After entering her Sulong state, Carrot's flexibility and movement far surpassed ordinary minks.
Among the women around Roxing, her combat form ranked easily at the top.
Even compared to Kozuki Hiyori, who had eaten the Slip-Slip Fruit, Carrot's Moon Lion state was in a class of its own.
After Carrot finished cleaning up, Roxing prepared to visit Yamato, who was traveling across Wano distributing the super seeds and multi-function Cybertronians.
Just as he was about to leave, the black Den Den Mushi began ringing.
Roxing paused.
This was the encrypted line he used exclusively for Vergo — meaning Vergo would not call unless it was something significant.
He answered.
Vergo's respectful voice came immediately:
"Lord Roxing, I have an important report."
"Speak."
Vergo continued, "Former Marine Admiral Black Arm Zephyr has defected from Marine Headquarters."
This was clearly not about Smoker — such a small matter Vergo could settle alone.
This was something far bigger.
A former Admiral's defection — a seismic event within the Navy.
And not only that: Zephyr had escaped with Dyna Stones, rumored to rival the destructive force of ancient weapons.
Even Roxing raised an eyebrow.
He remembered that in the original timeline, Zephyr's defection occurred after the Paramount War.
But in this changed timeline, the Paramount War hadn't even happened yet.
Why had Zephyr defected early?
Vergo explained:
"Lord Roxing, after you eliminated Doflamingo, the Shichibukai roster lost one member.
The World Government, eager to recover face after their losses in Dressrosa and Punk Hazard, rushed to fill the vacant position."
"At that time, a man claiming to be Whitebeard's son came forward.
Edward Weevil."
"He applied for Shichibukai status, and they accepted."
Roxing immediately understood.
Vergo continued:
"But Weevil had previously killed Admiral Zephyr's family and cadets… Even Zephyr's right arm was severed by him."
"So Zephyr, unable to accept the Government pardoning his enemy, severed ties with the Marines."
Roxing nodded slowly.
He hadn't expected his actions to cause the Shichibukai recruitment to accelerate — which in turn caused Weevil's early inclusion and Zephyr's early defection.
No wonder the World Government was burying the news. A former Admiral defecting was nothing but shame.
And this wasn't just any old-timer.
Zephyr was from the same generation as Sengoku and Garp.
His achievements were vast, and he had personally trained countless elites.
Current admirals Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji
…Smoker, Hina
…numerous Vice Admirals
—all were once his students.
Such a respected elder — yet the World Government ignored his feelings completely and recruited his mortal enemy.
Roxing understood why Vergo, as G-5 Base Commander, learned the news first.
Having an informant in the Navy was extremely valuable.
Roxing asked:
"Zephyr's defection is not a small incident. The Navy will take action. What is your plan?"
Vergo replied:
"Headquarters originally considered dispatching an admiral. But due to the unstable situation in the New World, and Whitebeard's and Shanks' movements, Sengoku has not decided yet."
Roxing could guess the real reason too:
Sengoku still hesitated to order the death of an old comrade.
Vergo continued:
"Lord Roxing, I intend to volunteer for the mission to pursue Zephyr. If I succeed, my position within the Navy will rise several ranks."
Roxing was satisfied. Vergo's initiative aligned with his expectations for a capable subordinate.
"Approved," Roxing said. "But add one more thing — I will join this operation personally. Once you locate Zephyr, contact me immediately."
Vergo was overjoyed.
To him, Roxing's participation meant trust — and a shared mission.
"Understood, Lord Roxing!"
After ending the call, Roxing's expression sharpened.
He wanted to confirm the legendary destructive power of Dyna Stones.
And more importantly—
Roxing, as a transmigrator, knew Zephyr's true objective.
Zephyr planned to annihilate every pirate in the world.
He intended to detonate the three End Points — volcanic terminals whose eruption would trigger catastrophic magma displacement, destroying the entire New World.
That was something Roxing absolutely could not allow.
Meanwhile — the New World.
Several massive warships advanced over turbulent seas.
They resembled Marine vessels, but their flags bore the Marine insignia pierced by a sword — symbolizing rejection of Marine ideology.
This was the Neo Navy, founded by the defected Admiral Zephyr, their mission being the eradication of all pirates.
On the deck, the purple-haired former Admiral stood rigid, wearing sunglasses and a mechanical right arm made of sea-stone. His face was dark with anger, his gaze burning with hatred for the world.
"The Marines… the World Government… your 'justice' is hollow. Worthless."
"I will cleanse this world myself. I will kill every last pirate."
"Just wait. All of you."
Behind him stood three of his strongest followers — all his disciples.
The blue-haired Ain, user of the Return-Return Fruit.
The gaudy, colorfully dressed Bins, user of the Growth Fruit.
And the black-haired giant Shuzo, formerly a Marine Commodore.
Together, they formed the core of the Neo Navy.
Ain spoke:
"Teacher Zephyr, we're two days away from the nearest End Point. Should we rest before continuing?"
Zephyr shook his head, his voice hoarse and resolute.
"No. My dream of ending every pirate in the world is right before us. We cannot hesitate."
"Full speed ahead. Anyone who stands in our way — Marine or pirate — will be crushed."
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