The Gorosei were no fools; the attack capabilities and methods Taro displayed had raised their suspicions long ago.
However, their attention had always remained on Taro's potential Devil Fruit ability.
Now that Vegapunk had concluded that Taro did not have a Devil Fruit ability, they realized their thinking had fallen into a trap.
"In that case, the abilities Taro displayed are indeed extremely similar to those Baboons. I just didn't expect him to be involved with that fellow Mihawk!" said the tall, thin old man with a white beard.
The old man holding a sword shook his head, finding it hard to believe. "Mihawk's personality isn't one to have this kind of connection with others!"
Vegapunk stopped what he was doing and looked at the screen before him with an impatient expression,
"That's all the information I have to share. I don't want to know about what you're discussing, nor am I interested."
"It was also out of some interest in Taro that I agreed to this deal. I've already told you what you wanted to know; don't disturb my experiments again!"
With that, a "click" sounded, the screen flickered, and then went black.
Holy Land Mary Geoise.
"It seems necessary to send CP0 to Kuraigana Island," the old man with a handlebar mustache said in a deep voice.
The old man leaning on a short cane shook his head. "No, CP0 recently reported that the Revolutionary Army seems to be making moves in the New World. Let's not disperse their forces for now."
The bald man with a sword adjusted his glasses. "What about those trash from CP9 who were defeated by the Straw Hat? We're shorthanded now; tell Spandine to find a way to recall them!"
"That is indeed an option," the short-haired man nodded. "Also, let's put Taro aside for now. The Marine still needs him to maintain its combat power."
"Hmm, now we just wait for the SSG Unit. A hidden threat is a hidden threat, after all; they must all be eliminated eventually!"
...Red Line, Marine Bubble Cable Car Dock.
"Sentomaru, thank you for today!" Taro thanked Sentomaru.
Sentomaru carried his great axe, maintaining an indifferent attitude. "It was nothing!"
He paused, then added, "Do you really not need me to send you back to Marineford?"
Taro shook his head. "No, I'll return directly to Sabaody. I've been out for a long time, and without a strong combat force on the island, I'm always uneasy!"
Sentomaru frowned. "I heard that Marineford is about to hold a high-level meeting. At this time, you..."
Taro knew roughly what the meeting would be about. Since he wasn't becoming an Admiral, his presence or absence wouldn't make much of a difference.
Besides, the new Fleet Admiral was Akainu, a stubborn fellow who wouldn't listen to reason. Taro had already planned to slack off and didn't want to invite trouble.
New ruler, new courtiers; it's better to be sensible!
In the end, Taro just smiled at Sentomaru, then jumped off the bow, transformed into a Falcon, and headed toward the Sabaody Archipelago.
"Old man, Taro has already left for Sabaody?" Sentomaru pulled out a small den den mushi. "He doesn't seem to be planning to attend the Marine's high-level meeting!"
"Ah, that's an inconsequential matter," Kizaru's voice was slow.
"How long did he talk with Vegapunk?"
Sentomaru thought for a moment. "Probably over an hour!"
Kizaru was silent for a long time. Sentomaru briefly thought the den den mushi had been hung up before hearing the voice from the other side again.
"Did he say anything after he came out?"
Sentomaru scratched his cheek. "He didn't really say anything, but he seemed a bit distracted, and his expression wasn't very good!"
"Understood!"
A "click" as the den den mushi hung up... Sabaody Archipelago.
When Taro returned to the Marine base, it actually seemed empty, with only a limited number of Marine Soldiers left on guard.
"Where is everyone? Where did they all go?" Taro called over the Marine Soldier on duty at the gate.
The Marine Soldier snapped to attention and gave a military salute.
"Reporting, Vice Admiral! In accordance with your arrangements, Colonel George and Major Mike are accompanying the Fish-Man Island delegation on a tour of 40GR today!"
"The people from Fish-Man Island are still here?" Taro's eyes widened, and he almost bolted, then he froze. "Delegation? My arrangements?"
The Marine Soldier was also a bit dazed, not knowing how to respond for a moment, and stood there blankly.
Holy crap, did that old fellow Mike backstab me again?
"Call Mike back!"
Taro's anger instantly flared, and he let out a roar.
The Marine Soldier trembled in fear, his body staggering.
"Forget it, forget it!" Taro frowned and waved his hand. "When he gets back, tell him to come see me. Remember, come quietly, don't make a scene!"
The Marine Soldier took the order and was about to leave when he heard Taro add:
"Also, don't tell anyone about my return! Especially, don't let the people from Fish-Man Island know, do you understand?"
The Marine Soldier didn't understand why this order was given, but he still complied.
"Yes!"
"Very well, go on!"
Afterward, Taro returned to his room; he needed to rest.
He had been away for many days this time, traveling back and forth between several places, which had left him mentally exhausted.
By the time he woke up again, it was completely dark. Just as Taro turned on the light in his room, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in!"
Mike entered with a smile, pushing a dining cart. "Vice Admiral, when I saw your light come on, I knew you were awake!"
When Taro saw this guy, he couldn't suppress his anger and roared,
"You, Mike! Look at what you've done!"
Mike's smile didn't fade as he took out a new uniform from under the dining cart. "Vice Admiral, I've already sent your old clothes to be washed."
Then, with the look of a sycophant,
"Please eat something first. I'll slowly report on the negotiations with Fish-Man Island. This time, I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"
Damn, this guy's service attitude is really beyond reproach.
"Speak!" Taro glared at him resentfully.
While Mike nimbly set the meal on the table, he quickly reported on his work,
"In the past few days, I followed your idea and kept them waiting. As expected, they couldn't keep their cool and offered a very generous..."
As Mike reported, Taro's face grew darker and darker. Instantly, the sherry wine in his glass didn't seem so tasty anymore.
"Finished?" Taro put down his wine glass and asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, I'm finished!" Mike said with a look of joy.
"You're saying these were my arrangements?" Taro's lip twitched.
Mike puffed out his chest and said proudly, "Such far-sighted ideas could naturally only come from you, Vice Admiral..."
"Ouch!"
Before Mike could finish, Taro threw a punch at him, hitting him right in the chest and sending him stumbling back several steps.
"Mike, you motherfucker, you're really a talent!"
Taro said through gritted teeth, "This job was done so damn well, I'm just too satisfied!"
Mike steadied himself and rubbed his chest, which was aching from the punch,
"Vice Admiral, this is all part of my duty. It's the result of the collective efforts of all the Marine Soldiers after deeply grasping your spirit!"
"I really don't deserve such praise all to myself!"
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