Chapter 48: War Commissions and Naval Meetings

Hippolyus was once the heir to a kingdom in the West Blue.

Just a year ago, his homeland was invaded by the neighboring Kingdom of Flowers, and the reason for the invasion was utterly ridiculous.

As a member of the World Government, the Kingdom of Flowers was required to pay an exorbitant amount of Heavenly Tribute to the Celestial Dragons in exchange for protection. Though the kingdom was wealthy and possessed extensive resources, its rulers were unwilling to deplete their own treasury. Instead, they set their sights on their weaker neighbor—the Kingdom of Veras.

Since Veras had not joined the World Government, it lacked official recognition and protection. Isolated and defenseless, it was swiftly conquered by the Kingdom of Flowers.

Among the many spoils seized from Veras's treasury was the Door-Door Fruit.

This year, when the Kingdom of Flowers sends its tribute to the Celestial Dragons, the Door-Door Fruit will be delivered alongside a shipment of treasures.

Though the Kingdom of Veras was destroyed, remnants of its army still survived, scattered and regrouping on a remote island. However, the Kingdom of Flowers had already traced their location and planned to dispatch a large force to eliminate them once and for all.

After listening to Pros's bitter recounting of events, Asa simply shrugged, feeling nothing but mild contempt.

How foolish do you have to be to possess such a powerful Devil Fruit and not even eat it?

Now, after losing his homeland, Pros seethed with resentment—resentment toward himself for his incompetence and toward the Kingdom of Flowers for its tyranny. But what good did that do him now?

If Pros had eaten the fruit back then, he could have at least fought back. The ability to advance, attack, retreat, and defend would have been his greatest asset. With the Door-Door Fruit, no one would have been able to capture him.

"Well, this fruit belongs to me now," Asa declared with a smirk. "The Celestial Dragons' tribute? Those leeches and imbeciles can't stop me from stealing it, hahahahaha!"

Pros pressed his forehead against the deck, unable to lift his head under the pressure of Asa's aura. Yet, despite the overwhelming force, admiration swelled within him.

To steal from the Celestial Dragons—this man was insane!

"Lord Asa," Pros began cautiously. "I became a pirate for one reason—to cause trouble for the Kingdom of Flowers and uncover the transportation route for the Heavenly Tribute. Now, I have some crucial information about that route. I'll give it to you… on one condition."

Asa arched an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Please, use whatever remains of the gold shipment to rescue the Veras Army."

Pros was clever—he understood that attempting to leverage the Devil Fruit as a bargaining chip would not only cost him his life but could also doom his country's last remaining soldiers.

Asa grinned.

"This is a good deal. I'll take it."

There was no way he would let the Door-Door Fruit fall into the hands of the World Government. If the future was changed and this ability ended up in the hands of a CP agent stronger than Blueno, it would create serious problems.

His Lightning-Lighting Fruit's speed advantage would be neutralized, leaving him vulnerable in battle. He had to secure this fruit himself.

A Few Days Later – Marineford

Admiral Zephyr's warship crossed the Calm Belt, swiftly passing through the Red Line before arriving at Marineford, the Navy's Headquarters.

In the dimly lit conference room, only a few high-ranking officers were present—Fleet Admiral Kong, Admiral Zephyr, Vice Admiral and Chief of Staff Tsuru, and Vice Admiral Kizaru. The other Vice Admirals were occupied with critical missions and unable to attend.

"Marshal," Zephyr began, seated in the first row. "This man's intentions remain unclear. It's uncertain whether he leans toward the Navy or the pirates. However, one thing is certain—he is highly dangerous, uncontrollable... and ambitious."

The mission to "invite" Asa had originated from Dr. Vegapunk. Though stationed within the Navy's Scientific Research Division, Vegapunk had direct communication with the Five Elders—the highest authority within the World Government. It was on his request that this mission had been issued.

The Five Elders had then delegated the task to the Navy and the elite CP0 agents, the enforcers of the World Government. Failure was not an option.

Anything related to Vegapunk's research was considered top priority—these were the scientist's own words.

"You mean to tell me even Borsalino, with his Glint-Glint Fruit, couldn't capture him?" Fleet Admiral Kong frowned in disbelief.

"He's cunning," Zephyr admitted. "He refuses to engage in direct combat unless necessary. And… Borsalino suffered a minor loss against him."

Kizaru's face twisted with displeasure.

Perhaps this experience would serve as a wake-up call—an over-reliance on Devil Fruits alone was insufficient. As much as he hated to admit it, Zephyr found himself slightly pleased by this development.

"Hmph!" Kizaru scoffed. The usual indifference in his demeanor vanished as he abruptly stood up and exited the conference room, likely in search of some solitude.

"According to intelligence from the West Blue, this Asa is the only son of the Hippoly family, correct?" Vice Admiral Tsuru asked calmly.

"He's sixteen years old," she continued. "It's been eight years since his family's merchant ship crashed near Gaya Island on the Grand Line, yet somehow, he returned to the West Blue."

"Send a team to investigate near Gaya Island," Kong ordered. "Find out where he obtained his Devil Fruit. At such a young age, he already rivals an Admiral candidate… He'll be a major threat in the future."

Of course, investigating the fruit was merely an excuse—the real goal was to determine whether the Hippoly family was still alive. If they were, perhaps they could be used as leverage.

The Navy, after all, was not a beacon of justice. It committed far more atrocities than the pirates it hunted—but because it carried the banner of justice, it could act without question, without consequence.

"Has a bounty been issued?" Zephyr inquired.

"Not yet," Kong replied. "We'll observe for now. If he takes actions against the Navy or the World Government…" His voice trailed off, the implication clear.

Just then, an encrypted document was handed over.

"Marshal Kong," Vice Admiral Tsuru said. "The West Blue Archaeological Team that you instructed us to monitor has now entered the Grand Line. Their leader, Nico Olvia, and her crew appear to be searching for Poneglyphs. What are your orders?"

Kong exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples.

"Those damn scholars… Keep an eye on them. If they cross the line, report them to the Five Elders immediately."

Everyone in the room understood the weight of this command.

The World Government had gone to great lengths to suppress any knowledge of events from 800 years ago.

Tampering with history was a forbidden act, and those who crossed that line would be erased without hesitation.

"Once they dig too deep," Kong continued, "the World Government will find an excuse to eliminate them."

Silence fell over the room. Zephyr and the others did not speak.

The fate of O'Hara's archaeologists was already sealed.

In this world, knowledge was dangerous.

And those without the power to protect it would perish.

(End Of Chapter)

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