The Rocks Pirates Attack!

After hanging up the phone, Kong fell into a moment of contemplation before the deep furrows in his brow slowly smoothed out.

This might... be more than just a crisis; it could be the perfect opportunity to deal a heavy blow to, or even completely destroy, the Rocks Pirates, that thorn in the side of the world!

He did not hesitate any longer and immediately made calls to summon his forces.

Shortly after, Sengoku, Garp, Zephyr, and Tsuru arrived in a hurry at Kong's office.

"I have just received a classified report..." Kong recounted the intelligence provided by their mole in its entirety.

"Rocks is personally leading Whitebeard, Golden Lion, and that newly risen monster rookie, Luo Tian, to intercept the main shipment of Heavenly Tribute being escorted by Sengoku and Zephyr.

The remaining commanders, including Silver Axe, Ochoku, and Charlotte Linlin, will intercept the other shipment being escorted by Tsuru and Garp.

That is the entirety of the Rocks Pirates' plan.

Now, tell me your thoughts.

We must not only stop them and protect the Heavenly Tribute... perhaps, we can do even more."

After Kong finished speaking, his sharp gaze swept across the four of them.

"This might... be an unexpected opportunity for us?" Tsuru looked up at Kong and Sengoku.

"Indeed!" Sengoku took over the conversation:

"I noticed that as well. As captain, Rocks rarely takes the field personally.

Since he is leading the charge this time but has only brought two core commanders and a rookie, it seems like a show of force, but in reality, their high-end combat power is not overwhelmingly superior.

That rookie, Luo Tian, might be the most unstable link in their entire plan, and potentially our breakthrough point!

If we can crush this rookie first, we can then concentrate our forces to divide them, or even... defeat them one by one! We cannot let such a golden opportunity slip by!

I suggest we adjust and upgrade our original escort plan.

On the surface, Zephyr and I will continue to escort the main Heavenly Tribute fleet, while Garp and Tsuru will handle the other shipment.

But in reality, Garp and Tsuru, you two will secretly hide within our main fleet, ready to strike at any moment based on how the battle unfolds!

As for the other shipment of Heavenly Tribute, it will serve as bait, escorted by a 'Shadow Fleet' to lure the rest of the Rocks Pirates' commanders into attacking.

If we manage the intelligence correctly, they should take the bait.

In other words, we will use the other shipment as bait to draw away the majority of Rocks' subordinates, such as Silver Axe, Ochoku, and Linlin, preventing them from providing timely support to the main battlefield where Rocks is located.

Our true strategic goal is to assemble all the elite forces the Navy can currently mobilize in the New World.

Myself, Garp, Zephyr, Tsuru, and four additional elite Vice Admirals.

With overwhelming force, we will encircle and crush Rocks, Whitebeard, Golden Lion, and that rookie, Luo Tian!"

Sengoku's plan was excellent.

If successful, dealing a heavy blow or even killing Rocks himself and his right-hand men would be a devastating strike to the Rocks Pirates.

After hearing Sengoku's plan, Kong crossed his hands beneath his chin and began to weigh the pros and cons.

A moment later, Kong stood up abruptly: "We shall proceed with Sengoku's plan. Begin secret deployment immediately!

Tsuru, you are responsible for refining the details of the plan and the intelligence deception.

Sengoku, Zephyr, Garp, you must immediately begin secretly mobilizing the most elite forces and prepare to strike at any moment!

Remember, this operation is codenamed 'Broken Horn' and is classified as the highest level of secrecy within Marine Headquarters!"

"Yes! Fleet Admiral!" Sengoku, Zephyr, and Tsuru stood up solemnly and saluted.

Even Garp, who was usually laid-back, stopped chewing his snacks, wore a rare look of seriousness, and nodded firmly.

Three days later, at the port of Beehive Island.

The flag of the Rocks Pirates snapped in the wind as over a dozen massive pirate ships stood ready, poised for departure.

The decks were packed with pirates, their clamor filled with bloodthirsty excitement.

Rocks stood at the prow of the flagship, with Shiki, Newgate, and Luo Tian positioned to his left and right behind him.

Rocks scanned his surroundings with the eyes of a hawk before ordering in a deep voice: "Set sail!"

In the New World, within a stretch of sea with treacherous weather and complex currents.

Over a dozen warships of the Rocks Pirates sailed in a line, cutting through the waves!

At the prow of the flagship, Rocks stood against the wind. His Observation Haki seemed to perceive something, and he spoke in a low voice:

"Shiki, Newgate, the task of charging into the fray and tearing through the Navy's lines later will be left to you."

Shiki grinned: "No problem!"

Whitebeard nodded steadily: "Leave it to us."

Rocks turned his head slightly, his gaze falling on Luo Tian: "Luo Tian, you will stay with me on the flagship to oversee the overall situation and monitor the shifts on the battlefield."

Luo Tian felt a slight jolt in his heart, a flicker of confusion rising within him.

According to the conventions of their past raiding operations and his own standing in terms of combat power, he should have been spearheading the assault alongside Newgate and Shiki.

Did the captain believe his Devil Fruit ability was better suited for crowd control?

Or did he feel that his practical combat experience was still lacking compared to the two seniors, and that he needed more observation?

Or perhaps... the captain had foreseen other variables?

Rocks seemed to keenly perceive the fleeting emotional fluctuation in Luo Tian.

He did not turn his head, but simply began to explain:

"Within the Marine Headquarters, there is a woman named Tsuru.

In terms of raw combat power, she might not rank highly, but she is meticulous, cunning, and excels at strategic planning and intelligence analysis.

Our past few operations to raid the Heavenly Tribute have all encountered accidents to varying degrees in the later stages, and it is highly likely that her shadow lies behind them.

Although the intelligence source for this Heavenly Tribute raid is reliable and the operation is sufficiently covert, there is no guarantee that there won't be variables.

You will stay on the ship and hold the line with me.

Your ability, whether for large-scale control or precise responses to sudden situations, is better suited for this position.

Our retreat route and the rhythm of the battlefield need someone to keep them under control."

Just then, at the edge of the distant horizon.

A series of tiny black dots gradually emerged, growing rapidly as the distance closed.

It was a Marine escort fleet composed of ten warships of varying sizes!

On the deck of an especially massive warship in the center of the fleet, one could vaguely see a large number of giant cargo containers covered in waterproof canvas and stacked neatly.

Inside them was the priceless "Heavenly Tribute" offered by the various member nations of the World Government!

"They're here." Rocks raised his arm, pointed sharply at the Marine fleet ahead, and his voice suddenly rose:

"Bring the ship alongside! Crush them!!"

"ROAR--!!!"

The pirate fleet erupted with earth-shattering roars, all ships suddenly accelerating as they cut through the waves.

On the lookout tower of the Marine flagship, the Marine responsible for observation was scanning the surrounding sea with binoculars.

When he saw a dozen giant pirate ships attacking in full force, he was instantly struck with terror, frantically screaming at the top of his lungs toward the deck below:

"Rocks... it's Rocks! It's the Rocks Pirates! The entire crew is attacking--!!!"