Previously, they had not held a meeting because of the Umbrella Corporation, yet now they were holding another meeting because of a mere Straw Hat Pirates that had only entered the Grand Line not long ago.
Sengoku spoke in a low voice, his gaze sharp as he stared at every marine officer present. "You should know that Marine Headquarters has already issued an arrest order for the Straw Hat Pirates. Why was it that when the Straw Hat Pirates entered the Sabaody Archipelago, the local marines did not detect them? Tell me! You tell me! Why exactly was that?"
Everyone: "..."
As these words fell, the marine officer responsible for matters on the Sabaody Archipelago revealed a bitter smile on his face.
What else could it be?
The marines stationed at the Sabaody Archipelago mainly existed to serve the Celestial Dragons.
As long as they ensured the safety of the Celestial Dragons after their descent and did not ruin their mood for sightseeing, that was enough.
Therefore, as for the pirates who came to the Sabaody Archipelago, even if the stationed marines saw them, they would turn a blind eye.
After all, those pirates only came to the island to get their ships coated.
Once the coating was done, they would leave on their own and enter that pirate paradise known as the New World.
And if, because of capturing pirates, the Celestial Dragons were disturbed, that would instead be an even worse matter.
What was more, they believed that no idiot pirate would dare to lay a hand on the World Nobles!
Yet they never expected... That there really would be one!
Of course, although these matters were already tacitly understood within Marine Headquarters, they absolutely could not say such things outright.
They could not possibly say that they mainly served the Celestial Dragons!
One had to know that they bore justice and were the Marines who safeguarded peace on the seas. How would that sound if it were said out loud?
If the civilians across the seas were to think that the Marines were lackeys of the Celestial Dragons, that would be terrible.
In that case, justice would be sullied.
Therefore, even if there really was a bit of that meaning, it still could not be said!
Facing the questioning of Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the marine officers all fell silent and dared not say a single word.
Of course, Sengoku was merely venting a few words in passing.
As the current Fleet Admiral of the Marines, how could he not know about the darkness that existed within Marine Headquarters?
Even if he had once intended to change all of this, in the end... when facing these things, he could only choose to compromise.
Sengoku rubbed his forehead and sighed with melancholy, no longer dwelling on the question he had just raised. "Enough. Let's talk about what we should do now!"
"This Straw Hat Pirate really knows how to stir up trouble."
Seeing the atmosphere in front of her, the Marine Great Staff Officer, Tsuru, also understood that it was time for her to speak.
After making a slight complaint, she looked at Sengoku and spoke in a serious tone.
"Kuzan has already been dispatched by you. Presumably, he has arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago. In addition, Sakazuki and Garp are also over there. Perhaps this time we can capture the Straw Hat Pirates and..."
She paused slightly. "The blood of Rocks!"
And Umbrella Corporation has already left. Although a Celestial Dragon was beaten, this is indeed an opportunity!
Tsuru looked at Sengoku with a serious expression. "Right now, the most important thing is... to ensure that no further accidents occur over there."
As soon as her words fell, all the marines in the conference room had their expressions tighten, immediately understanding Vice-Admiral Tsuru's meaning.
That's right. This was indeed an opportunity.
If the Celestial Dragon had not been beaten, they probably would not even have discovered that the Straw Hat Pirates had arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago.
Now, as long as no accidents occurred, with two marine admirals and the Hero of the Marines present there, the blood of Rocks would certainly not be able to escape.
"I've already notified Kuzan."
Sengoku nodded as well, but after saying that, he paused again and spoke in a troubled tone. "However, news has just come from over there. Umbrella Corporation's fleet has not departed. Although they have left the Sabaody Archipelago, they have been anchored in the sea area near the Sabaody Archipelago."
"They still haven't left? What are those guys trying to do?"
Upon hearing Sengoku's words, Vice-Admiral Tsuru frowned. After thinking for a moment, she still spoke in a resolute tone. "Have them pay some attention, but do not bother with Umbrella Corporation. Just pretend not to see them. Since Umbrella Corporation previously chose to leave, that means they do not want to have a conflict with the Marines for the time being. This opportunity is rare. We absolutely cannot let it slip by. First, capture the blood of Rocks. As for the rest..."
She raised her head and looked at Sengoku. "We'll talk about it later."
"I understand."
Sengoku's expression also became serious as he understood Tsuru's meaning.
They absolutely could not allow the blood of Rocks to continue unchecked. Since a Celestial Dragon had already been beaten, then now... Everything should take priority in capturing the blood of Rocks. They must not create unnecessary complications like last time.
Unfortunately, the impact of the Enies Lobby incident had not yet passed. In order to prevent further accidents, Marine Headquarters had to have an Admiral holding the fort.
Otherwise, if Borsalino were also dispatched, he did not believe that... Faced with the encirclement and arrest by three marine admirals, the blood of Rocks would still be able to escape.
If that guy were the reincarnation of Rocks, there might still be a chance. But a mere inheritor of Rocks' blood, don't even dream about it!
Sengoku did not hesitate any further and directly picked up the Den Den Mushi, just as he was about to dial a number…
"Purururu!"
At this moment, the Den Den Mushi instead rang.
Sengoku's gaze instantly sharpened, but he still forcefully suppressed the unease in his heart and answered the Den Den Mushi. Immediately after, as if he heard something, he slammed the table and stood up.
"Dragon? What dragon? You mean... Damn it, why has the captain of the Beast Pirates also come?"