Chapter 789: Chapter 789: Marines on Punk Hazard

Punk Hazard – Ice Island Waterway.

BOOM! BOOM!

A warship flying the G-5 sail cut through the toxic gas layers, navigating the waterway. Its triple-barreled bow turret blasted through the icebergs blocking the path as it pushed deeper into the island.

"Toxic gas that defies logic... what kind of secrets are hidden here?" Smoker mused, standing on the bow and watching the shattered icebergs.

"We haven’t seen the Straw Hats’ ship along the way. They probably aren’t inside; the icebergs in the waterway were blocking the path," Tashigi noted, looking out over the glaciers through her gas mask.

"Vice Admiral Smoker! No signs of life detected!"

"Smokey-boss, are you sure this place has a secret?"

"Idiot! If it’s a secret, would it be that easy to find?"

"Bastard! Who are you calling an idiot?!"

The G-5 Marines were a rowdy bunch, shouting, arguing, and nearly brawling on the deck. They looked more like a gang of thugs or pirates than actual Marines.

...

Research Institute – Reception Room.

"I have other newly developed toxic weapons! Physician Jason, won’t you stay to watch? Shurorororo!" Caesar spread his arms wide. "I’ve invited many underworld brokers to watch the demonstration this time. It’s far more refined than the one that blew up Vegapunk’s lab! Shurorororo!"

Jason frowned and shook his head. "No need. You can send the recording directly to the Chris Pirates. I have many experiments of my own to finish; I won’t stay any longer."

As a genuine doctor, Jason loathed poison gas. He found it cowardly. However, as a member of the Chris Pirates, he had to consider the crew’s interests, so he didn’t refuse outright.

"Is that so... how disappointing," Caesar muttered. He didn’t dare push too hard. He was no match for Otto or Cavendish, and if he offended them, even Joker might not be able to protect him.

"There will be plenty of chances to collaborate. Next time," Jason forced a smile. He then led the dazed Otto and the bored Cavendish out of the room.

Once they were gone, Caesar’s face twisted. "Tch! Just because he’s lucky enough to be in the Chris Pirates, he acts all high and mighty!" He could sense Jason’s disgust, but as a representative of his biggest potential buyer, he had to swallow his pride.

As Caesar prepared to return to his lab, another hazmat-clad subordinate rushed in.

"Master!"

"What now? Did you catch the escapees?" Caesar asked dismissively. A group of pirates had escaped their cells earlier using a laser weapon, which baffled him as only Vegapunk was supposed to have perfected laser technology.

"No, I’m reporting on the G-5 Marines!"

"G-5? What are they doing here?" Caesar scowled.

"The outer toxic gas had no effect. Their warship is using cannons to break the ice and is invading the island!" the subordinate said grimly. "They’ll reach the institute soon!"

"What?!" Caesar was stunned. He had been so preoccupied with the Chris Pirates that he hadn’t noticed the Marines’ progress. If they discovered the facility, it would be a disaster.

"Who is the commander?"

"Vice Admiral Smoker!"

"Smoker!" Caesar hissed. "Dammit! Why did it have to be such a troublesome man?" He quickly began issuing orders. "Hide the ships at the front entrance—no, wait! The Chris Pirate guys..."

Caesar broke into a cold sweat. If the Chris Pirates ran into the G-5 Marines right outside his door, the secret would be out instantly. "Quick! Stop them—"

"It’s too late," Law interrupted, appearing at the doorway. "By now... the G-5 warship has likely arrived."

...

Research Institute – Front Entrance.

Several ships were docked here, including a hundred-meter-long auxiliary ship of the Chris and the Straw Hat Pirates’ Thousand Sunny.

"That ship is..." Jason and the others frowned at the Thousand Sunny. They recognized the Jolly Roger.

"That’s the Straw Hat Pirates’ ship!" Otto shouted. "The pirates Caesar’s men lost earlier... could it be them?"

"Another brat from the Worst Generation! I’ll slaughter him! Straw Hat!" Cavendish roared, his vanity wounded by the younger pirate’s fame.

"Is there a problem with the Straw Hats?" Jason asked. As a scientist, he knew the Yonko and Doflamingo, but he didn’t follow the rookies closely.

"The Straw Hats are synonymous with trouble," Otto said gravely. "The Captain once said that during the two years Luffy was missing, he was trained by the legendary Dark King Rayleigh. Their strength has grown exponentially. Their old bounties don’t reflect their current power. Don’t treat them like rookies."

"The Right Hand of the Pirate King, Dark King Rayleigh?!" Jason was genuinely shocked.

"I’m taking Straw Hat’s head!" Cavendish spat, clutching his famous blade, Durandal, as he stormed off. "Brats who steal my spotlight... I’ll peel you one by one!"

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Before Cavendish could take another step, the thunderous sound of cannon fire erupted. A Marine warship rounded the bend in the waterway, coming into full view.

"Marines!"

Jason, Otto, and Cavendish cried out in unison as they stared at the unexpected arrival.