In the dark mist, nothing could be seen clearly.
The Death Star, sailing, lit up its deck lights for illumination.
Hawkins glanced around, reached out to grasp the mist, and frowned: "We can only see clearly from a close distance. Although it can deter the pursuers, once we encounter them, we can't react."
"If we can't react, we'll destroy them. In a place like this, no one's willing to stay long," Sage laughed.
The Devil's Triangle Sea Region, shrouded in mist, caused any incoming ship to lose its way. Without relying on a Log Pose, it was impossible to navigate, and no one was willing to linger in such a desolate place.
There was nothing here at all.
Beyond this position lay Fishman Island, the end of the first half. Any pirate wanting to enter the New World would quickly pass through here.
Sage didn't have a Log Pose to Fishman Island, and he never stored enough magnetic power to move forward. But he had an Eternal Pose for returning, whether to Water Seven or other places worth plundering, he could always return.
"Lily, head to Water Seven!" Sage called out.
Lily walked over with a frown: "Go now? In case that guy Garp..."
"Afraid of what?! I've got a plan!" Sage laughed heartily.
Making plans based on known information, piece of cake.
According to the intelligence Owl had given before, his cousin should have arrived at Water Seven by now. By the time they sailed there from here, the Enies Lobby incident would probably unfold.
Those Navy defending must head to Enies Lobby. No matter who leaves an open door then, it's time for Sage to rob!
CP9's intelligence doesn't extend from the bottom to involve other agencies; all intelligence is passed down from above. Owl's knowledge of the Navy isn't because they can track Navy movements, but purely because there's an idiot officer.
Despite not having seen him, Jabra and the others often berate Spandam as a useless officer, and this useless officer loves sharing some intelligence with CP9, which is how Sage knew.
It would've been fine to wait for the Enies Lobby incident to unfold, but now there's an unexpected factor.
That's the old guy Garp!
If this old man doesn't play by the rules, Sage wouldn't know if he would whimsically go to Water Seven, but that doesn't matter.
He has more than one Plan!
He has many Plans!
"Old man, you want to catch me? I'll give you a chance!"
Sage bared his teeth, revealing a sinister smile: "I'll personally go to Enies Lobby!"
If Garp is at Water Seven, he'd head to Enies Lobby to attract attention. If not… then go rob directly!
As for the reason.
Sage looked at Jabra and the others and said: "Spread the word that Nico Robin is my sister. As a fellow O'hara survivor, if she's captured, it's only right for me as a brother to rescue her, isn't it?"
"Bro, brother?"
Jabra exclaimed in surprise: "You and that 'Son of the Demon' are siblings? No way, the Son of the Demon is actually your sister, Sage?!"
Such a woman seems not qualified to compare with Sage; saying it the other way around makes more sense.
Then everything makes sense!
Why, as an O'hara survivor, this guy's ship has a collection of Poneglyphs. Surely he can read them!
Not only that, but he's also terrifyingly strong!
Compared to this guy, Nico Robin is nothing.
This matter must be reported!
"Lily, go through the fourth route horizontally, and circle in from there."
Sage headed toward the captain's cabin, "Marika, bring something to eat."
"Understood."
Marika laughed softly and said to the others, "I'll also have the kitchen prepare warming and replenishing food to help everyone withstand the storm."
"Long live Lady Marika!" the pirates cheered.
In such heavy rain, they were already exhausted from robbing and escaping, so enjoying a delicious meal was indeed comforting.
Lily directed for a while, confirming the course was temporarily safe, and also headed to the captain's cabin.
Just entering the Devil's Triangle Sea Region, they couldn't immediately leave; who knew if Garp was lying in wait outside, but they could lock the direction using Water Seven's Eternal Pose, then sail in another direction to break away from this route first.
In this regard, Sage's consideration was correct, except...
"Are you really going to Enies Lobby?"
Lily entered the captain's cabin to find Sage with his legs propped on the table, half-reclined on the Golden Throne, holding a cigar in one hand and a Gemstone Wine Glass in the other, looking quite at ease.
The surrounding dim mist did not affect him at all. The cabin might be darker, but the three-story structure on deck had its own electric supply.
"Of course!"
Sage nodded: "Rescuing Nico Robin is a plausible reason, isn't it? Stirring up trouble at Enies Lobby will draw attention to me, making the plan implementable. As for risks, every trade has its risks. Don't worry, I can escape."
Garp is strong, but if Sage is alone, it's impossible to prevent his escape.
As Nico Robin's brother and a fellow O'hara survivor, the World Government would certainly investigate, and they have reason to believe his trip to Enies Lobby is genuine.
As for whether he really intended to rescue her, that would depend on the situation. If necessary, he wouldn't mind lending a hand; if not, there'd be no need to engage. He wouldn't need to delay the Navy for long; once Garp reached Enies Lobby, he could immediately withdraw.