Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Less than twenty-four hours remained until Ace’s execution.
Sengoku had already received word regarding Impel Down. Originally, upon hearing that Alucard had entered, he wanted to send reinforcents. However, a new report indicated Alucard had already left.
"Yes. Warden Magellan is critically injured and completely incapacitated. He is currently undergoing ergency treatnt. Vice Warden Hannyabal is escorting Fire Fist Ace toward Headquarters, with Vice Admiral Onigumo acting as backup."
An intelligence officer stood behind Sengoku, reporting the situation. "The ones currently rioting in Impel Down are led by forr Warlord Sabo and Straw Hat Captain Monkey D. Luffy. Currently, the path to Level 6 has been destroyed by Magellan’s power. They are likely searching for a secret passage, which should take them so ti."
Sengoku clutched his head and growled at Garp, who was sitting on the sofa behind him. "Look at the people you’ve raised, Garp!"
As a Marine Hero who had raised one criminal after another, Garp’s track record was driving Sengoku insane.
"So, what’s the status of Luffy and the others?" Garp pointedly ignored Sengoku, addressing the officer.
"According to current reports, they are all safe and sound," the officer replied faithfully.
Garp breathed a sigh of relief. Those two brats actually managed to survive an encounter with Alucard. They were lucky.
Sengoku stood at his desk, hands braced on the surface. After a mont of deliberation, he ordered, "Garp, you go!"
Garp, who was mid-crunch on a rice cracker, froze. Sengoku continued, "You won’t put your heart into the execution anyway. Go and suppress the riot at Impel Down."
Currently, Impel Down’s strongest fighter, Magellan, was in critical condition. Hannyabal was escorting Ace. The riot in the prison was massive. On the Marine side, with the war about to start, it was unrealistic to send an Admiral, and he feared a Vice Admiral might not be enough to keep the lid on.
Every prisoner in Level 6 had the capability of a Vice Admiral or higher. Garp was undoubtedly the best choice. Since his relationship with Ace ant he wouldn’t fight Whitebeard at full strength, it was better to throw him into Impel Down.
Ace has been moved. Knowing Luffy, he’ll probably try to force his way into this war... Garp thought to himself. He stood up, snapped his Marine cape behind him, and strode out.
Shortly after Garp left, another intelligence officer entered the office. "Fleet Admiral, sir! The Army units at the Skypiea aerial branch have sent word. The Immortal Pirates are gathering a massive force at Skypiea. They estimate it’s over 70% of their total strength."
"Finally, is the Immortal seizing his mont?"
Months ago, the war between the Governnt and the Immortals over Skypiea had begun, though it had mostly consisted of minor skirmishes. With Sengoku’s intellect, it wasn’t hard to imagine Alucard wanting to use this opportunity to launch a total assault on the Governnt forces stationed there.
Skypiea was a pri piece of territory. It connected the first half of the Grand Line with the New World, and it was one of the few places in the world left undeveloped by the Governnt. More importantly, whoever held Skypiea held the strategic advantage of the sky.
Sengoku remained silent for a long ti before saying, "This is a war between the Governnt and the Immortals. Our Navy must focus entirely on the battle with Whitebeard."
"B-but..." The officer looked troubled. "The Governnt is demanding that the Navy dispatch a portion of our fleet to Skypiea as reinforcents."
Sengoku and the other officers in the room were jolted. The next mont, Sengoku slamd the desk. "Tell them we have no troops to give!"
Sengoku was nearly at his breaking point. With the war against Whitebeard imminent, where would he find the troops to spare? If the Governnt wanted to win, didn’t the Navy also want to win?
"Understood." The officer turned and left.
...
Mariejois, Room of Authority.
"Hmph. Sengoku’s refusal to send troops was well within our expectations." The Gorosei with the handlebar mustache said coldly. "Word just ca that Alucard has left Impel Down. He will likely join the battle at Skypiea. What are your thoughts?"
The Gorosei wearing robe, who had extensive experience fighting Alucard, tapped his brow. "Even Kong struggles to rival his power. To be honest, if we do not use Mantra, I would also find it difficult to stand against him."
"Skypiea is still under developnt; Mantra cannot be activated there. Are we simply going to hand Skypiea over to that man?" The curly-haired Gorosei with the cane frowned in dissatisfaction.
"I have a plan, though the risk is sowhat high," the Gorosei with the long white beard spoke up, drawing the attention of the other four.
"When dealing with the Immortal, nothing is without risk. Regardless of the danger, speak quickly," the blonde Gorosei with the buzz cut prompted.
"First, my view: Skypiea is vital. Even if we cannot hold it, we cannot let the Immortals take it easily."
...
When Alucard returned to Skypiea, Hancock and the others finally breathed a sigh of relief. They were surprised to see the battleship floating beneath him, but they were wise enough not to ask unnecessary questions.
Everything appeared normal for the mont, both on the sea and in the sky. However, with about twelve hours remaining until Ace’s execution, scouts monitoring the Island of God sent word: The Army, led by Commander-in-Chief Kong, was approaching Skypiea aboard flying warships.
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