Barrels's expression shifted uncertainly, as though he were weighing the credibility of Longinus's words.
Longinus did not press him. The man had faced the threat of death earlier and still refused to reveal his identity, which showed that he did not yet trust their identities.
That was understandable. The basic rule of being an undercover agent was never to trust others too easily, even if their position appeared to align with one's own.
So, Longinus chose the most straightforward approach.
He placed a white anti-eavesdropping Den Den Mushi beside them, then began dialing with an ordinary one.
"Hello? Is this Marine Admiral Sengoku?"
"It's me. Captain Longinus, there should be nothing in the North Blue important enough for you to call me personally, should there?"
Barrels's eyes widened. Did this Marine Headquarters captain hold such a high position? He could speak directly with Marine Admiral Sengoku?
"I have a question for you, Marine Admiral Sengoku. Do you know a man named Diez Barrels?"
"...Hm! A former Marine Headquarters captain. Why bring him up all of a sudden?"
"While I was eliminating One Piece in the North Blue, I happened to encounter this former Marine captain. I unexpectedly discovered that he might still have certain ties to Marine Headquarters, so I wanted to ask you about him. If he is not an undercover agent sent out by Marine Headquarters, then I will execute this disgrace to the Marines on the spot!"
"Cough, cough... Wait!" The voice from the Den Den Mushi suddenly lowered. "Is there anyone else beside you?"
"Besides Barrels and me, Gion is here as well."
"Gion? Shouldn't she be at Branch 777? How did she end up with you?"
Hearing the utter disbelief in Marine Admiral Sengoku's voice, Gion's pretty face flushed crimson, seemingly steaming white, while her