Chapter 786: Chapter 786: Sakazuki’s Decision

New World, beneath the Red Line.

Marine Headquarters Fortress (Formerly G-1 Branch).

Fleet Admiral’s Office.

BANG!

A palm struck the desk with such immense force that the entire three-meter-long surface shuddered, nearly sending documents scattering to the floor.

"What did you say?! Z surrendered to the Chris Pirates? The entire Neo Marine fleet is moving toward the Clifford Kingdom?"

Sakazuki’s face was a mask of disbelief and uncontrollable fury as he roared into the Den Den Mushi. "Impossible! You know that man’s character. How could he ever surrender to pirates? It’s out of the question!"

His reddened palm pressed against the desk, involuntarily turning into magma. The solid wood began to smolder, emitting trails of black smoke.

"Perhaps it’s surrender, perhaps it’s cooperation... who can say for sure?" Borsalino’s voice drifted from the receiver, uncharacteristically solemn. "At the very least, the Marines on Secon Island wouldn’t lie to an Admiral. And at the very least, Kuzan has no reason to lie to me!"

"Kuzan!"

At the mention of that name, Sakazuki finally regained his composure, and the magma flowing through his arm receded.

"Kuzan froze the Dyna Stones on Secon Island. I am currently supervising their removal," Borsalino reported gravely. "Furthermore, he personally witnessed Zephyr-sensei conversing with ’Golden Ring’ Aeridar for quite some time. Afterward, both sides ceased fire. Zephyr, along with Ain, Binz, and the others, boarded the Chris and left Secon Island."

Sakazuki pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a massive headache coming on. He trusted Kuzan’s word. Despite Kuzan leaving the Marines, Sakazuki knew him well enough to know he had no reason to lie about such a critical matter.

"Something has gone wrong! This must be investigated thoroughly!" Sakazuki commanded sternly.

Zephyr was unlike any other Admiral. As the former Chief Instructor, he had taught nearly every prominent officer in the service. That was why so many had followed him when he left to form the Neo Marines.

Within the Marines, whether they were Hawks, Doves, or Neutrals, the vast majority were Zephyr’s students. Sakazuki would have preferred Zephyr to die at the hands of Aeridar rather than see him serve under a pirate flag.

The defection of Rear Admiral X Drake a few years ago had already caused a significant stir. If a titan like Zephyr defected to a pirate crew, the shockwaves and the blow to Marine morale would be ten, even a hundred times worse!

When the World Government and the Marines allowed Edward Weevil to join the Seven Warlords, forcing Zephyr’s resignation, many within the ranks were already deeply dissatisfied. But back then, Zephyr had formed the Neo Marines to hunt pirates, proving his heart still belonged to Justice.

Now, if even a man like Zephyr had abandoned Justice for the pirate camp, it would be a devastating psychological blow to every Marine. They would think: If Zephyr-sensei, who dedicated his entire life to Justice, has abandoned it, has the world become so corrupt that Justice no longer has a place?

At that thought, Sakazuki’s eyes turned cold, filled with murderous intent.

"If things truly take a turn for the worst..." Borsalino asked tentatively. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

"Then we find a way to kill him before the truth is exposed!" Sakazuki hissed, his killing intent overflowing. "A traitor who abandons Justice, whoever they may be, cannot be allowed to remain in this world. In the name of Justice!"

...

Punk Hazard.

Two years ago, the battle between Sakazuki and Kuzan had permanently altered the island’s climate, turning it into a land of ice and fire.

The Research Institute.

Standing before the only laboratory left intact on the frozen side of the island was a man wearing a spotted winter hat and a long black coat, a nodachi slung over his shoulder.

Trafalgar Law, Captain of the Heart Pirates, user of the Paramecia-type Op-Op Fruit, known as the Surgeon of Death!

Due to Bartholomew Kuma being converted into a "Pacifista" and Law presenting the hearts of 100 pirates to the Government, Law had succeeded Kuma as one of the Seven Warlords.

A few months ago, while investigating Government records on Punk Hazard, Law had stumbled upon a shocking secret. The facility was supported by "Golden Ring" Aeridar and Doflamingo, funded by Yonko Big Mom, and counted Yonko Kaido as a client.

In that moment, Law chose to cooperate, even joining the Seven Warlords Alliance.

Confident in his own strength, Aeridar had not rejected Law’s entry, and Doflamingo had permitted his presence rather than striking him down.

Whoosh—

The wind howled as three figures emerged through the swirling snow.

"Hiss~ It’s freezing!" Jason shuddered, tightening his white fur coat.

Otto, wearing a grey-brown fur coat, left his muscular chest exposed despite the blizzard. He looked around in awe. "I heard this terrain was changed by Akainu and Aokiji’s fight for the Fleet Admiral position. To change an island’s nature... Logia powers truly are terrifying."

"What a joke... Why come to this godforsaken place? There are no reporters or fans here to admire me!" Cavendish complained. Even in the snow, he looked dashing in his white fur trench coat with gold and purple patterns.

"Enough! You’ve been complaining the whole way. If you’re so brave, go complain to the Captain!" Otto snapped.

"Bastard! You want to go?!" Cavendish snarled, baring his teeth.

"Bring it on! I’m not afraid of a narcissistic brat who doesn’t respect his seniors!" Otto reached for the massive axe on his back.

"We’re here. Stop arguing, don’t make us a laughingstock in front of outsiders," Jason said with a sigh, pointing toward the massive building ahead.

The two stopped their bickering and looked toward the entrance.

"Welcome. Caesar is waiting for you inside," Law said tonelessly, resting his cursed blade, Kikoku, on his shoulder.

"I wondered who it was. Trafalgar Law, huh?" Otto gave Law a contemptuous glance.

"Tch~ A brat of the Worst Generation. The World Government has truly fallen if they let a rookie like you become a Warlord," Cavendish added indignantly. "I can’t believe the Captain let this guy join the alliance. Does he expect us to be on the same level as him?"

Law ignored them, his expression unmoving. Unlike the other two, Jason approached with a smile. "Law-sama, I am Jason. I’ve heard you are an exceptional doctor. We really must exchange notes sometime!"

"The Great Physician, Asa Jason?"

Law’s expression shifted slightly, looking at Jason with genuine surprise.