Chapter 320: A Victory Without a Fight  

"Akame, I don't have time to play with you. If you're just here to mess around, then go away. I still have training to do!" 

Esdeath glared at her younger sister in frustration. The events were already published in the newspapers—what was the point of asking again? 

"Big Sis, I'm here to tell you some good news. That Marine Admiral, Zephyr, who defeated you? He's dead. He was killed just yesterday," Akame said with a sly grin. 

"What? He's dead? How did he die? Tell me everything!" 

Esdeath tossed the massive weight she was holding to the side and dashed over to Akame. She grabbed her sister by the shoulders and shook her excitedly. 

"Hehe, Big Sis, I'll tell you—but only if you give me all your allowance for this month!" Akame teased with a mischievous glint in her eye. 

"Fine! It's just one month's allowance. You can have it!" Esdeath agreed without hesitation. 

"That Marine Admiral was killed by Dad himself. After you returned home, Dad and Mom went to the North Blue. The next day, Dad came back with Zephyr's corpse." 

"Apparently, Dad was furious because Zephyr bullied you. He wanted the whole world to know that you are his most beloved daughter and that no one can bully you—not even someone as powerful as Zephyr!" 

Akame handed Esdeath a stack of newspapers with the news. 

"Dad!" 

Esdeath's heart swelled with emotion. 

"Oh, Big Sis, by the way, our Infinite Pirates are planning to attack the last remaining Marine fortress in the New World. They're aiming to drive the Navy out completely. If you want to join in, you better leave Oni Island soon, or you'll miss it!" 

Esdeath's eyes lit up. "I'll talk to Dad right away. I want to be part of the operation to take down the Marine fortress!" 

As Esdeath rushed off, Akame smirked and muttered to herself, "Looks like everyone is off on their own adventures. Gai Nie and Wei Zhuang are out training, Big Sis is heading to the battlefield, and Faraday has been stuck on Thunder Island for months thanks to Dad." 

"It's just me left at home with the younger ones. But I've heard the food in the Four Seas is amazing. Maybe I should ask Mom if I can explore the Four Seas while sampling all the delicious dishes!" 

The thought of the Four Seas' legendary cuisine brought a spark of excitement to Akame's eyes. 

Marine Headquarters, Marineford: 

"Tsuru, have you found anything about Zephyr's situation?" 

In the Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku questioned Vice Admiral Tsuru as she walked in. 

"Based on the accounts of the Marines who were aboard Zephyr's ship and my own investigation, we still don't know if Li Yuan was already in the North Blue or if he used some unknown method to reach the region within a day." 

"As for how Zephyr's whereabouts were leaked, we discovered a spy from the Infinite Pirates within our ranks. Unfortunately, we couldn't take him alive," Tsuru reported grimly. 

The intelligence system of the Navy had proven inadequate, even with the help of the World Government's CP units. The Infinite Pirates' network was simply too formidable, leaving the Navy constantly in the dark. 

"Li Yuan again! Every time that man takes action, the Navy ends up losing. We've never won a single battle against him!" 

Sengoku clenched his fists in frustration. 

Since Li Yuan set sail, the Navy had been unable to score a single victory against him. Even the world's strongest organization, the World Government, had suffered countless humiliations at his hands. 

"Sengoku, we've just received word. The Flying Pirates and the Infinite Pirates are mobilizing their forces. Their likely target is the last Marine fortress in the New World." 

Tsuru's voice carried a heavy tone, as the gravity of the situation became clear. 

"I'll consult with the Five Elders," Sengoku said. 

He knew the Navy couldn't hold the fortress on its own. Without reinforcements from the World Government, defeat was inevitable. 

After deliberating, the Five Elders reached a decision. 

"Let the fortress go for now. We can reclaim it later. Prioritize securing Red Line and Mariejois," they concluded, acknowledging the grim reality of their weakened state. 

New World, G-1 Marine Fortress: 

"What? The Flying Pirates and the Infinite Pirates are joining forces to attack us?" 

Upon hearing the report, Kuzan (Aokiji) felt his head throbbing. 

Currently, the fortress lacked the presence of admirals. Zephyr was dead, and Sengoku and Garp were not stationed there. 

Akainu (Sakazuki), as stubborn as ever, scoffed, "Hmph, Kuzan, what's there to be afraid of? If they dare come, we'll just crush them!" 

Kuzan sighed. "Akainu, do you remember how Garp knocked you out with a single punch during training? Li Yuan is stronger than Garp. Do you really think we can win?" 

Before Akainu could respond, a Den Den Mushi interrupted them. 

"Sakazuki, this is an order. Evacuate the G-1 Fortress immediately. Return to Marineford. Do not engage with the Infinite Pirates or the Flying Pirates," Sengoku commanded firmly. 

"Understood, Fleet Admiral." 

Defeat had been conceded without a fight.