"Colonel Cameron, this fleet is heading straight for Alabasta. What should we do?" Not far from the fleet, on three Marine warships, a Marine asked the officer standing at the front with a grave expression.
"The main ship is made of iron, followed by about sixty smaller ships. In total, the fleet numbers around ten thousand. Judging by their bearing and demeanor, they're clearly well-trained soldiers. But they're unlike any known military force in the world. You could say their origin is completely unknown. And their destination is clearly Alabasta." Muttering to himself, Colonel Cameron felt a headache coming on.
"Besides, Alabasta is supposedly the territory of that Shichibukai, Crocodile. I have a bad feeling about this!" Rubbing his temples, Cameron turned around and gave a helpless order.
"Report this situation to HQ first!"
A massive fleet of ten thousand suddenly appeared in the Grand Line, this was well beyond what Cameron could handle. An unexpected situation like this would be an enormous headache for someone of his rank.
…
Marine Headquarters
"What did you say? A mysterious fleet of ten thousand appeared near Alabasta?" Sengoku, who was processing documents, was stunned after picking up the Den Den Mushi.
His expression turned serious. "Are they pirates?"
If a pirate force of that scale had appeared in the Grand Line, it would be a disaster even for the combined forces of the Marines to deal with.
"No, their flag bears the character (Qin). Judging by the design, it looks more like the symbol of a faction." Came the rapid reply from the other side of the Den Den Mushi.
"If they're not pirates, that's a relief! A pirate fleet of that magnitude would be unimaginable. Send personnel to scout and test their intentions and identity. Then report back quickly. Tell Cameron not to act rashly. I'll send someone else to Alabasta to handle this." After thinking for a moment, Sengoku issued his orders in a deep voice.
The other side acknowledged and ended the call.
After hanging up, Sengoku's expression was still grim. Recently, the Grand Line had been plagued with troublesome pirates.
Fire Fist Ace was one of them, but he had gone missing lately. Rumors had it that the Spade Pirates encountered an overwhelming enemy and were destroyed.
But that wasn't the real source of Sengoku's anxiety.
What really disturbed him was a new figure rumored on the seas: "Asura of the Blood Eyes."
It was said that sometime recently, in the first half of the Grand Line, a man clad in ancient armor with waist-length black hair and blood-red pupils had appeared, a merciless Asura. His methods were ruthless, and his demeanor cold and detached. The number of pirate crews he had annihilated had reached a shocking sixty-three.
He seemed to have no particular goal. Any pirate with a bounty was subject to his slaughter.
If that was all, Sengoku wouldn't be too troubled. But recently, Marines near Water Seven seemed to have encountered this man.
All 322 personnel, including officers, were wiped out!
"What kind of man is this? Are you justice, or are you evil?" Sengoku clenched his fists.
Even though they hadn't met, just hearing the rumors made Sengoku feel an immense, mountain-like pressure from this enigmatic man.
Alabasta Seas
A massive fleet slowly advanced. On the lead battleship,
Inside the conference room: "Alabasta is a superpower located on this island, Saintin Island. Its capital is Alubarna, and it maintains a standing army of 600,000. Other major cities include Yuba and Rainbase."
"Our target this time is clear: this country!"
"The reason for choosing it as the first target is simple. According to His Majesty's intelligence, although this country is nominally ruled by the Nefertari royal family, in reality, King Cobra is nothing more than a puppet!"
"The true controller is one of the Shichibukai, Crocodile, with a bounty of 81 million!"
Wu Lei's eyes glinted as he calmly spoke, briefing everyone on Alabasta's current status and background.
"Civil unrest! In such a situation, as long as we gain some control over the situation, we can accomplish a great deal!"
"Additionally, this location is in the middle of the Grand Line. In the future, it will serve as a strategic foothold for our Kingdom's outward expansion!"
Li Qingya spoke calmly.
The five members of the Parliamentary Institute were all people who prioritized planning before any battle began.
All the way from the East Blue to here, aside from purchasing supplies, ships, and stockpiling resources, they had thoroughly laid out plans for their upcoming operations.
"Next, our mission will be broken down into the following key points."
"These tasks must be completed quickly before His Majesty arrives."
"1: Investigate Crocodile and his organization, Baroque Works, thoroughly. Prepare for direct combat and their complete annihilation."
"2: Divide our forces and infiltrate the interior of Alabasta. Using Ninjutsu, Genjutsu (illusion techniques), money, or any other means, seize control of key positions within."
"3: Stall and mislead the Marines and the World Government. Conceal and obscure our true purpose to avoid drawing too much attention."
"····"
Wang Ye began listing out the objectives in a calm and steady tone. The warriors standing nearby quickly took notes and prepared to relay the orders.
Half an hour later, the meeting ended. The five members of the Parliamentary Institute stood up promptly.
"The Marines have already sent someone over. Do we engage?" A warrior came forward to report.
"No need. Bring the ships close to shore, we'll land directly!" Lin Zhuo responded.
"Any word from His Majesty? When will he arrive?" Oulaye asked.
"His Majesty will arrive in seven days. That is when the battle will begin." Li Qingya smiled.
"Then time is tight. Let's all move quickly!" Wang Ye sighed.
The five looked at each other, nodded, and then dispersed. Each had their own tasks to carry out, and time was short, there was no room for delay.
Meanwhile, Colonel Cameron looked grim, his fists clenched, but he was powerless.
"The fleet didn't respond to us. They landed directly on Saintin Island!"
"And once they entered the island, they immediately split into five long formations, each heading in a different direction."
Listening to the Marines' report, doubt filled Cameron's mind.
"What exactly are these people planning? Ten thousand men, whether against Alabasta or Crocodile, they wouldn't be enough!"
His curiosity was intense, but without orders from headquarters, he had no authority to act. All he could do was stay put and wait for reinforcements.
"Any word on who HQ is sending?"
"At the earliest, they'll arrive in eight days based on the sailing route. But we don't know who it will be yet."
A Marine responded.
(End of Chapter)
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