The entire marshal's office fell into silence.
Sengoku's face was dark, and the expressions of the others weren't any better.
Akainu was the first to explode. "Garp! You're in contact with pirates—don't you think that needs an explanation?!"
Garp, unfazed, crossed his arms. "The old man's grandson is already a great pirate with a 500-million bounty. What exactly do you want me to explain?"
Akainu clenched his teeth.
As much as he hated it, Garp had a point. Compared to the fact that his grandson was one of the most notorious rising pirates, staying in touch with another pirate was a minor issue.
But for someone like Akainu, who despised anything related to pirates, this was intolerable. If he weren't aware that he couldn't win against Garp, he might have already made a move.
Sengoku quickly intervened. "Enough. We'll deal with Garp later. Right now, we need to focus on the fallen islands."
He took a deep breath. **"The beasts roaming free must be eradicated immediately, and Golden Lion's research must be investigated thoroughly. Everything related to it needs to be handed over to Vegapunk.
But the most urgent matter—we need to find the Lion Fruit as soon as possible!"
Akainu's expression turned serious.
For once, he agreed. The Lion Fruit was a game-changer.
With such a powerful ability in Marine's hands, they wouldn't have to rely on Kizaru's "lazy justice" every time an emergency happened. Their mobility and strategic capabilities would increase exponentially.
Vice Admiral Tsuru spoke up. **"I'll mobilize the underground intelligence network to begin searching. At the same time, all Marine divisions will be ordered to report immediately if any Devil Fruits are found.
Sengoku, you should inform the World Government. Have CP agents assist in the search."**
Sengoku nodded firmly. "For the Lion Fruit, we must do whatever it takes! Also, we need to retrieve Golden Lion's body..."
"I'll go."
Akainu volunteered immediately.
Kizaru and Aokiji exchanged a glance and nodded—if Akainu was eager to take the job, that meant they could sit back and relax.
Sengoku sighed, feeling utterly helpless.
Realistically, retrieving Golden Lion's body didn't require an Admiral—it was a task suited for a Rear Admiral or Vice Admiral at best.
But sending Akainu wasn't a bad idea. With the growing number of rookie pirates running wild in the first half of the Grand Line, having an Admiral appear would serve as a warning.
And if any of them got in the way... Akainu wouldn't hesitate to wipe them all out.
A sinister sneer curled at the corner of Akainu's mouth.
Drago was silent for a moment before replying, "No, not yet. But even without his memories, he's still an outstanding fighter and leader. He'll be able to assist in the situation."
Carl rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Interesting… I didn't expect to meet Sabo so soon. Well, that just makes things more fun."
Drago's voice turned serious. "Carl, I don't need to remind you, but be cautious. Alabasta is more than just a rebellion—Crocodile has been plotting something big. If you encounter Sabo, help him if necessary, but don't drag him into any Straw Hat troubles."
Carl grinned. "Come on, Dorag, you know me. I'm a responsible guy."
A brief silence. Then, a sigh. "That's what worries me."
Carl laughed. "Alright, alright. I'll keep an eye out for Sabo, and you focus on getting that Lion Fruit. We can't let Marine or the World Government get their hands on it."
Drago's tone was resolute. "Agreed. I'll update you if we find anything."
With that, the call ended.
Carl leaned back, stretching.
Luo and the others, who had been listening the entire time, were still processing everything.
Beppo whispered, "Did he just casually talk to the leader of the Revolutionary Army…?"
Xia Qi nodded slowly. "And they sound like old friends…"
Luo exhaled deeply. "This guy… just how many connections does he have?"
Carl clapped his hands. "Alright! Enough eavesdropping. Time to get moving—Alabasta isn't going to save itself."
As the submarine continued its journey, the pieces of fate continued to fall into place.
Akainu's warship cut through the waves, heading straight for Alabasta with unstoppable momentum.
Meanwhile, aboard the Heart Pirates' submarine, Carl stretched lazily, completely unaware that a certain magma-happy Admiral had set his sights on them.
Luo, on the other hand, wasn't as relaxed. He kept glancing at Carl, his thoughts clearly complicated. "Carl, you've been planning something with us, haven't you?"
Carl chuckled. "Now, now, don't look at me like that, Luo. We're just friends learning Haki together, aren't we?"
Luo narrowed his eyes. "Friends don't threaten each other about keeping secrets."
Carl shrugged, not denying it. "Alright, alright, I won't force you to stay. But if you guys do stick around, trust me, the benefits will be worth it."
Luo scoffed but didn't argue further. Deep down, he had already realized—whether he liked it or not, traveling with Carl meant getting stronger. And if he wanted to survive in the Grand Line, strength was the only thing that mattered.
Just as the conversation ended, the submarine's navigator called out, "We're approaching Alabasta!"
Carl grinned, stepping toward the deck. "Good. Time to see how much of a mess Luffy has made already."
Little did they know, fate was already setting the stage for a storm. With Akainu closing in and a rebellion on the rise, Alabasta was about to become a battlefield.
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