Grand Line, Marineford
As the conference room doors opened, one Marine after another entered.
"What a spectacle. They even invited people from the Criminal Investigation Bureau."
A Marine officer couldn't help speaking up when he saw who was seated inside.
"After all, they're the pirate crew that defeated Vice Admiral Onigumo and destroyed two warships."
Another Marine adjusted his cap, a hint of caution flashing in his eyes.
"These rookies are frightening. They've made this much of a splash right after setting sail."
"They also picked a fight with Doflamingo, didn't they?"
"A Shichibukai!"
"I heard Vice Admiral Onigumo fought Doflamingo, too."
"Shh—"
A Marine stopped the colleague beside him.
Because of the news Morgans had published in the papers, the Navy Headquarters had been rife with undercurrents these past two days. The already controversial Shichibukai system had once again become a topic of discussion.
They were better off watching what they said.
"What a bunch of reckless bastards!"
Seeing that his colleague understood, the Marine steered the conversation back to the pirates.
"But they're also incredibly dangerous."
"Exactly!"
"If you ask me, we should hurry up and drive them into the New World."
"The Navy branches in the first half alone..."
The Marine shook his head, clearly unconvinced by the Navy's chances.
"Everyone!"
Seeing that the Marine officers had taken their seats, Brannew, a green-haired man wearing sunglasses, walked to the head of the room with a stack of documents in hand and looked at the bigwigs below.
Though he was merely a Marine Headquarters lieutenant, he showed no sign of nerves facing a room full of Marine officers.
"I imagine you all know which pirates we're here to discuss today!"
Brannew hung several photographs on the whiteboard one by one, then looked up at his colleagues.
"The rookie