There was no helping it; capture someone right in front of the Umbrella Corporation's fleet?
If this wasn't handled properly, he might not only incur the wrath of the Whitebeard Pirates but also provoke the Umbrella Corporation.
The Marine Headquarters absolutely didn't want to declare war on two yonko forces right now!
Borsalino let out a long sigh while rubbing his forehead. "Aiye, that old geezer, Vegapunk, really gave me quite a troublesome mission!"
But regardless, this mission had to be completed.
Once again, Borsalino fell into deep thought.
This was a mission from the research institute, so he would avoid using marine forces unless absolutely necessary.
Furthermore, it was a covert mission with only one target. If the local branch base got involved, it might draw the attention of the Whitebeard Pirates.
So, compared to marine forces, the World Government had an organization better suited to this task.
Thinking of this, Borsalino seemed to remember something. After stretching lazily, he exhaled heavily and looked toward the Grand Line.
"Water 7, huh?"
With that, he put his hands in his pockets and transformed into a flash of golden light while flying toward a certain direction.
Meanwhile, after successfully covering Luffy's retreat, Ace and the others also escaped from the pirates' pursuit along with the righteousness-filled Teach.
This incident spread Teach's name of loyalty and courageous behavior throughout the entire East Blue. It wouldn't be long before word of it spread across the seas, and his heroic spirit would be known everywhere.
Especially Ace, toward this man who had only shared a single meal with his little brother yet chose to stand firmly on Luffy's side without hesitation and even stayed behind as a rear guard, he felt deep admiration. He even wanted to swear brotherhood on the spot and invite him to join the Umbrella Corporation.
But Teach refused. Swearing brotherhood was fine, but joining the Umbrella Corporation was out of the question.
He hadn't forgotten his dream. Since the Dark-Dark Fruit had already appeared, once he obtained it, he believed he would surely become the king of the world.
And this incident… Honestly, it made him want to swear out loud.
What was this nonsense!?
He had hidden his identity and acted low-key for so many years just to avoid drawing attention.
Yet now, of all things, he ended up in a situation like this… Righteousness, my ass! If the World Government noticed him, he'd be in huge trouble.
As for joining the Umbrella Corporation?
Don't joke around. He planned to steal the Devil Fruit from that guy's little brother. If he betrayed the Whitebeard Pirates to join the Umbrella Corporation and his intentions were exposed, wouldn't both terrifying factions hunt him down?
He didn't even want to stay close to these guys right now. If he stayed too close, how was he supposed to steal the Dark-Dark Fruit? That would practically be declaring war on the Umbrella Corporation.
So…
"Zehahaha…"
Teach let out a hearty and distinctive laugh while looking at the enthusiastic Ace before him. "Brother Ace, say no more. I am Pops' son, how could I betray his kindness?"
Then, with a righteous tone, he continued: "This time, I… only helped because I felt a bond with Luffy and could not stand seeing those guys bullying him with numbers. Please don't mention it again."
After speaking, he glanced at the Umbrella Corporation officers before him and said solemnly: "Since my ship has been found, I shall not trouble you, brothers, any longer!"
"Brother Teach, what are you saying? How is it a trouble?"
Ace immediately showed dissatisfaction. "Where are you going? We'll take you there. I still need to find Luffy. We can hold a banquet together later!"
Teach: "..."
Who wants to go with you!?
Hearing that they were still planning to find the Straw Hat crew, Teach felt a wave of dread. If these guys stayed around, how was he supposed to steal the Devil Fruit?
"Next time, next time, brother Ace! I still have other things to do, so I won't join you."
Teach waved cheerfully. "By the way, where are you going?"
"The Kingdom of Alabasta. If Luffy enters the Grand Line, he'll likely go there. I plan to wait for him there."
"Hahahaha, the Kingdom of Alabasta?"
Teach's eyelid twitched slightly, but he still laughed loudly. "Once I finish my business, I might head there as well. If fate allows, we shall drink together!"
"Then I'll wait for you there!"
Ace nodded seriously, then grinned: "I'll treat you to drinks. We'll drink till we drop!"
"It's settled then!"
Teach gave a bold smile, then, without hesitation, he jumped onto his own ship. "Then, brother Ace, brother Binz, brother Enel, farewell!"
With that, he sailed toward the Grand Line.
As for the Kingdom of Alabasta… Like hell he would go!
With his back toward Ace and the others, light flickered in Teach's eyes.
On the other side, Ace was still waving enthusiastically while seeing Teach off.
Only when Teach's silhouette grew distant did he sigh with emotion. "I didn't expect there to be such pirates on the sea. As expected of a member of the Whitebeard Pirates!"
But this comment made Enel, who was lying on the mast, dig at his ear and purse his lips in disdain. "That guy's not a good person. You'd better be careful."
"Shut up, Enel. You may be my comrade, but I won't allow you to speak of brother Teach that way."
Ace frowned. "If not for loyalty, why would brother Teach help Luffy and even stay behind willingly?"
Enel: "..."
This idiot!
Enel's eyelid twitched, and he was about to retort when…
"All right, stop arguing. Enel, everyone saw Brother Teach's loyalty, so don't talk nonsense."
Binz interrupted helplessly, then sighed and said irritably: "Ace, we're heading back to the West Blue. Aren't you coming with us?"
Enel: "..."
Two idiots!
"I'm not going back. I didn't get the chance to talk with Luffy this time. I'm planning to meet him in the Kingdom of Alabasta."
Ace grinned at Binz. "Remember to help me request leave from Mr. Ian!"
"All right, I got it."
After discussing, the group split up once again.
Ace boarded his own fleet.
After watching Binz's fleet depart, he waved his arm. "Let's go! We're heading to the Kingdom of Alabasta!"
After speaking, he looked in the direction Teach had left while smiling brightly. "Such loyalty! Brother Teach, I hope we can meet again in the Kingdom of Alabasta!"