"Uhh..."
Vice Admiral Vargos's expression stiffened.
Of course. Where could they pull reinforcents from? Even counting Marine Headquarters and himself, they had just three Vice Admirals and eleven Rear Admirals on hand. Their forces were spread dangerously thin. If Fleet Admiral Sengoku weren't present, and if the Demon Mask Pirates hadn't suffered losses, even Demon Mask Gutte might dare to assault Marineford directly.
"Syrons-san's First Assault Fleet is stationed in Alabasta, lying in wait to take down that upstart rookie, Golden Ring Aeridar. The other task forces are all tied up with their own difficult missions, so even contending with big-na pirates from the New World,"
Vice Admiral Momonga said grimly, scanning everyone present.
"At most, we can pull one or two warships from each fleet to reinforce a new strike force. But that still leaves the issue of command. It has to be soone at least of Vice Admiral rank. And those of us stationed at Marineford can't leave. With our current manpower, there's no guarantee we can take down the Demon Mask Pirates for good."
Tsuru raised her eyelids slowly and said coolly:
"Then dispatch Syrons along with the entire First Assault Fleet. Each other fleet is to contribute one or two ships, depending on circumstances. They'll all converge at Marineford."
Sengoku frowned.
"And what about Golden Ring Aeridar?"
"An 80 million bounty rookie pirate who's been dormant for half a year... or a New World veteran with a 480 million bounty who just committed mass slaughter under our noses?" Tsuru replied with quiet force.
"Do you really think the World Governnt will let a Vice Admiral waste ti chasing down a minor criminal while letting a walking catastrophe like Gutte go unpunished? Do you think the Five Elders will allow that?"
From the World Governnt's perspective, soone with just an 80 million bounty, even a high-potential rookie, was ultimately expendable. Under normal circumstances, losing such a figure wouldn't cause concern.
But this... this was a humiliation. A massacre. A public slap in the face.
If the World Governnt and Marines failed to destroy the Demon Mask Pirates, it wouldn't just be a tactical loss, it would be a total loss of face and faith. The public would start to question:
If they can't even protect their own senior officials, how can they protect us?
For a regi as obsessed with saving face as the World Governnt, the fallout was unacceptable.
"Then begin drawing reinforcents from the other fleets. Have them regroup at Marineford," Sengoku said heavily.
"As for Syrons, ask if he can eliminate Golden Ring Aeridar within two days. I'll reach out to the Kingdom of Alabasta myself."
He pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing.
"If he can't get it done... then call him back."
"Remind him to be cautious of Crocodile. Aeridar's been holed up in Rainbase for too long, he may have made so kind of deal," Tsuru added.
...
Southern Coastline of Saintin Island – Hidden Strait.
"Understood."
Click.
The Den Den Mushi hung up with a clack.
Vice Admiral Syrons rubbed his thick mustache, his expression darkening.
"Vice Admiral Syrons, sothing wrong? Orders from HQ?"
Rear Admiral Lief, who had just entered, asked curiously, noting Syrons's grim face.
"A ship carrying World Governnt officials was attacked by pirates. The two escorting warships were sunk. Everyone aboard was killed—governnt officials, Marine officers, wealthy rchants. Over a thousand lives lost, including multiple Captains," Syrons said coldly.
"The Five Elders issued a direct order. Sengoku wants us to return to Marineford imdiately, regroup with reinforcents, and prepare for a full-scale assault."
"Tch..." Lief gasped, face paling.
"Such a heinous cri... was it a New World pirate?!"
"It was Demon Mask Gutte. Bounty: 480 million."
Syrons's tone was icy.
"Gutte?! That monster made it all the way to the first half of the Grand Line?! And now this... that bastard!" Lief snarled, his voice rising.
All their careful planning, a long ti of lying in wait, wasted because of one act of carnage.
The Five Elders had spoken. Even the Fleet Admiral couldn't disobey, what hope did they have?
Syrons frowned, then asked abruptly:
"Is Golden Ring Aeridar still in Rainbase?"
"Uh... yes, he is!" Lief replied, puzzled by the sudden shift.
Syrons nodded, making up his mind.
"Leave one warship behind. Rear Admiral Zoka and Commodore Cray will co with . Choose three Captains and assemble 400 elite Marines. The rest of the ships and n, you'll command them. Take them back to Marineford at once."
"What? Vice Admiral Syrons, are you going to launch a strike on your own?! Will the Alabasta royal family even allow it?" Lief blurted out, stunned.
After all, King Cobra had always been lenient about small-scale Marine movents. But a large deploynt, even loyal ministers would object.
"No worries. Sengoku already spoke with the king. Cobra approved a limited operation: one Vice Admiral, no more than 500 troops. But I only have two days.
"Whether I succeed or fail against Aeridar... I have to return."
As Fleet Admiral, Sengoku's request carried imnse weight. And King Cobra, respectful of the Marines, had agreed, offering them that slim window.
Syrons understood how serious this was. He had no room to argue or delay. Still, after such a long ti of waiting, he refused to walk away empty-handed.
Lief opened his mouth, wanting to protest. After all, Golden Ring Aeridar was hardly worth it. But instead, what ca out was:
"I'll make the arrangents. May fortune favor you in battle, sir."
Seeing Lief's somber expression, Syrons let out a booming laugh and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Oi, oi! Don't make that face! Hahaha... what, you think I would lose to so punk who shoots shockwaves around like fireworks?"
"I'm Ghost Hamr Syrons, damn it! Don't think I'm too old to fight! Watch from HQ as I drag that brat to Impel Down, and then, you'll see my hamr crush Gutte's demon mask to pieces! Hahaha!"
With that, Syrons turned and strode boldly out of the communication chamber.
"Whew..."
Lief exhaled a long breath, pulled his Justice coat tight around his shoulders, and picked up the Den Den Mushi.
It was ti to organize the withdrawal.
-------
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