Galaxy Sea, Mist Star Island, Harbor.
"Hurry, bring up the remaining weapons and take inventory of the cannonballs!"
"Almost done!"
"I'll report to the Captain. You all continue checking a few more times!"
X Drake stood on the deck, his gaze stern as he scanned the busy crew.
Upon hearing his subordinate's report, he nodded slightly and said in a deep voice:
"Good, stay alert. We depart in half an hour. This operation is crucial and cannot fail!"
"Yes, Captain!"
Drake turned his head, looking toward the bustling harbor, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
As a Marine spy, he carried an important mission: to climb as high as possible within the Curtain Closer ranks.
Only then could he provide more valuable intelligence to Headquarters.
And if the two forces ever clashed, his defection could deal a heavier blow to the Curtain Closer.
But...
But.
The longer he stayed with the Curtain Closer, the more intense the struggle within Drake grew.
He watched the civilians at the harbor, smiling as they voluntarily came to see them off.
He thought of the orderly life under the Curtain Closer's rule, the like-minded people striving hard, the subordinates—even those he had personally trained—who held genuine reverence for Xiano...
No.
Drake! You mustn't think like this anymore! Otherwise, one day, you'll end up like that irresponsible man back home, straying down the wrong path!
The Marines are the side of justice!
Maintaining order and eradicating Pirates—that is your mission!
Drake gritted his teeth, forcing himself to look away from the harbor and toward the distant horizon.
"Captain?"
A crew member nearby noticed something amiss and asked with concern, "You don't look well. Are you feeling unwell? Should I call the ship's doctor?"
"No need, just a minor issue. I'll be fine after a moment."
Drake shook his head, forcing a faint smile. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a small white cat climbing up the crow's nest, settling comfortably and dozing off in the sun.
A delicate and pretty little white cat, somewhat familiar—seemed like someone's pet?
It wasn't taking up space anyway; several people on the ship kept cats or dogs. He didn't bother to intervene, withdrawing his gaze and continuing to direct the crew through the final preparations.
"Hoist the sails, set sail!"
"All hands, attention! Set course northeast, full speed ahead!"
Following Drake's orders, the warship of the Third Division, Combat Corps, left the harbor and sailed into the distance!
This emergency mobilization of the Combat Corps involved over ten thousand troops. With such a large scale, the operational objective was naturally extraordinary!
—To capture the Marines' Branch G1!
To uproot the largest stronghold established by Marine Headquarters in the New World!
His Third Division had received orders to feign an attack on Branch G5, drawing the attention of that branch.
Reportedly, several other units had similar duties, tasked with harassing other New World branches to keep the Marines off balance and obscure the Curtain Closer's main offensive focus.
The main force would take another route, taking advantage of the weakened defenses at Branch G1 to capture it in one fell swoop, then proceed to target the remaining branches in the New World!
The ultimate goal was to completely drive the Marines out of the New World!
This was the order personally relayed to him an hour ago by Vice-Captain Kuina via Den Den Mushi.
Having resolved to continue his undercover role in the Marines, he could no longer hesitate. He had to immediately transmit this critical intelligence!
Glancing back at the island shrinking to a speck in the distance, Drake strode toward the deserted stern. Under the eaves, he retrieved the encrypted Den Den Mushi from his chest.
He had no way of knowing.
The moment he took out the Den Den Mushi, the white kitten in the watchtower suddenly opened its eyes and clicked its tongue in regret.
So, you've ultimately made the wrong choice?
"The master specifically gave you one last chance, and you've squandered it so quickly? What a pity—you'll miss out on the chance to cut down Celestial Dragons, you poor little Allosaurus..."
Well then.
With the surveillance mission complete, it was time to return to the territory.
That fatty Issho had followed the master this time, leaving the task of guarding the Curtain Closer's territory squarely on my shoulders.
The white kitten stretched lazily, then leaped nimbly from the watchtower. In the next instant, it transformed into a flash of lightning, streaking toward the distant port at a speed barely visible to the naked eye.
...
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
"Fleet Admiral! Urgent intelligence!"
A rear admiral burst through the conference room door, clutching a document, his face drenched in sweat. "Just now, our undercover agent codenamed 'Blade' sent an emergency transmission!"
"The Combat Corps under the Curtain Closer has completed large-scale mobilization and began departing their territory this morning. The enemy plans to use a diversionary tactic—feigning attacks on other branches while actually targeting G1!"
The conference room fell into dead silence.
"So their target is Branch G1 after all?"
From the head of the table, Sengoku actually breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. His furrowed brow relaxed as he took the document and began reading.
Thank goodness…
Thank goodness the target is only G1.
At least they're not heading to the Kingdom of Lubunir in the North Blue.
Since last night, surveillance ships deployed near the Curtain Closer's territory had been continuously reporting to Headquarters, claiming to have observed signs of large-scale fleet movements and gatherings by the Curtain Closer's forces.
