Before the previous Commander could even take his leave, another officer strode into the room.
This one wore the stark black suit and the white cloak of Justice, his firm, square jaw instantly marked him as a seasoned Marine Commodore. His voice was grave as he delivered the report:
"Rear Admiral Natel's G1B-class Ship No.14, which was conducting routine reconnaissance patrol near the entrance of Fish-Man Island, encountered an unexplained tsunami. We've lost all contact."
"Nani?!" Sakazuki's brow twitched sharply. "What do you mean, 'unexplained tsunami'?"
"The specifics remain unclear. By all accounts, the skies were clear, and the sea was calm, then, without the slightest warning, a massive wave struck. No distress signal. Just... silence." The Commodore shook his head, clearly just as in the dark. Then he added something else, something that darkened the room further.
"Before contact was lost, they submitted a report. It stated that the Chris Pirates, led by Aeridar-sama of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, were seen in the same region, alongside the White Mane Pirates, under Enrod the White Mane Swordsman."
"That new Warlord... Chris T. Aeridar, the one they call 'Golden Ring.'" Sakazuki's scowl deepened. "And the White Mane Pirates? Weren't they crushed by Garfield Caesar? Have they pledged themselves to this man now?"
Sakazuki had never personally encountered Aeridar. But as one of the most infamous new-generation pirates, vicious even by Grand Line standards, his name had crossed Sakazuki's desk too many times to count. The headlines lately seemed to revolve around him.
One incident in particular still stuck in Sakazuki's mind: Aeridar's brutal clash with Nielmark Syrons, a veteran Vice Admiral known for singlehandedly bringing down entire pirate fleets.
That battle had ended in a stalemate, an outcome unthinkable against such a seasoned Marine. Even Sakazuki, an Admiral, had been rattled.
"According to intel from our shadow agents stationed in Fish-Man Island, Enrod and Galan were both spotted there not long ago. It seems they were planning to retreat from the New World. They also met privately aboard Aeridar's ship, but the content of that meeting remains unknown." The square-jawed Commodore stepped forward, presenting a sealed dossier.
"A sudden tsunami. A vanished patrol ship. Chris T. Aeridar. There has to be a connection," Sakazuki muttered, instinct as a battle-hardened warrior whispering caution.
Something clicked. Sakazuki spun around and rifled through a towering stack of files on his desk.
He pulled out a specific document and began reading, his expression hardening with every line:
Captain of the Chris Pirates.
Born in the East Blue, hometown unknown.
First sighted on Kukos Island, dubbed the 'Island of Terror.'
Later rescued by a merchant ship from the Red Clover Merchant Guild and transported to Shiga Island.
Rose through the underworld ranks to become a gang boss in just four years.
Paramecia-type: Impact-Impact Fruit.
Skilled in both Armament and Observation Haki.
Proficient in Rokushiki techniques, Soru, Geppo, and Rankyaku.
Once clashed with former Warlord Gecko Moria in Mock Town, unleashing shockwaves akin to those of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, resulting in the town's total destruction.
Threat Level: XXXX (Note: Yonko-level threats are classified as XXXXX).
As Sakazuki read the report, his face darkened. Especially the line about Aeridar mimicking the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, Whitebeard's terrifying power, with enough force to flatten an entire settlement. That detail chilled even him.
"There's no mistaking it now... this bastard was behind it." Sakazuki's eyes narrowed to slits, mind racing.
The intelligence dossier had been delivered eight days earlier, a joint effort between Naval Intelligence and Cipher Pol.
At the time, Sakazuki had dismissed the report. After all, shockwave abilities weren't unique to the Tremor-Tremor Fruit. He'd assumed it was an exaggerated similarity, nothing more.
But now, considering the tsunami, one with no natural cause? It lined up too perfectly.
If Aeridar could generate tremors on par with Whitebeard... the implications were catastrophic.
"That bastard..." Sakazuki growled, clenching his jaw. Then he turned to both the Commodore and the Commander.
"Whether or not there's another tsunami coming, I want all units on full defensive alert. We'll revisit this in a few days. For now—"
He issued orders with the usual fire of his command.
"I'll have Vice Admiral Onigumo investigate the site. Coordinate with Fortress G5 to support the operation."
Truthfully, Sakazuki was restrained. The Grand Expeditionary Fleet was undergoing redeployment and decommissioning, his own Second Expedition Fleet included. And without direct proof, he couldn't legally take action against a Warlord.
Waters off Alvis Island.
A modest but formidable fleet sailed over the glittering sea. The skull flag at its bow, bold and merciless, was enough to send most enemies diving for cover.
"Captain, we've drifted off course. Our exact position's unclear... but we've sighted an island ahead," Dimitri called out as he descended from the crow's nest onto the deck.
"Is that so... then let's land and have a look," murmured Aeridar, reclining lazily in a cushioned deck chair, eyes closed like he was half-asleep.
On either side of him, Millie and Mina massaged his shoulders, while a small round table beside them held a chilled glass of orange juice, mist curling off the ice.
Dimitri pulled out a rolled-up sheepskin chart and gave it a glance, tilting his head thoughtfully.
"According to the current drift and the island's placement, I'd say we've reached Alvis Island."
"Alvis Island?" Oliver, lying across from Aeridar, tilted his head quizzically.
Thump-thump-thump-thump... Thump-thump-thump-thump...
"I know that island."
The sound of deliberate footsteps echoed across the deck, accompanied by a steady, composed voice.
Everyone turned to look. It was none other than Black Ghost Galan, who had just come aboard the Chris Pirates' ship from the White Mane Pirates' ship.
Originally, Galan had just meant to drop by, an informal visit to get better acquainted with the Chris Pirates' core members. But now seemed like the perfect time to jump into the conversation.
"Galan, welcome aboard!"
Arlan and Backan had just returned from checking the hold, and walked over to greet him. The two parties exchanged a friendly embrace, formal yet warm.
"Mind telling us what you know about Alvis Island?"
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