Targeting the Rumble-Rumble Fruit

A name began to rise on the stage: Marine Rear Admiral Wilton. He was the one who defeated the culprit Crocodile and saved Alabasta.

This was because in a previous war, many people saw Wilton carrying Crocodile's corpse through the air.

Furthermore, the criminal organization Baroque Works, Crocodile's faction, was also uprooted by the Marines.

Without a doubt.

Wilton, Smoker, Sadi, Tashigi, and a host of other Marines became heroes, and this news quickly spread to neighboring countries. It was believed that it would soon reach the entire world.

At the same time, the fall of a Shichibukai involved the current balance of the seas.

The scene shifted.

At Marine Headquarters in Marineford, the atmosphere in the Fleet Admiral's office was rather somber.

Sengoku and Tsuru were both looking at the latest transmitted news.

"This matter can't be hidden anymore."

Tsuru put down the intelligence, her eyes still holding a hint of surprise. She wasn't surprised by the events in Alabasta, but rather that Wilton had actually eliminated a Shichibukai.

After all, Wilton had only left Headquarters not long ago.

And he was still just a Rear Admiral.

It seemed she had underestimated Wilton's strength.

"It would have been better if the matter of Crocodile wasn't exposed, but once it was, it was destined to be revealed. Fortunately, it was Wilton who dealt with Crocodile; otherwise, the Marines' reputation might have been significantly affected."

Sengoku tossed the intelligence in his hand to the goat by his feet, feeling slightly relieved.

The Shichibukai were, after all, pirates recognized by the World Government. Scandals like Crocodile's were better left unexposed; everyone knew the truth.

But once exposed, it was different. Facing public opinion and needing to maintain the Marines' positive image, they had to clean up this mess.

Fortunately, it was the Marines who resolved the issue. In a way, it was like turning the tide and bringing honor to the Marines.

"News has come from Smoker that Fire Fist Ace also appeared in Alabasta and even fought with Wilton."

"It must have been about the traitor of the Whitebeard Pirates!"

"Most likely."

"Little Tsuru, you handle the Alabasta matter. Also, promote Wilton, Smoker, and the others by one rank."

"Defeating a Shichibukai and saving Alabasta to become a hero, both his strength and reputation are enough for Wilton to hold the rank of Vice Admiral."

"I understand."

The next day.

Numerous newspapers spread across the seas, and the entire world was in turmoil.

"What?"

"A Shichibukai was defeated? What a joke."

"Overthrew the Alabasta regime, plunging the people into misery."

"Extra! Extra! One of the Shichibukai, the Desert King Crocodile, was killed by the Marine Tough Guy Wilton."

"Crocodile's evil plot exposed, Marine Tough Guy becomes Alabasta's hero."

New World, Kingdom of Dressrosa.

"Fufufu~"

"Crocodile was actually killed by a Rear Admiral? Does the Navy intend to move against the Shichibukai?"

At the same time.

The other Shichibukai were all looking at the newspapers, each with their own thoughts.

Even some Yonko were paying attention.

Furthermore, the Revolutionary Army and various underground world powers were astonished. For a time, undercurrents surged across the seas.

Wilton had no idea what was happening outside. After spending a night in the royal palace, he prepared to leave early in the morning.

Before becoming an Admiral or Fleet Admiral, he had no interest in dealing with other matters.

The port.

The Straw Hat Pirates and Baroque Works agents, all dejected, were handcuffed with Seastone shackles and being escorted onto a warship by Marines.

"King Cobra, there's no need to see us off."

Wilton stopped, turned, and looked at Cobra and his entourage. His gaze lingered on Vivi for a moment. A closer look would reveal a slap mark on Vivi's face.

This foolish woman had wanted to let the Straw Hat Pirates go privately last night and was caught by Sadi. If Cobra hadn't arrived in time, she would have likely endured some torture and abuse.

Even now, Vivi and Nami were exchanging glances.

