On a warship not far from Dressrosa.
Two Marines stared at each other in the lookout atop the mast, their eyes wide with shock.
One swallowed hard, then set down the black Den Den Mushi with a trembling hand.
It was a Den Den Mushi used solely for surveillance, capable of intercepting the signals transmitted by other Den Den Mushi. Such devices were exceedingly rare.
"The Thunder Swordsman, Werther, is going to fight Kaido of the Beasts to the death on Kinoas Island in fifteen days. We have to report this to headquarters immediately."
Just as the Marine picked up the Den Den Mushi beside him to contact headquarters, someone caught his hand.
"What are you doing?" He broke off when he saw the meaningful look in his comrade's eyes.
"We should tell the Inspector General first. Don't forget how we got these positions. For men with disabilities like us, this was a kindness from him."
The Marine thought for a moment, drew back his only arm, and glanced at his companion's missing leg.
Marines with disabilities like theirs would normally have been assigned to logistics. But they were still young. A transfer there would have meant settling into retirement.
The thought of retiring in his twenties made him feel stifled. Mr. Sengoku, though, had given him this chance.
The one-armed Marine took a tiny Den Den Mushi from his coat and connected the call. In three sentences, he relayed everything he knew, then hung up.
He let out a breath, then looked at the Den Den Mushi in front of him, his eyes burning with anticipation.
If they reported intelligence this valuable to the Marines, both of them might earn promotions. Their pay and their families' benefits would improve considerably.
"You make the report. We've spent three years listening