The conversation at the Bar continued.
Meanwhile, in the New World, the collaboration between the Dream Exploration Team and the Marines was also underway.
Punk Hazard.
Bogard was walking toward Garp, holding a small wooden box in his hand. At this point, Punk Hazard had already been reduced to ruins.
Behind Bogard, Caesar, now wearing Sea Prism Stone handcuffs, had a look of despair on his face as he was escorted by two Marines.
Nearby, many children were receiving medical treatment from Marine doctors.
These kids had been kidnapped for Caesar's human gigantification experiments. After receiving treatment, those with families would be sent home, while orphans would be taken to an orphanage in East Blue.
"Vice Admiral Garp, we've retrieved what Ryuen wanted," Bogard said, handing the small wooden box to Garp.
Garp took the box and opened it, revealing a small apple inside.
"Did you find out what kind of artificial Devil Fruit this is?" Garp asked curiously.
"We did."
"This is an artificial Devil Fruit modeled after the Fish-Fish Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Azure Dragon form," Bogard said in a serious tone.
"Huh???"
"An Azure Dragon Fruit? You gotta be kidding me!" Garp's cloudy eyes widened in shock.
Everyone around him also looked stunned.
"But unfortunately, Vegapunk said this Devil Fruit is a failure," Bogard added.
"A failure?" Garp was taken aback.
Even the Marines around him looked disappointed.
After all, this was the Devil Fruit of the immortal Kaido—a rare Mythical Zoan.
A moment ago, there had been a hint of greed in their eyes, but now that greed had vanished, replaced by a sense of regret.
Most Marines might not know, but the ones serving on Garp's ship were well aware—eating a failed artificial Devil Fruit didn't just come with severe side effects, it also failed to grant the proper abilities of a real Devil Fruit.
"Alright!"
"Once we finish up here, we need to get to Dressrosa as soon as possible. If what Ryuen said is true, then that kingdom has been under pirate rule for six whole years!"
"This is a disgrace to the Marines!" Garp shouted angrily.
"Yes, Vice Admiral Garp!" the Marines responded in unison with a salute.
~~~~~~
In Dressrosa, King Riku had received contact from the Marines.
But he found it hard to believe.
After all, his kingdom had been under Doflamingo's rule for six years. Now, out of nowhere, the Marines were reaching out, claiming they would help him take Doflamingo down.
It was difficult for him to accept.
And to make matters worse, the Marine contacting him was the very Captain whose heart had been taken by the Dream Exploration Team.
King Riku's expression was anything but welcoming.
"King Riku, we hope you take this seriously. If it weren't for the fact that Doflamingo is a pirate, we wouldn't even be getting involved. Even if Dressrosa remained under his rule, it would simply be returning to its former ruler," the Marine Captain said indifferently.
"Sigh…"
"I understand. I will cooperate with the Marines. And in the future, my granddaughter Rebecca will take the throne," King Riku said with a heavy sigh.
The Marine Captain didn't say anything else. He simply nodded before quietly leaving the area.
As soon as the Marine Captain left, King Riku got up as well.
He needed his daughter, Viola's help with this matter.
And he had to inform his granddaughter, Rebecca, as well.
~~~~~~
Sabaody Archipelago.
The seven women of the Dream Exploration Team were now hiding in the auction house at the talent recruitment center.
Inside a separate space, Nami and her group were also watching everyone carefully.
"Have you confirmed the girl's location?" Robin asked in a low voice.
"Yeah!"
"She's with Brother Doflamingo and a few of his family officers. When the Celestial Dragons arrive, Brother Doflamingo will go out to welcome them.
At that moment, those officers won't follow him.
After all, no matter what, they're still pirates. The fact that Doflamingo is allowed to personally greet them is already breaking the usual rules.
The Celestial Dragons from Mary Geoise look down on Brother Doflamingo." Nojiko said seriously.
The others exchanged glances and nodded.
For this cooperation with the Marines, their only job was to knock Sugar unconscious and take her away.
As for the others, they weren't responsible.
Oh, wait—there was one more thing.
They were also in charge of dealing with the Celestial Dragons.
"Lindgas has already made contact. He's inviting all the Celestial Dragons on Sabaody Archipelago to a banquet.
That'll be the perfect time for us to take them out." Daisy said with a smile.
Hearing this, the other women chuckled, except for Robin.
After all, she was personally participating in taking down Celestial Dragons this time!
This was something she never even dared to dream of before, and she was still struggling to wrap her head around it.
Not because she was scared—she just couldn't believe it was really happening!
———
**Marine Headquarters.**
Admiral Kizaru, who had just received the order, looked puzzled.
The Marines were working with the Dream Exploration Team to capture Warlord Doflamingo and send him to Impel Down?
"Um… Fleet Admiral Sengoku, about Heavenly Yaksha's other identity…"
Kizaru couldn't help but ask.
Sengoku simply waved his hand and said calmly, "Forget about his former Celestial Dragon status. He's nothing but scum among scum. Kizaru, your job is just to capture him and send him to Impel Down."
"I see." Kizaru nodded, then turned and left for Sabaody Archipelago.
———
"Purururu~~~"
Just as Kizaru left, the Den Den Mushi in Sengoku's office started ringing.
Brannew glanced at it before walking over to answer the call.
"Moshi moshi, this is the Fleet Admiral's office."
"Mm."
"Understood. I'll inform Fleet Admiral Sengoku."
*Click.*
After hanging up, Brannew walked over to Sengoku and reported, "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the World Government just informed us that Saint Isred and eight other Celestial Dragons are heading to Sabaody Archipelago.
They want the Marines to ensure their protection."
"What?!"
"Why at a time like this…" Sengoku blurted out in shock.
But his years of military experience quickly kicked in, and he regained his composure.
"Send Vice Admiral Tsuru to Sabaody Archipelago for backup.
Also, inform the Dream Exploration Team. If necessary, have them provide support!" Sengoku ordered firmly.
"Understood!"
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!" Brannew saluted before quickly leaving to pass on the orders.
"Let's just hope… nothing unexpected happens…"
After Brannew left, Sengoku muttered to himself while staring out the window.
Because before hearing about the Celestial Dragons' arrival, he had already received intel—
The Red-Haired Pirates and Mihawk were also on Sabaody Archipelago!
That made him feel like Ryuen's plan had suddenly taken an unexpected turn.
———
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