Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
In the Fleet Admiral's office, the three Marine Admirals were gathered together, a rare occurrence.
"Sakazuki, what's so important that you had to call us all here?" Kizaru found a chair and sat down, crossing his legs.
"Borsalino, show some decorum in front of your juniors." Akainu felt a surge of irritation seeing Kizaru's lazy posture.
"I'm just trying to fit in. The last guy who cared about his image lost a leg. How scary~" Kizaru said with exaggeration.
Veins popped on Akainu's forehead; this guy was becoming increasingly unprofessional.
A knock came from the door, and Navy Vice Admiral Tsuru walked in, carrying some documents.
She handed the documents to the three Admirals. "This is the latest intelligence on Wano Country. It has been occupied by the Buggy Pirates."
"Isn't that normal?" Kizaru took the files. "Unless the Straw Hat Pirates intervene, those guys in Wano Country stand no chance against the Buggy Pirates."
"Sakazuki, it seems that 'unknown power' in Wano Country you mentioned didn't do much," Kizaru teased.
"Only the Fleet Admiral has the clearance to know about that; you don't need to concern yourself with it," Akainu said bluntly. "Look at the documents first. The Buggy Pirates' actions in Wano Country are a bit strange."
"Fine, let me see... Hmm... The Buggy Pirates first wiped out the Daimyos of Wano Country, then killed many merchants and seized their wealth. Isn't this typical pirate behavior?"
Kizaru flipped through a few pages and wanted to toss them aside. "Those from Roger's ship aren't much different from ordinary pirates, are they?"
"Keep reading, Borsalino," Akainu said in a low voice. "I have a premonition that the Buggy Pirates will become the Marines' greatest rival in the future."
Kizaru froze for a moment, then picked up the documents and continued reading. There were actually several photos inside.
In the photos, Jack was in his giant mammoth form, and a group of children was using his tusks as a slide.
"Hiss~" Kizaru couldn't help but suck in a breath. "That's probably the most expensive slide in the world."
Besides, when did Jack, one of the Three Disasters, develop such a good temperament?
"Did that guy Buggy really win over Kaido's subordinates?" Although Kizaru knew it was only a matter of time, he didn't expect it to happen so quickly.
"Not only that, keep reading... To be honest, even I don't understand. Does Buggy have some kind of brainwashing ability?"
Akainu glanced at Tsuru. The Wash-Wash Fruit could wash away evil thoughts, but it couldn't change a person's fundamental personality.
Kizaru continued browsing. There were photos of Crocodile building canals and Zoan-type Devil Fruit users clearing land for farming.
Finally, there was a photo of a mine. A group of powerful pirates was cheerfully swinging pickaxes and mining ore, while some civilians sorted it nearby.
"Are they... working?" Kizaru suddenly felt a sense of absurdity. Isn't a pirate's job to plunder? Since when did it become like this? And what was with the smiles on those civilians' faces... "Buggy ruthlessly slaughtered the upper class of Wano Country, yet he treats the remaining civilians well. Is he a pirate or part of the Revolutionary Army?" Aramaki found it hard to understand.
"He's far more radical than the Revolutionary Army," Akainu said.
There was an out-of-place photo in the documents showing a patch of red earth with dense wooden frames standing tall, covered in hanging corpses.
Bizarrely, a white lantern hung from each wooden frame.
"These wooden frames are called 'Streetlights.' People who resist Buggy are huhangedn them every day," Tsuru introduced.
"This intelligence officer is impressive, managing to scout Wano Country's situation so thoroughly," Kizaru praised.
"Because Wano Country is currently unfortified. Aside from children being required to attend school, the rest of the people can freely choose their work in exchange for wages," Tsuru said.
"Wages... another thing that doesn't fit with pirates."
Hearing about wages, Kizaru immediately became interested. "Sakazuki, then why did you call us here?"
"The intelligence officer defected after sending these documents. He said he felt doubtful about this world and needed some time to cool down," Akainu said grimly.
"From today onwards, I'm going to block all news regarding Wano Country. There are many radicals in the Marines, and these things will affect them."
Everyone's gaze immediately fixed on Akainu. Weren't you the biggest radical leader yourself?
"Is it worth it to exchange the 'death' of a few for the 'happiness' of the many? That intelligence officer was likely questioning this. Fujitora, who had been silent, spoke up.
"Hey... your thoughts are dangerous, Fujitora. Do you want Vice Admiral Tsuru to wash you"? Kizaru said.
"Stop joking, Borsalino. I'd love to wash away your laziness, but unfortunately, I can't," Tsuru glared at Kizaru.
"I need someone to keep an eye on every move of the Buggy Pirates. Kizaru, I'll leave this mission to you," Akainu said.
"Why?" Kizaru was somewhat reluctant. "I've been running around lately and haven't even had time for a vacation."
"Because you are more... mature. You won't be misled by the Buggy Pirates' actions. I want you to investigate what they are really up to."
Akainu felt that only Kizaru wouldn't be easily influenced, whereas Fujitora already showed some troubling tendencies.
"Someone's coming..." Fujitora suddenly spoke.
Then the door was kicked open, followed by a burst of arrogant laughter.
"Fuffuffuffuffuffu~ The Marine top brass conspiring here, is there something shameful going on?"
Doflamingo, wearing a CP0 white suit modified into pink, burst in.
"You bastard, don't you know any manners?" Aramaki attacked immediately, his fingers turning into vines that flew toward Doflamingo.
But Doflamingo didn't move an inch, letting the vines strike him.
"Fuffuffuffuffuffu~ I represent the Celestial Dragons now. Although it's annoying, this identity is quite useful," Doflamingo laughed.
"Forget it, Aramaki. Don't lower yourself to his level." Tsuru looked at Doflamingo. "Have you fallen to such a level, Doflamingo?"
"Ms. Tsuru, this world is just so unfair. Clearly, weak Guys can surpass you in such a short time. What's the point of hard work..."
Doflamingo's voice suddenly grew shrill. "So, Ms. Tsuru, I'm throwing away my humanity!"
"Even if I have to become a dog of the Celestial Dragons, I will achieve my goal."
A dangerous aura emanated from Doflamingo.
"What is your goal?" Tsuru didn't understand why the World Government had released this man.
"To fulfill the wishes of the Celestial Dragons, of course. When the time comes, maybe I'll even reclaim my status as a Celestial Dragon," Doflamingo said casually, toning down his wild demeanor.
No, that's definitely not his goal.
Tsuru knew Doflamingo too well. For him to abandon his dignity and become a lackey for the Celestial Dragons, he must be after something else.
"What are you doing here, Doflamingo? If you don't make it clear, not even the Celestial Dragons will be able to protect you!" Akainu stared at Doflamingo, making no effort to hide his killing intent.
"It's about the Buggy Pirates. Let's destroy them together! Fuffuffuffuffuffu~"
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A/N: 40+ Advance Chapter Has Been Uploaded.
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