"Vice Admiral Sambidi!"
Seeing him subdued, Momousagi's eyes widened in shock. She stepped forward, preparing to rush toward him—
But suddenly she stumbled, nearly falling.
"What…?"
She looked down.
At some unknown moment, a shadow-like restraint had wrapped tightly around one of her legs.
Following the shadow, she saw an ANBU member standing not far away, hands forming seals while staring at her coldly.
Shadow Possession Jutsu!
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Three ANBU operatives appeared instantly in front of her.
Sharp kunai gleamed in their hands.
Momousagi's expression changed slightly.
She realized she could no longer hold back.
Taking a deep breath, she released a surge of Haki, forcefully shattering the shadow binding around her ankle.
Her Haki quickly coated her sword, radiating a sharp aura.
But she didn't notice—
Not far away, another ANBU member had crouched low, forming a strange hand seal.
"Mind Transfer Jutsu!"
With a low shout—
A strange force instantly enveloped Momousagi.
Buzz!
Momousagi had just broken free from the shadow.
But suddenly—
Her body froze.
The tension on her face vanished instantly.
Her sword slipped from her hand.
Clang.
She made no resistance at all as the three ANBU pressed kunai lightly against her neck.
Three seconds later—
Her eyes regained clarity.
"What… what just happened?"
Feeling the cold steel at her throat, Momousagi froze.
The once chaotic reception hall fell into complete silence.
"Take them away."
"Lock them up."
Arthur spoke calmly, a faint smile on his face.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The ANBU escorted the stunned Momousagi and Sambidi away.
One by one, the ANBU disappeared again.
Only White Fang remained.
Arthur glanced at him.
"How did it feel fighting a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral?"
White Fang thought for a moment before answering.
"Very strong."
"If it were purely a frontal battle with taijutsu, even all ANBU combined would struggle to defeat a Vice Admiral."
"That ability they call Haki is troublesome."
"But if ninjutsu is used and we avoid direct confrontation…"
"Two ANBU squads should be enough to deal with one Vice Admiral."
"Mhm."
Arthur nodded slightly.
"That's normal."
"The ANBU were never meant for frontal combat."
"It's just that we currently lack other military forces, so you have to fill that role for now."
Then he looked at White Fang again.
"What about you personally?"
"How do you think you measure up?"
White Fang fell silent for a moment.
"If it's a Vice Admiral at that level…"
"I'm confident I can handle him."
"Excellent."
The smile on Arthur's face widened.
He glanced at the wrecked reception hall.
"Next time…"
"It might be a Marine Admiral who comes."
He looked at White Fang.
"I'll leave that one to you."
"No problem, right?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
White Fang answered firmly.
Marine Headquarters — Marineford
Inside the Fleet Admiral's office.
BANG!
The door was suddenly pushed open.
A Marine rushed inside in panic.
Fleet Admiral Kong frowned deeply.
"What kind of behavior is this?!"
"As a Marine, you must remain calm at all times!"
"Did you forget everything you learned at the Marine Academy?!"
"I–It's bad, Fleet Admiral!"
The Marine looked extremely anxious.
He didn't even bother explaining properly before shouting:
"The Communications Department just reported an emergency!"
"Ten minutes ago, we completely lost contact with the warship carrying Vice Admiral Sambidi, who was sent to negotiate with the Zephir Kingdom!"
"What?!"
Kong slammed his hand onto the desk and stood up.
His expression instantly turned grave.
Five Minutes Later
The emergency meeting alarm echoed throughout Marineford.
Forty minutes later—
All Marine high command gathered again in the conference room.
"As of fifty minutes ago," Kong began without wasting time,
"the Communications Department reported the loss of contact with Vice Admiral Sambidi's warship."
"According to Intelligence Division analysis…"
"It is highly likely that negotiations with the Zephir Kingdom broke down."
"And a conflict occurred."
He paused.
"The outcome may be unfavorable for Vice Admiral Sambidi."
The room erupted instantly.
"That's impossible!"
"How could Vice Admiral Sambidi lose?!"
"Even if the Zephir Kingdom is strong, they can't defeat a Vice Admiral!"
"And Rear Admiral Momousagi was with him too!"
"Damn it… we really underestimated that kingdom!"
The Marine officers shouted in disbelief.
After all—
This mission included a Headquarters Vice Admiral and a Rear Admiral.
Even on the Grand Line, that force could challenge pirates with bounties over 200 million Berries.
How could a small West Blue kingdom possess such terrifying strength?
"But unfortunately…"
Kong said slowly, his face dark.
"That is the reality."
"We underestimated the Zephir Kingdom."
"Right now, the safety of Vice Admiral Sambidi, Rear Admiral Momousagi, and the nearly 800 Marines with them is unknown."
"But no matter what—"
"The Marines cannot tolerate such a lawless nation continuing to exist on these seas!"
"Exactly!"
"A mere West Blue kingdom repeatedly provoking Marine authority!"
"They're asking for death!"
"They must pay the price!"
"That country must disappear!"
Angry voices echoed throughout the conference room.
"If we don't respond, the dignity of the Marines will be destroyed!"
"I completely agree!"
"Action must be taken!"
Kong looked around the room.
"Very well."
"Since we are in agreement, we must now discuss military deployment."
Just then—
A tall figure suddenly stood up.
It was Sakazuki.
His face was cold and severe.
His voice carried absolute resolve.
"Fleet Admiral."
"For such evil forces that openly trample Marine justice…"
"I cannot tolerate their continued existence."
"I request authorization to launch a Buster Call."
His gaze was icy.
"I will personally lead the operation."
"And erase the Zephir Kingdom from the map—"
Completely.
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