"One Piece:The True Codex"Chapter 380: The Cold War
An "extra edition" refers to a special publication issued by newspapers when a major newsworthy event occurs between regular publication cycles. These editions are printed temporarily to deliver breaking news to readers as quickly as possible.
William had already become a hot topic in recent newspapers due to his battle with Golden Lion Shiki and his clashes with the Marines in the East Blue. Now, with his appointment as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, this news was significant enough to capture the world's attention. Various newspapers printed extra editions to announce this development.
"The Marines beat the World Government to the punch by releasing the bounty list first," Dampier remarked, stirring his coffee. He only glanced briefly at the newspaper headline before speaking in a calm tone.
William said nothing, merely smirking as he turned his gaze toward a Marine Vice Admiral seated across from him. "Wasn't everything just a misunderstanding? Publishing this bounty list seems somewhat contradictory when compared to the World Government's statements. What do you think, Vice Admiral Doberman?"
"The bounty list is an official decision by the Marines, and it will not be rescinded!" Vice Admiral Doberman responded firmly.
In truth, there were strong divisions within the Marines regarding the World Government's decision. Although they ultimately had to grudgingly comply with the government's orders, many Marines, led by Akainu, insisted on releasing William's bounty list before the government officially announced his appointment as a Shichibukai.
Whether it was seen as a way for the Marines to save face or as a contradiction to the government's narrative, Akainu and his faction wanted to send a clear message to the World Government, Morgan William, and the world at large: Before becoming a Shichibukai, Morgan William was a criminal hunted by the Marines. This was their way of expressing their stance.
Akainu, whether in the past or present, with or without William's interference in the timeline, was never a mere puppet of the World Government.
"Morgan William, now that you're a Shichibukai, the amount of your bounty is no longer of much concern to you," Doberman said, crossing his arms and staring directly into William's eyes. "I've come here not only to notify you of the upcoming Shichibukai meeting hosted by the Marines but also to urge you to release Vice Admiral Garp and the other Marine officers you've captured."
He extended his right index finger and lightly tapped the table. "The purpose of this meeting, besides discussing your appointment as a new member of the Shichibukai, is to allow you to meet the other members. You can propose your maritime train network plan during the meeting. With the Marines presiding, it should be easier to implement."
Dampier, sitting nearby, smirked with a hint of sarcasm, while William looked at Doberman with a surprised expression.
"Are the Marines overestimating their influence, or do you think the other Shichibukai are all obedient subjects of the government who will follow your orders without question?" Dampier, proud and sharp-tongued, couldn't resist mocking the Vice Admiral's presumptions.
Dampier had been entrusted with significant responsibilities by William, carefully negotiating with the Gorosei (Five Elders) during his journey. He had hidden his arrogance and biting wit throughout the process. But once his burden was lifted and he returned to William's side, he could no longer suppress his habit of ridiculing others.
Doberman's eyes turned sharp as he glared at Dampier. William tapped his coffee cup with a spoon, drawing Doberman's attention. As soon as their eyes met, the Vice Admiral's aggression and killing intent were noticeably subdued.
"Vice Admiral Doberman is a soldier; it's understandable that he wouldn't be well-versed in such matters," William said with a smile. "But, Vice Admiral, you should consider this: If the Shichibukai were so easily persuaded—if a single meeting could make them obediently follow the Marines and the government—then why would the Gorosei invite me to become a Shichibukai? As the proposer of the plan, I've already prepared for long-term persistence and multiple obstacles along the way."
"Are you saying the likelihood of your plan succeeding is low?" Doberman asked, narrowing his eyes as his gaze flickered.
"It's just not that simple," William chuckled. "It'll likely require a siege-like approach, convincing them one by one."
William had already discerned Doberman's attitude, which likely represented the majority view within the Marines. They didn't care about the maritime train plan. If not for the World Government and the Gorosei's oversight, the Marines would probably still be at odds with William. Even now, they would gladly prove that William's maritime train plan was either a complete lie or utterly unrealistic.
William wasn't bothered by this. The relationship between Marine Headquarters and the Shichibukai had always been this way. William being antagonized by the Marines was not an exception among the Shichibukai. Similarly, the Shichibukai's attitude toward the Marines was no different.
For now, William's past actions and his future plans might be even more antagonistic toward the Marines. Given this, what reason would he have to be angry?
As the three of them continued their conversation, Gin and Selkirk, who had been scouting the island's environment, entered the café together.
Doberman's Marine uniform, with the word "Justice" emblazoned on the back of his white coat, was strikingly conspicuous. Meanwhile, William and Dampier, both exceptionally handsome, had already driven away several tables of nearby customers with their conversation. Thus, Gin and Selkirk spotted them immediately and walked over.
After exchanging casual greetings, the two pulled out chairs and sat down. Doberman glanced at Gin several times, his already sour expression growing even darker.
"Penn served under me for a time," Doberman suddenly remarked.
T. Penn, a Marine officer who had been part of the elite reinforcements sent to the East Blue, was killed by Gin during William's rescue operation to ensure the plan's success. He was one of the highest-ranking officers to die in the Marines' East Blue campaign.
T. Penn was the most upright Marine officer Gin had ever encountered. Despite Gin's disdain for the Marines, he still felt regret over Penn's death.
Even so, Gin was not one to mince words. Regardless of his inner thoughts, he showed no signs of weakness outwardly. He set down the menu in his hand, glanced at Doberman, and replied bluntly, "Are you here to avenge him?"
"If the opportunity arises, I will," Doberman said, downing his coffee in one gulp before slamming the cup onto the table. Turning to William, he added, "Fleet Admiral Sengoku demands that you bring all captured Marines to Marineford when the Shichibukai meeting convenes. He also instructed me to tell you: Just as the Marines can publicly release your bounty list, they can also resume hunting you if you fail to honor the agreement."
"Rest assured, I'm a man of my word. I'll ensure Vice Admiral Garp and the other Marines are safely returned to Marine Headquarters when the time comes. Not only that, but I'll even send you a special gift!" William laughed heartily. Seeing Doberman rise as if to leave, he casually waved his hand. "Feel free to leave directly; today's coffee is on me."
Doberman, expressionless, pulled some Beli from his pocket and placed it under his coffee cup. "This is more than enough to cover my bill."
With those words, he shot Gin another glance before turning and leaving without looking back.
"Why do I feel like our relationship with the Marines hasn't improved much since becoming a Shichibukai?" Selkirk remarked, scratching his head as he watched Doberman's departing figure.
"This is called a 'cold war'!" William clapped his hands and laughed.
(End of Chapter)
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