Once Stella calmed down, Buggy led her out of the hotel. Soon, they reached the main entrance.
At that very moment, Enel and the others emerged from the shadows where they had been hiding.
"Stella! Are you alright? I was so worried about you," Tezoro blurted out the moment he saw her. He rushed forward and pulled her into a tight embrace, as if afraid she might vanish again.
"I'm fine, Tezoro. I'm safe now, you don't need to worry anymore. Thank you, Tezoro," Stella whispered as she stroked his back to comfort him. She hugged him just as tightly, her gratitude overflowing.
"It's okay now. From now on, I'll protect you. I won't ever let you face this kind of danger again," Tezoro promised with determination.
"Mm."
Stella's cheeks flushed red as she heard his vow. Her eyes shimmered with joy, and for a moment, the two were lost in their own little world.
Meanwhile, several hours later, at Marine Headquarters, Marineford, inside the Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku's predecessor, Steel Bone Kong, sat with a den den mushi pressed to his ear, his face twisted in frustration.
"What?! A Celestial Dragon was assaulted—nearly killed?! Damn it! Why can't those fools ever stay put? Why did they have to go to Sabaody Archipelago instead of staying safely in Mary Geoise?"
The voice on the other end belonged to Akainu Sakazuki, his tone grim:
"Fleet Admiral, it's true. I'm at Saint Rozwald's residence right now."
"Investigate the situation thoroughly and report back to me immediately," Kong ordered.
"I already have a prime suspect," Akainu replied coldly.
Kong's eyes sharpened, his anger giving way to sudden alertness. "Who is it?"
"Fleet Admiral… It's most likely Buggy and his crew. They've been spotted on Sabaody recently. They even stayed close to the Celestial Dragons' quarters. I'd say there's an eighty percent chance it was their doing."
Kong fell silent, stunned. Buggy again? He hadn't expected that pirate crew to show up there, let alone cause such chaos.
The Navy had been monitoring Buggy's movements closely, but frustratingly, their trail was often broken. Sometimes even the Navy's information network failed to locate them, making it impossible to launch a decisive strike. Besides, with Akainu stationed at Sabaody, they had held back from moving too aggressively.
After a moment of thought, Kong spoke:
"Is Borsalino back yet? You and he will stall them for now. I'll dispatch another Admiral. This time, we'll wipe Buggy and his crew out completely."
Though Kong had full confidence in Akainu's strength—especially if paired with Kizaru—this matter concerned the Celestial Dragons. That meant he had to send an Admiral. It was a matter of principle and politics.
Akainu frowned, then cast a glance at the unconscious Saint Rozwald lying nearby. He understood Kong's reasoning, even if he hated it. "Understood. I was already planning to move once Borsalino returned, but then this incident with the Celestial Dragon delayed me."
Kong caught the dissatisfaction in his tone but let it slide. He knew Akainu wanted to personally crush Buggy, but once the Celestial Dragons were involved, protocol demanded an Admiral's presence.
"Don't rush in yet. First, confirm Buggy's crew's condition and movements. Deploy forces to cut off any escape by sea. Once the Admiral arrives, you'll launch the assault together. This time, we'll make sure Buggy has nowhere to run."
"…Understood, Fleet Admiral."
Akainu's voice carried an edge of unwillingness as he ended the call. He didn't spare another glance at Rozwald, but instead strode out, already planning the battle preparations.
Kong set the den den mushi aside and summoned a marine guard.
"Is Admiral Zephyr still at headquarters?"
"Fleet Admiral, Admiral Zephyr departed this evening."
"So soon? I thought he'd leave tomorrow… Fine. Then summon Garp here."
Kong himself had arranged Zephyr's mission: to head into the New World. He hadn't expected him to leave immediately, but it wasn't surprising. The seas were turbulent—old powers were fading while new ones clawed for territory. Sengoku was already stretched thin there. Zephyr must have left in haste because of the urgency.
Moments later, a booming voice echoed through the corridors even before the man entered:
"Kong! What's so important that you had to drag me here in the middle of the night?"
Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp strolled in, grinning as usual.
"A Celestial Dragon has been attacked. We need someone of Admiral-level strength to go to Sabaody. With Zephyr and Sengoku gone, you're the only choice."
Kong quickly explained the situation, including Buggy's suspected involvement.
Garp burst into hearty laughter. "Hahahaha! So a Celestial Dragon got smacked around, huh? Serves them right! Why should that be our problem? Let the World Government handle it. I'm no Admiral, and I've got no intention of babysitting those arrogant fools."
Kong sighed. He knew Garp's attitude toward the Celestial Dragons well enough. This reaction was no surprise.
"Please, old friend. I'm asking you. There's no one else left. Just show your face—it'll be enough to steady the situation. You don't need to deal with the Celestial Dragon directly. Sakazuki and the others will handle that. I only need you to stand as a deterrent."
Garp's face twisted in reluctance. He hated the Celestial Dragons, despised being dragged into their mess. If it were up to him, he'd punch them himself. But this was Kong asking—and Kong was not just his superior, but a mentor, almost like family. Refusing him was impossible.
"Fine," Garp muttered at last. "But I'm doing this for you, Kong. Next time those Celestial bastards get into trouble, don't expect me to lift a finger."
Relief washed over Kong, and he smiled. He knew that despite his grumbling, Garp would never refuse him outright.
"Thank you, Garp. Next time, I promise, I won't ask this of you again."
Still scowling, Garp stormed out of the office. He immediately began gathering his men, preparing to head to the Sabaody Archipelago.