The Sabaody Archipelago had descended into utter chaos. The only place remaining calm and stable was District 1.
Inside a private room within the auction venue, Vladimir listened to Nico Robin's report.
"Lord Aizen, someone has attempted to rescue the captives displayed at the entrance."
"I know."
Vladimir's expression remained calm as he toyed with the Hōgyoku in his hand.
He had known from the very beginning that among the twenty-six captives, Crocodile and Gecko Moria would be rescued.
And the one who saved them was none other than Emporio Ivankov, a high-ranking officer of the Revolutionary Army.
"Shall we pursue them?" Robin asked.
"No need to worry. They won't be able to leave the archipelago."
Vladimir chuckled softly, completely unconcerned.
Right now, every major force on the island was frantically searching for the blueprints of Pluton. How could they possibly let anyone escape Sabaody?
Moreover, the seas outside were blockaded by over two hundred Marine warships, forming an inescapable net.
Unless they could fly into the sky or dive deep into the ocean, escape was nearly impossible.
"More importantly... the current situation is still far too quiet. It's time to add fuel to the fire."
Vladimir thought for a moment, then instructed: "Go and bring me another fake copy of the Pluton blueprint."
"Another one?" Robin's eyes widened in surprise.
Not long ago, Phantom had created three counterfeit copies. One was sold during the auction, and two were kept in storage.
Although they were fakes, in reality, they differed only slightly from the genuine article—so little that distinguishing them was practically impossible.
At least, not without a detailed analysis and study of the materials themselves.
"Do as I say."
"Yes, sir."
Robin had no idea what Aizen was planning, but she obeyed the order.
Shortly after, she returned and handed the second blueprint to Vladimir.
Dismissing her, Vladimir began to move.
He left his Tenth Illusory Form — Aizen — behind to guard the auction venue, while his true body took the blueprint and slipped away quietly.
As a 3-star Phantom Deity, he possessed the ability to materialize illusions.
Wherever he passed, layers of deceptive images shrouded him; no ordinary person could perceive his presence.
Extending his perception, Vladimir quickly located the three fugitives.
Crocodile and Gecko Moria were still severely weakened. They followed closely behind Ivankov, trying to make their escape toward District 2.
Hovering high above, Vladimir looked down at the three and smiled faintly. "I'll make good use of you three for a little while."
As he spoke, his appearance shifted, transforming into a man wearing a long green cloak.
Down below, Ivankov suddenly raised a hand. "Stop. I sense something wrong... a dangerous aura."
"What?" Gecko Moria frowned, his voice weak and raspy. "Don't stop now! Run faster—Phantom will catch up soon!"
"Wait... the path ahead is blocked."
Ivankov shook his head. Just as he spoke, a strange breeze swirled up around them, appearing out of nowhere without the slightest warning.
The three men's expressions changed simultaneously, and their bodies tensed instantly.
"Is it Phantom coming?" Crocodile's face turned grim.
"Hahaha..." A low laugh echoed. Before their eyes could adjust, a man suddenly appeared, walking toward them.
He wore a long green coat, his imposing presence radiating mystery and power.
"Ivankov... it's been a long time." His voice was deep. Half of his face was visible beneath the hood of his cloak.
"Dragon?!"
Ivankov froze in shock. "What are you doing here?!"
"To obtain this."
Vladimir flipped his hand, revealing the blueprint of Pluton.
Seeing the item, Crocodile and Gecko Moria exchanged a sharp glance, their expressions shifting.
"The blueprint of Pluton?" Ivankov couldn't help but ask. "Were you the one who won it at the auction?"
"No. You don't need to ask for details." Vladimir perfectly imitated the tone of Monkey D. Dragon.
"This must not fall into the hands of the Marines. I am giving you a mission: deliver this blueprint to Whitebeard."
"What in the world is going on?"
Ivankov was utterly confused.
Meeting Dragon here was mysterious enough. But for Dragon to hand him the blueprint and order him to deliver it to Whitebeard... that was simply incomprehensible.
"Ask no more. Time is short. Move quickly."
Vladimir left those words, turned, and walked away. In just a few steps, he vanished like a wisp of wind, gone in an instant.
"Wait!" Ivankov called out, but there was no reply. Not only had the man disappeared, but even the strange breeze seemed to have never existed at all.
"What on earth is he playing at?" He shook his head, frowning in confusion.
Meanwhile, high up in the sky, Vladimir stood suspended in the air, looking down at the three men.
"Heh heh heh... Crocodile, Gecko Moria... how long do you two plan to keep silent?"
He refused to believe that men like them would simply stand by and do nothing!
____________________
For more advance chapters visit my patreon
patreon.com/kane45
Tier: 10$ Casual Reader - +20 Advance Chapter
20$ Intermediate Reader - +40 Advance Chapter
40$ Expert Reader - +80 Advance Chapter
Update: "Monday to Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day"
"Saturday and Sunday - Off"