Chapter 108: Wait And See (BONUS)

Mariejois, Pangaea Castle.

Sengoku stood before the grim faces of the Five Elders, feeling a cold sweat form on the back of his neck.

"Honored Elders, on behalf of the Navy, I offer our deepest reflection on this failure."

"For a cunning and ruthless criminal like Caelan, we will pursue him to the ends of the earth. He will not escape justice!"

Sengoku bowed his head deeply, his tone humble.

"Spare the rhetoric. What are you going to do about the two Marines who killed the Celestial Dragons?"

Saint Saturn cut him off coldly.

"Gion and Tokikakke committed a grave error by killing the Celestial Dragons. It is indeed inexcusable. However, they are both key assets of the Navy and have made considerable contributions over the years."

Sengoku maintained a respectful tone as he attempted to plead on their behalf.

"Sengoku, execute them!"

Saint Saturn's voice was sharp and absolute, allowing no room for discussion.

Sengoku's heart sank. The worst-case scenario had come true.

Whether for personal reasons or for the sake of the Navy, Sengoku could not accept the execution of Gion and Tokikakke.

Their contributions were clear to all. The activation of the Buster Call had been official protocol. By standard procedure, no fault lay with them.

If any mistake was to be found, it would be in the World Government's own overly permissive procedures for launching the Buster Call.

If not for the Celestial Dragons' special status, Sengoku would have considered docking their pay for a few months at most.

"They had no intention to commit such a crime. I believe this isn't an offense worthy of death…"

Sengoku tried to argue, but was cut off again.

"Sengoku, you should know full well—anyone who sheds the blood of a Celestial Dragon must die, regardless of who they are."

Saint Nasujuro wore a cruel grin.

A chill ran down Sengoku's spine. In a world where the rulers were ruthless, all he could do was resist in turn.

"Since Vice Admiral Tokikakke neglected his duties, and Vice Admiral Gion was the commanding officer for the Buster Call, and is now missing after being abducted by Caelan, her life or death is unknown…"

"I propose we place a bounty on her immediately. The criminal who murdered the Celestial Dragons must die!"

"As for Tokikakke, he will be demoted one rank and have his pay suspended for six months."

Sengoku spoke firmly and decisively.

In any case, Gion had already been taken by Caelan. If the World Government wanted her, they would have to deal with him first.

"You…!"

The Five Elders glared at Sengoku, their expressions dark.

But he had already made a move that fulfilled their demand while giving a "reasonable" punishment. They couldn't press further without overstepping.

"Then what about Vice Admiral Garp? He let Rayleigh escape and cost the World Government 3.8 billion Berries! How do you intend to punish him?"

Saint Saturn growled.

"Rayleigh was taken by Caelan. Vice Admiral Garp was defeated and will be fined three months' salary."

Sengoku stood his ground and defended his old comrade.

Now that everything had been pinned on Caelan, it was only natural to pass off this incident as well.

In truth, Caelan had deliberately let Rayleigh escape to further humiliate the World Government.

"Excellent. You really are a splendid Fleet Admiral!"

Saint Nasujuro laughed in rage, his bloodlust rising.

He was ready to draw the first-generation Kitetsu and kill Sengoku where he stood.

But most of the Navy's command structure came from Sengoku's and Garp's faction. Killing Sengoku would risk an immediate Navy-wide mutiny.

Sengoku remained silent, enduring the killing intent of the Five Elders.

"Very well. We'll proceed as you said. Also, Caelan's bounty will be raised to 4 billion Berries. Vice Admiral Gion's bounty will be set at 3 billion!"

"All Marine units are ordered to execute both without mercy!"

Saint Saturn restrained his fury and dismissed the meeting with a wave.

Caelan's new bounty was fair. Though he had yet to reach the New World, his strength warranted the figure.

But Gion's bounty was clearly exaggerated—nothing more than a punishment directed at the Navy.

"Thank you, Five Elders."

Sengoku gave a small bow and turned to leave Pangaea Castle.

After he left, the Five Elders resumed discussions about selecting a new Fleet Admiral. Akainu was the most likely candidate.

This time, they intended to mold the Navy into a loyal dog, one that would attack wherever they pointed, without resistance.

Caelan's plan to divide the World Government and the Navy had mostly succeeded at this point.

…

The next morning, the News Coo delivered the latest edition of the World Economic Journal to every corner of the world.

It not only recorded Caelan's latest exploits, but also included the Marine-issued bounty announcements.

> One Man Battles Three Admirals Alone—Unmatched Across the Seas!

> Shocking! The Strongest Bounty Hunter in History, Caelan, Hunts Down Two Celestial Dragons! The Nobles' Prestige Crumbles!

> The World Government's Number One Enemy! The Lawless God of War—The God-Slayer Caelan, Bounty: 5.5 Billion Berries!

> Stained by the Blood of the Creator's Descendants! Former Vice Admiral Gion, Wanted: 3 Billion Berries! Weak but wealthy—interested hunters, step right up!

On an uninhabited island…

Gion sat with a newspaper in hand, reading it again and again.

Each headline was more outrageous than the last. The 3 billion Berries bounty placed on her made her eyelid twitch.

"Miss Gion, it's such a shame you can't be a Marine anymore!"

Caelan sat nearby, casually fanning the flames.

"Shut up! This is all your fault!"

Gion's beautiful eyes burned with anger as she shot him a glare.

"Yes, it's all my fault."

"But the World Government still placed a bounty on you, a candidate for admiral. Cold-blooded, isn't it?"

Caelan smacked his lips and sighed on her behalf.

Gion looked downcast and dispirited.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru probably had no other choice."

She understood them well. They would never have made such a decision unless they were forced to.

She didn't blame Sengoku. As a senior officer, she understood the pressure he was under.

But the World Government had truly disappointed her. She had shed blood and sweat for them, stood as a pillar of the Marines.

All that service, all her merits, and not even a sliver of leniency?

She had only carried out a Buster Call by the book. The Celestial Dragons had died due to Caelan's trick, not by her hand.

Yet the World Government sought to execute her, no questions asked.

"What are you going to do next?"

Caelan asked casually, watching her melancholic profile.

"Follow you."

Gion answered plainly.

"You've thought it through?"

Caelan turned to look toward the sea, where a ship was approaching.

"Hmph, like you'd ever let me go."

Gion rolled her eyes, exasperated.

"Don't worry, more Marines will join me eventually. Aokiji, Zephyr, Ain, Hina…"

Caelan patted her on the shoulder, speaking seriously.

"Admiral Aokiji wants to be Fleet Admiral. Instructor Zephyr's obsessed with killing pirates. No way they'd join you."

"As for those last two female officers? If you get them to fire on the Celestial Dragons, maybe."

Gion replied flatly, mocking Caelan as she spoke.

"Just wait and see."

Caelan didn't refute it. He intended to prove it through action.

A ship slowly approached the shore. It was the one Gecko Moria had recently acquired.

"Let's go."

Caelan pulled Gion aboard, and together, they set course for Alabasta.

(To be continued.)

***

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