At the same time, Marineford.
Sengoku sat upright in his chair with his brow deeply furrowed.
He had just received orders from above reporting that the Gorosei were seriously injured by the Gold List's third rank. Currently their condition was between life and death. The war situation that should have been led by them was now completely handed over to Sengoku's control.
This filled his heart with anxiety.
The Gorosei were the most crucial combat force in this war, as well as very important high-level strength to hold off figures like Whitebeard and Roger. Now, all five of them had fallen at the hands of the Gold List's third rank. This inevitably raised terrifying speculation.
What exactly was the intention of this Gold List's third rank? Attacking Mary Geoise at a time like this and seriously injuring the Gorosei... that was the same as indirectly helping the pirate group.
If later he interfered in the battle between both sides, with strength like that, he could completely reverse the war situation. Devil Fruit users or even Pacifistas would have no value before someone like that.
"What are you worried about, Sengoku?"
Garp said while casually chewing his senbei. "Didn't the news from Mary Geoise already say that third rank is just a battle maniac? His purpose is most likely Imu. Beating up those five old men was just coincidence. The battle between Marines and pirates shouldn't be something he'll interfere with."
Sengoku narrowed his eyes and replied irritably, "Who can guarantee something like that? If later he really takes action, who can stop him? Lord Imu is still seriously injured. If she appears, the situation could reverse in an instant! Before a fighter that strong, no matter how many troops we have, they'll just be sending their lives away."
Kizaru agreed very deeply, "This mysterious Gold List ranking really can't be underestimated. Back then, just that black cat's strength was already very terrifying. And that was only second rank. If first rank takes action, maybe we should just surrender directly."
"If that's really the case, at most we'll just run away and secure Marineford. As for Mary Geoise..." Garp snorted coldly.
Actually, he didn't like the Celestial Dragons at all. The reason why he always refused promotion to Admiral and stayed at Vice Admiral position was because he didn't want to become a direct subordinate of the Celestial Dragons.
Once someone reached Admiral or Fleet Admiral position, they were automatically under the direct command of the world nobles at Mary Geoise.
Sengoku glanced at Garp, let out a long sigh, and fell silent.
For a moment, the office room became quiet. The Marines and World Government who originally had absolute advantage, now became anxious due to the unexpected actions of the Gold List's third rank.
However, the arrow had been released from the bow. In three days, the great pirate fleet would attack Mary Geoise. They had to go through with this war, whether they wanted to or not.
Suddenly, the silence of the office was broken by a series of hurried door knocks.
"Enter!" Sengoku felt somewhat annoyed.
Who didn't know the situation and dared to disturb at a time like this?
A Marine Lieutenant Colonel entered, saluted the high-ranking officers in the room, then approached Sengoku to whisper something.
"What did you say?!" Sengoku's eyes widened in shock. He even stood up from his chair and asked in a sharp tone, "Are you sure?"
The Marine Lieutenant Colonel nodded. "Correct, Sir. The person is at the Sabaody Archipelago. Marine colleagues stationed there saw him with their own eyes."
"Alright, I understand. You may go!" Sengoku pondered for a moment then waved his hand.
After the Marine Lieutenant Colonel left, the other high-ranking officers immediately threw curious looks at Sengoku. Garp asked, "What situation could make an old man like you react like this? Is there another strong fighter appearing?"
Sengoku took a deep breath; it took quite a while for him to speak. "It's not about fighting, but there is indeed a strange person who appeared. Just received information that someone strongly suspected to be the Gold List's first and second rank appeared in Sabaody!"
Instantly, everyone in the room was shocked.
"First and second rank?" Kizaru reacted as if his tail had just been stepped on. He almost jumped from his chair, reflexively touched his empty sleeve, and swallowed. "Is that certain?"
Sengoku shook his head. "Not certain yet. After all, the existence of that first rank is too mysterious. No one has ever seen his real face directly. Even you don't know despite having been in close proximity to him. So, this is just suspicion."
Kizaru asked suspiciously, "Then on what basis are they sure it's them?"
Sengoku tapped the table, his expression darkening. "These two people just killed three Celestial Dragons in Sabaody!"
The high-ranking officers there took long breaths. In this world, the status of Celestial Dragons was known to everyone. Daring to attack and kill Celestial Dragons was a very reckless act, as if they were already tired of living.
However in the current situation, that wasn't impossible to understand. First, the pirates were gathering to attack Mary Geoise. If Mary Geoise fell and the World Government collapsed, then killing some Celestial Dragons would no longer be a big problem.
Second, if they really were the Gold List's first and second rank, forget killing some Celestial Dragons—even if they attacked Mary Geoise and Marineford alone, no one would be surprised. However for now, killing Celestial Dragons was still a big problem that couldn't just be ignored.
Sengoku walked back and forth in his office while thinking of a strategy.
Garp said casually, "Sengoku, don't hesitate like that. First rank or not, just go and look first. Why have you become such a coward since becoming Fleet Admiral?"
Sengoku glared at him sharply; this old man's words were getting more careless. However, though crude, Garp's words had merit. Regardless of whether their identity was true or not, the Marines had to check, because after all the world was still under the control of the World Government and Marines.
"Kizaru, you come with us!" Sengoku directly pointed.
Kizaru immediately shook his head repeatedly. "I don't want to go! There are already many people, it doesn't matter if I don't come. Marineford needs guarding, what if pirates suddenly attack?"
This person was truly traumatized by first and second rank. Even though it wasn't certain yet, he still didn't dare depart.
Sengoku glanced at him cynically. "Don't talk so much. In this situation, you have no choice. Only you have met those two. Though you didn't see their real faces, at least you have an idea. Usually you can be lazy, but for this matter, be serious, idiot!"
The Fleet Admiral who was usually calm had begun to lose patience and explode due to various recent events.
Kizaru knew he couldn't escape. He could only let out a long sigh, and the playful expression he usually showed disappeared.
The group immediately headed to the port. Sengoku led directly together with other high-ranking Marine officers toward Sabaody.
At the same time, no one realized that above the sky, on that magnificent Gold List scroll, a golden eye suddenly opened wide, staring sharply toward Sabaody below.