Outer waters of the New World.
Three gray ships without flags were sailing at full speed.
The people on deck wore ordinary sailor uniforms, and there were no markings visible on the hulls.
Only inside the innermost communications room did an Encrypted Den Den Mushi stare wide-eyed.
[Highest-priority target: Monkey D. Luffy.]
[Target coordinates confirmed.]
[All nearby operational units, converge immediately.]
The moment the order came through, the helmsman changed course while the engine room pushed the speed to its maximum.
The words "highest priority" were enough to explain everything.
Then, half an hour later, a second report arrived.
After reading it, the communications officer wore a rather strange expression.
The captain waited for a while.
"What is it?"
The communications officer said nothing.
"Read it."
"Yes."
The communications officer cleared his throat.
"Latest confirmation."
"Fleet Admiral Azure Dragon Rock himself has arrived on the target island."
"Monkey D. Luffy is currently receiving Navy treatment."
The captain had been studying a sea chart. Hearing that, he raised his head.
"Who?"
"Azure Dragon Rock."
"Him personally?"
"Him personally."
The communications room fell silent at once.
The captain took the report and read it once, then read it again.
The first part still contained the same words.
[Highest priority.]
[Regardless of cost.]
But an additional line had appeared below.
[Azure Dragon Rock himself is within the target area.]
The captain stared at that line for a long time.
"Slow down."
The communications officer froze.
"Didn't they order us to converge immediately?"
"They ordered you to converge."
The captain pointed at the sea chart.
"They didn't order you to pull up in Rock's face."
"..."
"Slow down."
"Yes."
The ship quickly decelerated, though those nearby still seemed hesitant.
"But this is a highest-priority mission issued directly by the Holy Land..."
The captain turned