A few hours later, Akainu and Kizaru returned to Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
As a side note—
Akainu had initially intended to execute Bartholomew Kuma on the spot for his actions.
However, Sentomaru reported that Kuma had a secret connection with the Navy's genius scientist, Vegapunk.
He couldn't be killed lightly.
Vegapunk's importance was self-evident.
After some hesitation, Akainu ultimately spared Kuma's life and had Sentomaru escort him back to the science division.
"You sent TWO Admirals—and still let them escape!?"
Inside the Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku roared, practically spitting as he berated Akainu and the ever-casual Kizaru.
"Three Celestial Dragons! Three of them were captured! Do you realize how badly this damages the World Government's prestige!? When the higher-ups come down on this, I'm the one who takes the blame—do you understand!?"
Kizaru spread his hands helplessly.
"Sengoku-san, the enemy has the Float-Float Fruit. You know how troublesome the Golden Lion's Flying Pirate Fleet was back then… try to understand."
"Understand? Then who's going to understand me!? Three Celestial Dragons have been taken—are YOU going to take responsibility!?"
Sengoku roared.
From the sofa behind them, Chief Staff Officer Tsuru suddenly spoke:
"Garp's grandson was captured, wasn't he? If Garp finds out…"
Sengoku's expression stiffened.
Akainu had just brought back a massive headache.
Akainu, however, showed no regret.
"If we don't arrest him just because he's Garp's grandson, then we're unworthy of being Marines."
To be fair, this wasn't entirely Akainu's fault.
The problem was the timing.
The war against the Whitebeard Pirates was imminent.
If that old man Garp caused trouble now—
Sengoku felt like his head might explode.
"I'll personally keep an eye on Garp during this period! Tsuru, handle the new bounty posters for the Xia Te Pirates!"
After a long pause, Sengoku made his decision.
A moment later, he asked:
"How's the Warlord mobilization going?"
To prepare for the war against Whitebeard, the Marines had not only gathered 100,000 troops from various branches—
they had also summoned the Seven Warlords.
"'Knight of the Sea' Jinbe—you already know his situation. He has close ties with the Whitebeard Pirates. After attempting to break into Impel Down, he's been imprisoned."
Tsuru replied calmly.
"Bartholomew Kuma has been handed over to Vegapunk. Though it's unclear why he tried to save Garp's grandson this time, Vegapunk should be able to 'fix' him before the war."
"As for the others—Mihawk, Moria, Doflamingo—they've all agreed to participate. Only one hasn't responded yet…"
"Boa Hancock."
"That woman, huh…"
Sengoku rubbed his head in frustration.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku! Vice Admiral Garp has learned that Straw Hat Luffy was captured—he's heading to Impel Down!"
At that moment, a Marine major rushed in, panic written all over his face.
"That old fool—what is he trying to do!?"
Sengoku's expression changed drastically.
Without hesitation, he strode out of the office.
"Prepare a ship! I'm going there immediately! If that old man tries anything, I'll kill him!"
…
…
The next day, the World Economy News, run by "Big News" Morgans, went into a frenzy printing newspapers.
Because the headlines—
were explosive.
Among the Eleven Supernovas:
Straw Hat Luffy, the entire Kid Pirates, the Hawkins Pirates, the On Air Pirates, and the Fallen Monk Pirates—
captured!
But what truly shook the entire sea—
was the abduction of three Celestial Dragons.
Aside from the Yonko, most pirates avoided Celestial Dragons at all costs.
Even the Yonko rarely dared to touch them.
Yet now—
a rookie pirate crew had not only attacked them—
but captured three at once.
In the 800-year history of the World Government—
this had never happened.
The Xia Te Pirates!
That name echoed across the seas.
Morgans himself gave them a title in bold print:
"The Most Evil Pirate Crew in History."
Alongside the paper came new bounty posters:
Xia Te Pirates
Captain: Xia Te — 350,000,000 Berries
Float-Float Fruit user, mastermind behind the Celestial Dragon abductionCrew: Weevil — 280,000,000 Berries
Self-proclaimed "Second Golden Lion"Crew: Enel — 220,000,000 Berries
Rumble-Rumble Fruit userCrew: Shiryu — 220,000,000 BerriesCrew: Trafalgar Law — 200,000,000 Berries
Former captain of the Heart Pirates, now joined Xia Te Pirates
…
…
Calm Belt, first half of the Grand Line.
Amazon Lily — the Kuja Kingdom.
"Snake Princess! You must answer the Government's call and head to Marineford for the war! Otherwise, your Warlord title will be revoked, and this nation will face endless Marine attacks! As the queen, you must—"
"Get lost!"
Before Elder Nyon could finish—
a breathtakingly beautiful woman kicked her straight out the window.
"YOU WRETCHED GIRL—!!!"
Elder Nyon screamed.
That woman—
was one of the Seven Warlords, captain of the Kuja Pirates—
Boa Hancock.
The most beautiful woman in the world.
"Sister… um… today's news…"
At that moment, her two younger sisters, Sandersonia and Marigold, nervously handed her a newspaper.
Noticing their expressions, Hancock raised a brow and took it.
The next second—
her face changed drastically.