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As war approached, a large number of Marine warships arrived at Marineford daily, and many renowned Marine generals appeared one after another. The Whitebeard Pirates also launched a swift operation, sinking all surveillance warships in a very short time, then disappearing from everyone's sight. The atmosphere of war grew increasingly oppressive.
Grand Line, Pink Island
Kamabakka Kingdom.
"Boom!" It seemed a meteor had fallen, and a wisp of smoke rose from the forest. Under the mottled tree canopy, the ground was smashed into a bear paw-shaped crater. A thin figure slowly stood up.
"I'm still alive?" Luffy looked around in confusion, meeting the eyes of a heavily made-up wild boar. The wild boar's face flushed, and it shyly turned its head. Luffy was stunned for a moment.
"Grrrrrrrr~~~" His stomach rumbled. So hungry!
Soon, a wisp of cooking smoke rose from the forest. On a crude grill, the shy Miss Wild Boar was reduced to bones.
"Hahahaha, I'm full! This feeling is truly nostalgic, just like when Grandpa threw me into the deep mountains when I was little... Let's not remember that." After eating his fill, Luffy patted his belly and laughed happily, feeling no guilt for harming Miss Wild Boar.
Next was reuniting with his companions. Luffy took out his Vivre Card; Ace had made it for him, and each companion had one as a directional guide.
"What is this place? It looks strange." In the shadows of the trees, pairs of eyes lit up.
Sabaody Archipelago, Beast Pirates' Stronghold
"Luffy, Nami, Robin..." Sanji stared blankly at the Vivre Card. Just as Daichi had said, the area outside the stronghold was full of surveillance Marines. If he left alone, he would be captured by the Marines. However, even if he left, he had nowhere to go.
He was still on Sabaody Archipelago. If his companions were to reunite, the meeting point would naturally be Sabaody, as it was the only island located at the intersection of seven shipping routes. He just needed to wait for his companions on the island. Therefore, Daichi's protection was a good thing for him. That man had seen through this point, which was why he allowed him to move freely.
One more thing. Sanji lit a cigarette and looked at Reiju. Among the Vinsmoke Family, if there was anyone he didn't hate, it was this sister, and he even felt some gratitude. It was Reiju who helped him escape back then. He could feel that only Reiju treated him like family. Although she would also joke about him with the other brothers, she would secretly help him.
Sanji felt much warmer inside, put away his sour face, and asked, "Is anything big going to happen recently?"
"Oh, you don't know?" Reiju took out a newspaper and handed it to Sanji. "See for yourself."
"This is?" Sanji looked at the newspaper, his pupils contracting. Fire Fist Ace's public execution! So that's it, no wonder he felt the atmosphere on the island was off!
"Luffy!" Ace was Luffy's brother. If Luffy knew about this news, he would definitely go to Marineford to rescue Ace! Sanji's face turned pale and uncertain. After arriving at Sabaody, they had been busy rescuing Camie. It was a huge oversight that they only found out about such an important event now. Too much of a miscalculation!
Reiju saw his expression and was a little confused. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing!" Sanji lit a cigarette and took a deep puff. "Are you going to participate in this war?"
"Probably." Reiju wasn't entirely sure. They had dispatched several warships and a full two thousand troops this time, and all officers had been summoned, so it was highly likely for this war. But Daichi hadn't said anything, so she could only guess.
Sanji exhaled a puff of smoke: "If you're going to Marineford, take me with you. I have a reason I must go!"
"You'll have to ask Daichi-sama." Reiju felt tired. Everyone knew how dangerous the upcoming war was, but men were like fools, still wanting to rush into it.
A moment later, in Daichi's office.
"No. 3, No. 4, No. 7..." Daichi looked at the map of Sabaody, where several islands were marked with flags, indicating that the acquisition work was nearing completion. Such high efficiency was due not only to wealthy merchants selling off properties but also to the 'accidental' deaths of many stubborn residents during the Celestial Dragons incident a few days ago.
By paying enough money to the World Government, one could acquire ownerless properties. Those officials didn't care about war or anything; they would process the paperwork if paid. After all, his Groudon Company was a legitimate company approved by the World Government, with all its business licenses perfectly complete.
"Want to go to Marineford?" Daichi looked up at Sanji. Want to support Straw Hat? That idea would probably fall through.
Kuma deliberately sent the Straw Hat Pirates flying, not just to save them, but also to keep them away from the war, so they could train properly before heading to the New World. Otherwise, why would he send the Straw Hat Pirates flying to the ends of the earth, and all to islands suitable for them? Just like Hawkeye Mihawk and Roronoa Zoro.
Sending Straw Hat to Amazon Lily was likely to allow Straw Hat to learn Haki, but no one expected Straw Hat to be so stubborn, and eventually break into Marineford. It was an almost impossible miracle. Now that Amazon Lily had moved to the New World, Kuma didn't know its location, so sending Straw Hat to the old Amazon Lily Island was meaningless. This meant Straw Hat was on another island.
In other words, it was basically impossible for Straw Hat to go to Impel Down to break out prisoners, but there was still a slight possibility of going to Marineford. It just depended on whether the journey was long enough.
Daichi pondered for a while, then looked at Reiju. "Did you bring that thing?"
"Mm!" Reiju took out a can with the number "3" written on it. No. 3, Stealth Black Raid Suit! Father had instructed her to bring Sanji back, so she specifically brought Sanji's Raid Suit, which was the symbol of the Evil Army Germa 66.
Daichi smiled: "Sanji, I can take you, but you must wear the Raid Suit. I don't want the Marines to find an excuse to attack us."
Sanji held the Raid Suit, his face gloomy. He knew very well what it was. But he'd rather die than touch anything from Germa! However... Sanji took a deep puff of his cigarette. "Okay, I promise you!"
"That's more like it." Daichi laughed heartily. If a Germa warrior appeared on the Marineford battlefield, who knew what the World Government's attitude towards the Germa Kingdom would be? Now that the situation in the North Blue was settled, whether Germa was an affiliated nation or not was no longer important. Once on his ship, it was better to be well-behaved.
On the other side, Impel Down
Level 1, Crimson Hell. In a dark corner, a certain legendary man excitedly spread his arms.
"Prison break successful!"
"Ga ha ha ha!"
"Next, Captain Buggy the Clown's great prison break adventure officially begins!" Buggy laughed triumphantly.
However, the alarm quickly sounded.
"Damn it, I've been discovered!" Buggy's face changed drastically. In this Impel Down, surveillance Den Den Mushi were everywhere. Escaping was almost a pipe dream. But he wouldn't give up! He, Buggy the Clown, was a man who yearned for freedom!