At the port, the Marines led by Dalmatian were tense yet full of determination. Moments later, a massive Marine warship appeared over the horizon, slicing through the waves before docking with thunderous force.
From the deck, Sengoku, Aokiji, and several Marine Vice Admirals stepped down, their presence instantly commanding respect.
"Marshal Sengoku! You've arrived!" a Marine officer saluted sharply.
"Hm," Sengoku replied with a nod. "Dalmatian, do you know where Kaito is?"
"He's already waiting for you in Area 1, sir."
"Good. Let's move."
As Sengoku turned to leave, his sharp gaze caught the shifting shadows on nearby rooftops. Pirates who had been watching the scene unfold froze in terror as realization dawned on them.
"That— that's Sengoku!" one of them stammered.
"And that's Admiral Aokiji! What the hell are they doing here?! Are they planning to wipe out every pirate on Sabaody?!"
"Damn it! I knew I shouldn't have stuck around to watch!" another cursed. "Run for your lives!"
Within moments, panic spread like wildfire. The pirates scattered in all directions, abandoning their ships, their loot, and their pride. Even the so-called Supernovas—those arrogant upstarts of the new generation—bolted at the mere sight of Sengoku's calm, menacing composure.
The difference between their strength and the might of Marine legends was like that between heaven and earth.
Satisfied by the sight of chaos, Sengoku gave a small cough and resumed walking toward Area 1. Now wasn't the time to waste effort on small fry.
As the fleet advanced, Marine forces spread across Sabaody, their sheer presence suffocating the island. In mere minutes, what was once a lively, bustling hub of piracy turned eerily silent. Half the pirates had already fled, leaving empty taverns and quiet streets behind.
In Area 1, Ayanami Kaito sat leisurely on a wooden chair, observing the commotion from afar. When the first group of Marines appeared, he smirked.
"So, they really came in full force," he muttered to himself. "As expected of the great Sengoku—leader of the Marines."
Moments later, Sengoku and Aokiji appeared before him, flanked by Vice Admirals. Sengoku's expression was calm but carried the weight of authority.
"You must be Kaito. This is our first meeting."
Kaito leaned back slightly, a faint grin tugging at his lips. "That's right. It's an honor, Marshal Sengoku. A first for both of us."
His eyes drifted to the figures standing behind Sengoku, and his grin widened. "Yo, Admiral Aokiji too? You guys really pulled out all the stops. I didn't think this deal would interest the Marines this much."
"The small talk ends here," Sengoku said, waving his hand. "I brought what you asked for."
At his signal, several Marines stepped forward, carrying large metal suitcases. They placed them before Kaito and opened them. Inside, stacks of neatly arranged Berries gleamed under the sunlight.
"Each of these boxes contains one hundred million Berries," Sengoku stated firmly. "There are a hundred boxes in total. You may verify them if you wish. Now, where's Sakazuki?"
Kaito nodded. "Fine."
Without another word, he waved his hand through the air. The space before him rippled violently, then split apart like a fabric being torn. A crescent-shaped rift appeared, its edges humming with energy.
From the crack, Kaito reached in and pulled out the unconscious Akainu by his uniform collar.
Sengoku and Aokiji's pupils shrank.
"Spatial ability…" Aokiji muttered in disbelief. "Just how many powers does this man possess?"
Kaito smirked at their expressions. "Relax. He's not dead. Just unconscious. Feed him when you get back and he'll wake up."
Sengoku's eyes narrowed, scanning Akainu's condition before giving a curt nod. "Good. Let's complete the trade."
"Throw the money into the rift," Kaito said coolly.
Sengoku frowned. "You'd better keep your word. Otherwise, even if it costs me my title, I'll see you captured."
"Do as he says!" he ordered his men.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
One by one, the Marines hurled the heavy suitcases into the spatial crack. When the final case disappeared, Kaito snapped his fingers, sealing the rift.
Then, with a casual flick of his wrist, he tossed the unconscious Akainu toward them. Sengoku caught him easily and tore away the ropes binding him. After confirming Akainu's condition, Sengoku's expression hardened as he looked back at Kaito.
"What's wrong?" Kaito asked with a faint smile. "Thinking of attacking? Then you'd better be prepared for what comes after."
"…Let's go," Sengoku said finally, his jaw tight. He turned and marched off, Aokiji and the others following behind, carrying Akainu back toward the ship.
"Tch," Kaito muttered, brushing off his coat. "Such a hassle."
Yawning, he stretched. "Didn't get much sleep after that fight with Kaguya yesterday. Guess I'll head back for a nap."
He turned toward his hotel, hands in his pockets.
But not long after, whispers began to spread like wildfire across the seas. The underground intelligence network had exposed the truth—Kaito was the one who killed Jack and Doflamingo.
The news exploded across the world.
In the New World, the Grand Line—every pirate crew and Marine base alike was in uproar.
Within hours, bounty posters were printed and distributed by newspaper seagulls across every corner of the world.
Ayanami Kaito
Bounty: 2,000,000,000 Berries
Though Marine Headquarters didn't include the details of his crimes, others quickly filled in the blanks.
In a grand newsroom smelling of ink and paper, a massive albatross in a suit and top hat—Morgans, president of the World Economic News Agency—flapped his wings in excitement as he stared at the headline.
"It's finally here! The story of the century!" he cackled. "The sea's about to burn again!"
He grabbed a Den Den Mushi. "Start the plan immediately. Let's turn the world upside down."
"Understood, President!" came an eager voice from the other end.
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