This had kept Sengoku drenched in cold sweat, tossing and turning all night without sleep.
Under normal circumstances, it might not have mattered.
But this was an especially sensitive period. The North Blue Paradise Project had already been initiated, and the ship carrying the World Nobles had departed from Mariejois earlier this morning.
Although this was a top-secret plan, unknown to anyone below the rank of Marine Admiral, the mere thought of that man catching wind of it and deliberately causing trouble…
It would be a scene worse than God Valley!
The consequences were simply unthinkable!
Thank goodness.
Thank goodness for Drake, whose timely intelligence transmission acted like a stabilizing pill, finally allowing the heavy stone in Sengoku's heart to settle.
"Relay my orders," Sengoku declared gravely. "All personnel at Branch G1 are to enter Level 1 combat readiness. Notify Aokiji and Garp immediately—have them rush to Branch G1 to take command. Remind them to conserve their strength and await orders from Headquarters. They are strictly forbidden to take the initiative to attack!"
A diversionary tactic?
Luring the tiger away from the mountain?
It has to be said, the Curtain Closer led by that man is quite different from the other Emperor Crews. Instead of charging recklessly, they actually play these kinds of tricks.
But it's meaningless. In front of him, who bears the title "Sage General," these underhanded schemes won't work!
"If I recall correctly, the second batch of Pacifistas has also completed maintenance, right?"
Sengoku hesitated for a moment before adding, "Deploy six of them at once. Branch G1 absolutely cannot be lost!"
Two Admiral-level combatants.
Multiple elite Vice Admirals, along with Pacifistas and tens of thousands of elite Marines...
With this level of deployment, it's naturally impossible to defeat the Curtain Closer, but it should be enough to make them retreat in the face of difficulty!
The Marines won't be driven out of the New World so easily!
"I don't understand, Sengoku."
Vice Admiral Tsuru set down her teacup and frowned. "Why did you send those two this time? You mentioned earlier that Akainu went to the Holy Land on a secret mission, so that's understandable. But what about Borsalino? Where is he now?"
"..."
Sengoku remained silent for a while before shaking his head and sighing. "I'm sorry, I can't tell you, Tsuru."
"I see..."
Tsuru narrowed her eyes and fell silent.
She knew this old friend she had worked with for decades far too well. Whenever he spoke in this tone, it meant the matter had touched upon the forbidden red line set by the World Government.
Really.
Wasn't Akainu enough? Now they've called away another one, making the defensive arrangements in the New World a bit strained.
Tsuru picked up her teacup again and turned her gaze to the window.
What exactly is the Holy Land secretly doing, hiding it from those below?
...
North Blue, Kingdom of Lubunir.
The sky was just beginning to brighten when a boy named Abi woke up early. He washed up as quickly as possible and rushed out of his house.
Today was the day he and his friend Ani had agreed to set sail from their hometown and head to the Grand Line to pursue their dreams!
Abi hurried through the quiet morning streets, the air filled with the faint scent of dew.
Though the capital of the Kingdom of Lubunir wasn't particularly prosperous—one could even call it poor—the tranquility of the morning still brought a sense of peace.
In his backpack was a tattered logbook, the only memento his father had left him. It was filled with countless legends about "El Dorado" and sailing techniques.
From a very young age, he had heard his father say:
Their family's ancestor was none other than Noland.
And his father had always wanted to find El Dorado, to prove that the so-called "Great Liar" title was a blatant slander, and that their ancestor, who had been executed and ridiculed, was not wrong!
—El Dorado truly exists!!!
Unfortunately.
His father died without fulfilling this dream. Now that Abi was sixteen, it was his turn to search for El Dorado!
"Ani must already be waiting impatiently at the harbor..." Abi couldn't help but smile and quickened his pace.
Though his friend Ani was also setting sail with him, their goals were completely different. Ani wanted to go to a place called the New World and join an organization known as the Curtain Closer.
Abi still remembered how Ani's face had lit up with longing, his eyes sparkling, when he spoke of this dream:
"What do you mean, you just don't know! That Lord Xiano is a true hero who even dares to kill Celestial Dragons! There, no one needs to pay Celestial Tribute, no one has to worry about Germa's army, and pirates aren't a concern either. Everyone can earn respect through their own efforts! They can achieve the life they want!"
Could such a place truly exist in this world?
Having grown up in this impoverished land, Abi always felt it was a scam and wanted to mock his friend.
But upon second thought, his own dream of chasing El Dorado might seem even more absurd in others' eyes. Hadn't Ani never once laughed at him?
So in the end, he just scratched his head and muttered, "Suit yourself."
Turning the street corner, the harbor came into view.
Abi suddenly halted.
Something was wrong.
It was too quiet.
The morning harbor should have been bustling with fishing boats setting sail, yet now there wasn't even the cry of seagulls. Through the mist, he could vaguely make out figures cloaked in white, lingering around the docks.
Abi's heart sank.
