Dressrosa, Royal Capital.
On the top floor of the luxurious "Red Rose" hotel, Perona floated in the air, her expression anxious. Below her, Kuina, Iska, and Uta sat on the sofa, their gazes empty.
Iska poured a cup of tea and drank it restlessly. "Sephiroth is fine, right? He's been gone so long…"
"Sephiroth must be fine. He's a great swordsman!" Kuina replied, trying to convince herself.
"But his opponent is Kaido… the Strongest Creature in the World! I'm afraid he…" Uta murmured softly.
All four pairs of eyes stared at her. Uta swallowed her words.
"Ah… If only my Devil Fruit power was stronger, maybe I could help him," Perona sighed, falling onto the sofa.
Seeing the atmosphere grow gloomier, Uta walked to the balcony. She stared at the night sky and began to hum.
"Why did we play on the beach that day?"
"Why did that season fade, long since passed;"
"When I sing the same song,"
"Maybe it can bring back your memories!"
"Do you believe it?"
"Do you believe it?"
"That 'the starry light and the vastness of the sea;'"
"Do you believe it?"
"Can you believe it?"
"Wait until dawn and blow your wings."
"Chasing the gentle breeze, flying across the sky."
Slowly, Uta's melodious tune lulled the girls. Their eyes felt heavy, and one by one, they fell asleep.
Marineford, Marine Headquarters.
In the Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku sat with Tsuru and Zephyr.
"Sengoku, it's late. Why did you call us in so suddenly?" Zephyr sat casually, pouring tea for Tsuru and himself.
The three of them were Marine veterans. Their relationship was like that of brothers. Although Sengoku was now the Fleet Admiral, Zephyr still called him by his first name. Sengoku never minded. Just like Garp's casual behavior in front of subordinates, Sengoku never retaliated. Of course, that wasn't because he couldn't defeat Garp.
"Since Akainu is on a mission, the three of us will have an emergency meeting tonight," Sengoku began, his hands clasped behind his back. "Just now, the G-5 Marine base was attacked by Kaido, and Sephiroth died in battle."
Poof!
Zephyr instantly spewed his tea onto Sengoku's white coat. "Ahem… Ahem! What did you say!?"
Meanwhile, Tsuru's eyes widened. However, she quickly composed herself, drank her tea, and asked, "Is your news accurate, Sengoku? I don't think Sephiroth would fall so easily."
Sengoku glared at Zephyr, took a handkerchief, and wiped his coat. "It's hard to believe, but that's the truth. Vice Admiral William reported it directly to me."
Zephyr put down his teacup, his expression turning grim. "What a shame… I thought that kid could go far." He had trained many soldiers, and Sephiroth was one of the best, in terms of both talent and strategy. His death was a great loss for the Marines.
"So, what's your plan, Sengoku?" Tsuru asked.
"Since Sephiroth is dead, we must suppress this news. Minimize the impact," Sengoku replied.
Bulu! Bulu! Bulu!
Suddenly, the Transponder Snail on the desk rang. Sengoku picked it up.
"Who is this!?"
"Report! This is Major Frank from the G-5 base! Commodore Sephiroth is fighting Kaido, please send reinforcements!"
Sengoku was silent for a moment. "What are you saying? Isn't Sephiroth dead? Vice Admiral William himself reported it."
"No! Commodore Sephiroth used a clone to trick Kaido. Even Vice Admiral William is now in a coma from severe burns."
"…"
Sengoku was silent for a few seconds, his face turning dark. "Order! Immediately evacuate all remaining soldiers to the G-1 base for repairs!"
"Yes, Fleet Admiral! But when will the reinforcements arrive?"
"That's none of your business, Major Frank! Carry out my order now!"
After hanging up, Sengoku turned, looking at Zephyr who was trying to hold back his laughter.
"Hahaha! I can't believe it, you fell for fake news! Tsuru is indeed more alert!" Zephyr finally burst into laughter.
Sengoku gave him a sharp look.
"Okay, I'm serious." Zephyr cleared his throat. "Since Sephiroth is still alive, what are you going to do?"
"I will send Admiral Candidate Kizaru from G-2, Vice Admiral Onigumo from G-1, and Admiral Candidate Aokiji as reinforcements," Sengoku replied, sighing. "I just hope that when they arrive, that kid is still alive."