Thanks to Wright personally leading recent operations to purge pirates near G-5, even with most of the branch's forces withdrawn, leaving only enough to maintain daily operations, no foolish troublemakers had dared to cause any issues—for now.
With fewer warships patrolling, Smoker, as the strongest force currently stationed at the base, was on standby for immediate support. His mobility, enhanced by the Lightforged Beacon, was simply astonishing.
Per Wright's instructions, the battle was to take place on Kardena Island, a barren island northwest of the G-5 base.
The entire G-5 branch was awaiting Kaido's arrival. If he brought a full army, then perhaps it was time to show him what it felt like to face three Admirals at once!
Two days later, Smoker received a classified report from Drake.
"Jack's Vivre Card has vanished. Kaido is furious. He has transformed into his dragon form and is leaving the island at high speed!"
"So, he's finally noticed…"
Smoker destroyed the document transmitted via the Lightforged Beacon. Knowing Kaido's departure time gave them a clear advantage.
Compared to Den Den Mushi, the portable version of the Lightforged Beacon was completely immune to eavesdropping, more discreet, and, when necessary, could summon reinforcements instantly…
A true must-have for undercover work!
"You've got news? Kaido finally noticed?"
A voice from the doorway made Smoker smirk slightly.
"You're finally out. Just in time."
...
Dressrosa.
Doflamingo sat with a deep frown, surrounded by his top officers.
"Jack's situation—though just my speculation—is likely true."
His forehead throbbed with veins of frustration. He was furious, yet powerless.
"Jack's Vivre Card… actually vanished. That brute Kaido didn't even have anyone monitoring the life signs of his own top officer?"
"But, Young Master… could that Vice Admiral Wright really have killed someone like Jack?"
Diamante shuddered at the name. Of the four highest-ranking Donquixote Family officers, three had fallen to Wright's hand. He, the last remaining one, knew all too well how terrifying that man was.
"Fuffuffuffu… I think it's quite possible!"
Doflamingo sneered. "A storm or some accident? With Jack's vitality? Even if he was knocked unconscious or stranded on a deserted island, a week wouldn't even weaken him!"
"Let alone kill him! This can only mean he was slain in battle! And in the New World, how many pirates could actually kill Jack? Even that old man Whitebeard wouldn't do so lightly!"
"The only ones who would… are the Marines!"
"Jack was killed before reaching Dressrosa… based on the timeline, the only possible Marine force nearby was G-5!"
"The G-5 base commander is Wright!"
"So, whether he did it alone or with assistance, Wright is definitely involved!"
"All I need to do is point Kaido in the right direction, and he'll personally test that Vice Admiral's strength for us!"
Gladius spoke up, "But Young Master, why would the Marines kill Jack instead of capturing him?
"They usually prioritize sending Devil Fruit users to Impel Down…
"Also, with the Four Emperors keeping things relatively stable, why would the Marines suddenly make such a bold move?"
Doflamingo was silent for a moment before replying with a cold expression.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku's philosophy is that the Marines must dominate this era!"
"So, while he tolerates the current balance between the Four Emperors, the Seven Warlords, and Marine Headquarters, he must ensure the Marines hold the upper hand!"
"Killing Jack weakens both Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, and me, a Warlord of the Sea…"
"For the Marines, this battle proves they have gained another top-tier force—strengthening their dominance while maintaining balance!"
As realization dawned on the officers, Doflamingo laughed darkly.
"I must admit… that old fox Sengoku is too meticulous. He never saw the Warlords as his allies!"
"From now on, we move in greater secrecy… We'll slow down our operations against the 'Loyalist Army' as well."
"We build our own power. Outsiders can't be trusted… We can't let the Marines get any leverage on us! Let them fight the Four Emperors!"
"Fuffuffuffu… After all, the fiercer their battles, the better our arms business thrives… Hehehehe!"
"Yes, Young Master!"
...
"If we had killed a Whitebeard Commander, that old man would've stormed in and razed this place to the ground."
In his office, Wright chatted with Smoker.
"But Kaido is different…"
"He'll feel humiliated and want to retaliate, to vent his rage—but he won't go to war with us. He's far too indifferent to things that lose their value."
Smoker reclined on the couch, puffing his cigar.
"At Kaido's speed, he'll be here in a few days. The battlefield is set."
"Fighting him there will keep the base safe. I'll observe with the Lightforged Beacon and call for reinforcements if needed."
"Got it… No problem."
...
"Vice Admiral Wright! We've spotted Kaido northwest of Kardena Island!"
"He's flying… At this speed, he'll reach the island in about an hour!"
"Understood. Evacuate immediately. I'll head over now."
Hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Wright adjusted the longsword at his waist, Ashes, before vanishing in a flash of golden light.
On Kardena Island, Smoker stood with his hands behind his back, gazing northwest, where dark clouds crackled with lightning.
"He's here…"
Muttering to himself, he turned to the glow of the Lightforged Beacon.
There stood Wright, draped in his "Justice" coat, his sword hanging at his side.
"It's about to begin."
"Yeah. Be careful."
Wright waved casually, striding toward the island's center. "No problem. Just watch."
Smoker shook his head, retrieving a Visual Den Den Mushi. "You sure you wanna use this?"
Wright halted mid-step and sighed. "Sengoku's orders. What choice do I have?"
"He wants to observe from headquarters. Maybe he has other plans… but he won't say, and I can't ask."
"Fine. I'll do my best to capture your good side."
"…Just wait and see what real acting looks like."
...
Marine Headquarters, Marineford – Confidential Meeting Room.
Gathered were the top brass of the Marines.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Hero of the Marines, Garp. "Great Advisor" Tsuru. Chief Instructor Zephyr. And the three Admirals—"Akainu" Sakazuki, "Kizaru" Borsalino, and "Aokiji" Kuzan.
At the center of the room stood a Lightforged Beacon, radiating golden light.
The atmosphere was silent.
Then, the Visual Den Den Mushi's projection flickered to life, displaying the scene on Kardena Island—Wright, clad in his Justice coat, walking toward the island's center.
Above him, dark clouds crackled, the storm drawing closer.
The room's tension sharpened as Tsuru murmured, "It's about to start."
"…That boy Wright… he's truly ready for this level of battle."
Zephyr sighed, while Garp burst into laughter.
"Wasn't that obvious? Today, he proves himself!"
-------
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