Meanwhile, over at Mary Geoise—
Not long after the Rocks Pirates launched their attack on Marine Headquarters, the current Fleet Admiral stationed in the Holy Land took a portion of the Marines with him and departed.
However—
Less than five minutes after his departure, a faint explosion sounded from a corner of Mary Geoise.
This was no coincidence.
It was the second squad, led by Shiki the Golden Lion and Charlotte Linlin, who had already arrived and begun their assault.
Of course, their objective wasn't to wage a life-or-death battle against the World Government.
Just like Rocks—
They planned to strike, cause destruction, and retreat.
As long as they weren't caught, everything would be fine.
One thing was certain—
After this, the World Government would undoubtedly devote even more resources to dealing with the Rocks Pirates.
But they didn't care.
Because even if they hadn't done this today, the World Government and Marines would still target them sooner or later.
This just sped things up.
Because of the attack, the Five Elders quickly gathered for an emergency meeting.
"Rocks has truly gone insane… To think he'd launch a direct assault on Marine Headquarters."
The elder with the sword sat on the sofa, his tone cold.
"Isn't that a good thing?" the bald elder said with a faint smile.
"He's delivered himself right to our doorstep. Saves the Marines the trouble of searching the seas."
"That's one way to look at it," another elder replied calmly.
"But what if they fail to eliminate the Rocks Pirates?"
"The consequences would be severe."
"It wouldn't just damage the Marines' reputation—it would damage the authority of the World Government itself."
Indeed—
If this operation failed, it could impact future alliances with other nations.
Even member states might begin to question the World Government's strength.
"You're right," another elder nodded.
"This is both good news and bad news. Everything depends on how the Marines respond."
Just as he finished speaking—
A sudden flash of light tore through the dark night outside.
Followed immediately by a violent explosion.
The Five Elders froze, all turning toward the window.
"What's going on? Why is there an explosion here?"
"And judging by the scale… it's not small."
One of them quickly moved to the window.
Another followed, a realization suddenly flashing across his mind.
"Don't tell me—"
"Don't tell me Rocks' real target isn't Marine Headquarters…"
"…but Mary Geoise?!"
"That's unlikely."
The elder with the sword stepped forward as well.
"The main force is confirmed to be at Marine Headquarters. If anything, what we're facing here is just a detachment."
"That makes sense."
The others nodded in agreement.
"Rocks really is a madman… Attacking Marine Headquarters wasn't enough—he's even targeting Mary Geoise."
"He won't stay arrogant for long. Today's actions will bring about his downfall."
"Let's hope so. Once the Rocks Pirates are eliminated, the seas will be peaceful—for a time."
Meanwhile—
Sengoku, Garp, and Kong's fleet received urgent orders to return to Marine Headquarters just minutes after the attack began.
But they were still some distance away—
Even at full speed, it would take about an hour to arrive.
Of the three—
The one most excited was, without a doubt, Garp.
Seeing the grin on his face, one might've thought he was secretly on the Rocks Pirates' side.
But Sengoku and Kong knew him well.
The man simply got fired up whenever a powerful enemy appeared.
"Purururu… Purururu…"
Inside the ship, Kong was discussing matters with Sengoku when the Den Den Mushi rang.
He hesitated briefly before answering.
"Kong, new orders."
"Not only has Marine Headquarters been attacked by the Rocks Pirates—Mary Geoise is under attack as well."
"The Fleet Admiral has already taken forces from the Holy Land, so you are to proceed there immediately to reinforce and protect the Celestial Dragons."
The Marine on the other end spoke urgently.
Kong nodded without hesitation. "Understood."
He hung up.
Before he could say anything—
Garp immediately spoke up.
"Let's make this clear—I'm taking a separate ship to Marine Headquarters when we get close."
Kong shot him a glance. "I wasn't expecting you to come with me to protect the Celestial Dragons anyway."
"Hahahahaha!"
Meanwhile, on Is's side—
They were already nearing Mary Geoise.
Completely unaware—
Of the chaos unfolding at both Marine Headquarters and the Holy Land.
"Bomb."
Is casually threw down his final two cards.
Acnologia looked at the few cards left in his hand and frowned slightly.
"…Again?"
"Alright, hurry up—next round!" Tatsumaki urged impatiently from behind him.
This was Is's first time playing Dou Dizhu since arriving in this world.
Of course, neither Acnologia nor Madara had any idea how to play at first—they had only just learned.
As for the cards themselves?
For someone with the powers of the Paper-Paper Fruit—
Making a deck was effortless.
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