For the past three years, Renji had developed a habit. He liked going where crowds gathered.
The livelier the place, the easier it was to collect attributes.
Especially this time.
The troublemaker was Monkey D. Luffy.
Although Renji had only watched a little over two hundred episodes of One Piece and had not even finished the most exciting parts of the Water Seven arc, his experience with novels, anime, and films told him one thing.
Wherever the protagonist appeared, trouble would follow.
From the East Blue arc and the Alabasta arc alone, it was obvious that Luffy was not someone who lived quietly. Every incident he caused would only grow bigger.
This was a perfect opportunity for a breakthrough.
Over the past three months, Renji had already reached the peak of the Yonko commander level.
If he could collect attributes during a major incident, breaking through to Admiral level was not impossible.
Thinking of this, Renji turned to the Fourth Division members behind him.
"It seems the Sabaody Archipelago isn't very peaceful right now."
"I will investigate what exactly happened. You all return to the ship and prepare to leave at any moment."
"Huh?"
Everyone was stunned by Renji's arrangement.
"Instructor."
"Wouldn't it be safer if we acted together?"
"No."
Renji shook his head.
"If it is just reconnaissance, the fewer people the better."
"All hands, listen up."
The moment Renji spoke in a commanding tone, everyone straightened their backs.
"Return to the ship immediately. If you encounter the Marines, sail away at once."
"Keep the Den Den Mushi line open. I will contact you."
Renji insisted on going alone. Although the crew worried about his safety, they could only obey orders.
Soon, the Fourth Division members returned to the ship and sailed away from the Sabaody Archipelago.
"Now then."
Renji looked around.
Marines were constantly moving through the streets and alleys.
Only about ten minutes had passed since he gave the order, yet the situation had already become far more tense.
Judging by the Marines' actions, they were preparing to conduct a full search of the entire island.
"A Celestial Dragon?"
Renji thought for a moment and quickly reached a conclusion.
"Even without seeing them, they are already making me sick."
Renji did not know the full extent of the Celestial Dragons' behavior.
But from the fact that an entire island was being searched just because one had been hit, not even killed, it was obvious their status surpassed that of both ancient Eastern emperors and Western royalty.
Sabaody had always been a hotspot of conflict between pirates and the Marines due to its location near the route to the New World and close to Marine headquarters.
Usually, even human trafficking would not trigger such a large-scale operation.
Yet now the Marines had mobilized everywhere.
The privileges of the Celestial Dragons were clearly absurd.
Renji walked through narrow alleys and back streets.
His goal was simple.
Gather information and find Luffy.
As the protagonist, Luffy would always be at the center of events, and the attribute drops would be plentiful.
"Hey."
At that moment, someone called out to him.
Renji turned around with an innocent expression.
It was a Marine.
He looked to be in his early twenties.
"Sir Marine, what's wrong?"
"Don't you know the island is under lockdown and being searched?"
The Marine walked quickly toward Renji, examining him closely.
"Still wandering outside under these circumstances. You are a pirate, aren't you?"
It sounded like concern, but his posture and gestures revealed his real intention.
He wanted money.
Renji glanced around.
As expected, there was no one else nearby.
Even the Marines were rotten, perhaps worse than pirates.
A Marine in his twenties should have been full of ideals and justice.
Yet this one seemed extremely practiced in extorting civilians.
"Sir Marine."
Renji reached into his coat and took out a stack of Berries, about ten thousand.
He stepped closer and held it out.
"How about this?"
"Not bad."
The Marine stretched out his hand to take the money, clearly satisfied.
"Right now Sabaody is extremely dangerous."
"The Eleven Supernovas are all here, and someone attacked a Celestial Dragon."
"If you do not have somewhere safe to go or cannot return home because of the lockdown, follow me and I will take you."
From his tone, it was clear he was not simply taking the money and leaving.
He intended to arrange a safe place where Renji would not be disturbed or caught in the fighting.
However, the next second the Marine collapsed to the ground.
On the surface nothing seemed wrong.
But internally his organs had already been shattered by the vibration power of the Tremor Fruit.
"Looks like wearing a Marine uniform might be useful."
Renji dragged the body into the alley and threw it into a pile of garbage.
Then he stripped the Marine uniform and put it on himself.
The most dangerous place was often the safest.
Since Renji wanted intelligence, blending in with the Marines was the perfect disguise.
After searching the uniform, he found an identification badge.
"Marine garrison at Sabaody, Third Squad."
Memorizing the designation, Renji returned to the streets.
To avoid encountering the real Third Squad and being exposed, he walked past several groves before finally joining a Marine search party.
"Hey, brother."
Renji approached a Marine who was alone.
"What's up?"
Seeing Renji's uniform, the Marine lowered his guard.
"So is the rumor true?"
"That is a Celestial Dragon. Is there really someone in this world who would dare hit one?"
The Marine looked annoyed.
"Exactly."
"That idiot caused a huge mess."
"If it were not for him, I would be on a date with my girlfriend right now. Instead, everything is ruined."
"Relax."
Renji patted the Marine on the shoulder.
"This is also a good chance to earn military merit."
After chatting for a while, Renji successfully became friendly with the Marine.
Only then did he casually ask, "So where is that Luffy guy now?"
"Has he been caught yet?"
"He is at Grove Number One," the Marine answered immediately.
"Not caught yet. After all, he is a Supernova."
"I heard, just rumors though."
The Marine leaned closer with a mysterious expression.
"'Straw Hat' Monkey D. Luffy, 'Surgeon of Death' Trafalgar D. Water Law, and 'Captain' Eustass Kid are together."
"Thousands of Marines are surrounding them, but no one can stop them."
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