strong individual encountering the Celestial Dragons would be unlikely to bow. Conflict would be inevitable," Tsuru explained.
"This is speculation, but we must prevent it. Ko-Tsuru, warn Doflamingo."
Sengoku frowned, considering that perhaps this shouldn't be entirely stopped.
If events unfolded naturally, this could lead to interesting developments.
"Maybe we're overthinking. I'll test the waters," Tsuru said, nodding and departing.
Meanwhile, Sengoku contacted Kizaru in Sabaody to warn Jinbe and Boa Hancock.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, it would be better if Sakazuki went. I lack sufficient authority," Kizaru said, his voice through the Den Den Mushi sounding lazy.
"If he goes, conflict is likely to occur immediately," Sengoku said, scowling.
"What? Sakazuki is fair and just!"
"This is an order," Sengoku replied.
"Alright, if it's an order, I'll go."
Kizaru tried to protest, but hearing Sengoku's stern tone, he immediately agreed.
…
After hanging up, Kizaru glanced at his Den Den Mushi, then to the side.
"Where's Jinbe now?"
"In District 1. Likely waiting for the fish-men to be delivered for the auction," a Marine Rear Admiral answered.
"Check when and where Boa Hancock lands. Notify me immediately," Kizaru instructed, then sighed.
What a hectic life. He wished he'd chosen Sakazuki's Devil Fruit earlier… Oh, right, he hadn't had a choice.
Touching his chin, Kizaru transformed into a flash of golden light, vanishing.
…
Below the Red Line, on the island shattered beyond recognition…
Black electricity crackled violently.
On Don's fist, flowing Armament Haki glowed like a deep crimson bubble, with streaks of black lightning erupting.
Rayleigh's blade mirrored the display.
Boom!
Fist and blade didn't touch directly, but the terrifying shockwave spread in all directions.
The fractured island crumbled entirely under the impact.
Rayleigh leaped back onto a broken fragment of the island, glancing at Don not far away.
The seawater rushed into the crevices, forming small floating islands.
"Looks like I can finally rest for a bit,"
Rayleigh breathed, relieved as he observed Don.
Lately, he had truly felt drained.
And indeed… he really was getting old.
END OF CHAPTER
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