"Let them go. This is my own problem. I won't forget what happened today." The Pirate Empress said calmly. Today was a day of humiliation for her, one she would wash away in the future with her own strength.
Without relying on anyone. Given time, she would not slack off. She would train harder, become stronger, and then crush every one of these detestable men under her heel.
"Haha, I'll be waiting." World laughed heartily. A threat? He didn't care. The two turned and left.
Rosen watched them go but didn't intervene. Those two weren't weak, and since the Empress claimed them as her future prey, he let it be.
The Empress was actually quite young, yet already incredibly strong. In a few years, she likely wouldn't be any weaker than the Evil King or the others, especially with her potential for Conqueror's Haki.
"How did you end up clashing with them?" Rosen asked.
"Just a coincidence. But what are you two doing here? You have connections in the Andia Kingdom, right? I heard it's been surrounded by a Marine Headquarters fleet recently, led by Admiral Aokiji and Vice Admiral Garp." The Pirate Empress looked at Rosen as she spoke.
"What?!" Both Rosen and Hathaway exclaimed simultaneously. They hadn't seen this in any news. Had Andia Kingdom been compromised?
Was it Rufus? But if Rufus wanted to target him, he would have struck while they were in Andia. He hadn't. If not him, the chances of them being exposed were low.
Could it be that Akainu's death made him wary of Rosen, leading him to use the Marines to eliminate him or lure him out?
Rosen wasn't sure.
"I heard Rayleigh, the Pirate King's first mate, was spotted on the island. CP agents detected him, and there was a clash. Vice Admiral Garp happened to be nearby hunting for you, so he diverted course to Andia Kingdom..." The Pirate Empress shared what she knew.
Regarding this matter, the Marines had even requested nearby Shichibukai to assist. To avoid alerting anyone, only the Shichibukai were informed.
"How fast is your ship?" Rosen asked immediately. If Garp and Aokiji really had a large fleet stationed at Andia Kingdom, or were taking action there, and they discovered Robin and the others, things would get very troublesome.
"At full speed, we can reach Andia Kingdom in half a day."
Rosen calculated quickly. That was much faster than the Marine ship they had stolen.
"Can you set sail now?"
"No problem." The Pirate Empress didn't hesitate. They had just saved her life; this small favor was nothing.
Truth be told, if they hadn't rushed at full speed from another island, Rosen and his companion could have managed another long-distance sprint. But they might be facing Garp this time; Rosen didn't dare expend too much energy.
He also wasn't sure if Robin and the others were in danger. Acting too conspicuously might actually expose them.
The Marines had many eyes on the sea.
The priority was to contact Robin. He hadn't contacted her before, thinking Andia Kingdom was safe, no need to be overly anxious.
But things had changed. He needed to return quickly. It was better to be safe than sorry. If a conflict erupted while he and Hathaway were away, the outcome might be something he couldn't bear.
"Prepare to set sail immediately." The Empress, sensing Rosen and Hathaway's gravity, ordered her newly freed crew.
Rosen then borrowed a Den Den Mushi and a rare wiretap-proof black one, calling the Dawn. Valentine answered, delighted, and quickly fetched Robin.
"I heard a Marine Headquarters fleet is anchored near Andia? What's the situation there?" Rosen asked at once.
"We're fine here. But when Xia entertained Vice Admiral Garp and the others earlier, it seemed they haven't detected us for sure, though they probably suspect something. Also, that powerful guy we encountered at Sabaody is here too. He's been causing chaos in Paradise; pirates don't dare come anymore..." Robin briefed him.
Not just Garp and Aokiji, but that mad strongman from Sabaody had also come to Andia Kingdom?
"Hmm, losses in Paradise are acceptable. That's not the main issue. I'm heading back as fast as I can. Keep everyone low-key. Wait until I return before doing anything." Rosen instructed.
The situation wasn't critical yet, but danger was imminent. Rosen and Hathaway had to go back. At the very least, they needed to draw Garp and the others away. That was necessary.
Besides, Rosen doubted Garp would truly want an all-out fight with Rayleigh, unless Rayleigh caused massive destruction. Garp would probably turn a blind eye.
"Understood, Boss. I know what to do." Robin nodded, relieved to receive Rosen's call.
Though they were well-hidden, the psychological pressure was immense.
After all, Vice Admiral Garp, Admiral Aokiji, and Ramirez—these three were top-tier fighters. Accompanied by a large Marine fleet, they could even take on a Yonko crew.
Let alone the Dawn Pirates, who were without their captain.
Meanwhile, at Andia Kingdom.
Six top-tier Marine battleships were anchored near the Paradise waters. Paradise, once bustling, was now filled with smoke.
A madman, disregarding all factional interests, had killed or driven away every pirate there. No one dared stay.
It was said to be international waters, not under any kingdom's jurisdiction, but that didn't exclude the World Government. Even if it did, the World Government wouldn't abide by laws between a few kingdoms.
"Vice Admiral Garp, though you're a Marine hero, my rank is higher. I order you to attack Andia Kingdom now! I'm certain Silvers Rayleigh and the Dawn Pirates are hiding on this island. You saw it too, didn't you? I've captured so many people, all strangers to each other, yet they all insist they've seen Dawn Pirates members here..." Ramirez's eyes gleamed with bloodthirsty madness.
"Even if the Dawn Pirates are here, we can't just attack an allied nation's territory without cause. When we find their trail, we'll move out." Vice Admiral Garp picked his nose, looking unconcerned.
Seriously? Andia Kingdom had so many civilians. What good would a bombardment do without a target, besides destruction?
He'd already told Sengoku not to let World Government people tag along. But Sengoku said there was no choice, it was the Marines' fault, he couldn't control the World Government's forces. So annoying.
"What's wrong with that? Kill enough people, and you're bound to get some of theirs. Vice Admiral Garp, if you won't act, don't blame me for using a Buster Call. But I only have one authorization, I'd hate to waste it. You people worry too much..."
Ding! An ice spear suddenly struck the ground at Ramirez's feet like a laser. Aokiji, surrounded by chilling cold, glared coldly at Ramirez. "Don't forget, I'm the supreme commander of this operation. If you act recklessly again, I'll personally escort you back to the Holy Land."
Ramirez was truly a madman, impossible to deal with. He'd killed countless pirates along the way, implicated countless innocents, and now wanted to launch a random attack. What else would you call that?
Garp stared silently at the sea. Good thing he wasn't in command this time. Dealing with scum like Ramirez would be endlessly frustrating.
"Hmph." Seeing Aokiji's serious and resolute attitude, Ramirez backed down slightly. He'd heard this guy was nominated for Fleet Admiral.
One more significant achievement, and he'd be close to becoming Fleet Admiral. With the World Military Draft underway, many powerful individuals had already emerged, some even rivaling Admirals.
Just as Aokiji thought Ramirez had backed off, Ramirez suddenly unleashed a massive sword slash toward Andia Island in the distance.
It happened so fast, by the time Garp and Aokiji reacted, it was too late.
"That won't do. The Marines I envision shouldn't be like this." At that moment, on the beach, A blind uncle sat on a rock. Though he couldn't see, the astonishing sword aura was too conspicuous, too dark. He could sense it without eyes.
The stench of blood was overwhelming.
(End of Chapter)