Marine Headquarters, New Marineford.
"That brat, I told him to go talk things through with Hina, and yet he ran off to the North Blue again?"
In the office, Vice Admiral Tsuru spoke with a tone of dissatisfaction, yet her expression remained calm.
"It seems I've been too polite to him lately!"
On the sofa, Sengoku's hand, which was stroking his beard, twitched, pulling out several strands. He stared blankly at the hairs between his fingers and said nothing.
"Hmph, senbei old man, why aren't you saying anything?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru gave him a faint, sideways glance and asked.
Sengoku rubbed his fingers together. "Grandma Tsuru, didn't Peji from the Branch 9 already report back?"
He knew perfectly well that Vice Admiral Tsuru didn't actually blame Taro; on the contrary, she quite approved of him.
Sengoku was quite speechless regarding this Old Lady who was harsh in speech but soft in heart.
"Zephyr had a conflict with the Germa Kingdom. With Taro's personality, how could he possibly not go?"
If he hadn't gone, you wouldn't have let him off easy, would you?
The corners of Vice Admiral Tsuru's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a hint of a smile, but she quickly composed herself and put on a stern face.
"Peji also reported that a fierce night battle took place in the Germa Kingdom, with the commotion visible from dozens of kilometers away. Why don't you mention that?"
"That is a member nation of the World Government. Zephyr has no connection with the Marines now. Once the news breaks that the Marines attacked a legitimate member nation, it'll be another mess..."
As she spoke, Vice Admiral Tsuru became a bit annoyed again.
"That brat, can't he just stay out of trouble!"
Sengoku's mouth twitched. Enough already!
"Well, hasn't specific intelligence been sent back yet? It's not confirmed that Taro did it, right?"
He replied casually, but then, as if realizing no one would believe that, he added,
"Even if that kid did it, with his shrewdness, he must have thought of an excuse! He's not someone so blind that he only causes trouble without considering the consequences!"
Vice Admiral Tsuru's eyes flickered. She had actually reached the same conclusion.
The reason she asked was to see if Sengoku had any other thoughts.
Now that she had Sengoku's confirmation, she felt much more relaxed and gave a hum of agreement.
"The Vinsmoke Family hasn't reported it to the World Government or Marine Headquarters yet, which also proves that Taro must have left himself a way out!"
Sengoku curled his lip. You Old Lady, you've analyzed it all yourself, yet you're still asking me in such a roundabout way?
"However, what I can't figure out is what kind of pirates could cause a conflict between Zephyr and Germa, and how Taro resolved the dispute!"
"Also, the most critical point: where has Taro run off to now?"
This was also Vice Admiral Tsuru's doubt. According to the intelligence from the Branch 9, Zephyr's fleet has returned to Hien Island to regroup, and the Germa Kingdom has returned to the depths of the North Blue.
There was no trace of Taro on either side, and the G4 Base and Sabaody Garrison also reported that Taro had not returned.
"That kid must have gotten some news from the Vinsmoke Family..."
Vice Admiral Tsuru said, seemingly to herself.
Sengoku pondered for a long time and said tentatively,
"The cause of all these events started with that group of pirates of unknown identity. Do you think the news Taro got is also related to those pirates?"
After Sengoku spoke, his eyes lit up. Reminded by Sengoku, Vice Admiral Tsuru also thought of it instantly.
Her gaze sharpened, and she looked at Sengoku solemnly.
"Blackbeard!"
After saying that, she lowered her eyes in thought. After a long time, she stood up.
"I'm going to find Sakazuki right now!"
Sengoku sat on the sofa without moving, opening a new bag of senbei.
"In Sakazuki's eyes, I'm just a semi-retired old man now. I won't go and make a nuisance of myself!"
...New World, Island, Sphinx.
This was Whitebeard's hometown and also his burial place.
The Marine intelligence System had no information on Blackbeard's recent movements, so Taro had to come looking for the other party involved in the 'Payback War'.
However, 'Phoenix' Marco was actually not on the island!
Whitebeard's most loyal son and gravekeeper had left Sphinx.
Clearly, engaging in a 'Payback War' with Blackbeard was also the wish of the Whitebeard Pirates Remnants!
Alas, some things are destined to be unstoppable!
Moreover, given Whitebeard's status in the hearts of the Whitebeard Pirates Remnants,
The grudge of a murdered father can be repaid even after ten generations!
How could Taro dissuade them with just a few words!
Taro stood before Whitebeard's grave for a long time, then spoke softly.
"That woman was killed by me. Until she died, I never thought about asking clearly what her relationship with you really was..."
"If she really was yours... then, I'm sorry!"
Saying this, Taro went silent for a moment.
"Ace is still alive..."
"He is doing very well now. After dying once, he finally understands the meaning of his existence in this world!"
"I hope this news brings you some comfort!"
Finally, his tone grew a bit heavy.
"It's also time to bring some things to an end, a complete end!"
"Whether it's Teach or Marco and the others, after this, we will have no further involvement..."
After speaking, he uncapped a wine bottle, poured the wine before Whitebeard's grave, and turned to leave.
New World, Furen Island.
As the frontline base for Marine Headquarters to monitor the Four Emperors 'Big Mom', the commander of this small island—Prody—held the rank of Headquarters Vice Admiral.
Although his jurisdiction consisted of only this one small island, because of the importance of his duties, Furen Island reported directly to Marine Headquarters and was on the same level as the eight G-class fortresses.
However, the Marines only had this one frontline base.
Among the Four Emperors, Whitebeard and Red-Haired Shanks loved adventure and had no fixed residence, so they could only be monitored dynamically by Marine intelligence ships.
Onigashima, where Kaido was located, was also very secretive, and the Marines were equally powerless.
Only Charlotte Linlin had a special fondness for having children; for decades, she had stayed in Totto Land, doing nothing but eating and giving birth.
This provided convenience for the Marines to monitor her actions!
When Taro arrived at Furen Island, it was already evening. The island's massive high-intensity searchlights were monitoring the distant sky and sea surface from all angles.
He didn't want to cause a commotion among the island's garrison, so he carefully avoided those lights.
The Marine Soldiers at the outpost saw Taro descending from the sky. They were stunned for a moment and then raised their guns in unison.
"Who goes there, intruding... er, Chief Staff Officer Zhou Ze?"
The commander of the Marines on duty was a Major. He drew his saber and shouted, only to realize it was actually Taro, and hurriedly gave a salute.
The surrounding Marine Soldiers also reacted and saluted Taro.
Taro returned the salute and then nodded.
"Major, I have business with Vice Admiral Prody. Take me to see him!"
"Also, do not make a fuss about my arrival here!"
The Major saluted again. "Understood! Please come this way!"
Vice Admiral Prody was a sturdy man with gray hair and beard, roughly fifty years old.
He was eating dinner in the Marine cafeteria. Seeing Taro, he was slightly taken aback. He didn't stand up, but held his knife and fork, just staring at Taro.
Taro's brow twitched. He first gave a military salute.
"Vice Admiral Prody, a pleasure to meet you! I am Taro!"
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