「What?! A Celestial Dragon who was supposed to be under house arrest in Mariejois escaped to Fishman Island?! We lost a fair number of them to that 'plague'—I specifically ordered guards to watch over the survivors as 'protection'! Who is the idiot that let them through?! How?! Why?! When did this happen?!」
The news hit me like a physical blow. In the original timeline, a Celestial Dragon's ship wrecked on Fishman Island, leading to a massive diplomatic disaster.
I thought I had secured the "survivors" in Mariejois well enough to prevent history from repeating itself. Clearly, I was wrong.
『Calm down, Rear Admiral! That kind of anti-government shouting isn't something you should be doing in public! It happened about a week ago. I apologize for the delay in the report.』
The voice of my contact—a Marine stationed at Mariejois—hissed back through the Den Den Mushi. I forced myself to take a deep breath.
「...Sorry. I lost my cool. Give me the details. How did he slip out?」
『It's a headache, sir. The guard assigned to him... apparently, the Celestial Dragon offered him a sum of money he couldn't refuse. He flipped.』
「Who is the moron?! Does he not realize those 'guards' were meant to be jailers?!」
『Let's see... ah, here it is. Donquixote Miosgard was being watched by a Captain Governor. The Captain requested the assignment personally, claiming he wanted to protect a World Noble... but clearly, he just wanted the bribe.』
「Governor...? I don't know the name. What's his unit?」
『Headquarters. That's the worst part. He's already set sail with Miosgard toward Fishman Island. We're planning to arrest him the moment he returns.』
「Tch. I'm heading to Fleet Admiral Sengoku immediately. I'll propose increasing the surveillance—'protection'—and then I'm setting sail for Fishman Island myself.
You, start a background check on every single Marine currently assigned to a Celestial Dragon. Double the personnel if you have to!」
『Understood, sir! Starting right away!』
I slammed the receiver down and marched straight to Sengoku's office, only to be stopped at the door.
「There is no need for that,」 Sengoku said, not even looking up as I entered. 「I've already received word from King Neptune. Saint Miosgard's ship was attacked by Sea Kings and shipwrecked. He is currently receiving medical treatment at Ryugu Palace.」
「Then we need to send a task force now!」
「The King has informed us that they will return him via a Ryugu Kingdom vessel once his treatment is complete.」
「But, sir!」
「I'm surprised at your zeal, Krieg,」 Sengoku finally looked up, his glasses glinting. 「I thought you shared Garp's distaste for the Celestial Dragons. Why are you so concerned about a spoiled Noble getting his feet wet?」
「...I don't like them, sir. But I like it even less when the Government uses these incidents as an excuse to pressure the Navy. I'd rather prevent the headache before it starts.」
It was a flimsy excuse, but I couldn't exactly tell him I was trying to prevent a specific canon event involving Queen Otohime.
「Regardless, the Navy will stay out of this. With Jinbe just joining the Warlords, sending a fleet to Fishman Island now would only stir up unnecessary trouble with the locals.」
「...Understood. In that case, I may request a personal leave of absence soon. Is that acceptable?」
「Denied. I have a specific mission for you. One that requires your particular... history.」
「A mission? Is it something only I can do?」
「You're familiar with 'Red-Haired' Shanks, aren't you?」
My heart skipped a beat. 「I keep tabs on influential pirates, yes. I heard he returned from the East Blue recently.」
「He was spotted at Sabaody. We have confirmation that his ship, the Red Force, is currently being coated.」
「Which means...」
「He's entering the New World. Ten to one, he's going to make a play for a seat at the table. With Kaido, Big Mom, and Whitebeard already reigning supreme, a man of 'Red-Hair's' caliber entering the fray will turn the New World into a slaughterhouse. We need eyes on him.」
I rubbed my temples. I was the one who practically goaded Shanks into returning to the Grand Line, but Sengoku didn't know that.
From his perspective, the delicate balance of the Three Great Powers was about to be shattered by a wild card.
「...I understand. Regarding Fishman Island, I have a rapport with the Royal Family from my last visit; please let me know if anything changes.
And as for that Captain Governor... I ask that he be punished with the utmost severity. A Headquarters officer taking bribes brings shame to the entire service. Make an example of him.」
「Agreed. If he survives the trip back, I'll see to it personally.」
「...Then I'll take my leave.」
As I stepped out of the office, my mind raced. Miosgard was at Fishman Island, Otohime's fate was in the balance, and Shanks was knocking on the door of the New World.
The "relic" ship I had been assigned would have to do for now. I needed to move fast.
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