World Focuses on the Sabaody Archipelago!
"White Dragon? Which White Dragon? That White Dragon!?"
Kizaru asked three questions in a row, leaving Sengoku speechless.
However, this was enough to reveal the shock he felt at that moment.
The Shichibukai are Great Pirate officially recognized by the World Government.
Each of the Shichibukai possesses enough strength and reputation to easily intimidate ordinary pirates.
It was precisely because seven such powerful Great Pirate gathered in one organization that this was possible.
People in the world of the Grand Line consider the "Marine Headquarters," the "Pirate Emperor," and the "Shichibukai" to be the three major powers of the Grand Line.
From Kizaru's perspective...
Among the seven Shichibukai.
Aside from "World's Greatest Swordsman" Hawk Eyes Mihawk and Storm, who defeated two of the Shichibukai.
Of the remaining Shichibukai, Donquixote Doflamingo is probably the "strongest" one!
This can be seen from the range of activities of several of the Shichibukai.
Crocodile, Gecko Moria, and Snake Princess Hancock's activities are all confined to the first half of Paradise.
Sea Knight Jinbe, frequently travels between the New World and Fish-Man Island.
However, Sea Knight Jinbe, doesn't have any particularly impressive achievements to show for himself yet.
In comparison.
Donquixote Doflamingo is not only a Devil Fruit User, but also proficient in all Three Types of Haki, and has experience fighting against Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Tsuru on multiple occasions.
Moreover, aside from his status as one of the "Shichibukai".
Donquixote Doflamingo is also one of the Dark World King.
Result.
Did that "Sea Scoundrel" lose?
"On the entire ocean, besides Vongola Storm, who else is nicknamed 'White Dragon'?"
Sengoku sighed, rubbing his forehead. He still hadn't been able to get in touch with Storm.
"That kid has so much energy! He's still going strong even after wiping out the Donquixote Family!"
"If Donquixote Doflamingo falls, the entire world order will be affected!"
Kizaru nodded, agreeing with this point.
Doflamingo's forces cover a wide range of businesses and are connected to most major sea-based powers.
It's not just about pirate factions, nor is it just about the underworld.
According to information Kizaru possesses, Donquixote Doflamingo's "business partners" even include the World Government!
The downfall of such a "big shot" is bound to disrupt the order of the entire ocean!
However, Kizaru didn't care about this small problem.
One Donquixote Doflamingo falls, but another will always rise to the top!
This is the order of the sea.
The cycle repeats itself.
Kizaru was more concerned with another point that Sengoku had mentioned.
"White Dragon... what did he do now?"
"According to the intelligence I've received, after dealing with the Donquixote Family matter, he left Dressrosa and then went to Hachinosu Island."
Sengoku frowned, looking troubled.
"Ochoku is not an easy opponent to deal with..."
"Sigh, the G5 Branch is very close to Dressrosa and Hachinosu Island."
"If it weren't for what happened with Vergo... headquarters could have easily sent someone to Hachinosu Island to check on the situation!"
Vergo is a high-ranking spy sent by the Donquixote Family to infiltrate the Navy.
Sengoku sent Kizaru and Kuroba to the G5 Branch in the New World to capture this "Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral" who had tarnished justice!
If we were to send the G5 Branch's navy to check on the situation at Hachinosu Island now...
Whether the navy can get the information is one thing.
If this trivial matter alerts Vergo and provokes him...
The Sengoku certainly didn't want tomorrow's World Economic Journal headline to be --
<Shocking! Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Falls into Corruption! Is this a decline of justice or a victory for evil?>
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku"
Kizaru adjusted his glasses again and asked seriously.
"Do you need me to go to Hachinosu Island?"
Kizaru asked this question not because he wanted to work hard—he's not that kind of person.
Often, "Ambiguous Justice" and "Lazy Justice" are not so different...
Even in many people's minds...
Kizaru is an even lazier guy than Aokiji...
But.
Kizaru doesn't like to work hard; he prefers to slack off at work.
This doesn't mean he doesn't care about his naval colleagues!
Kizaru also had a very deep impression of "Ochoku," a remnant of the Old Era.
The opponent's [Teleport Fruit] ability is indeed very troublesome.
