At the entrance to the New World, Marine Headquarters, New Marineford, displayed its usual peace and tranquility. The steel fortress standing upon the calm sea surveyed its territory with the majesty of an overlord.
"It's rare for you to actually make up your minds and declare war on the Straw Hat Crew."
A light breeze gently stirred the creamy white gauze curtains. Sunlight shone through the half-open window onto the brown wooden desk, where stacks of documents were neatly piled in one corner. Only a Transponder Snail sat in the middle of the otherwise empty desk.
The burly man in a red suit leaned back in his chair with a cigar clenched between his teeth. Sakazuki spoke in a low voice, looking disdainfully at the casually placed Transponder Snail.
"I thought you'd sat in your lofty positions for so long that you'd forgotten how turbulent these seas can be."
"Enough of that, Sakazuki. This operation is extremely important. As Fleet Admiral, you should know that many matters are more complicated than they seem once they become entangled."
"Vegapunk holds a pivotal position in the World Government and in the entire world. His dangerous ideas must be completely eradicated. No force can be allowed to interfere with this plan."
The voice from the other end showed no anger at his words. Its tone was calm, as though it were merely informing him rather than discussing it with him.
"There is still no definite intelligence from Hachinosu Island. To be safe, the Navy must begin mobilizing its forces in advance. This time, I will grant you permission to deploy troops freely. The Navy's operations are in your hands."
"Permission to deploy troops freely? Heh, if you hadn't mentioned it, I might have forgotten that I was the Fleet Admiral."
Sakazuki sneered