"Mr. Loa, Sabo just sent word. They've brought Vegapunk back."
At the Ice Cavern Base, Dragon spoke to Loa with some relief.
Dragon knew perfectly well that Sabo and the others could hardly have rescued Vegapunk on their own. Fortunately, Crocodile was strong enough to wipe out nearly every enemy single-handedly, leaving them no chance to escape the Ice Domain.
Sabo's only contribution to the battle had been seizing an opening to kill Atalante, the Teleportation Fruit User, in an instant. But that was a major contribution! If Atalante had been free to use his power, there was no telling whether they could have rescued Vegapunk at all.
"They got him back?"
Loa was not as pleased as Dragon. Rubbing his chin, he warned, "I feel like we've overlooked something. Tell them to be careful!"
"I know. But without Atalante, even if they hide deep in the Ice Domain, they'll have no way to leave!" Dragon calmly let Loa in on another precaution. "We've bred Telegraph Fish in the waters around the Ice Domain. The moment they put out to sea, we'll know!"
"Telegraph Fish?"
Loa gave Dragon a surprised look. "You really spared no expense. Those are rare sea beasts!"
"To build Pluton, it's worth it!"
After their brief conversation, Dragon left to oversee the base's defenses. Whatever else might be said, the enemy had breached it. Pluton was still here, and a cautious man like him would never allow that to happen again.
As soon as Dragon left, Loa's frown vanished. He took a Den Den Mushi from his pocket and hummed as he made a call.
"Looks like you got lucky, Crocodile."
Inside the Yellow Sand Pyramid, Crocodile stared in disbelief.
"What? He's already escaped?!"
Crocodile carefully sensed the figure trapped alongside him in the sand and