Fortunately, he wasn't the one guarding the Straw Hat Pirates, or Vivi would have surely suffered his "Everyone is Equal Kick," which would result in a vegetative state at best, or death on the spot at worst.

"Rear Admiral Wilton, no, it should be Vice Admiral Wilton. On behalf of all the people of Alabasta, I thank you."

In the face of national righteousness, Cobra chose to remain silent about certain matters.

Vivi had asked him to request Wilton, but was met with refusal.

"No need for thanks, because I am a Marine."

Wilton didn't intend to continue the conversation with Cobra. Instead, he turned to Smoker with a particularly grave expression. "Rear Admiral Smoker, you will be responsible for escorting the Straw Hat Pirates and Baroque Works agents to Impel Down. Be careful on the journey."

If he weren't in a hurry to seize the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, he would have escorted them himself.

Luffy, as the protagonist, might have some lucky aura, and could possibly be rescued by someone along the way, but he no longer had time to waste.

He had to find a Devil Fruit and eat it as soon as possible to develop its powers, otherwise he would miss the Summit War.

If there was absolutely no other way, he would pick up Blackbeard's leftovers, capture Ace, and imprison him for four or five years. He would then start the Summit War after becoming much stronger.

This seemed like a very good idea.

"I guarantee I will complete the mission."

Smoker puffed on his cigar. Although his expression was calm, his tone was very firm.

Thanks to Wilton, he had been promoted from Captain to Rear Admiral. Tashigi, Sadi, and the four Jailer Beasts had also had their positions elevated by one level.

"Depart."

The two warships soon parted ways, disappearing into the horizon in different directions.

Meanwhile, Vivi, taking advantage of Cobra's inattention, secretly set sail, intending to rescue Luffy and the others halfway. If it weren't for her, Luffy and the others wouldn't have come to Alabasta.

So, no matter what, she had to take action.

"Lord Wilton, to celebrate your promotion to Vice Admiral, please abuse me severely."

On the vast, rolling sea.

Sadi began to act out, circling Wilton with a flushed face and eyes full of anticipation. Wilton did not disappoint her. After a thorough beating, Sadi quieted down.

"Have you found the Seastone cage?"

After satisfying Sadi, Wilton began to inquire.

Last night, he had pondered that the Sand-Sand Fruit and the Explode-Explode Fruit might not have succeeded because the two Devil Fruits had not chosen him.

It was said that some Devil Fruits chose their hosts, though he didn't know if it was true.

To increase his chances of seizing Devil Fruits, he recalled that in the original story, Crocodile had a cage made of Seastone, which was also the first appearance of a Seastone cage in the original story.

The Straw Hat Pirates had the fortune to be imprisoned in it.

From now on, when seizing Devil Fruits, he planned to put the ability user and some fruits inside, and then throw the Seastone cage into the sea.

He believed the success rate would increase somewhat.

"Found it, it's in the ship's hold."

Sadi was very helpful, quickly nodding while still savoring the pleasure.

Spiders Cafe Town.

A pirate town where money was spent like water.

Due to the lack of Marine presence, the island was very chaotic. Most of those who came here were pirates who lived by the skin of their teeth.

Here, money and power reigned supreme.

Despite the motley crowd, the island was very prosperous, with all sorts of taverns, geisha houses, and casinos. You could enjoy anything here as long as you had money.

"Marines?"

"Why would Marines come to Spiders Cafe Town?"

On this day.

On the bustling streets, all sorts of thugs and pirates could be seen everywhere, even fighting duels in broad daylight, or engaging in child trafficking.

However, most of the pirates looked at the group of Marines on the street with ill intentions.

Wilton took the lead, holding two dumbbells and looking up at the sky. He remembered that Sky Island was above Spiders Cafe Town.

Ships needed to ride special upward sea currents to get there, but the appearance of these currents was not fixed. It seemed he would have to go alone this time.

He withdrew his gaze and looked around. Most of them were pirates, thugs, or hoodlums – scum and obstacles that held back the world's unification.

They were also the leeks that would build his reputation.