Brr-brr-brr—
The phone on the desk rang suddenly.
"An urgent mission."
Carlos was slightly startled when he recognized the voice on the other end—it was one of the Five Elders. This could mean something significant in the New World.
Could it be Whitebeard? Or perhaps Bullet?
"There have been riots of varying degrees in six regions, including the Vodka Kingdom and the Macabaka Kingdom. We suspect the Revolutionary Army is behind it. Marines must send a fleet immediately to suppress these uprisings."
Carlos frowned slightly, not giving an immediate response.
Riots? Revolutionary Army?
He remembered the enormous military budget allocated not long ago—200 billion beli. An astronomical sum that even the wealthiest could barely comprehend, and likely the cause behind the unrest. Unable to pay the high tribute to the Celestial Dragons, these areas had probably rebelled.
If it were pirates causing trouble, Carlos wouldn't hesitate to deploy a fleet. But suppressing common people? That was a different story. These were ordinary citizens driven to desperation. Most wouldn't have turned to rebellion if they had another choice.
Moreover, this mission could put them in direct conflict with the Revolutionary Army.
Carlos's expression became serious.
First, the Revolutionary Army dared to openly challenge the World Government and launch revolutions globally. Their strength was not to be underestimated. Second, unlike pirates, they didn't burn, pillage, or murder. Instead, they inspired the oppressed to rise up against tyranny.
Carlos didn't know much about Dragon. Was he truly fighting to liberate people from the Celestial Dragons' rule? Or was it just a quest for power under the guise of justice?
Carlos didn't care either way. Engaging in a battle with the Revolutionary Army wasn't a priority. It would be more prudent to conserve Marine's strength and grow their forces.
But...
Carlos's eyes darkened slightly.
Marine itself wasn't involved in production; it was purely a military organization. They relied on the World Government for all resources and military funding. The time wasn't ripe yet to break away and establish their own power base.
He needed to handle this situation carefully...
Carlos was deep in thought, various ideas flashing through his mind.
On the other end of the line, Saint Saturn grew impatient, his voice tinged with irritation.
"Have you decided who to send? The situation is urgent; I don't have time to wait for you to ponder over it."
Carlos frowned slightly and responded:
"If the Revolutionary Army is truly involved, sending forces below the level of an Admiral won't be enough. But both Akainu and Fujitora are still on their expeditions, so I can't allocate additional manpower for now."
Saint Saturn's cold snort made his dissatisfaction clear.
"Carlos, let me remind you—without us, you wouldn't be in the position you are today. Don't forget that."
His tone sharpened.
"If there's no one else available, then go yourself."
Carlos's eyes darkened further. The commanding tone of the Elder grated on him. Just as he was about to argue, a name popped into his mind—
Kizaru.
A former Admiral, Kizaru's strength was beyond question. With his Glint-Glint Fruit ability, he could travel to any location in a short time. He was the perfect candidate to handle the mission—strong enough to satisfy the Five Elders, and if anything went wrong, the blame could easily fall on him.
Carlos even began to look forward to how this would play out. Kizaru, the man some fans jokingly called "Luffy's second uncle" and a rumored undercover Revolutionary Army agent, was being sent to handle a riot linked to the Revolutionary Army.
As Saint Saturn's patience reached its breaking point, Carlos spoke calmly:
"The fleets from the expeditions haven't returned yet, and the only available option is Borsalino. However, he is currently tasked with guarding Marine Headquarters—"
Before he could finish, Saint Saturn interrupted.
"Kizaru? Send him immediately!"
Carlos could almost hear a sigh of relief on the other end of the line. The Elder continued:
"We've heard about your Marine operations, Carlos. You've done well."
"The others hold very high expectations for you. Once the Marines have fully subdued the New World, you'll be the next Commander-in-Chief of the entire military. Do not disappoint us."
After the call ended, Carlos remained unfazed by the Five Elders' promise of making him Commander-in-Chief of the entire military. He wasn't too swayed by such empty promises.
He immediately called Kizaru and briefed him on the mission.
Enticed by the offer of triple his usual salary, Kizaru agreed without hesitation.
"Alright, I guess it's time for me to head out."
Carlos stood up from his armchair and stretched, feeling the tension in his body. Turning to Momousagi and Ain, who looked a bit confused, he chuckled.
"I've been cooped up at the headquarters for almost a month now. My bones are getting stiff. It's about time I went to Egghead Island to visit Vegapunk."
"Gion," Carlos said, addressing Momousagi, "I'm leaving all matters here in your hands."
"Huh? Why me?" Gion asked, surprised.
"With you, Yamato, and Hawkeye in charge—along with 120,000 sailors—no one would dare cause any trouble here. That's settled."
"Well... I wish you a safe journey," Gion replied, a little unsure but accepting the responsibility.
Carlos and Ain boarded a warship, passing through the Red Line's designated channel, and set sail for the New World, headed toward Egghead Island.
Five days later.
"This damn weather…"
The climate of the New World was as unpredictable as ever.
Since entering this sea, Carlos had experienced drastic changes. It felt like they had gone from summer straight into the depths of winter. The temperature had dropped to more than 20 degrees below zero, with cold winds howling around them. Snowflakes swirled in the air, thick clouds blocked the sun, and the sky was dark and oppressive.
The sea ahead was blanketed in white mist, severely limiting visibility.
Carlos, used to the warmth of the sun, was feeling the chill down to his bones.
Ain approached, wrapped in a thick coat.
"Based on our course, we should be arriving at Egghead Island today."
"Marshal Carlos, the wind is picking up. It's better if you head back inside."
Carlos nodded, about to respond, when he suddenly sensed something amiss.
Without warning, a massive black shadow appeared beneath the surface of the sea.
The sea level began to swell and bulge as if an enormous, unseen force was stirring the ocean from below.
The calm waters turned violent in an instant. Giant waves crashed into the warship, almost tipping it over.
The ship rocked wildly, and the sturdy hull creaked under the strain, as though it might crack at any moment.
The sailors clung desperately to the masts and nearby structures, trying to hold on as the cold seawater lashed their faces. Fear was written on every face as they stared ahead in horror.
"Not good! There's a massive tsunami coming!"
"Brace for impact! Get ready!"
"Hold on tight!"
After the chaos subsided, the crew's eyes widened as they looked ahead, stunned by what they saw.
"Look! What... what is that?!"
"Are those... Sea Kings?!"
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