Marine Headquarters.
Several members of the high command held a secret meeting about the Black Emperor Pirates.
"What do you think? Should we intercept them?"
Sengoku posed the question.
Borsalino had already left, and Sakazuki was still away.
Kuzan was currently in West Blue, doing who knew what.
Besides Sengoku, Chief of Staff Tsuru, Zephyr, and Kong were present.
Zephyr had watched many recordings of battles at the Sky Arena, so he naturally knew a fair amount about Marshall D. Teach, a monster who had fought his way to the top.
"He's a young monster on par with Shiki and Newgate. If we want to bury him, we can't give him any chances."
Meeting Sengoku's gaze, Zephyr spoke seriously.
In his eyes, Teach was nothing short of a perfect prodigy.
Powerful Body Techniques, mastery of Haki, and exceptional physical toughness.
Tremendous willpower and a hunger for victory.
The madness he had displayed at the Sky Arena had convinced countless people that he could reach the pinnacle of the seas.
There was no doubt about it. He only needed time.
"With our current capabilities, we probably can't do it."
Tsuru sighed, took out a newspaper clipping, and laid it in front of them.
The newspaper showed Lubbock.
He had shoulder-length green hair and an elegant smile on his face.
"Lubbock is effectively the second-in-command of the Black Emperor Pirates. He's Teach's childhood companion; they grew up together on Paros Island."
"He's a Paramecia-type Fur-Fur Fruit user."
"Although he hasn't shown any particularly unusual abilities yet, I suspect he's the strategist type of pirate."
Tsuru continued seriously, "Sakazuki suffered a setback at his hands before. Before the two could even fight, Lubbock's ability destroyed the battleship Sakazuki was aboard."
"He most likely ate the Fur-Fur Fruit very early on. By now, he's