Even if monsters like Sakazuki and Kuzan went to Hachinosu Island, they might not be able to defeat Ochoku.
In a sense.
Ochoku possesses the [Teleport Fruit], which almost makes him invincible from the start.
Storm is a "Clay Person" who ate the [Clay Fruit].
He could defeat Donquixote Doflamingo, so how could he possibly defeat Ochoku?
Kizaru wasn't very optimistic.
In his understanding, Storm had no means to counter Ochoku.
Just like Sakazuki and Kuzan.
Perhaps Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Storm can suppress Ochoku in terms of "hard power".
However, those of them might not be able to handle Ochoku's [Teleport Fruit].
This is also why Kizaru volunteered to go to Hachinosu Island!
Ochoku's [Teleport Fruit] is very powerful.
However, Kizaru's [Glint-Glint Fruit] makes him least afraid of speed contests!
"Borsalino, are you going to Hachinosu Island?"
Sengoku raised his head, looked at Kizaru, and sized him up.
"If it's you, there shouldn't be a problem..."
"Then let's go!"
"After resolving the issues at the G5 Branch, we'll head straight to Hachinosu Island."
"Yes, Fleet Admiral!"
Kizaru accepted the order and withdrew.
Meanwhile...
The news of the execution, disseminated by the Marine Headquarters, also began to have an impact on the high seas.
The Right Hand of Pirate King! Pluton Silvers Rayleigh is About to be Executed!
Absolute Justice! It cannot be tainted in any way!
The world's attention is on the Sabaody Archipelago!
The World Government and the Marine Headquarters are about to publicly execute Pluton Rayleigh, at the Sabaody Archipelago!
This news spread like wildfire across the entire ocean!
The Sabaody Archipelago is very close to the Marine Headquarters.
Almost immediately after the Marine Headquarters released news of Pluton Rayleigh's execution.
Shakky, who was still in the Sabaody Archipelago, immediately received the message.
Bubble Islands, Island 13.
As the saying goes, the most dangerous place is the safest place.
After the White Dragon defeated Pluton, Island 13 was nearly destroyed.
Shakky returned to the island, located in Lawless Zone, and to her tavern, which had been reduced to ruins.
Kicking Bar, Secret Basement.
Shakky looked at the hastily produced naval announcement in her hand and couldn't help but bite her lip.
"The World Government and the Navy are indeed going to publicly execute 'Old Ra'!"
Regarding this matter...
Even though Shakky had anticipated this.
But when she saw the naval announcement in black and white, she couldn't help but feel uneasy.
In this announcement, which is enough to shake the world.
The only piece of news that brought Shakky some peace of mind was--
The Marine Headquarters decided that the execution would take place in the Sabaody Archipelago!
Shakky and Rayleigh have lived in seclusion on the Sabaody Archipelago for many years and are very familiar with the general situation of each island in this bubble archipelago.
This bubble archipelago can barely be considered Rayleigh and Shakky's "home".
Upon learning the contents of the naval announcement, Shakky immediately changed her previous plans.
Shakky's original plan was--
After White Dragon hands Rayleigh over to the Navy, intercept the Marine Headquarters' Prison Ship! Before the execution begins, forcibly abduct Rayleigh!
Because, in Shakky's view...
If the Navy had chosen to hold the execution at Marine Headquarters.
Therefore, Shakky had absolutely no chance of rescuing Rayleigh.
Even with her, Hancock, and Shanks, they simply couldn't possibly stand against the Marine Headquarters!
But the Navy deliberately chose the Sabaody Archipelago as the execution site!
Shakky read through the naval announcement several times, then took out Den Den Mushi and dialed Hancock directly.
Paradise, Calm Belt.
Two enormous sea serpents were dragging a magnificent, dark red wooden sailboat across the calm Calm Belt sea.
The surrounding Sea King saw the two enormous sea serpents but didn't even bother to approach, letting the dark red sailboat sail freely on the sea.
This ship is the flagship of the Kuja Pirates — the Perfume Yuda!
On the Perfume Yuda.
Hancock, who was resting with her eyes closed, suddenly heard the Den Den Mushi ringing again.
As soon as she Den Den Mushi, Shakky's voice came through the receiver.
"Hancock, where are you now?"
"I have already left Nine Snake Island."
