A moment later, Sengoku's expression gradually darkened as well.
"I understand."
"We'll discuss the details when you get back."
"Mm-hmm. Yes. All right."
Click-
He hung up the Den Den Mushi.
Bang-
"Left dead in the streets?"
"What a show of power!"
Suppressing his anger, he picked up the Den Den Mushi and called the Five Elders...
Meanwhile.
Sabaody Archipelago, Marine Branch.
Inside a hospital room, Demora lay wrapped in bandages, not daring to move.
Still, he directed his men, issuing one order after another, his voice thick with hatred.
"Does everyone remember who they're supposed to investigate?"
His subordinates tensed.
"Yes, sir!!!"
Demora's voice was chillingly cold.
"Find every member of their families. Don't overlook even their illegitimate children."
"If I die one day, they'll all go to the grave with me!!!"
"Go investigate!"
"Right now!!!"
His subordinates dared not delay.
"Yes, sir!!!"
They all rushed out in a swarm.
Overcome with emotion, Demora's eyes reddened as he panted heavily.
"Hah-"
"Hah-"
He could hardly be blamed for getting so worked up. He really had brushed against death.
Had Sakazuki been any more ruthless, he would have lost his life. Even now, his injuries would take three months to heal.
The worst part was that he had gained nothing from this affair. Others had even swallowed up a sizable portion of his profits.
Once certain high-ranking government officials took over the shops that used to pay him protection money, he could no longer collect from them.
His income had plummeted, and there was nothing he could do about it.
Those people above him were using their power to crush him. With his own hands far from clean, he had no choice but to let them have their way.
But things were different now.
*I nearly lost my life!