Chapter 201: Arrival at Headquarters
Just as Rhodes and his group departed from the Holy Land of Mariejois and boarded a warship heading toward Marine Headquarters, Carlos, captain of CP Third Squad, met with the Five Elders.
"You're saying the Dragon Slayer might be affiliated with the Revolutionary Army?" one of the Five Elders asked gravely, his white beard and stern features reminiscent of a statesman from centuries past.
"It's a distinct possibility," Carlos reported on the incident at the East Blue research facility.
Initially, he'd dismissed the notion that Rhodes possessed the strength to kill Eight Squad Captain Hodgson. However, recent intelligence revealed the Dragon Slayer's growth rate was absolutely monstrous—perhaps even back then, he'd already possessed the ability to eliminate Hodgson swiftly.
Hearing this assessment, the Five Elders fell into contemplative silence.
After a prolonged pause, the Elder dressed in traditional Wano attire and wielding the Shodai Kitetsu spoke in a measured tone:
"With war imminent, attacking a Shichibukai would be inadvisable. Such action could provoke a collective backlash from the Warlords and severely damage military morale."
"Agreed," another Elder nodded, his intellectual bearing unmistakable.
"Furthermore, this remains mere suspicion—we lack concrete evidence. The Dragon Slayer's strength rivals that of an Admiral; his combat power is indispensable for the coming conflict."
"Besides," the third Elder added meaningfully, "there may be some... unexpected guests at this summit."
The final Elder concluded: "If the Dragon Slayer's identity is truly compromised, it will inevitably be exposed during this war. We can take action against him then—it won't be long now."
"Seconded."
"Agreed."
Carlos nodded in acknowledgment, though an inexplicable unease lingered in his chest—as if allowing this opportunity to pass would lead to profound regret. However, the Five Elders had reached their decision, and as a squad captain, he had no authority to object.
Meanwhile, Rhodes had arrived at the Gate of Justice.
Observing the colossal metal structure rising from the sea itself, Rhodes couldn't help but marvel at the engineering feat required for its construction. Fortunately, having witnessed numerous extraordinary phenomena throughout his journey, his expression remained composed.
The massive gate slowly groaned open.
Following the peculiar ocean currents unique to this region, the warship accelerated to tremendous speeds, arriving at Marineford—Marine Headquarters—in remarkably short order.
Admiral Aokiji, wielder of the Logia-type Ice-Ice Fruit and possessor of catastrophic power, emerged to greet them.
"Oh my, all seven Warlords gathered in one place. What a troublesome situation..." Aokiji immediately sensed the tense atmosphere upon arrival and raised an eyebrow in mild surprise, though he didn't press for details. Discord among the Shichibukai only benefited the Marines.
"Aokiji, Sengoku has arranged accommodations, correct? Only three days remain until the execution," Vice Admiral Tsuru stated matter-of-factly. Her task was simply to escort the Warlords to headquarters—nothing more. After speaking, she gave Rhodes a slight nod before departing.
"Vice Admiral Momousagi's student, hmm? I heard you fought Kizaru to a standstill—quite impressive." Aokiji followed Tsuru's gaze and focused on the figure standing beside Hancock.
"Just a friendly sparring match. By the way, isn't my teacher here?"
"Vice Admiral Momousagi will be stationed in the New World; she won't be participating in this war."
After delivering this information, Aokiji led Rhodes and the others to the rear section of Marineford, where Sengoku had prepared accommodations for the Seven Warlords. Once they arrived, Aokiji quickly vanished—with the great battle approaching, even an Admiral had countless responsibilities.
"I need to rest," Hancock declared. The experiences of recent days seemed to have exhausted her, so she departed for her quarters.
Feeling somewhat restless being alone, Rhodes began walking out, only to be stopped by a Marine officer.
"Lord Rhodes, are you going somewhere?"
"Hmm?" Rhodes glanced sideways at him.
The Marine's forehead instantly broke out in cold sweat, like an ordinary person being scrutinized by a predator. Still, he was an elite of Marine Headquarters and managed a strained smile. "If Your Excellency wishes to tour the premises, we'll arrange an escort to guide you."
Calling them a guide was merely a polite euphemism for surveillance.
"Go fetch someone," Rhodes responded noncommittally.
The officer immediately relaxed and hurried away.
A moment later, he returned accompanied by another Marine officer—judging from the uniform, a Captain.
Upon closer inspection, Rhodes couldn't help but smile.
"Captain Tina, we meet again! Has your rear injury healed?"
"You, you—!"
Tina clearly hadn't anticipated that the Shichibukai touring headquarters would be that bastard, Rhodes! For a brief moment, she even considered turning around and fleeing.
However, being a dedicated Marine, she barely suppressed the urge to escape and said with a frigid expression: "Tina doesn't want to see you, but Tina will show you around headquarters."
After declaring this, she strode ahead purposefully.
Rhodes smiled and casually followed behind, openly admiring Tina's swaying, alluring figure.
Being observed so blatantly by Rhodes made Tina profoundly uncomfortable, but retreating now would constitute surrender and compromise, so she could only encourage herself internally: Tina must endure this, Tina must endure this.
However, Rhodes's gaze felt almost tangible, as if it could penetrate the barrier of her clothing, making it impossible for Tina to bear. Grinding her teeth, she finally retreated dejectedly to Rhodes's side, walking alongside him instead.
Rhodes chuckled, observing his surroundings. Marines were everywhere, and what appeared to be Marine family members were boarding ships, evacuating from headquarters. Meanwhile, warships continued transporting battalions of elite Marines to participate in the upcoming battle.
Rhodes spotted many familiar faces, including Vice Admirals and Rear Admirals from his knowledge of the timeline, and even Coby and Helmeppo among the ranks.
Yet he hadn't encountered the one person he'd been looking for—the hawkish Admiral Akainu.
"Your Marines should have a library or archive, correct? Take me there."
"The Seven Warlords aren't authorized to access facilities like that," Tina responded irritably.
Currently, numerous areas throughout Marine Headquarters were restricted, barring all outsiders.
"Ask Sengoku. I should have clearance."
Tina appeared slightly surprised but froze after retrieving her Den Den Mushi, then blushed noticeably.
"What's wrong?"
"Tina, Tina... cannot contact Fleet Admiral Sengoku directly."
Tina admitted with embarrassment. As merely a Captain, she lacked the authority to directly contact the Fleet Admiral.
"..."
Rhodes felt momentarily speechless. He had no choice but to contact Sengoku himself, only to learn that the Navy had already transported their entire library collection away by warship to prevent potential destruction during the coming conflict.
He couldn't help feeling disappointed—he'd originally planned to spend the next few days thoroughly exploring the Naval Archives. The journals and insights of Amazon Lily's former Empresses had already benefited him tremendously; imagine what centuries of accumulated knowledge from Marine Headquarters might offer.
Suddenly, a cheerful feminine voice called out from the distance:
"Mr. Rhodes!"
(End of Chapter)
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