Chapter 153: Ryuunosuke’s Response and Arrangements

Chapter 153: Ryuunosuke's Response and Arrangements

After ending the call, Ryuunosuke sat calmly on the deck, eyes fixed on the distant sea.

That's right—they were no longer in the Sabaody Archipelago.

Before…

After destroying the local naval branch, Ryuunosuke had lingered for a short while. Once he was confident everyone had completed their training, he prepared to leave.

"You damn brat! Just using people and running off?" Rayleigh shouted, visibly irritated. "At least give me some money—I need to buy wine!"

Only Ryuunosuke could get under Rayleigh's skin like that.

"Uncle Rayleigh, I know you purposely kept things hidden at first," Ryuunosuke said with a soft smile. "But I also know you were just waiting for the right person to come along. As for why all of you went into hiding—I won't try to guess."

"But I'll say this—if you ever need anything from the Dragon Hunter Pirates, just say the word."

With that, Ryuunosuke bowed deeply to Rayleigh.

It wasn't because Rayleigh was some fearsome figure from the Pirate King's crew. It was a bow out of pure respect—for the man who had taught them, trained them, and guided them.

During their time together, Rayleigh had shed weight and probably more than a few strands of hair helping Ryuunosuke's crew train. And they progressed fast—too fast.

With Kuina, Hawkins, and the others improving at a rapid pace, Rayleigh found himself constantly reworking his training plans. It was enough to give anyone a headache.

"With words like that, I can say my time wasn't wasted," Rayleigh said with a rare, genuine smile. "Fifty million berries. Not a single berry less. At least let me drink in peace for a while."

Ryuunosuke chuckled. "Don't worry, our crew will send it over soon."

"We'll head out now—if Akainu's still watching this place, it could be dangerous for both of us."

With that, Ryuunosuke and the Dragon Hunter Pirates departed.

Now aboard their ship, Ryuunosuke stood and looked out over the vast sea, a playful smirk curling at the corners of his lips.

To someone who already knew the plot of this world, it was obvious: this wasn't just any skirmish.

It was the start of the Top War.

There was no way the Navy would make such a bold move—challenging both the Dragon Hunter Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates—without backup from the World Government. Two legendary pirate groups being targeted in one campaign? Yeah, this was no ordinary fight.

"Captain, everything's ready," Najenda reported, walking over briskly. "Tendou Pain just sent word—Marineford has already started evacuating the residents. They're moving toward the New World."

Ryuunosuke nodded. Najenda wasn't wrong to be cautious. Attacking the Navy Headquarters was no joke.

The Navy had monsters of their own—Garp, who nearly shattered Ryuunosuke's defenses with a single punch; Kuzan, who wielded ice like a god; and Borsalino, who had sparred with him and walked away unscathed. Then there were those who hadn't even moved yet—like Sengoku and Tsuru. Ryuunosuke had no illusions about how dangerous this was.

"They've already started evacuating, huh? Fast response," Ryuunosuke murmured. "No need to worry about the Navy's moves—I've already got people handling it."

"For now, we head to Impel Down."

"Oh, and there's an uninhabited island up ahead. We'll stop there to restock supplies."

Najenda blinked. "Uninhabited? For resupplying?"

That made no sense. Normally, they'd dock at a populated island to restock and gather supplies.

"No people, no vendors... so where exactly are we buying from?" she asked, thoroughly confused.

Ryuunosuke just smiled and didn't answer.

Every piece had already been placed on the board.

Now, it was time to make his move in this deadly game with the World Government and the Navy.

If they wanted him involved that badly—fine. He'd play.

Dragon Hunter Pirates. Whitebeard Pirates. And the secret forces he had in reserve.

Navy, are you ready for the surprise I've got in store?

The confident grin on Ryuunosuke's face said it all.

---

Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters...

Evacuations were underway. Non-combat personnel were being relocated. Only fighting forces remained.

Inside the Fleet Admiral office, Tsuru entered, holding a folder with a grave expression.

"Sengoku... Kuzan, you're here too?" she said, then handed the documents straight to Sengoku without another word.

"What's this?" Sengoku asked, taking the papers—then his expression shifted in an instant.

"This... This wasn't part of the plan."

According to their strategy, the Dragon Hunter Pirates were supposed to fall into their trap.

But instead, they were making a direct move on Impel Down!

To make matters worse, the Whitebeard Pirates were sailing straight toward Marineford.

"What the hell are those two thinking!?" Sengoku blurted out, stunned.

"Fleet Admiral," Kuzan said from the side, voice calm and cold. "Maybe they've already thrown your bait aside."

"It's like a fight. If you get slapped in the face, you can't just walk it off. You've gotta slap back."

Sengoku exhaled deeply, frustration plain on his face.

Now what?

If they ignored the Dragon Hunter Pirates, Impel Down could fall—and if those monsters inside were released, the whole world could spiral into chaos.

But if they sent too many forces to defend it, the Whitebeard Pirates would have a clear shot at the headquarters.

Too few defenders, and Impel Down would fall anyway.

A checkmate either way.

"Notify Magellan immediately," Sengoku ordered. "We're adjusting the plan. Clearly, they're not giving us any time to prepare."

Tsuru nodded in agreement. "That's the best call. No point sticking to a strategy when your opponents don't follow the rules."

The Dragon Hunter Pirates were unlike any other crew—they didn't fit any pattern. And the scary part?

They didn't even know how strong the Dragon Hunters really were.

Other pirate crews were only dangerous because of their captains—underlings were weak in comparison.

But the Dragon Hunters?

Their entire crew was powerful. Balanced. Dangerous from top to bottom.

Only the Four Emperors had that kind of overall strength.

And the Dragon Hunter Pirates hadn't even been around for two years.

That chilling realization sent a cold sweat down Tsuru's back.

Could it be… this era really does belong to the newcomers?

With the goal now redefined, Sengoku and the others began preparing for a different kind of war.

Evacuations continued, but everything else? That would now have to be improvised.

The real battle was just beginning.

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