Vice Admiral Vargos's expression stiffened.
Of course. Where could they pull reinforcements from? Even counting Marine Headquarters and himself, they had just three Vice Admirals and eleven Rear Admirals on hand. Their forces were spread dangerously thin. If Fleet Admiral Sengoku weren't present, and if the Demon Mask Pirates hadn't suffered losses, even Demon Mask Gutte might dare to assault Marineford directly.
"Syrons-san's First Assault Fleet is stationed in Alabasta, lying in wait to take down that upstart rookie, Golden Ring Aeridar. The other task forces are all tied up with their own difficult missions, some even contending with big-name pirates from the New World,"
Vice Admiral Momonga said grimly, scanning everyone present.
"At most, we can pull one or two warships from each fleet to reinforce a new strike force. But that still leaves the issue of command. It has to be someone at least of Vice Admiral rank. And those of us stationed at Marineford can't leave. With our current manpower, there's no guarantee we can take down the Demon Mask Pirates for good."
Tsuru raised her eyelids slowly and said coolly:
"Then dispatch Syrons along with the entire First Assault Fleet. Each other fleet is to contribute one or two ships, depending on circumstances. They'll all converge at Marineford."
"And what about Golden Ring Aeridar?"
"An 80 million bounty rookie pirate who's been dormant for half a year... or a New World veteran with a 480 million bounty who just committed mass slaughter under our noses?" Tsuru replied with quiet force.
"Do you really think the World Government will let a Vice Admiral waste time chasing down a minor criminal while letting a walking catastrophe like Gutte go unpunished? Do you think the Five Elders will allow that?"
From the World Government's perspective, someone with just an 80 million bounty, even a high-potential rookie, was ultimately expendable. Under normal circumstances, losing such a figure wouldn't cause concern.
But this... this was a humiliation. A massacre. A public slap in the face.
If the World Government and Marines failed to destroy the Demon Mask Pirates, it wouldn't just be a tactical loss, it would be a total loss of face and faith. The public would start to question:
If they can't even protect their own senior officials, how can they protect us?
For a regime as obsessed with saving face as the World Government, the fallout was unacceptable.
"Then begin drawing reinforcements from the other fleets. Have them regroup at Marineford," Sengoku said heavily.
"As for Syrons, ask if he can eliminate Golden Ring Aeridar within two days. I'll reach out to the Kingdom of Alabasta myself."
He pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing.
"If he can't get it done... then call him back."
"Remind him to be cautious of Crocodile. Aeridar's been holed up in Rainbase for too long, he may have made some kind of deal," Tsuru added.
Southern Coastline of Saintin Island – Hidden Strait.
The Den Den Mushi hung up with a clack.
Vice Admiral Syrons rubbed his thick mustache, his expression darkening.
"Vice Admiral Syrons, something wrong? Orders from HQ?"
Rear Admiral Lief, who had just entered, asked curiously, noting Syrons's grim face.
"A ship carrying World Government officials was attacked by pirates. The two escorting warships were sunk. Everyone aboard was killed—government officials, Marine officers, wealthy merchants. Over a thousand lives lost, including multiple Captains," Syrons said coldly.
"The Five Elders issued a direct order. Sengoku wants us to return to Marineford immediately, regroup with reinforcements, and prepare for a full-scale assault."
"Tch..." Lief gasped, face paling.
"Such a heinous crime... was it a New World pirate?!"
"It was Demon Mask Gutte. Bounty: 480 million."
Syrons's tone was icy.
"Gutte?! That monster made it all the way to the first half of the Grand Line?! And now this... that bastard!" Lief snarled, his voice rising.
All their careful planning, a long time of lying in wait, wasted because of one act of carnage.
The Five Elders had spoken. Even the Fleet Admiral couldn't disobey, what hope did they have?
Syrons frowned, then asked abruptly:
"Is Golden Ring Aeridar still in Rainbase?"
"Uh... yes, he is!" Lief replied, puzzled by the sudden shift.
Syrons nodded, making up his mind.
"Leave one warship behind. Rear Admiral Zoka and Commodore Cray will come with me. Choose three Captains and assemble 400 elite Marines. The rest of the ships and men, you'll command them. Take them back to Marineford at once."
"What? Vice Admiral Syrons, are you going to launch a strike on your own?! Will the Alabasta royal family even allow it?" Lief blurted out, stunned.
After all, King Cobra had always been lenient about small-scale Marine movements. But a large deployment, even loyal ministers would object.
"No worries. Sengoku already spoke with the king. Cobra approved a limited operation: one Vice Admiral, no more than 500 troops. But I only have two days.
"Whether I succeed or fail against Aeridar... I have to return."
As Fleet Admiral, Sengoku's request carried immense weight. And King Cobra, respectful of the Marines, had agreed, offering them that slim window.
Syrons understood how serious this was. He had no room to argue or delay. Still, after such a long time of waiting, he refused to walk away empty-handed.
Lief opened his mouth, wanting to protest. After all, Golden Ring Aeridar was hardly worth it. But instead, what came out was:
"I'll make the arrangements. May fortune favor you in battle, sir."
Seeing Lief's somber expression, Syrons let out a booming laugh and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Oi, oi! Don't make that face! Hahaha... what, you think I would lose to some punk who shoots shockwaves around like fireworks?"
"I'm Ghost Hammer Syrons, damn it! Don't think I'm too old to fight! Watch from HQ as I drag that brat to Impel Down, and then, you'll see my hammer crush Gutte's demon mask to pieces! Hahaha!"
With that, Syrons turned and strode boldly out of the communication chamber.
Lief exhaled a long breath, pulled his Justice coat tight around his shoulders, and picked up the Den Den Mushi.
It was time to organize the withdrawal.
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