One Piece: Transmigrated as Crocodile

Chapter 353 - CHAPTER 353 - Changes, the Tip of the World Government’s Iceberg

Sabo's appearance plunged the entire Sabaody Archipelago into a strange state of desolation. Pirates fled the archipelago one after another, but a Marine admiral had already been dispatched—this time, it was Aokiji.

Though Aokiji was usually laid-back, when it was time to act he never showed mercy, and his arrival speed was far from slow. To him, the sea was no different from flat ground.

Three warships accompanied Aokiji, all of the highest grade. Due to wartime preparations, more than thirty warships had already gathered at Marineford, and they were still increasing.

The current Marineford was enough to make any level of Buster Call pale in comparison. And if the target were only Sabo and the Straw Hat crew, Aokiji believed he alone would be sufficient.

After all, there were also two vice admirals at Sabaody who could coordinate. However, considering reports that Crocodile and others were also at the Sabaody Archipelago, additional warships were sent as a precaution.

This was preparation for a potential clash with Crocodile. After all, Sabo had cooperated with Crocodile on Lantis Island, a connection Marine Headquarters could not ignore.

At this moment, in the Holy Land, Mary Geoise.

"This is far too outrageous. These pirates and the Revolutionary Army are trampling on the World Government's dignity. I propose mobilizing CP0's combat forces to cooperate with the Marine admiral and uproot all pirate forces at Sabaody before the war with Whitebeard begins!" One of the Five Elders spoke with a grim expression. Repeated challenges to the authority of the Celestial Dragons had to be punished severely to serve as a warning.

"That is appropriate."

"I also believe we cannot indulge these pirates. Even with a great war approaching, the dignity of the Celestial Dragons must not be tarnished. However, there are rumors that Roger's right-hand man, Dark King Rayleigh, is also at Sabaody. Is this information accurate?" The Five Elder with long straight white hair looked concerned.

"Unclear. If it is true, then he likely did not choose his residence casually. Of all places, Sabaody is a key checkpoint. Is he protecting the rising pirates from being wiped out by us, or waiting for something?"

"Hard to say. The Roger Pirates always acted unpredictably. Perhaps he truly is waiting for someone. Roger's life was short, and many things may have been left unfinished, but he must have left contingencies behind. Some crew members who disappeared more than twenty years ago have never resurfaced. We must be cautious."

"No matter what, this must be done."

"Then who do you suggest we send?"

"Rufus."

"If we're doing this, why not send the Fiend? He wields the Dragon Blade. He would be more suitable."

"That works."

…

Mary Geoise, the underground world, Artificial Power Management Division, the Tribunal and Supervisory Palace. One of CP0's top combatants, code-named Fiend—true name Richard Ramirez—the wielder of the Blood-Red Dragon Blade.

He had been transferred after the Mary Geoise slave liberation incident due to security concerns of the Celestial Dragons.

He was the chief person in charge of maintaining security in the Holy Land, Mary Geoise. He had once successfully assassinated a rare traitorous Marine admiral, earning the trust of the World Nobles and the Five Elders.

His position within CP0 ranked higher than Rufus's, and he also managed the dark side of Mary Geoise, such as the underground artificial power systems and assassinations.

"So the situation outside has already become this chaotic? Or is Marine Headquarters becoming more and more useless?" A giant of pale blue skin, over eight meters tall, sneered as he listened to his subordinate relay the Five Elders' orders.

"My lord, the order from above is to eliminate all pirate forces on the Sabaody Archipelago."

"What nonsense. Pirate forces are countless—how could they all be killed? Just tell me which pirate crews currently have the greatest influence at Sabaody. Leave the fodder to the Marines," Ramirez said in a low voice.

"According to intelligence, there are two with the greatest influence. One is the Dawn Pirates, captained by former Shichibukai Crocodile. The other is the Straw Hat Pirates, originally just a newly risen crew, but they seem to have a very close relationship with the Revolutionary Army's second-in-command, the chief of staff."

"Understood. Prepare the ship."

…

"Admiral Aokiji, we've arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago."

"Pass down the order. Control all ports frequently used by pirates and seal off the lawless area. I'll go settle an old matter." A rare seriousness appeared on Aokiji's face.

The Straw Hats and Sabo could not be let go. Although the Marines had manpower and intelligence, it would still take time to locate them. At present, the location that was already clear was not the Straw Hat crew, but Crocodile's group.

Nico Robin—she was now actually with Crocodile, a Shichibukai who had been ambitious since his youth but whose strength had once fallen short.

Had they now joined forces? Or would Nico Robin once again abandon this pirate crew? Old matters lingered in his mind and could not be forgotten. He had secretly protected Robin back then, out of guilt toward his friend Saul.

At the time, he had never imagined that Akainu would even bombard evacuation ships. Aokiji felt that this was not justice, which was why he showed mercy and let Robin go.

Over the years, he had intermittently kept an eye on Robin, wanting to know whether his decision back then had been right or wrong. From what he had seen, it seemed to have been a mistake.

He intended to correct it.

"Admiral Aokiji, shouldn't we first arrest the Straw Hat crew and the revolutionary Sabo?" A rear admiral hesitated. That seemed more urgent.

"There's no news yet. Inform me immediately when there is. Have Vice Admiral Doberman and Vice Admiral Momonga assist with the search."

"Yes."

But just as Aokiji was about to depart, a lieutenant colonel ran over to report, "The Holy Land has sent combat support. Code name: Fiend."

"What?!" Aokiji's expression changed slightly. Why release that butcher? The situation at Sabaody was still under control.

Moreover, Aokiji was confident he could manage the overall situation on the island. What were the Five Elders thinking?

Once that butcher was unleashed, it wouldn't just be pirates who suffered. If he went on a killing spree, whether Marines or civilians, anyone who entered his attack range would be killed without exception.

"Where is he now?"

"He has just departed from the Holy Land. He should arrive at the Sabaody Archipelago before long."

"Speed things up. Let's resolve this before that guy arrives, so it doesn't get even more troublesome," Aokiji said heavily.

Working alongside the World Government's combat forces was something most people at Marine Headquarters had always disliked, because their values were clearly different.

Marine Headquarters emphasized maintaining stability at sea and upholding justice, while the World Government's forces often pursued the personal interests of powerful figures, ignoring all consequences.

The lieutenant colonel did not quite understand why the World Government sending reinforcements made Admiral Kuzan feel troubled rather than pleased.

"This is really chaotic." Ain had also arrived on the island. She had traced the source of the information—someone was inquiring about her.

She was now at a Marine intelligence station in the lawless area, looking at the sources. They were Saraco under Doflamingo, and the captain of the Dawn Pirates, Crocodile.

"So these are all the wanted members of the Dawn Pirates?" At the Marine academy, training new recruits alongside Instructor Zephyr, she had only heard of the Dawn Pirates and had not looked into them in detail.

But now, it seemed she could no longer avoid it.

"Migs? Is that Father?" Ain's memories were somewhat muddled. The past shipwreck had plunged her into extreme pain and fear, and some things she could no longer recall clearly.