Chapter 154: The Trade of Sea Prism Stone
"Sengoku, back when he first joined the Marines, actually got beaten up by one of those things. Of course, I gave it a good thrashing in return, and then they all tried to make me their master! Hahaha..."
"You lying fool, Garp! I was never beaten by a Kung-Fu Dugong—it was a sparring match!"
Sengoku, veins popping on his forehead, yelled furiously, pointing a finger at Garp's face. "If it weren't for your insubordination and fooling around with strange animals, I never would've had to deal with those things!"
"Bah, either way, I thrashed them, and you got thrashed by them!"
"That was decades ago—you've completely misremembered!"
"I've got an excellent memory!"
"..."
Wright, who had inadvertently overheard this exchange, was utterly stunned. The Kung-Fu Dugongs once fought the Fleet Admiral? What a revelation!Am I going to be silenced for knowing this?
Finally, the two old men quieted down. Garp, now in possession of three bags of rice crackers, strutted out of the room triumphantly. Sengoku, glaring at Wright, snapped, "Why are you still here?"
"I heard nothing, I swear!" Wright scratched his head nervously. "By the way, about my recent request to upgrade the Lightforged, I heard there's been some complications?"
Sengoku sighed in relief at the change of subject, nodding. "Clever kid."
Clearing his throat, Sengoku leaned back in his chair. "Ahem... yes, recent events have caused delays. Originally, the plan was to reward your contributions to the Marines with a brand-new warship."
"A new warship? That's fantastic!" Wright's eyes lit up. While the Lightbringer was adequate as a Vice Admiral's ship, having a vessel as unique as Garp's Dog-Head Warship would be even better!
"However, an unforeseen complication has arisen," Sengoku said with a grimace. "Construction on the new warship has slowed due to a significant issue—your actions against Donquixote Doflamingo."
Wright frowned. "Doflamingo? What did that schemer do now?"
"He's allied himself with a major power in the New World: Kaido, one of the Four Emperors," Sengoku explained gravely.
"Kaido..." Wright's face darkened. "That monster from Wano? The closed-off country?"
"Exactly," Sengoku said, tapping the table for emphasis. "And this is where the real problem lies. Wano is the largest natural source of Sea Prism Stone."
"Sea Prism Stone?" Wright asked, his brows furrowed.
"Indeed, the bane of Devil Fruit users. The World Government and the Marines have long relied on Wano as the primary supplier of Sea Prism Stone," Sengoku explained. "But now, with Doflamingo acting as Kaido's intermediary, he's gained significant control over its distribution."
Wright's expression grew darker. "So Doflamingo is leveraging Sea Prism Stone to interfere with Marine operations."
"Exactly. While he can't cut off supply entirely—Kaido and Wano's rulers wouldn't allow it—he's restricted the flow, forcing us to redistribute our resources. This delay is why your new Lightbringer hasn't been completed."
Wright smirked. "A classic move from Doflamingo. He's likely trying to divert Marine attention from Dressrosa. He wouldn't dare sever the supply entirely—Kaido would crush him!"
"Precisely," Sengoku confirmed. "This is a calculated move, a ploy to distract us. Unfortunately, it's working. For now, we've had to pull back our spies in Dressrosa."
"That arrogant schemer!" Wright cracked his knuckles, grinning. "Next time I see him, I'll beat him to within an inch of his life, heal him, and then beat him again! Let's see how long he can keep that smug smile!"
Sengoku sighed inwardly, sparing a moment of pity for Doflamingo.
"That's not all," Sengoku added. "Doflamingo's newfound control over Sea Prism Stone makes him more dangerous than ever. You mustn't act recklessly."
"I understand," Wright replied, his tone serious. "However, I'd like your authorization for a countermeasure—targeting Kaido."
Sengoku looked alarmed. "Kaido? That's incredibly dangerous! Are you sure you're ready?"
Wright chuckled. "I've heard Kaido has a peculiar obsession with Zoan-type Devil Fruits, especially the Ancient Zoan variants. He collects them like trophies."
Sengoku's eyes lit up. "Ancient Zoan types... didn't you recruit someone recently with such an ability?"
"Exactly," Wright said, his smile turning enigmatic. "With Rosinante's mastery of Observation Haki and my other subordinates, we can plant a very deep thorn in Kaido's side."
Sengoku took a deep breath, nodding firmly. "Alright, Wright. Your plans have never failed before. I trust your judgment. This operation is approved."
"You won't regret it, Sengoku. Haha!"
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