"…Lost again. That shouldn't be happening."
Acnologia placed his cards down on the table, clearly unwilling to accept defeat, and stepped aside as Tatsumaki took his place.
"How could you not lose? You idiot—Is is the landlord, we're on the same side, but you kept playing against me!"
Madara couldn't help but complain. Watching Acnologia's playstyle, one would think Madara was the landlord instead.
"Madara, I don't like the way you're saying that," Acnologia shot back. "Weren't you the one giving me signals to play? And didn't I follow up with a seven? You couldn't even beat that."
"…."
Madara looked at the last card in his hand—a three—and fell into silence.
At this moment, he had no interest in arguing any further.
Inside the hall, the atmosphere was lively.
Wine, food, laughter—
A warm and relaxed scene.
"Knock, knock, knock."
A sound came from outside.
Everyone turned their attention toward the door.
A maid stepped forward and opened it.
Seeing that it was a World Government agent, Acnologia, Tatsumaki, and Madara simply continued playing cards.
The man in the black suit approached Is and spoke softly:
"Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is, we've arrived beneath the Red Line. When would you like to proceed back to Mary Geoise?"
"…We're here already?"
Is paused, slightly surprised. Having been caught up in the game, it didn't feel like much time had passed.
"Yes, Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is."
"Alright, I understand."
Is nodded and waved him off.
After the man left, Is turned to the others.
"That's enough. Time to go."
Hearing this, they tossed their cards onto the table and stretched.
"Finally? Feels like the return trip was faster than when we left…" Tatsumaki yawned, her eyes half-lidded with drowsiness.
"Minian."
Is stood up from the sofa and called out.
Roz Minian, who had been waiting nearby, quickly stepped forward.
"Yes, Master. What are your orders?"
"Go fetch a clean set of clothes for Acnologia."
As he spoke, Is picked up the freshly brewed coffee on the table and took a sip.
"Understood, Master."
Indeed, Acnologia's current attire was… out of place.
Just like when Madara first arrived.
But if one had to compare—
Acnologia was worse.
Madara at least looked like he wore proper clothing.
Acnologia, on the other hand…
Looked closer to someone dressed in rags.
After settling everything, Is had the World Government personnel officially register everyone on his side as part of the noble registry.
Only then did they board the exclusive lift and ascend back to Mary Geoise.
The moment they arrived—
Even under the night sky, illuminated by moonlight—
They could see smoke rising in the distance.
Faint flames flickered across the horizon.
Just as Is and the others were feeling puzzled—
The gates slowly opened.
A group of guards rushed toward them.
"Enemies?"
Acnologia instantly tensed, ready to fight at any moment.
Tatsumaki rolled her eyes. "Relax. They're ours."
As she spoke, the guards had already arrived and bowed toward Is.
"Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is, welcome back. However, Mary Geoise is currently facing a situation. Please follow us to a safe zone."
"A situation…?"
A bad feeling crept into Is's mind.
"Yes. Intruders have entered Mary Geoise. The Marines are handling it, but it will take some time. For your safety, please come with us."
"Intruders? Pirates?"
Is asked.
Aside from pirates, he couldn't think of anyone bold enough to attempt this.
"Yes."
"…The Roger Pirates?"
He asked again.
After all, he had just fought them not long ago. Based on their route, they could have reached Sabaody and then either passed through Mary Geoise—or gone under the sea.
But before Is could think further—
The guard quickly corrected him.
"No… Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is, it's not the Roger Pirates."
"It's the Rocks Pirates."
"They've attacked not only Mary Geoise—but Marine Headquarters as well, at the same time."
"…The Rocks Pirates?"
That answer genuinely surprised Is.
Everything pointed toward the Roger Pirates—at least ninety-five percent probability.
Yet somehow—
It was Rocks instead.
"I see. You may leave."
"…You won't come to the safe zone, Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is?"
"No need."
From the guard's words and the current situation, Is had already pieced things together.
Rocks had likely only sent a detachment to Mary Geoise.
Their main force was at Marine Headquarters.
If their main strength were here—
The damage would be far worse than what they were seeing now.
And now—
Is had Acnologia.
Along with Madara and Tatsumaki.
With that lineup—
Handling a small detachment of the Rocks Pirates was more than enough.
Going to a safe zone?
Completely unnecessary.
"But if anything happens to you, we won't be able to take responsibility—"
"There's no need for you to."
Is turned around and called out:
"Let's go. We're heading home."
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