The Opening That Could Change an Era (Continued)

"He was an undercover agent, that's all."

"I just never expected an agent planted among pirates to rise all the way to the rank of a world-famous Warlord."

"That surprised even me."

Xia Le spoke with a smile.

"He'd better be a Marine undercover agent, just like you say!"

Sengoku's voice was cold.

"Heh. Rest assured, Fleet Admiral Sengoku."

Xia Le chuckled and glanced at Crocodile, whose face showed no reaction.

"If word got out that Crocodile, one of the Shichibukai, was an undercover agent, I wonder how many people it would shock."

"What I'm curious about is how many other lines you cast into the world."

Sengoku suddenly changed tack, his voice full of interest.

"I did cast a few lines on a whim back then."

"But I don't know how many of those fish would still answer my call. I'll need time to check them one by one."

Xia Le sounded wistful.

A figure flashed through his mind, and his eyes narrowed slightly.

"Oh?"

"Now I'm curious!"

"But there's something else."

Sengoku's tone grew grave.

"We should get down to business."

Xia Le listened quietly.

He knew full well that Sengoku, the Navy Commander-in-Chief, had not sought him out just to make small talk.

"I imagine this era has become rather unfamiliar to you."

"The world-renowned Shichibukai, the four Emperors of the New World, and more pirates than ever before."

"For the Marines, this is the most dangerous era and the moment of greatest pressure."

Sengoku took a deep breath, his voice solemn.

"After discussions at headquarters, we've decided to launch a major operation."

Xia Le raised an eyebrow. A glint passed through his eyes. "Oh? I'm listening."

"It's a terrifying plan aimed at the Four Emperors. It could affect the entire world and shatter its current balance."