Instinctively, he hid behind the corner of a wall, held his breath, and cautiously peered out.
In the fog, those white figures stood out starkly. They wore masks, brandished weapons, and were coldly and roughly herding fishermen off their boats.
Huh?
Abi's eyes widened, his face flushing with anger.
He saw his small boat, docked in the corner, already engulfed in roaring flames, black smoke billowing into the sky.
Why!
How could they!
This was the boat he and Ani had scrimped and saved for a full five years to buy!
And this was just the beginning. Those men in white uniforms were continuing to set the remaining boats ablaze.
"Move! Everyone, return to the town immediately!"
A masked man in white barked harshly, drawing the sword at his waist and pointing it at the fishermen. "From today onward, no one is permitted to set sail! Violators will be executed on the spot!"
The fishermen recoiled in fear. One elderly man trembled as he asked, "W-why, sir? Even if you won't let us fish, must you burn our boats too? How are we supposed to feed our families..."
"Silence!"
The white-clad man swung his blade violently. A flash of steel, and the wooden barrel beside the old man was split in two. "This is the King's decree! Ask one more question, and your head is next!"
The King?
Abi gritted his teeth. These frauds!
He'd seen the palace guards with his own eyes—their uniforms looked nothing like this. Besides, the current old king was a kind-hearted man who pitied his impoverished people. How could he possibly issue such an order?
These men were clearly forging the royal decree!
Suddenly, a hand clamped over his mouth from behind and yanked him into an alley! Abi nearly cried out, but when he turned, it was Ani!
"Shh!" Ani whispered urgently, her eyes frantic. "Quiet! Those are World Government agents!"
"World Government?"
Abi was stunned. As a citizen of a former non-affiliated nation that had been ostracized and retaliated against merely for delaying Celestial Tribute, he held no fondness for that name. "What are they doing here?"
"I don't know, but they've sealed off the entire coastline."
Ani shook her head, her face pale, pulling him deeper into the alley. "I came before dawn and overheard them vaguely mentioning something about a 'hunting ground' and that 'the lords will soon arrive to clear out the prey'..."
"Here to clean up the prey?"
Abi halted his steps, turning his head suspiciously. "What do you mean by that?"
It didn't make sense.
Due to the World Government's past retaliation and the plundering by the Germa army, this country had suffered multiple famines in the past!
The edible wildlife in the mountains and forests had nearly been hunted to extinction—even field mice weren't spared. What formidable beasts worth hunting could possibly remain?
"I don't know, but it's definitely nothing good."
Ani shook her head, her eyes flickering with fear. "Abi, my premonition is growing stronger. In any case, we must quickly warn everyone to be careful!"
Just then.
A dull rumbling echoed from the distance, as if something was approaching.
The two exchanged a glance, quietly climbed onto the low wall of the alley, and peered in the direction of the sound.
—There, on the distant horizon, an unimaginably massive luxury cruise ship, large enough to blot out the sky, was slowly approaching the port.
The ship was entirely gilded, with the World Government's flag flying from its sails. On the deck, figures wearing Bubble Helmets could vaguely be seen—some lounging leisurely on deck chairs, others gathered by the railings, pointing and gesturing toward the shore under the attendance of servants.
"Th-those are..." Abi's voice trembled slightly. "Celestial Dragons?!"
How could there be so many!
Just from a glance at the deck, there had to be at least a hundred of them!
"Hey, get down quickly!"
Ani urgently pulled him lower. The two crouched behind the wall, holding their breath.
On the ship's deck, a portly Celestial Dragon wearing a helmet was enthusiastically scanning the area with a gem-encrusted telescope.
"Lord Charloss Saint."
A butler in a black suit bowed beside him. "There's still over an hour until the game begins. You haven't had your morning meal yet. Shall I bring some tea and snacks?"
"Get lost! How could I possibly think about that at a time like this!"
Charloss Saint kicked the butler away, dancing with excitement. "I've waited eight years, a full eight years! Finally, I can play the hunting game again! This time, I must break the record and kill a thousand lowly commoners!"
He turned and shouted toward the cabin:
"Hey, Aunt Maria, Aunt Diana, what's taking you so long! If you don't come out soon, I'll kill all the prey myself!"
Laughter and scolding echoed from the cabin as two elegant middle-aged female Celestial Dragons emerged, each holding a cup of black tea:
"What's the rush? It's only the first day."
"Exactly. I heard they've prepared a full 360,000 prey this time—the most abundant in recent years. It'll be enough for us to play for several days!"
"Speaking of which, when was the last time we participated in a game? It feels so distant now."
"Over a decade ago, right? That was in the East Blue. Don't you remember? You weren't satisfied with your kill count and were in a bad mood, so you invited me to incognito visit the Goa Kingdom for a few days."
Aunt Diana said with a smile, "On our way back, some clueless lowly woman tried to cozy up to you, and you ended up impatiently cutting off her head and kicking it like a ball, didn't you?"
(End of Chapter)