Madara simply sat there, resting his chin on one hand as he watched Acnologia and Is talk, occasionally throwing in a word or two.
But seeing that the two of them had no intention of stopping anytime soon, he finally spoke again, a hint of impatience in his tone.
"Is, I think we should focus on the important matter."
"The important matter?"
Is paused for a moment and glanced at him. "Isn't it already done?"
"…?????"
Madara's eyebrow twitched slightly.
So he was the fool all along.
He had thought Is stayed because the job wasn't finished—
—but it turned out they were just chatting.
"If it's done… couldn't you talk while heading back? Or wait until we're on the ship—drink some wine and chat properly? Wouldn't that be better?"
As he spoke, Madara stood up, stretched lazily, and shot them a look of mild disdain.
"Madara… I've just arrived. It's only natural I want to understand things first," Acnologia replied.
"There'll be plenty of time later. No need to rush," Madara said calmly.
Hearing this, Is brushed the dust off his clothes and spoke indifferently:
"Some things can't be explained in just a few words. Let's head back first. We can talk more on the ship."
Truth be told, Madara had a point.
Staying in this deserted place was pointless. It was far better to return, enjoy good food and wine, and talk in comfort.
Once they returned to the ship, the World Government agents didn't dare question the sudden appearance of another person.
Acnologia, however, seemed to possess a keen instinct for recognizing his own kind.
The moment he boarded, he immediately sensed that Tatsumaki was the same as him.
Still, aside from Is, Madara, and Tatsumaki, he kept his distance from everyone else—ignoring them entirely.
That included Is's maids.
"Set course for Mary Geoise."
As soon as he boarded, Is gave the order.
He had only come here for the third excavation. Now that it was done, there was no reason to linger or explore further.
Returning was the only plan.
"Understood, Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is-sama. I'll inform the navigator immediately. Would you like to dine?" the man in the black suit asked cautiously.
Is shook his head. "No need. I'm not used to the chefs you brought."
"…Understood, Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is-sama. If you need anything, please call for me."
Is didn't respond—he simply waved his hand dismissively.
The man bowed and quietly withdrew.
Time passed quickly, and night soon fell.
Marine Headquarters
The once calm sea began to ripple.
Then—
Under the pale moonlight, a massive shadow swept across the water.
Moments later, the silence of the night was shattered by alarms.
"What's going on?!"
A Marine Rear Admiral, still slightly disoriented, rushed up to the watchtower.
"There's—there's something on the sea! A massive ship is heading straight for us!" the lookout soldier shouted, pointing ahead.
The Rear Admiral followed his gaze.
As the ship drew closer, illuminated by the moonlight, its outline became clearer.
"It's… it's a pirate ship! And that flag—"
"That flag is… the Rocks Pirates!!"
His voice trembled uncontrollably.
Panic overtook him, and he instinctively staggered back several steps—only to fall straight off the watchtower.
He scrambled back to his feet and shouted at the top of his lungs:
"Alert! Alert! The Rocks Pirates are here!"
In less than a minute, the massive ship had already reached the shore.
"Whoosh!"
Rocks stood at the front, a savage grin on his face, waving his blade as he roared:
"Men! Let's have some fun!"
"Remember—kill the weak. If you encounter the strong, don't waste time—run!"
"Follow the plan. When you see the signal—our cannon fire—you retreat immediately!"
Attacking Marine Headquarters—
It was pure madness.
Of course, Rocks knew full well that with his current strength, he couldn't truly stand against the Marines or the World Government.
So why do it?
First—for pride. The Marines had ambushed them before. This was payback.
Second—and more importantly—
To make the name Rocks echo across the seas once again.
To attract followers.
To grow stronger.
Even if it seemed like a losing move on the surface—
Rocks's calculation was anything but careless.
War meant casualties.
But to him, those so-called "brothers" behind him were nothing more than stepping stones.
Their deaths meant nothing.
At his command, the crew erupted into cheers, drawing their weapons.
"Charge!"
Rocks swung his blade, pointing toward Marine Headquarters.
In the next instant—
The entire Rocks Pirates surged forward like a tidal wave.
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