Chapter 237: Sabaody Undercurrents
The sun hung high, casting a silver shimmer on the sea surface. A small warship cut through the waves, speeding against the wind.
On deck, Luffy, Ace, Nami, Sanji, and Usopp sat in a circle. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and palpable pressure.
Luffy stuffed a huge piece of roasted meat into his mouth, muttering incoherently, "Executing a mission is fine and all... but why did you tag along too, Nami?"
WHAM!!!
Nami's fist ruthlessly smashed onto his head, instantly raising a large bump.
"Don't underestimate me! I'm a formal Marine officer who grew up in the Marines, not some flower vase like you imagine!!!"
"WAAAHH! That hurts!!!"
Luffy clutched his head, shouting tearfully, "I was just worried you'd be in danger... After all, this mission is pretty tough..."
Ace leaned against the railing, arms crossed, his expression unusually grave. "Luffy's right.
The enemies we're facing this time are top commanders of the former Whitebeard Pirates—'Diamond' Jozu and 'Flower Sword' Vista."
Sanji slowly exhaled a ring of smoke, brows furrowed tight. "I didn't expect our first official mission to be annihilating remnants of a former Yonko crew... Mr. Roy is really ruthless."
Usopp's legs couldn't stop trembling. "Such a high-difficulty mission... C-Can I take leave and not go?!!"
"You're already on the ship and you're pulling this?!"
Luffy grinned, patting Usopp's shoulder. "Don't worry, Ace and I are here! Absolutely no problem!"
Usopp wailed, "I've never felt safe listening to you!!!"
[Flashback · Two Days Ago]
Inside the conference room, the tactical sand table marked the location of the Sabaody Archipelago.
Roy stood in the center, his gaze sweeping over Luffy, Ace, Nami, Sanji, and Usopp. "You five will escort Marco passing through the Sabaody Archipelago."
"Mission objective—"
"Annihilate the Whitebeard Remnant Commanders: 'Diamond' Jozu and 'Flower Sword' Vista."
"As well as any other remnant squad leaders that might appear."
As soon as his voice fell, the entire conference room fell into dead silence.
Ace's pupils shrank. "Annihilate Jozu and Vista?!!"
Luffy tilted his head. "Who are they? Are they strong?"
Nami's face went pale instantly. "You idiot! Those are top combatants of the former Yonko Whitebeard Pirates! I heard they can even exchange blows with an Admiral!"
Sanji's cigarette nearly fell from his mouth, muttering in disbelief, "First mission... and it's opponents of this level?!"
Usopp's legs gave way, collapsing onto the floor. "It's over... I'm gonna die on Sabaody..."
Zephyr frowned slightly. "Roy, isn't it a bit too early for them to face those two?"
Roy's expression remained unchanged. "This is a trial, and also an opportunity."
"Prove with battle that you can stand on your own."
Ace took a deep breath, asking in a low voice, "Are we sure they will appear at Sabaody?"
"Underground intelligence has already been released."
Roy's gaze was sharp. "The World Government deliberately announced the news of Marco's public parade and execution. The route must pass through Sabaody. They will never sit by and watch."
"Secondly, there is another mission," Roy paused here, then spoke the second half of the sentence.
The expressions of everyone in the conference room changed drastically.
...
[Back to Present]
Thoughts returning to reality, Ace looked at the silent Roy beside him, frowning slightly. "Big Brother Roy, actually we can handle it, you don't need to follow us all the way..."
Roy turned back to look at everyone. "Relax, I'm tagging along... just in case."
"Just in case?" Everyone looked at each other.
Roy looked up at the horizon. "In case some old geezer... wants to use his own life to clear obstacles for the so-called New Era of Pirates."
"After all, the situation is different now. Some people in the shadows are getting very impatient..."
Upon hearing this, silence fell on the deck.
Nami and Sanji exchanged glances, vaguely sensing a massive undercurrent hidden behind the scenes.
Usopp's face was pale as he whispered, "Old geezer... it couldn't be the ones I'm thinking of... right?"
Ace was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I understand... But, Big Brother Roy, we won't let you intervene this time."
Roy looked at this group of youths. "I believe in you. Go do it without worry."
Meanwhile, Sabaody Archipelago · Hidden Room in the Lawless Area
A dim hanging lamp swayed precariously from the ceiling, emitting weak light.
The narrow wooden house was filled with the smell of sea salt and rust. A rough nautical chart was spread on the wooden table.
Four figures sat around the table, their expressions gloomy enough to solidify.
They were the core strength of the former Whitebeard Pirates' remnants:
Former 3rd Division Commander · "Diamond" Jozu: Body like a wall of steel, fists thicker than bowls, eyes flashing with violent rage.
Former 5th Division Commander · "Flower Sword" Vista: Twin swords resting quietly on his knees, yet his whole being was like a sharp blade before unsheathing.
Former Ally Captain · "Ice Witch" Whitey Bay: Fingers tapping lightly on the table, face cold, a deep chill between her brows.
Former Ally Captain · Epoida: Gaze flickering with hesitation and anger, as if ready to slam the table and rise at any moment.
Jozu spoke in a deep voice, "Whitey Bay, is the intelligence confirmed?"
Whitey Bay nodded slowly, fingers pausing on the table. "Yes."
"The World Government has gone crazy, insisting on escorting Big Brother Marco for a public parade execution... and Sabaody is a necessary route."
Epoida frowned tightly, tone uneasy. "But... what about Roy? How could that man allow such a thing to happen?"
Anger flashed in Whitey Bay's eyes as she sneered. "According to reliable sources, Roy was extremely dissatisfied with this, but was forcibly suppressed by the World Government...
The one leading the team is just a Commodore."
BOOM!
Hearing this, Jozu slammed his fist heavily onto the table. The sturdy wooden board was instantly smashed into a deep pit, splinters flying.
His eyes burned with rage. "This is definitely a trap! They want to use this chance to wipe us all out!"
The air in the room froze abruptly, silence almost suffocating.
Vista leaned back in his chair, fingertips slowly caressing his sword hilt. "Even if it is a trap..."
"We have no retreat. This is our only chance!"
Whitey Bay and Epoida remained silent for a moment. Candlelight flickered, shadows stretching long on the wall like silent beasts.
Moments later, Vista slowly looked up, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. "However, we still have one last chance!"
"On Sabaody Archipelago, there is someone even the Marines are wary of."
Whitey Bay and Epoida were both startled, shock and doubt appearing in their eyes. "You mean...?"
Vista stood up slowly. "We'll lead the flames of war to him..."
"While the Marines can't fully respond, we'll rescue Marco in the chaos!!!"
Jozu's eyes widened round, then he slammed his fist into his palm with a dull thud:
"THEN LET'S DO IT!"
The candle flame exploded with a pop, light flickering unsteadily, illuminating four determined and resolute faces.
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