Doflamingo looked at Ace, who had a natural expression as if he had just finished reporting work, then looked at the Whitebeard Pirates commanders around him who were stifling laughter, and finally looked at the clear blue sky and bright sunshine...
Fufufu… Doflamingo felt his worldview had been greatly impacted.
These people… they don't even blink when they lie?! Their faces don't even turn red?! Reporting their pursuit progress to the Fleet Admiral in front of an Emperor and the entire pirate crew?!
Today, he had truly witnessed the highest level of 'openly speaking nonsense'!
The sea breeze blew gently, and a momentary silence fell on the other end of the Den Den Mushi, as if Fleet Admiral Sengoku's voice could be heard rubbing his aching temples in Mary Geoise.
Soon, the Den Den Mushi, mimicking a serious expression, spoke again, with a subtle hint of helplessness and scrutiny in its tone:
"Ace," Sengoku's voice came through the Den Den Mushi, becoming deeper, "you just said you were tracking on the sea… Tell me, what is your exact current location? Are there any iconic islands or shipping lane features nearby?"
Ace's expression didn't change, his gaze swept across the boundless blue sea, his tone as natural as if stating a fact: "Reporting, Fleet Admiral, it's all seawater around, no islands in sight.
As for the exact location… I can't say for sure, it's a vast ocean, the coordinates are a bit blurry. Once I confirm the specific… umm… location, I'll report to you in detail!"
He even deliberately elongated the "umm" sounds, making it seem like he was trying to discern the direction.
The Den Den Mushi perfectly mimicked Sengoku's slightly twitching mouth. Sengoku, far away at Marineford, obviously didn't believe a word, but he didn't get angry, only letting out an ambiguous "Hmm…" from his nose.
He seemed to forcefully change the subject, his tone becoming formal as he conveyed an order from a higher authority: "Let's put the location aside for now. There is now a direct order from the highest level of the World Government—the Five Elders."
Sengoku's voice paused, then he emphasized: "They demand that you immediately cease your current tracking mission, return to Marineford as quickly as possible, and then proceed to 'Future Island' Egghead,
to assist Chief Scientist Vegapunk with a special research project—a comprehensive analysis and experiment on your 'Pale Flame'."
After the order was delivered, the voice on the other end of the Den Den Mushi suddenly became very low, and the speaking speed also increased significantly, as if a hand was covering the mouthpiece, with a rare, almost cautionary tone:
"Listen, Ace… the Five Elders' intention this time is far more than just 'research'.
Sending you to Vegapunk is, to a large extent, treating you as a rare experimental sample, a guinea pig… Do you understand what I mean?"
This was almost blatant hinting.
Sengoku's voice returned to normal volume, but the last sentence was still said meaningfully: "So… regarding when to 'return' and how to 'cooperate', you yourself… consider carefully, and grasp the time and opportunity."
Ace held the Den Den Mushi, stunned for several seconds.
The sea breeze ruffled his black hair, and the relaxed smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a deep surprise and contemplation.
He understood that Sengoku's words, on the surface, were conveying an order, but in reality, he was revealing extremely sensitive inside information, and even hinting at him… to avoid risks.
"This is… unexpected…" Ace murmured in his heart, "He's actually… speaking up for me?"
After a brief silence before the Den Den Mushi hung up,
Sengoku's voice rang out again. This time, there was less of the Fleet Admiral's authority in his tone, and more of a complex and sincere meaning:
"Ace," he paused, as if weighing his words, "some things, perhaps I shouldn't be the one to say them, but… your initial desire to join the Marines and uphold justice, I personally… deeply approve of and am gratified by."
His voice came through the Den Den Mushi, exceptionally clear: "Your talent, your strength, especially your insistence on 'justice' displayed at Marineford, all prove that you are an excellent Marine, possessing the potential to become a future pillar of the Marines."
Sengoku's tone became more solemn, even carrying the weight of a promise: "Therefore, I expect you to handle your current affairs as soon as possible, truly return, and officially join the Marines. As long as you wear that cloak of justice and become a true member of the Marines…"
He took a deep breath: "Then, even if there is any pressure from the Five Elders in the future, wanting to treat you as an experimental subject, I will absolutely protect you!
I guarantee, in my name as Fleet Admiral, that no one will lay a finger on you!
The Marines need fresh blood like you!"
These words transcended superior-subordinate orders, resembling more a firm promise from an elder to a promising junior.
Ace held the Den Den Mushi, listening quietly.
The sea breeze ruffled his hair, and the initial surprise and contemplation on his face gradually transformed into an ineffable emotion. He could clearly feel the sincerity, recognition, and heavy protective desire in Sengoku's words.
After a moment of silence, Ace's voice became exceptionally serious and solemn. He nodded slightly at the Den Den Mushi, as if Sengoku were right in front of him:
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku… thank you very much for your trust and kindness. This sentiment… I have received it, truly, thank you very much."
There was a subtle tremor in his voice, a genuine emotion arising from being understood and protected.
Although he knew that his path might not completely align with the Marines' justice, this recognition and promise from the Marines' supreme commander still struck a deep chord within him.
On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, Sengoku, far away at Marineford, heard Ace's sincere and moved response, and his tightly furrowed brows unconsciously relaxed a bit, his lips even curving upwards imperceptibly.
He seemed to already see that dazzling new star, who once pursued Whitebeard but now possessed terrifying power and the Marines' 'heart of justice', moving one step closer to the Marines.
His determination to withstand the Five Elders' pressure and fully strive for Ace to join the Marines seemed to have solidified even further.
Doflamingo, standing nearby, heard Ace and Sengoku's entire conversation.
His expression, which started with bewilderment, gradually transformed into an extremely distorted, stifled feeling of wanting to complain but not daring to speak, and finally turned into a numb speechlessness.
His mind had long since erupted into a furious storm of complaints:
Too fake! It's too fake!!!