No one knew how the news leaked, but the report that forr Marine Admiral Aokiji had been seen with the Whitebeard Pirates spread like wildfire across the New World, shaking all major powers.
World Economy News Headquarters
"Chief! Chief! I've got major news!"
"What kind of news? Rumors or sothing solid?" Morgans turned around and asked.
"It's not fully confird yet, but the source is from the Beasts Pirates," the staffer said hastily.
"The Beasts Pirates? What's the news?" Morgans asked nonchalantly. What big scoop could they possibly have?
"The missing Marine Admiral Aokiji has reappeared."
"Oh? Did the Navy take him back? Or did he join the Beast Pirates?"
"No, not the Beast Pirates, but according to their crew, he was seen aboard a Whitebeard Pirates ship, alongside their vice-captain, Roy."
"Seriously?!" Morgans' interest instantly skyrocketed. A Navy Admiral defecting to the Whitebeard Pirates? That was huge.
"It's still unconfird, but the Beast Pirates claim an eyewitness saw Aokiji with Roy on their territory. They even made a deal with Kaido."
"Well, what are you waiting for?! Get a direct line to whoever saw them. I want to talk now!" Morgans shouted excitedly.
"We've already arranged the call for you."
"Good. Let's move!"
While Morgans scrambled for confirmation, the World Governnt also caught wind of the news and promptly shared it with the Marines.
BANG!
Since Sakazuki beca Fleet Admiral, this was the third desk he'd destroyed in his office. But never had he been this furious.
"That bastard… he's actually colluding with the Whitebeard Pirates?!" Akainu roared in fury.
"The situation is unclear. No need for rash action, it might be so kind of pirate ploy," Vice Admiral Tsuru calmly interjected.
"Kuzan isn't that kind of man," Garp said firmly.
"Not that kind of man?! Then what do you call soone who's currently with the Whitebeard Pirates, huh?!" Akainu snarled.
"Let's finish investigating before jumping to conclusions," Sengoku interjected. "He was with Roy before, and now he's in the New World. Most likely, they traveled together through Fish-Man Island."
After all, he was once a Marine Admiral, one they had once hoped would beco Fleet Admiral. They had to treat this matter with utmost seriousness. The three veterans Sengoku, Garp, and Tsuru were all present, none wishing to see Kuzan turn against the Marines.
"I'll get to the bottom of this. If he's truly joined the pirates… then he's an enemy," Sakazuki growled, murderous intent thick in his voice.
'If I'd known it would co to this… I should've killed him at Punk Hazard when I had the chance.'
Now that he might be an enemy, it was too late for regrets.
The strongest reactions, though, didn't co from the Navy alone, they ca from the New World's pirate powers.
Kaido, upon hearing the news, couldn't believe it at first. If his own subordinates hadn't confird it, he never would've believed Aokiji had joined the Whitebeard Pirates.
With Aokiji on their side, the already-mighty Whitebeard Pirates would beco even more powerful. Were they planning to unify the New World?
That thought made even Kaido tense up.
"Kaido-sama, I don't think he actually joined the Whitebeard Pirates," said King.
"Why not?" Kaido asked.
"The Whitebeard Pirates operate like a family. Everyone is one of Whitebeard's sons. Unless Aokiji is willing to call Whitebeard 'Pops,' I don't think they'd accept him," King explained.
"…Huh." Kaido blinked, then burst into laughter. "You're right! A forr Admiral bowing to Whitebeard and calling him 'Pops'? Never happening."
"So we don't have to worry too much. But it's likely the two sides are cooperating," King added.
"Could be. King, you deliver the Seastone to them, and while you're at it, gather intel," Kaido instructed.
"Leave it to ," King replied.
...
anwhile, in Totto Land…
Charlotte Linlin had lost one of her eyes, been defeated in battle, and had her territory looted. Her hatred for Roy had only grown stronger. She was now actively trying to reestablish ties with Elbaf.
But clearly, Elbaf wanted nothing to do with her. So she was trying other angles.
"What? Aokiji joined the Whitebeard Pirates?!" Linlin shrieked.
"Mama, it's not confird yet, but the news ca from the Beasts Pirates," Mont-d'Or explained.
"We just heard Aokiji disappeared from the Navy, and now he shows up with the Whitebeard crew? Yeah, sothing's definitely going on," said Perospero.
"If he really did join them, how am I supposed to get revenge?! I have to kill him, no matter what!" Linlin howled, her bloodlust suffocating the room.
No one dared speak.
Other New World factions grew even more fearful. The Whitebeard Pirates were now even harder to ss with.
...
Back on Whitebeard Pirates territory, Roy returned with his crew. Marco and the others ca out to greet him.
"Big bro!" Marco said with a bright grin.
"You're awfully happy," Roy said.
Marco glanced behind Roy, clearly looking for soone.
"What are you staring at?"
"Where is he?"
"Who?"
"Admiral Aokiji!"
"He got off the ship."
"…He left?"
"Yeah. You wanted him to join us?"
"I an… why not? He's powerful. If he joined, we'd be even stronger."
"You're overthinking it. Even if he left the Navy, I wouldn't be comfortable letting him join us. Sothing feels off, and there are too many variables."
There are many ways for spies to infiltrate. Roy didn't believe soone like Kuzan would genuinely want to join them. That's why he used an excuse to reject him.
No matter what Kuzan said, even if he openly declared betrayal, Roy would never let him into the Whitebeard Pirates. It would only introduce chaos.
Besides, the crew wasn't hurting for power. Once Roy's experints succeeded, they'd have more than enough strength.
"You've got a point," Marco nodded. Things had been chaotic in the crew lately.
So were excited, thinking an admiral might boost their power.
Others were worried. Was Kuzan really loyal? Would he take over as the new 2nd Division commander?
Now that Roy had returned and made it clear Aokiji didn't join them, they were relieved… but also a little disappinted.
"Big bro, good news!" soone called out.
"What news?"
"Whitey Bay's pregnant!"
"…Whose kid is it?"
"???"
"WHAT. DID. YOU. JUST. SAY?!"
A voice from behind roared with fiery rage, like soone wielding the Fla-Fla Fruit.
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu
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