"Still, we have to handle this with caution," Sengoku stated, his gaze hardening. "It's the Celestial Dragons we're talking about—we can't have them dying under our watch."
Aokiji maintained his relaxed, almost disinterested demeanor, his eyes half-closed. "Focus, Aokiji," Sengoku called out, his patience waning.
Aokiji shrugged nonchalantly, "I'm not much for planning, you know. Just handle the strategy; I'll do the fighting if it comes to that."
Sengoku frowned but didn't press further. Instead, he turned to Tsuru. "What do we know about him?"
Tsuru took a moment, recalling, "There was talk of a group known as the 'Hell Prince Pirates' in East Blue. Smoker mentioned them briefly, but then they vanished without a trace—until now."
"Smoker from East Blue?" Sengoku raised an eyebrow. "What did he tell us about them?"
"He reported they were forced into piracy due to a particular Marine officer, who's now in Impel Down. Smoker went to apprehend those marines after hearing about their actions."
Sengoku shook his head. "Still, I doubt they'd target the Celestial Dragons for something as trivial as that."
"Permission to speak," a voice interjected. It was Vice Admiral Rhodes, a recent addition to Marine HQ.
Sengoku glanced at him. "Do you know them?"
"Yes, not the captain directly, but one of his crew members, Tony. He introduced me to them," Rhodes replied, looking contemplative.
"What do you know about him?" Sengoku pressed.
Rhodes took a deep breath. "From what I've Known, Dave is at least Four Emperor level, if not higher. But he's not the type to attack without cause. He's calm, even when provoked—he's more of a laid-back, kind-hearted individual. If he's attacking World Nobles... there has to be a reason."
"And he was Four Emperor level before he learned Haki. Now, he must have already mastered it, so he's even stronger," Rhodes said.
Akainu scoffed, frowning. "Four Emperor level without Haki? You must be an idiot to think that," he sneered, casting a disdainful glance at him.
"Whether you believe it or not isn't my problem. I'm just telling you what I know—the rest is up to you," Rhodes shrugged. He'd already seen how the Marine system worked, and he understood why Dave warned him not to take everything at face value. While Marines claimed to uphold justice, Rhodes had come to realize that their actions over the years were, at best, only 70% aligned with true justice.
Just then, an operator rushed in. "Sir, the Public Security Office reports that the 'Hell Prince Pirates' are tearing down multiple stations. The other two crew members responsible are calling themselves Turbo Iron Man Tony and Thor Enel."
"What stations?" Sengoku demanded.
"The Slave Auc... I mean, the Public Service Offices," the operator replied, stumbling over his words.
Rhodes scoffed. "Just say it. Slave Auction House. Why are you even pretending?"
Sengoku shot him a glare. "Shut up, Rhodes."
But Rhodes stood his ground, his voice edged with defiance. "With all due respect, these 'Hell Prince Pirates' are doing a better job at justice than we are. At least they're not hypocrites."
Akainu snarled at Rhodes, lunging at him. In a flash, Rhodes sidestepped and summoned Ifrit, his hand coated in flames. He aimed a powerful punch at Akainu's face, sending him flying back, blood trickling from his head.
"Vice Admiral Rhodes, stand down!" Sengoku shouted, his voice echoing through the room. Rhodes threw off his Marine cap, his gaze unyielding. "Keep your justice. You're only fooling yourselves."
With that, Rhodes turned and stormed out, muttering to himself, "Damn it, maybe Dave was right." He began to seriously consider if remaining in the Marines was even worth it anymore.
"Still, I can't forsake the people here," Rhodes muttered to himself, recalling how even Aokiji had questioned the Marines' version of justice. "Why don't I start my own Marine force?" he pondered, the thought becoming more tempting with every step.
He envisioned allies who shared his ideals, those who would truly protect the innocent without hypocrisy. "I could get Zephyr too. If he's still bitter over the loss of his arm... maybe Dave could help with that," he thought, an idea forming in his mind.
Determined, Rhodes made his way towards Zephyr, his resolve growing stronger with each stride.
Back at Fleet Admiral Office, Sengoku stared at the empty chair Rhodes had vacated and then glanced over at Akainu, who was still tending to his injuries.
"He's above Akainu?" Sengoku muttered to himself, feeling the weight of the revelation. He knew Garp had taken an interest in training Rhodes, but he hadn't realized it was to this extent.
"He was trained under Garp, after all," Tsuru reminded him, observing the turmoil on Sengoku's face. "Rhodes isn't just any Marine. His skills have evolved far beyond standard training."
Before Sengoku could respond, the operator rushed in again with an urgent message. "Sir, there's been another contact from the Hell Prince Pirates."
"What now?" Sengoku asked, frustrated.
"Sir, Pirate Dave is demanding a Devil Fruit in exchange for the Celestial Dragons. He specifically requested either a Paramecia, Mythical Zoan, or Logia type," the operator reported nervously.
Sengoku slammed his hand on the table in fury. "That bastard! Does he think we have Devil Fruits ready to trade?" he roared, anger flashing in his eyes. "Get me a Den Den Mushi line. I'll speak to this 'Dave' myself."
The room was tense as the operator quickly scrambled to set up the Den Den Mushi. Sengoku's face was a mask of frustration as he waited. Akainu, still furious from his altercation with Rhodes, muttered, "If he thinks he can just demand Devil Fruits from us, he's got another thing coming."
Soon, the Den Den Mushi connected, and the receiver lit up with the mocking voice of Dave.
"Well, well, Fleet Admiral Sengoku! I hear you're not too pleased with my requests," Dave's voice was calm but edged with dark amusement.
"Enough games, Pirate!" Sengoku barked. "You think you can negotiate with us using the Celestial Dragons as leverage? You're out of your depth."
"Oh, I think I'm right where I need to be," Dave replied smoothly. "You value those 'gods' so highly, yet they do nothing but drain resources and abuse their power. I simply offered them a taste of the consequences of their actions."
"You've crossed a line, Dave," Sengoku growled. "Demanding a Devil Fruit is beyond arrogance. Why should I even consider this?"
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