Whitebeard nodded at that:
"Exactly. From the looks of it, Captain Rocks is about to make a move against the Marines—or even an important target of the World Government!
And he's determined to succeed."
Whitebeard and Shiki had taken part in this kind of large-scale operation against the Marines' core forces more than once.
"Looks like everyone's here." Rocks walked into the meeting hall and took the seat at the head of the table.
"The latest intelligence shows that the Marines have been making frequent moves lately and are gradually shifting their strategic focus to the New World!
They've not only sent more fleets and elite troops to the New World, but have even transferred most of their Headquarters Vice Admirals to garrison the G-1 through G-5 branches!"
At this, quite a few of the officers present wore disdainful, mocking smiles.
Clearly, they didn't take the Marine Headquarters' so-called "strategic shift" seriously.
They'd clashed many times before, and even when Fleet Admiral Steel Bone Kong had personally led the pursuit, the Marines hadn't been able to do a thing to them.
But Rocks's next words made the disdain on everyone's faces fade a little, and a different light began to glimmer in their eyes.
"According to the top-secret information I've obtained, one reason for this move is that they want to curb our ever-growing influence in the New World.
But the more immediate reason is that the many New World nations that have sworn allegiance to the World Government are once again due to pay tribute to those lofty Celestial Dragons.
The Marines' large-scale mobilization and troop buildup in the New World are to ensure that this staggering amount of Heavenly Tribute reaches the Holy Land, Mary Geoise, safely.
So..."
The words "Heavenly Tribute" instantly caught every officer's attention.
John even swallowed audibly, his eyes bulging like bells.
Luo Tian's heart stirred as well.
The Heavenly Tribute was the enormous fortune that World Government Member States paid to the Celestial Dragons every year—enough to cripple any nation's finances!
Besides vast quantities of gold, silver, and Beli, it included quite a few Devil Fruits and Famous Swords.
"Exactly!" Rocks rose abruptly to his feet.
"Our target this time is the Marine fleet escorting the Heavenly Tribute. We'll intercept them and seize every last treasure!"
"Roar!" Excited shouts erupted from the officers.
John was trembling with excitement.
"John, you're still the same—you hear 'treasure' and can't move a muscle!
Wipe the drool off your mouth. You look like a lovesick fool. Don't embarrass the crew!"
Ochoku shot the disheveled John a look of utter disdain.
As Luo Tian watched John's undisguised greed, a thought suddenly crossed his mind:
It seemed that after the Rocks Pirates disbanded, John had become so consumed by greed that he kept an enormous fortune for himself. In the end, his most trusted subordinates betrayed and killed him.
Rocks glanced around at the others. When he saw John, his brow furrowed, and he issued a cold warning:
"We must seize the Heavenly Tribute, but remember this: don't let the treasure cloud your judgment or make you careless!
According to reliable intelligence, Sengoku and Zephyr will be escorting the main shipment of Heavenly Tribute.
Garp and Tsuru will escort the other shipment!"
Everyone's expression grew more serious.
Garp, Sengoku, and Zephyr had already been named Admiral candidates by the Marines.
Clearly, all three were already at Admiral-level strength. They were just waiting for the current Three Admirals to retire so they could take their places.
And the current Three Admirals were only a few years away from retirement.
In other words, the Marines had seven fighters at Admiral level, including Fleet Admiral Steel Bone Kong.
"Here's the detailed plan." Rocks returned to his seat and ran a finger across the map spread over the table.
"Intelligence shows the Marines have split the Heavenly Tribute into two shipments and sent them along different secret routes to spread out the risk. That gives us our chance.
I'll lead one team myself, along with Luo Tian, Shiki, and Newgate. The four of us will intercept and crush the main fleet escorted by Sengoku and Zephyr!
Their shipment should be the largest and most valuable!
Linlin, Silver Axe, Ochoku, and John will take the other route and seize the other shipment of Heavenly Tribute!
My instructions are simple: we take both shipments in full! Not a single chest can be missing! Understood?!"
"Yes!"
Rocks had clearly given careful thought to assigning Luo Tian to his team.
Although Luo Tian was already an officer and had proven his strength,
he hadn't yet formed his own fleet, and lacked experience commanding large-scale naval battles.
Besides, he got along well with Shiki and Newgate in private, so they might work better together.
"That's the plan, then," Rocks continued.
"The remaining officers will stay at our base. You don't need to join the raid, but you'll still get your share of the treasure once it's done!
When you return, start preparing ships, personnel, and supplies at once.
Speed and surprise are crucial to this operation.
Also, under no circumstances is anyone to leak word of this operation—not even to your most trusted subordinates!
If I find out anyone has let even a whisper slip... Hmph!"
As he spoke, a terrifying, oppressive aura burst from Rocks!
The air seemed to freeze. Even some of the weaker officers felt their breath catch and cold sweat bead at their temples.
Faced with Rocks's undisguised killing intent and crushing pressure, everyone's hearts tightened. They answered in low voices, "Yes, Captain Rocks!"
The meeting ended in a grim, murderous atmosphere.
The officers left the central castle one after another, each with their own thoughts.
Late that night.
A furtive figure used the cover of darkness and the reefs to make his way to a deserted stretch of coast.
He hid behind a massive old tree and checked once more to make sure no one had followed him. Only then did he take out a Den Den Mushi.
At the same time, in Fleet Admiral "Steel Bone" Kong's office at Marine Headquarters, Marineford,
Steel Bone Kong was bent over his desk, reviewing a final report on troop movements in the New World.
A Den Den Mushi at the center of the desk suddenly rang.
"Click."
Steel Bone Kong quickly picked up the receiver. His voice was low. "Speak."
"The Rocks Pirates are planning a large-scale operation! Their target is the Heavenly Tribute!
Rocks just called a meeting with all his officers and personally ordered them to seize the two shipments of Heavenly Tribute the Marines are escorting to Mary Geoise!"
Steel Bone Kong's expression darkened at once.
"Give me their exact deployment in detail! The timing, routes, troop allocations—leave nothing out!"
The undercover agent didn't dare delay and immediately recited the plan in detail.
After listening to the report, especially when he heard Luo Tian's name listed alongside Rocks, Whitebeard, and Golden Lion, Steel Bone Kong's expression grew even grimmer. But a sharp glint also flashed in his eyes.
This was crucial intelligence. It not only confirmed Rocks's audacious plan, but also revealed a possible weakness in his troop deployment.
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