Sengoku's answer left Rosinante utterly stunned.
If he'd heard correctly, it sounded like the entire Marine's top-tier combat force was mobilizing.
Was there a Celestial Dragon on that island?
Or had the island been chosen as a Celestial Dragon hunting ground?
Or were the Five Elders having a picnic there?
In Rosinante's experience, only those scenarios could warrant such an overwhelming naval response.
Hearing Rosinante's reaction, Sengoku chuckled.
He'd anticipated this exact response—he simply wanted to hear his adopted son's shocked reply.
It was the only mischievous indulgence of this otherwise stern old man.
"Hahaha, I knew you'd react like this. But don't worry, this matter has nothing to do with the Celestial Dragons. It was our Marines who acted. Sending so many officers wasn't just to protect that Marine—there's another very important task to handle. As for what it is, you'll find out soon enough in the newspapers."
Upon hearing this, Rosinante couldn't help but smile.
This kind of interaction with Sengoku gave his long-undercover heart a brief respite and relief.
But just then, Sengoku's voice ca through again.
"So, Rosinante, how have you been lately? Is everything going smoothly? Any dangerous situations?"
His tone had softened, laced with concern.
If possible, no one would want their own child to take on undercover work.
He knew better than anyone how brutal the consequences could be if caught.
Yet, beneath the weight of the word "justice," Sengoku prioritized his role as Marine Fleet Admiral over that of a father.
Hearing the subtle shift in Sengoku's voice, Rosinante understood perfectly.
As always, he replied in as lighthearted a tone as possible while chuckling.
"Don't worry, Sengoku-san. Everything's perfectly safe here. The Donquixote Family mbers are all idiots. Honestly, I'm not even on edge most of the ti. There's hardly any work—I sleep till noon every day, and the food's way better than at Marine Headquarters..."
His words made Sengoku's eyes redden slightly, though he still managed to laugh and scold him.
"You damn brat, don't let all that spoil you! Just hang in there—the undercover mission with the Donquixote Family will be over soon. I'll be waiting for you when you return."
"So soon? Is Chief of Staff Tsuru planning so major operation? Do you need to assist?"
"No, it's not Tsuru's doing. It's that Marine who took down Pica. After graduating from the elite training camp soon, he'll be heading to Flevance. I believe he'll be the one to bring down the entire Donquixote Family."
"Is it Jake, the one hailed as the future pillar of the Marines?"
"Yes, that kid is truly exceptional. Whether it's his strength, decisiveness, or intellect, he's fit for almost any position in the Marines. But don't feel discouraged, Rosinante—you're also one of the core talents of the new generation."
Seemingly worried about his child's confidence, Sengoku quickly added praise for Rosinante after complinting Jake.
"Hahaha, Sengoku-san, don't worry about being jealous of Jake. For soone brave enough to stand up for villagers in the face of a Yonko's right-hand man, I have nothing but admiration and respect for him."
The two chatted for a few more minutes, but due to the nature of Rosinante's mission, they couldn't linger for long and soon ended the call.
*****
anwhile, Doflamingo had arrived on the island.
On its sandy shore, he found Pica's lifeless body.
Staring at the corpse that was now barely recognizable as human, Doflamingo could feel his temples throbbing.
An indescribable rage threatened to consu him entirely.
Conqueror's Haki began subconsciously radiating from his body.
The beasts on the island grew restless, cowering in their caves and trembling without daring to make a sound.
Birds avoided the area where Doflamingo stood, and any that accidentally flew overhead would instantly be knocked unconscious by his Haki, plumting into the sea below.
He crouched down and gently touched Pica's mangled body, murmuring to himself.
"I'm sorry, Pica. This was my mistake. You died in a place like this, without even family by your side when it happened. I'm sorry."
For Doflamingo, family was a complicated concept.
He had once killed his own blood relatives with his own hands and driven away his younger brother.
Yet for those who had chosen to follow him during his most desperate and destitute tis, he instinctively referred to them as family.
From the depths of his heart, he cherished each family mber and would never allow anyone to harm them.
Now, gazing at Pica's cold corpse, Doflamingo felt no trace of disgust.
He lifted the body and slowly walked towards Trebol, who was waiting ashore.
With each step, Pica's blood dripped from Doflamingo's body onto the ground.
Watching the crimson trail, Doflamingo remained silent.
Trebol stood frozen in place as Doflamingo approached.
He opened his mouth but found no words.
"Doffy..."
After a long pause, all he managed was Doflamingo's na.
"It's fine, Trebol. This is my responsibility. Have you found the killer? Tell their location."
"Doffy, based on the clues, the one who killed Pica likely ca from the nearby Marine base. Are you going there?"
"Naturally. Take Pica's body back. We'll bury him after I bring back his killer's head."
"Doffy, wait—"
Before Trebol could finish speaking, Doflamingo had already vanished from sight.
Watching his retreating figure, Trebol shouted anxiously.
"The situation there is unclear! They might be soone we can't afford to provoke! At the very least, wait until we gather more information before acting!"
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