Chapter 441: Volume 3 – Chapter 84: Don't Guess, Marines

In an instant, Sengoku and Kong had already come to a rough conclusion in their minds.

"So, Daren, what about the remaining locations? Do they share any common traits?"

Sengoku shifted the topic, clearly not wanting to delve deeper into the last discussion.

Daren smiled, understanding that Sengoku had already caught on. He didn't push further and simply replied,

"The other seven locations that were attacked are populated ports and neutral islands. These are hubs for massive information exchange, including connections to the underground black market…"

"I suspect Shiki attacked these places to gather intelligence."

Sengoku nodded thoughtfully at the response.

Then Kong suddenly spoke up.

"Since we can't determine Shiki's exact objective for now, let's focus on analyzing the combat strength of his fleet."

Sengoku immediately agreed.

"Right. On that front... Vice Admiral Daren, you're the most qualified to speak."

Everyone turned to Daren in unison, clearly in agreement.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, don't look at me like that… That kind of pressure is insane."

Daren sighed helplessly.

Those looks practically said, You've already wiped out Shiki's fleet once—what's stopping you from doing it again?

What a joke… Just because he could, doesn't mean he should do it alone again.

"Last time, I was incredibly lucky to destroy Shiki's flying fleet. Even if I had the exact same setup, pulling off that success a second time would be nearly impossible."

Daren knew exactly how narrow that victory had been.

That outcome came down to several very specific advantages aligning.

The unique environment of Coin Island amplified the powers of his Devil Fruit.

Shiki's arrogance had caused him to lower his fleet into range for ground-based attacks.

And most importantly… the information gap. They had blindsided Shiki.

Those three factors combined were what allowed Daren to win so decisively at Coin Island.

It was a one-time deal.

Shiki wasn't the kind of fool to fall into the same trap twice.

After last time, he'd definitely be cautious.

"Then… Vice Admiral Daren, what about the sword?"

A Rear Admiral in his early thirties asked carefully.

Daren shook his head again.

"Enma does have devastating wide-range destructive power, but it's useless against Shiki."

"Before I even have a chance to slash through his fleet, he'll intercept it himself."

"And besides, the sword's capabilities have already been exposed. Shiki's not going to be unprepared."

That made Kong go silent. Sengoku frowned. The other Marine officers all fell quiet, expressions heavy.

"This is ridiculous."

The hoarse, cold voice broke the silence like a blade through fog.

Everyone was stunned.

Sakazuki, who had been silent since the beginning of the meeting, finally lifted his head and swept his eyes across the room without any expression.

"We're the core commanders of the entire Marine headquarters, and yet we're dumping everything on Daren…"

A cold, mocking smile curled at the edge of his lips.

"If you don't even have the courage to fight and die on the battlefield, then maybe you should all submit your resignations."

That lit a fuse.

"Sakazuki! What the hell are you saying!?"

"We've been Vice Admirals way longer than you!"

"You just got promoted—who are you to talk like that!?"

"Shiki's fleet is supposed to be invincible! We can't even fly—how are we supposed to fight him?!"

...

Hostility and anger surged like a tidal wave.

"Enough!"

Kong rapped the table with annoyance.

"Now's not the time to turn on each other!"

The room immediately fell into a tense, uneasy silence. No one dared say another word.

Kong rubbed his temples, deep in thought.

"Sakazuki's words may sound extreme, but he's not wrong."

"Taking down the Flying Pirates is a mission for all of us in the Marines. It shouldn't fall solely on Vice Admiral Daren's shoulders."

"Sengoku..."

He turned toward Sengoku.

"Go ahead and tell them."

Sengoku nodded, his tone serious.

"While we still haven't confirmed Shiki's exact objective, our intelligence indicates that all the weapons supplying his fleet are coming from a single source."

He looked at Daren.

"The Beasts Pirates. Kaidou."

"Daren, give us a quick rundown on Kaidou and the Beasts Pirates."

Daren raised an eyebrow.

So that's why Doflamingo hadn't reacted—Shiki had been sourcing his arms from Kaidou this whole time. That explained it.

Normally, such a massive influx of weapons for a fleet rebuild would cause serious ripples in the black market. Doflamingo would've been the first to respond.

But now it was clear—Shiki had become Kaidou's biggest buyer.

After thinking for a moment, Daren gave a concise overview of Kaidou's situation in Wano Country.

"What!?"

"Kaidou has taken control of Wano Country!?"

"Damn it!"

"Are they planning to join forces again?"

...

The Marine officers were stunned by the revelation and quickly grew uneasy.

Just then, a sweating messenger burst into the room, saluting in a panic.

"Urgent report! We've received new intel!"

"Shiki... the Great Pirate... has once again led his fleet into the New World!"

"We intercepted a Den Den Mushi transmission... We're currently analyzing his next target!"

The outburst jolted everyone. All eyes turned to the massive tactical sand table before them.

Kong and Sengoku scanned the chart intently, minds racing.

Where would Shiki strike next?

"Brr brr... Brr brr..."

Suddenly, an urgent Den Den Mushi call broke the tense silence.

"Excuse me."

Sengoku frowned as he pulled a military Den Den Mushi from his coat and pressed the connect button.

A burst of chaos came through—shouts, explosions, panic.

"Help... Help us..."

"Requesting... backup..."

"Shiki... here... is..."

The voice on the line faded, drowned by screams and the thunder of explosions.

Sengoku stood frozen, clutching the Den Den Mushi.

The others looked on, confused.

"We've cracked the signal!"

Another messenger rushed in, face pale as a sheet.

"Shiki's target... it's... the G14 branch!"

Everyone froze like statues, thunderstruck.

It hit them all at once—they turned their eyes to the Den Den Mushi in Sengoku's hand.

Just then...

The Den Den Mushi's expression shifted, twisting into something wild and cruel.

A hoarse, arrogant laugh crackled through the speaker.

"Stop guessing, Marines... You'll never figure out what I'm up to."

"And stop trying to sneak spies into my crew. Think of this as a little punishment."

"Next time, I won't stop at a small branch."

"Oh, and this whole intimidation thing? Works pretty well... I gotta thank that little brat Daren for the idea."

"Jihahahaha!!"

"Click."

The transmission cut.

The conference room was plunged into absolute silence.