Hancock answered calmly.
"It's about a four-day flight to Impel Down."
"Hancock, the Navy has just sent an execution notice out to sea."
Shakky didn't waste any words and got straight to the point.
"The Navy was preparing to execute Rayleigh, but they chose Sabaody Archipelago as the Execution Location."
"I already know about this matter."
Hancock nodded slightly.
"The Fleet Admiral of the Marine Headquarters just contacted me and asked me to participate in... Mr. Rayleigh's execution ceremony."
"No matter what, I will not stand idly by and watch the navy execute my benefactor."
"I have already declined the Fleet Admiral's invitation!"
Shakky pursed her lips. "Hancock, accept Sengoku's invitation!"
"... Um?"
"Since the Navy intends to hold the Execution Location at the Sabaody Archipelago instead of at Marine Headquarters, it shows that they don't take this execution very seriously."
Shakky said very calmly.
"Since the navy isn't paying enough attention, that's our opportunity!"
"We no longer need to intercept naval warships transporting prisoners."
"Once the Navy delivers Rayleigh to Sabaody Archipelago, we'll make our move and snatch him!"
Regarding Shakky's sudden change of plans.
Hancock had no objections.
She simply instructed her men to adjust the Perfume Yuda's course.
Although Hancock disliked the Sabaody Archipelago very much.
But if it's to save her benefactor Rayleigh, she doesn't care about that ugly place!
And at this time...
Shakky's voice rang out again, her tone filled with deep apology.
"We're so sorry, Hancock, we two old bones have caused you trouble..."
"No need to apologize."
Hancock responded sincerely.
"If it weren't for you and Rayleigh, my sisters and I would have died long ago from the World Government's pursuit..."
"But this incident is really troublesome."
Shakky sighed.
"If the World Government's opinion of you is affected because of Rayleigh's matter, or even if they forcibly strip you of your status Shichibukai, then you and Nine Snake Island..."
Shakky was the former emperor of the Amazon Lily.
She was very clear about the significance of a Shichibukai to Amazon Lily.
In this era when naval warships can sail freely in the Calm Belt.
Hancock's Shichibukai is an excellent shield for Amazon Lily.
If this identity is lost...
Hancock will remain a wanted criminal, Amazon Lily will face attacks from the World Government and Marine Headquarters...
Shakky understood everything.
"It's alright, Shakky."
Hancock raised her right hand and gently stroked her cheek, speaking with unwavering confidence.
"No matter what mistakes I have made, the world will forgive me."
"Because I am simply too beautiful!"
Shakky didn't say anything.
Because Hancock's personal Den Den Mushi had been petrified and rendered unable to communicate by the unintentional charm revealed by Snake Princess.
Shakky on the Sabaody Archipelago only heard the words "It's okay".
"Hancock didn't petrify her Den Den Mushi again, did she?"
Shakky listened to the Den Den Mushi's receiver and couldn't help but shake her head.
She took a deep breath and dialed another Den Den Mushi number.
"Shanks, where are you now?"
"Don't rush, Shakky."
Shanks' slightly hoarse voice drifted into the basement of the Kicking Bar.
"I will arrive at Sabaody Archipelago soon."
"Soon?"
Shakky was slightly taken aback.
"Aren't you still in the New World?"
"Don't worry, Shakky."
Shanks answered calmly.
"I know a 'special route' that can quickly reach the first half of the Grand Line!"
"I will use that route to reach the Sabaody Archipelago as soon as possible."
Upon hearing this, Shakky's slightly furrowed brows immediately relaxed.
Shanks has never been a man who likes to boast.
Shakky trusted this child completely.
Under normal circumstances.
It's indeed impossible for a pirate crew to travel quickly between the New World and Paradise.
However, "Shanks" is Yonko of the New World!
It's perfectly understandable that the Red-Haired Pirates might have mastered some unknown special routes.
Shakky then relayed to Shanks everything she had just said to Hancock.
"I will definitely rescue Rayleigh, Shakky."
Shanks answered calmly.
"Also, help me gather intelligence on the White Dragon."
"I will never let anyone who hurt my friend get away with it!"
Two chapters delivered!
Goodnight everyone!
If it gets featured tomorrow, I'll continue with five updates a day!